Is your child or student interested in learning more about space? Or maybe even spaced obsessed and looking to read a space novel? Maybe you are even looking for an engaging book to pair with your science curriculum? Or are you looking to add to your family library? Look no further…below are 30 books about space that are appropriate for a variety of ages and grade levels!
1. The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the best-kept secrets of space by Will Gater
This text is appropriate for ages 7-9 and is a quick read for anyone wanting to learn something about space! It is organized into over 200 specific space topics with a short passage about each. It also includes beautiful illustrations and images that are related to each topic.
2. Our Universe by Stacy McAnulty
This is a five-book series kids space picture book that teaches about the earth, moon, sun, mars, and (while not about space), the ocean. The text is great for a younger audience interested in learning the basics about space or for classroom read-aloud!
3. My Best Pop-up Space Book by DK
Looking for something to get kids excited about space, then this pop-up book is it! It not only includes fun facts about space and its many topics but includes real full-color images and even a ‘blast off button’ for kids to press.
4. The Fascinating Space Book for Kids: 500 Far-Out Facts! by Lisa Reichley
If you need a text for middle-grade kids, this text is a wonderful introduction to space. Filled with tons of interesting facts, it uses infographics to create easily digestible information about space!
5. See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng
A moving fictional chapter book about a space-obsessed boy and his dog. If you are looking for a novel for middle school students about space that involves themes of self-discovery and finding family/friends in unexpected places, then this book is it!
6. The Girl Who Named Pluto: The Story of Venetia Burney by Alice B. McGinty
A non-fiction picture book that is appropriate for a young audience - especially young girls who like space and science. It tells the story of Venetia and how using her knowledge, and a little help from grandpa, she named Pluto!
7. ABC's of Space by Chris Ferrie and Julia Kregenow
This adorable and colorful alphabet picture book is all about the ABCs of space! This board book includes an illustration for each word, a short definition, and an explanation. Great for not only those space-loving kids to learn the alphabet, but also for those who want to learn more about the parts of space!
8. Always Looking Up by Laura Gehl
This photo book biography is perfect for elementary space fans. It includes colorful illustrations by Alex Oxton and Louise Pigott. It tells the story of Nancy Grace Roman, the NASA astronomer who overcame obstacles to lead the charge in building the Hubble telescope.
9. Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
Filled with colorful illustrations, this non-fiction picture book is about a female American astronaut - the FIRST African American WOMAN to travel in space! It tells the true story of Mae Jemison and how her dreams and hard work led her to work for NASA and become an astronaut!
10. Sun Moon Earth: The History of Solar Eclipses from Omens of Doom to Einstein Exoplanets by Tyler Nordgren
Brightly illustrated, this is the perfect book for anyone who wants to learn more about solar eclipses. It not only explains the phenomenon but also tells about how different cultures interpreted them.
11. Mousetronaut Goes to Mars by Mark Kelly and C.F. Payne
A delightful picture book about space that tells the story of a mouse named Meteor. The brightly colored book with playful illustrations is a great read-aloud text that teaches about space tying it to the adventures of Meteor and his space mission to Mars!
12. A Black Hole Is Not a Hole by Carolyn Cinami DeChristofano
A great introduction for learning about the space science of black holes! It includes not only illustrations but real satellite images that are sure to get any reader excited!
13. Frontier's Reach: A Space Opera Adventure by Robert C. James
One of three books in a series about galactic adventure in the frontiers of space. This novella is great for any space-living youngster who also enjoys tales of mystery and adventure!
14. Chasing Space: An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances by Leland Melvin
A chapter book for the adult reader, but accessible for older kids, this tells about the true story of Leland Melvin. He goes from playing in the NFL to working for the space program at NASA!
15. Flying to the Moon: An Astronaut's Story by Michael Collins
An autobiography about the space travel of Michael Collins. It tells about his training and working with NASA, being part of the Apollo 11 space mission, and human spaceflight experiences!
16. Goodnight, Astronaut by Scott Kelly and Izzy Burton
Written by an actual astronaut, this picture book is the perfect bedtime story! Kelly tells of his childhood dreams of being in space and then his real-life experience of sleeping near the moon when he becomes a real astronaut as an adult.
17. There's No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System by Tish Rabe
From the "Cat in the Hat" series, this picture book is a fun book for an introduction to our solar system! It gives kids easy to digest facts about space that is accessible for young readers.
18. A is for Astronaut: Blasting Through the Alphabet by Clayton Anderson
A wonderful ABC book, with beautiful and vivid illustrations, this picture book is great for a read-aloud or bedtime story! Written by an actual astronaut, this fun book has a poem paired with each letter and covers a range of space topics!
19. The Calculating Stars: A Astronaut Novel by Mary Robinette Kowal
If you have a reader who loves space and science fiction, this novel is it! The story follows Elam, an ambitious and intelligent woman who pushes boundaries to prove that women belong in space.
20. Professor Astro Cat's Frontiers of Space: Dr. Dominic Walliman
Follow this fun feline while he teaches you all about space - from the sun to the galaxy, this cat knows his stuff! A fun read for younger kids, the book contains illustrations relevant to the space topic Professor Astro Cat is covering.
21. Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry by Neil DeGrasse Tyson
A terrific book for teens interested in astrophysics! This book is easy to read because it breaks down complex topics into bite-sized chunks while covering a variety of interesting topics.
22. Galaxy Girls: 50 Amazing Stories of Women in Space by Libby Jackson
This book is great for any girl who dreams is space or being in the STEM field. It includes a timeline of important events in space exploration, including stories of 50 awesome women who were in the field!
23. The Ultimate Book of Space by Anne-Sophie Baumann
An interactive book that engages readers with pop-ups and great illustrations! Readers will learn about the International Space Station, Mars, and so much more!
24. We Dream of Space by Erin Entrada Kelly
A great fiction book for middle school-aged students with themes about friendship, compassion, and respect. The book keeps readers engaged through alternating points of view of the thee main characters.
25. Pete the Cat: Out of This World by James Dean
What kid doesn't love a good, always colorful, Pete the Cat book! Follow Pete in his adventures through space camp where he gets to learn and even experience a real space mission!
26. If You Had Your Birthday Party on the Moon by Joyce Lapin
This book uses a relatable topic, a birthday party, to teach kids about space. Filled with facts and fun illustrations, this is a lovely read for any space-loving kid and also makes a great birthday gift.
27. I Am the Solar System by Rebecca McDonald
The solar system comes to life in this picture book for young readers. A brightly illustrated book that is great for the first introductions of the solar system.
28. My First 100 Space Words by Chris Ferrie
An adorable and colorful baby book that teaches space words!
29. Space Case by Stuart Gibbs
A great murder mystery story for upper elementary. Follow Dash, while he tries to solve the murder on the moon!
30. Future Astronaut by Lori Alexander
A cute and colorful board book! It is a great read as a baby's first space book.
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