Books About Space Science

The Best Space Science Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about space science? 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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Space Science

What Is NASA?
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2019

What Is NASA?

By Sarah Fabiny, Who HQ, Ted Hammond (Illustrator) · What Was . . . ? series

The story of NASA's history and its mission to explore space.

112 pages· 8,137 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 400 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Dive into NASA's thrilling history, from its 1958 inception to the Apollo moon landing. Discover how this pioneering agency continues to unlock the universe's secrets. Will NASA's legacy shape our future in space?
American Moonshot
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

American Moonshot

By Douglas Brinkley

Discover the high-stakes journey behind the historic moon landing.

272 pages· 42,375 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 3,594 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Journey back to July 20, 1969, when two astronauts made history by landing on the moon. Uncover the intense race and the monumental stakes that defined this pivotal moment in space exploration. What challenges did they face, and how did they overcome them to achieve one of the 20th century's greatest feats? This gripping account reveals the bravery and determination that fueled America's quest to conquer the moon.
Hidden Figures
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Hidden Figures

By Margot Lee Shetterly, Laura Freeman (Illustrator)

Four women defy racial and gender barriers to launch men into space.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2019)
40 pages· 1,407 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud
5.0/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 3,420 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Meet Dorothy, Mary, Katherine, and Christine—brilliant mathematicians who defy racial and gender barriers at NASA. As 'colored computers,' they calculate America's first space journeys, proving that persistence and genius can change the world. Will their groundbreaking work inspire future generations to reach for the stars?
Hidden Figures
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

Hidden Figures

By Margot Lee Shetterly

The story of African-American women who worked as mathematicians and engineers at NASA during the early years of the space program.

240 pages· 35,198 words· Est. 5 hour read
3.8 Goodreads · 19,487 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Meet Dorothy, Mary, Katherine, and Christine—four African-American mathematicians who broke barriers at NASA. As 'human computers,' they calculated the trajectories that sent astronauts into space, all while navigating the challenges of the Civil Rights era. Their groundbreaking work not only propelled rockets but also advanced gender and racial equality. Discover how these remarkable women transformed NASA and left an indelible mark on history.
Escape This Book! Race to the Moon
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12

Escape This Book! Race to the Moon

By Bill Doyle, Sarah Sax (Illustrator) · Escape This Book! series

Navigate space missions, make critical choices, and explore the moon. Can you ensure a safe landing?

192 pages
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Step into the shoes of a space pioneer with three thrilling roles: Mission Control's Flight Director, the spacecraft's Flight Commander, and a Moon Buggy Driver. Face explosive challenges and crucial decisions as you guide the Apollo missions to the moon. Will you keep the astronauts safe and explore the lunar surface? Meet iconic figures like Neil Armstrong and Katherine Johnson while navigating the perils of space. Your choices shape history—doodle, decide, and demolish your way through this interactive adventure. Are you ready to take on the ultimate space mission?
Let's Explore the Sun
Sale price
$774
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2007

Let's Explore the Sun

By Helen Orme, David Orme · Space Launch! series

Uncover the sun's secrets and cosmic wonders beyond Earth.

24 pages· 1,253 words· Est. 14 min read
4.1 Goodreads · 20 ratings
$8.15Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Embark on a cosmic journey exploring the sun's mysteries and the solar system's marvels. Discover the sun's evolution, its legendary tales, and the latest space missions. What secrets does our star hold, and how do they shape the universe around us? Dive into a vibrant exploration of planets, moons, asteroids, and comets, igniting a passion for the cosmos and its endless possibilities. Will you uncover the truths hidden in the stars?
Comets, Meteors, and Asteroids
Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 6–10 · 1998

Comets, Meteors, and Asteroids

By Seymour Simon

Explore the mysteries of comets, meteors, and asteroids in the night sky.

32 pages· 2,137 words· Est. 17 min read-aloud
3.7 Goodreads · 54 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Dive into the cosmic wonders of comets, meteors, and asteroids. Discover their origins and secrets as they streak across the sky, captivating young minds with their fiery brilliance. What stories do these celestial travelers tell about our universe? Perfect for curious kids eager to explore the night sky's mysteries.
The Race to the Moon
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2014

The Race to the Moon

By Allison Lassieur · You Choose: History series

Choose your path in the space race; will it lead to triumph or disaster?

112 pages
3.6 Goodreads · 69 ratings
$6.95Save 3%
Paperback
Summary: Step into the thrilling 1950s and 1960s space race. As a young scientist, a daring reporter, or a Mission Control member, your choices shape history. Will you achieve glory, face shattered dreams, or encounter peril? Navigate the tension between the U.S. and Soviet Union, and decide your fate in this interactive journey where every decision counts. Explore the real stories of those who dared to reach for the stars and discover the unexpected twists that await. Your path to the moon is fraught with challenges—what will you choose?
Space
Sale price
$379
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2012

Space

By James Harrison

Explore the mysteries of space, from the sun to distant galaxies.

48 pages
4.2 Goodreads · 5 ratings
$3.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Embark on a cosmic journey with 'Space,' where young readers explore the universe's wonders. Discover Earth's dance with the sun, the moon's secrets, and our solar system's neighbors. Dive into the mysteries of meteors, comets, and the vast galaxy. With engaging text and vivid images, this book challenges curious minds to unravel the enigma of space. Will you uncover the secrets of the stars and beyond?
The Space Race
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2017

The Space Race

By Nancy Ohlin, Roger Simó (Illustrator) · Blast Back! series

Uncover the secrets of the Space Race and its surprising twists.

112 pages· 4,782 words· Est. 40 min read
3.7 Goodreads · 27 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Journey back to the Space Race era, where the Cold War fueled a cosmic competition. Discover why the race began and who truly triumphed. Explore intriguing facts, like the moon's peculiar scent and NASA's zero-gravity pen invention. This book's vivid illustrations and unique insights will transport you to a time of innovation and rivalry. What mysteries will you uncover about this pivotal moment in history?
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