Books About Scientists and Inventors

Mae Jemison's mom told her, "If you believe it and work hard for it, anything is possible.” That's exactly what Mae did! In this story of her early life, readers will learn about Mae's passion for space. They will also learn how Mae’s determination to make her dreams come true helped her become the first African American woman to travel to space.

Margaret Hamilton loved math and space. She went to college at MIT and then worked as a computer programmer for NASA. In this book, children can learn how Margaret's computer code was essential to the Apollo missions and the first moon landing.

In this early learning picture book, preschoolers are introduced to 10 famous scientists including Grace Hopper, Isaac Newton, Marie Curie, and Neil deGrasse Tyson. The book is part of the "This Little" series by Joan Holub.

As a child, Neil Armstrong wanted to climb the biggest tree in his backyard. He needed to be brave, smart, and patient. As an adult, he wanted to climb much higher than the tree — he wanted to go all the way to the moon. Neil was again brave, smart, and patient, and he became the first person to walk on the moon. This book is part of the Ordinary People Who Change the World book series.

Grace Hopper was an admiral in the U.S. Navy and a computer scientist. She is known for her forward-thinking ideas and contributions to the field of computer science. During her career, she wrote code that "taught computers to speak English" and was the first to use the term "computer bug." Your child can learn more Grace Hopper's groundbreaking ideas and her many accomplishments in this picture book biography.

With her love of the ocean and her father's mapmaking skills, Marie was able to do what no one else had done — map the ocean floor. In this illustrated biography, young readers will learn about the innovative ideas of scientist Marie Tharp.

In a new twist on a classic rhyme, author Chris Ferrie introduces young readers to several famous scientists including Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, and Ahmed Zewail. "Scientist, Scientist, Who do you see? I see Marie Curie in her laboratory!"

Ada Lovelace is known for writing the world's first computer program well before the modern era of computing. Ada always loved working with numbers. As a teenager, she was already contributing to the field of math. Learn more about this pioneering mathematician and scientist in this picture book biography.

After touring a submarine, Raye Montague decided that she wanted to be an engineer. Despite facing many obstacles, Raye persisted in her goals, working hard in school and in the Navy. Raye eventually made history by becoming the first person to design a ship using a computer. Young readers can learn more about Raye in this award-winning picture book by author Julia Finley Mosca.

Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were four women who worked for NASA. Their math calculations were essential to NASA's space program during the height of the space race. Based on the bestselling book and movie, this picture book version of Hidden Figures introduces young readers to these pioneering women.

As a child in Baghdad, Iraq, Zaha Hadid dreamed of designing buildings with unique shapes and features. She could see patterns and shapes in nature that she wanted to use in her designs for buildings. Learn how she achieved her dreams in this biographical picture book.

Joan Procter was fascinated with reptiles from an early age — she even hosted tea parties for her pet Komodo dragon! As an adult she became the Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum. Learn more about her work as a scientist in the field of zoology in this picture book from Patricia Valdez.

In this historical fiction book, famous scientist George Washington Carver arrives in a small town in Alabama to teach children and their families about farming and plants. Through the story, readers will learn about George Washington Carver's work as an agriculture scientist.

Lonnie Johnson is an American inventor and engineer. One day while trying to create a cooling system for refrigerators and air conditioners, he accidentally invented something else instead. In this story, readers will learn about this accidental and famous invention — the Super Soaker.

Caroline Herschel and her brother William were fascinated by the stars. In this story, readers will learn about Caroline's life and accomplishments, including her work on a great telescope and discovery of a comet.

Marie Curie grew up at a time when there weren't many women scientists, but that didn't stop her from pursuing her dreams. She eventually became a physicist and chemist and won two Nobel Prizes. Learn more about this extraordinary scientist in this book by Brad Meltzer. This book is part of the Ordinary People Who Change the World book series.

Wu Chien Shiung was a physicist and the first woman hired as an instructor by Princeton University. Learn more about these and her other accomplishments in the field of science through this book for kids age 5 and older.