Books About Research

The Best Research Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about research? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Research

Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor

By Patricia Valdez, Felicita Sala (Illustrator)

A girl who loves reptiles grows up to design a zoo's Reptile House.

Cybils Award (2018)
40 pages· 911 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,821 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: In a world of dolls and tea parties, young Joan Procter preferred reptiles. From carrying a lizard everywhere to bringing a crocodile to school, her passion never waned. As an adult, she became the Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum and designed the Reptile House at the London Zoo, even hosting tea parties with komodo dragons. Discover how Joan's unique love for the slithery and scaly led her to break barriers and create a legacy in the world of science. What challenges did she face, and how did her childhood passion shape her groundbreaking career?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

Shark Lady

A young girl's fascination with sharks leads her to become a renowned scientist.

40 pages· 745 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
5.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 3,545 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Eugenie Clark, captivated by sharks from a young age, faces societal barriers to become a pioneering scientist. As she challenges misconceptions about these misunderstood creatures, Eugenie earns the title 'Shark Lady.' Her journey is one of determination and discovery, proving that women can excel in science and that sharks deserve admiration, not fear. Will her passion and perseverance change the world's view on sharks forever?
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2018

The Hyena Scientist

Uncover the truth about misunderstood hyenas through groundbreaking research in a male-dominated field.

80 pages· 19,825 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 160 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Zoologist Kay Holecamp dedicates her life to studying hyenas, challenging misconceptions about these intelligent and social creatures. In a world where female-led societies are rare, her research reveals the true nature of these often-feared animals. As she navigates a male-dominated scientific field, Kay's work not only redefines our understanding of hyenas but also highlights the strength and complexity of female leadership in the animal kingdom. What secrets will she uncover about these enigmatic creatures, and how will her findings change the way we see them forever?
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2023

Search for a Giant Squid

Embark on a deep-sea quest to find the elusive giant squid. Choose wisely; each decision shapes your adventure.

96 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 184 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Summary: Dive into the ocean's twilight zone on a thrilling quest for the elusive giant squid. As part of a deep-sea expedition, you'll choose your submersible, pilot, and dive site. Each decision leads to a unique path filled with discoveries about marine life and scientific exploration. Will you uncover the secrets of the deep or face unexpected challenges? This interactive adventure not only entertains but also introduces young readers to the fascinating world of marine zoology and the diverse team behind every expedition. Perfect for curious minds eager to explore STEM and the mysteries of the ocean.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

Swimming with Sharks

By Heather Lang, Jordi Solano (Illustrator)

A scientist challenges shark myths, revealing their true nature beneath the waves.

32 pages· 1,067 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 458 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Summary: Eugenie Clark, captivated by sharks from a young age, defies societal norms to become a pioneering scientist in the 1940s. Known as "The Shark Lady," she dives into the ocean's depths, uncovering the truth about these misunderstood creatures. Her groundbreaking research challenges the perception of sharks as mere predators, revealing their grace and intelligence. Can Eugenie's discoveries change the world's view of these majestic sea dwellers?
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2018

The Vast Wonder of the World

By Mélina Mangal, Luisa Uribe (Illustrator)

Discover the groundbreaking insights of a pioneering scientist who saw what others missed.

40 pages· 1,008 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 758 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Meet Ernest Everett Just, a visionary scientist who defied the odds. In a world that saw only fragments, he perceived the whole, uncovering secrets of life through his study of sea creatures. Despite facing racial discrimination, his groundbreaking work on egg cells challenged scientific norms. This beautifully illustrated tale captures the essence of a man who changed the way we understand life itself. What mysteries did he unveil, and how did he persevere against the barriers of his time? Dive into the inspiring journey of a forgotten pioneer whose legacy continues to resonate.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2013

The Dolphins of Shark Bay

Explore dolphin intelligence and its implications for humans and the ocean's future.

80 pages
4.1/5 Goodreads · 150 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Join a scientific team as they delve into the mysteries of dolphin intelligence. Meet a captivating cast of dolphins, including Puck and Piccolo, as they reveal insights into human cognition and the ocean's fate. This journey through the dolphins' world raises questions about our own intelligence and the ethics of captivity. With stunning photos and engaging storytelling, discover what these remarkable creatures can teach us about ourselves and the planet.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2013

The Bat Scientists

Bats face a deadly disease. Can scientists save them?

80 pages
4.1/5 Goodreads · 199 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Summary: Dr. Merlin Tuttle is captivated by bats, nature's night-time insect predators. But a deadly threat looms: white-nose syndrome, decimating bat populations across North America. As bats vanish, ecosystems hang in the balance. Tuttle and his team of scientists race against time to combat this mysterious disease. Will they succeed in preserving these vital creatures, or will the night skies fall silent? Dive into a world where science meets adventure, and the fate of bats hangs by a thread.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9

Shark Lady

Discover a young ichthyologist's journey from aquarium visits to groundbreaking fish studies.

96 pages
4.1/5 Goodreads · 526 ratings
$16.25Save 5%
Summary: Follow the inspiring journey of a young boy whose fascination with fish at the New York City Aquarium leads him to a remarkable career in ichthyology. What discoveries await him beneath the waves?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Fins

Three kids must protect sharks from poachers and discover their own courage.

336 pages
4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,062 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Luke, Maribel, and Sabina, feeling out of place in Florida, join marine biologist Doc Ford to protect migrating sharks from poachers. Forming Sharks, Inc., they embark on a daring mission to tag sharks while avoiding danger. As they face unexpected threats, the trio must harness their unique strengths and trust each other to survive. Will they succeed in their high-stakes adventure, or will the poachers prevail?
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Research Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about research for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sam Visits the School Library

Ages 5–8 · 2017

Discover the secrets of the library as Sam searches for the perfect book.

Jane Goodall: A Champion of Chimpanzees

Ages 4–8 · 2020

Discover how one woman's rainforest journey changed our view of chimpanzees forever.

Rosalind Franklin

Ages 4–7 · 2021

Uncover the untold story of the scientist behind DNA's double helix discovery.

Who Is Jane Goodall?
Sale price
$799

Who Is Jane Goodall?

Ages 3–5 · 2021

Discover the life of a groundbreaking scientist in a captivating board book for young readers.

How to Spy on a Shark

Ages 3–5 · 2015

Track sharks with marine biologists and a robot on a thrilling sea adventure.

Up & Down

Ages 6–9 · 2018

A scientist must outwit a tricky co-pilot and avoid disaster to fly across the English Channel.

View all research picture books
Browse by age

Research Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about research for developing and independent readers.

Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1499

GFFs

Ages 10–14 · 2017

Teen ghostbusters unravel a mystery that could explain a family's past and change their future.

Mission: Arctic

Ages 8–12 · 2023

Uncover the Arctic's secrets as ice melts, revealing global impacts.

Belle's Journey

Ages 7–10 · 2018

An osprey's epic 8,000-mile migration reveals secrets of survival and discovery.

Runaway Max

Ages 12–18 · 2019

A new town, a bully brother, and lurking monsters—Max must navigate it all with grit and sass.

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