November 8th is National STEM or STEAM Day. This day inspires and allows students to explore and pursue interests in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Introducing STEM to your students helps improve their development in areas such as rational thinking and social and emotional skills.
Here is a list of just some of the amazing books you can read in your classrooms to celebrate this important day. These books not only celebrate STEM but also incorporate lessons on perseverance, determination, and hard work.
I’m sharing all of these books on video as well! Check out the Read Aloud Books for STEM/STEAM Day on my Youtube channel.
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STEM Read Aloud Books
Whoosh! by: Chris Barton
Whoosh! is a light-read but an upbeat story about Lonnie Johnson’s accidental invention of the Super Soaker. A great story to teach your students about STEM and gives insight into the trials and tribulations that Lonnie faced during his journey.
Melia and Jo by: Billy Aronson
Melia and Jo is a fun story about two friends who discover how magical combining the arts and science can be. This story highlights how although we have differences, we can work together to achieve great things.
Mr. Ferris and His Wheel by: Kathryn Gibbs Davis
Mr. Ferris and His Wheel is one of my personal favorites. It’s an outstanding informational text about the invention of the Ferris wheel by telling the story of the 1893 Chicago World Fair. This book is full of information, bright illustrations, and a great way to learn about the creation of a fun amusement attraction!
Rocket Says Look Up! By: Nathan Bryron
Rocket Say Look Up! tells the story of an aspiring astronaut who has a passion for science, intense curiosity, and contagious energy. Rocket is so excited to see the visible comet, and she wants everyone to see it with her that she is determined to get everyone to look up! Rocket has intense enthusiasm and is truly passionate about bringing her neighborhood together to witness science. This story includes a ton of great facts, too!
Balloons Over Broadway by: Melissa Sweet
Balloons Over Broadway is another of my absolute favorites! It’s an outstanding book about the history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. You can learn more about this book from my Thanksgiving Day Read Alouds, and don’t forget to grab the FREE Interactive Read Aloud to go along with this favorite.
Galimoto by: Karen Lynn Williams
Galimoto transports us to Africa where a young boy is determined to make his own toy from only a few materials. It’s a heart-warming tale that shows the importance of perseverance and determination regardless of what others may think. Your students will definitely enjoy this one!
Izzy Gizmo by: Pip Jones
Izzy Gizmo is a young inventor whose inventions don’t always work. Izzy shows the importance of grit, hard work, and growth mindset. Your students will empathize and connect with Izzy as she gets frustrated when she can’t solve a problem on the first-try. A great story with joyful illustrations and rhyming that your students will definitely relate to.
The Dreamer by: Il Sung Na
The Dreamer is a simple yet incredibly happy book about a little pig who is filled with determination. This story reveals a lot about following your passion, working hard for it, and most of all, the importance of dreaming. A cute story with great illustrations.
Zoey and Sassafras Books by: Asia Citro
Zoey and Sassafras Books is a series of chapter books that include science, magic and a strong female character who is a master at figuring stuff out on her own. These books are entertaining, factual and great for promoting critical thinking and science!
Made by Maxine by: Ruth Spiro
Made by Maxine tells the story of Maxine, a maker who loves to make new things from old things. It’s a fun story about determination, perseverance, grit and highlights important topics like loyalty and friendship. This story is full of wonderful messages to send to your students.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by: William Kamkwamba
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a powerful autobiography about a young boy who used his imagination, and motivation to help save his small village of Africa. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is incredibly motivating.
This list of books is great for promoting important topics in the areas of STEM and STEAM but they also teach powerful lessons and remind us that not everything will work out the first time, and that’s okay.
What are some of your favorite STEM/STEAM books?
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