10+ Best Science Books for 9-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to spark a love of science in your young learner? Look no further! Our curated selection of Science Books for 9-Year-Olds is designed to captivate curious minds and expand their understanding of the world. Dive in with us as we explore a variety of engaging and educational reads that are perfect for your budding scientist. Keep reading to discover our top picks!

Fun Science Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen
  • Genre(s): Science, Adventure, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Join Ms. Frizzle and her class as they take a wild, educational ride through the earth's crust, learning about rocks, minerals, and the structure of the Earth itself.
  • Why we recommend this book: It transforms complex geological concepts into an adventurous, visually engaging story that captures the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers who love adventures and have a budding interest in science.

• National Geographic Kids Why?: Over 1,111 Answers to Everything by Crispin Boyer
  • Genre(s): Science, Reference, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book provides clear answers to many questions kids have about the world, covering topics from animals to geography to space.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with facts and illustrations that can spark a child's curiosity and encourage a love for learning.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who enjoy fun facts and have a thirst for knowledge about the world around them.

• The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book by Tom Robinson
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This book offers easy yet exciting experiments that can be done with everyday household items, teaching kids about physics, chemistry, biology, and more.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes science hands-on and accessible, showing kids that they can engage with scientific concepts at home in fun and interactive ways.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists who love experimenting and learning by doing.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Science, Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Inspired by real-life makers such as Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, Ada Twist is a very curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity, perseverance, and a passion for science, all wrapped up in a charming story.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young scientists and any kid who loves to ask "why?".

• The Curious Kid's Science Book: 100+ Creative Hands-On Activities for Ages 4-8 by Asia Citro
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This book encourages children to develop their own science experiments and projects, with guidance on setting up and understanding the results.
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers kids to think like scientists and fosters a DIY spirit for learning.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young innovators who enjoy crafting their own experiments.

Educational Science Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Professor Astro Cat's Frontiers of Space by Dr. Dominic Walliman, illustrated by Ben Newman
  • Genre(s): Science, Space, Children's Nonfiction
  • Synopsis: This book takes young readers on a journey through the cosmos, exploring planets, stars, galaxies, and beyond with Professor Astro Cat as the guide.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Astronomy fundamentals, scientific curiosity, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines detailed scientific facts with fun, engaging illustrations, making complex topics accessible and enjoyable.
  • Perfect for: Young space enthusiasts and future astronomers.

• The Sticky, Stinky Science Book by Kris Hirschmann, illustrated by Santy Gutierrez
  • Genre(s): Science, Activity Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: Kids can dive into dozens of gooey, smelly, and gross experiments that teach fundamental scientific concepts in a fun, hands-on way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Experimentation, sensory learning, understanding of scientific processes
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes science irresistibly fun by involving activities that are both educational and slightly icky, which kids love.
  • Perfect for: Kids who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty and love interactive learning.

• Exploratopia: More than 400 Kid-Friendly Experiments and Explorations for Curious Minds by Pat Murphy, Ellen Macaulay, and the staff of the Exploratorium
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide offers a wide range of experiments and explorations designed to teach kids about the natural and physical world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, scientific methodology
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a vast array of activities that encourage children to think like scientists and learn by doing.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who love to explore and understand how things work.

• How to Be a Scientist by Steve Mould
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational, Children's Nonfiction
  • Synopsis: This book is a vibrant introduction to the basics of science—from biology to physics to chemistry—encouraging kids to question what they see and discover the scientific method for themselves.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific literacy, critical observation, experimental skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring primer that encourages kids to discover and think about the world scientifically, with lots of DIY experiments.
  • Perfect for: Young learners eager to embark on their first scientific adventures.

• The Bacteria Book: The Big World of Really Tiny Microbes by Steve Mould
  • Genre(s): Science, Biology, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book introduces children to the world of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes, explaining their importance in our ecosystem and everyday lives.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of microbiology, health science, ecological awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It turns the often invisible world of microbes into a colorful, fascinating subject that is crucial for understanding health and science.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in biology and the smaller creatures of our world.

Challenging Science Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Elements Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of the Periodic Table by DK
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational, Reference
  • Synopsis: This visual encyclopedia presents the periodic table in a vivid and detailed manner, exploring each element's discovery, properties, and uses.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book delves deep into chemical elements and their complexities, which requires a higher level of concentration and cognitive ability.
  • Why we recommend this book: It visually breaks down complex information about the elements, making it easier for young readers to grasp and retain.
  • Perfect for: Young chemists and anyone intrigued by the building blocks of the universe.

• The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay
  • Genre(s): Science, Technology, Educational
  • Synopsis: This updated classic explains the inner workings of machines and technologies from levers to lasers, digital technology, and drones.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a wide range of mechanical and digital technologies, requiring readers to understand and connect various scientific principles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a detailed look at how everyday objects function, encouraging curiosity and technical understanding.
  • Perfect for: Budding engineers and curious minds fascinated by how things work.

• Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson, adapted by Gregory Mone
  • Genre(s): Science, Astrophysics, Educational
  • Synopsis: Adapted from Tyson’s bestselling book, this version provides young readers with a quick and accessible introduction to the universe and its laws.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex astrophysical concepts like black holes, quarks, and quantum mechanics in a condensed form.
  • Why we recommend this book: It distills the mysteries of the universe into digestible parts, sparking interest in the wonders of space.
  • Perfect for: Young astronomers and anyone with a quick mind and a keen interest in the cosmos.

• Robotics: Discover the Science and Technology of the Future by Kathy Ceceri
  • Genre(s): Science, Technology, Robotics, Educational
  • Synopsis: This hands-on guide introduces kids to the fascinating world of robotics, including history, how robots work, and how they are shaping our future.
  • Why this book is challenging: It not only explains robotics concepts but also includes DIY project instructions that require problem-solving and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines theoretical knowledge with practical activities, offering a full-rounded approach to learning about robotics.
  • Perfect for: Future inventors and tech enthusiasts who love building and understanding robots.

• Genetics and DNA by Richard Walker
  • Genre(s): Science, Biology, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book provides a clear introduction to genetics and DNA, explaining how genes work, what DNA is, and how it affects who we are.
  • Why this book is challenging: Genetics is a complex subject involving intricate biological processes that are explained at an advanced level for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies a complicated subject in a way that is engaging and educational, encouraging deeper understanding of biology.
  • Perfect for: Young biologists and anyone interested in understanding the blueprint of life.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 9-year-old dive into the exciting world of science books, here are some engaging exercises that can boost their reading habits and make the experience both fun and educational. Let's check them out!

• Create a Science Word Wall
  • What it is: Build a display area where new and interesting scientific terms from the book are added on sticky notes or cards.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and makes the connection between reading and learning stronger.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to add at least one new word from their reading each day.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: After reading a chapter, the child should write a brief summary of what they learned.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Keep the summaries short and discuss them together to reinforce understanding.

• Draw It Out
  • What it is: Draw diagrams or illustrations based on the concepts read in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize complex scientific ideas, making them easier to understand.
  • Tips: Provide colored pencils and encourage creativity in the drawings.

• Question and Answer Buddy
  • What it is: Pair up with your child to ask and answer questions about the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages active thinking and enhances understanding through discussion.
  • Tips: Rotate roles of asking and answering to keep the activity dynamic.

• Science Experiment Time
  • What it is: Conduct simple experiments at home that relate to the topics read in the book.
  • How it helps: Brings the book's content to life and adds a hands-on learning element.
  • Tips: Ensure safety first and assist with setting up the experiments.

• Connect to Real Life
  • What it is: Find real-world applications or occurrences of the scientific concepts discussed in the book.
  • How it helps: Shows the relevance of science in everyday life and enhances engagement.
  • Tips: Use examples from nature, technology, or even cooking to illustrate concepts.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about creating a rich, interactive learning experience. By integrating these activities, you're setting up a fun and fruitful reading routine that can spark a lifelong interest in science. Enjoy exploring the universe of knowledge together!