10 Out of this World Space Themed Books for Kids
Space and all things space-related have always fascinated me. Whether it was learning about the planets in our solar system, discovering how astronauts can live in outer space, or wondering about the possibility of another Earth-like planet millions of light years away, space is fascinating. So, when I have the opportunity to bring in some space themed books into my curriculum, not only are my students excited but you better believe I am too! Here are some of my favorite space themed books to use in your STEM classroom this year.
1. Tiny Little Rocket by Richard Collinridge
This enchanting book is perfect for your youngest students. With beautifully illustrated pictures, you will have their attention immediately.
This book puts your kiddos in the cockpit of an incredible little rocket as it zooms around the planets and stars.
There are even illustrations showing blueprints of the tiny little rocket. How cool is that!
With so much to talk about on each page in addition to the story, you will be able to ask lots of questions to get conversations flowing in your classroom.
2. Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 by Helaine Becker
This book tells the story of Katherine Johnson, an African-American mathematician.
She worked for NASA when the United States was trying to send the very first people to space.
She was a member of the famous team of women featured in the movie Hidden Figures who made it possible for the Apollo 13 moon landing crew to return safely to Earth.
This is the story of Katherine’s life as a young child through her time with NASA.
It’s a great book for kids of all ages to read, but especially your young kiddos who are fascinated with space!
3. Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover by Markis Motum
Can you believe it’s been over 20 years since the rover Curiosity touched down on the surface of Mars?
On August 6th, 2012 NASA scientists sent this little rover on an incredible journey far from home.
This fascinating book tells the story from the perspective of Curiosity herself.
She will guide your students through her adventures from the time she was created to the moment she landed on Mars.
Author Markus Motum brings this adorable rover to life with a wonderfully written story and beautifully illustrated pictures sure to make this book an instant favorite in your classroom.
4. Astronaut Handbook by Meghan McCarthy
Looking for an engaging non-fiction book to add to your space themed books this year? The Astronaut Handbook is full of fascinating information about what it takes to become an astronaut.
Written by Meghan McCarthy, this illustrated book teaches all about what it feels like to be weightless, eat astronaut food, and how many measurements of your body it takes to get your space suit ready just to name a few.
And so, your students will have a more complete understanding of what it takes to be an astronaut.
Did you know there are different kinds of astronauts? This book will tell you all about the different jobs and responsibilities astronauts have. And, your students will love talking about all of them!
There is even a page full of fascinating facts you may not know yourself.
5. To Burp or Not to Burp: A Guide to Your Body in Space by Dr. Dave Williams
Chances are if your students could ask questions of an astronaut, one of the first questions would be “How do you go to the bathroom in space?”. While this is sure to elicit a lot of giggles, this is a serious question astronauts and the folks at NASA have to think about.
The book, To Burp or Not to Burp: A Guide to Your Body in Space includes tons of information about what it’s like to be an astronaut in space. Written by Dr. Dave Williams, a real-life astronaut who has been to space, this book explains what it’s like to be an astronaut. And so, your students can learn what it takes to complete a mission in space. Because this book uses short blocks of text and humorous illustrations it’s sure to keep your kid’s attention.
6. Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
As previously mentioned, the book Counting on Katherine is about Katherine Johnson who helped send astronauts to the moon, but did you know there were three other incredible women who contributed to the success of the United States during the space race of the 60s?
Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Christine Darden along with Katherine Johnson were influential in some of NASA’s greatest successes. Because they provided essential calculations, America was successful in its very first journey into space. And, they did it during one of the most challenging times for black women in the USA.
Written by Margot Lee Shetterly and Coretta Scott King, this inspiring true story will be an instant hit in your classroom. Because of its beautiful illustrations and engaging story it’s perfect for read-alouds, independent reading, or even a special guest reader you invite to your classroom.
7. Rylee The Young Rocketeer by JoAnn M. Dickinson
Rylee, The Young Rocketeer is a beautifully written and illustrated book featuring an adventurous girl who dares to dream big.
The main character, Rylee, is a positive and exciting young girl who travels through outer space with her adorable puppy friend, Cosmo, by her side.
Rylee loves building and putting together her rocket with dreams of becoming a rocketeer when she grows up.
The fun rhyming text will keep your student’s attention and be an instant class favorite in your classroom this year.
8. Letters From Space by Clayton Anderson
Imagine if astronauts could send letters home to Earth from space! That’s what author and astronaut Clayton Anderson imagined when he wrote the hilariously entertaining book, Letters From Space.
While Clayton Anderson did spend 152 days in space he had amazing adventures and some outrageous stories to tell when he returned home.
Full of weird science, wild facts, and outrageous true stories, Clayton Anderson partnered with illustrator Susan Batori to create a super fun children’s book your students are sure to love!
And. . . this book even includes a whole bunch of interesting facts about space, astronauts, and what it’s like to live among the stars.
9. A Full Moon is Rising by Marilyn Singer
Did you know there are full moon celebrations held all over the world? This enchanting book takes your students on a journey around the world to discover different ways people and cultures celebrate our beautiful full moon.
A few of the fascinating locations visited in the book include:
- India
- Israel
- Morocco
- China
- Australia
Your students will be fascinated to learn about how our tides are affected by the full moon, what special foods are eaten during a full moon festival, and much more.
10. Once Upon a Starry Night: A Book of Constellations by National Geographic
This National Geographic book is full of information featuring the incredible constellations we can see in the night sky from Earth.
Written by Jacqueline Mitton in poetic fashion, Once Upon a Starry Night explains how the constellations we see were inspired by the gods of Greek and Roman mythology.
With ten historical figures featured, your students will be excited to learn how each of these constellations was named.
The vibrant illustrations by Christina Balit light up each page and could each be considered a beautiful work of art.
Because of the exciting information in this book, your students will be excited to go home and do some star viewing of their own. And, they will be able to teach their family and friends everything they have learned about our constellations as well.
Space Themed Books are Out-Of-This-World
These books are all inspiring and sure to be instant favorites in your classroom as well. And so, you can fill your classroom library with beautifully written and illustrated books featuring these amazing space themed books starting today!
You can find all of these and more in my Amazon Storefront. While you are there check out my other book lists and favorite STEM resources.
Looking for more books for your STEM Lab or Technology classroom? Check out these:
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