Inspiring STEM Books for Girls of Color
Bring STEM alive to young female readers and help them see themselves in new and inspiring ways.
Representation is everything. Girls and women are systematically tracked away from science, math, and other STEM-related education throughout their school years. According to the AAUW, this results in women only making up 28% of the workforce in STEM-related fields. The gender gap is wide and the gap is even wider when you account for girls of color.
If girls of color can’t see themselves in the stories and media around them, it can hinder their interests in various fields and activities. Gender and diversity representation in STEM curriculum is key to helping provide practical experiences that in return spark curiosity and interest in STEM related topics.
Here are a few of our favorite stories to inspire your students.
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
Inspired by the real-life Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, Ada Twist, Scientist showcases a story about a young scientist in the making, and her drive to explore the world around her. Not afraid to fail forward or to ask the big questions, Ada’s insatiable curiosity keeps her on her toes and will inspire young readers to explore and discover with her.
Sasha Savvy Loves to Code by Sasha Ariel Alston
Written by a teen author, Sasha Tech Savvy is a smart kid who lacks the confidence to try a new summer camp on coding. With some support and some exploration, Sasha Tech Savvy ends up surprising herself. The story is a fun and engaging way to spark curiosity in other young readers about coding and STEM.
Girls Who Code (Series) by Stacie Deutsh
This series follows a group of girls who embark on creating something new. A new coding club, a new app and some new friendships. A story that showcases that coding and friendships are both things that are worth exploring.
Count on Me by Miguel Tanco
The world can take on many things to young eyes and for this charter, the world is made up of beautiful mathematical concepts. Explore concentric circles and geometric shapes in everyday places. A great reminder of how beautiful the world can be and the different passions that exist in it.
Rocket Says Look Up! By Nathan Bryon
For all those stargazers out there, Rocket is an aspiring astronaut that is mesmerized by the stars above. She is eager to share her passion with those around her with a once-in-a-lifetime sighting of a comet that is passing overhead. This humorous and engaging book will help spark curiosity for young readers.
Lauren iPsum by Carlos Bueno
Lauren is lost. In order to find her way home, Lauren needs to solve a handful of puzzles – puzzles that help tie logic and computer science together. It’s the perfect book to help spark curiosity about a new world of technology.
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli
If the illustrations don’t capture your attention, the extraordinary lives of these one hundred women will. A book that will surely inspire it’s readers both young and old.
Oh No! Or How my Science Project Destroyed the World by Mac Barnett
What could possibly happen when a science fair project goes wrong? A creative way to showcase the different facets of engineering, creativity, and even some empathy.
How to Code a Sandcastle by Josh Funk
Not sure what coding and sandcastles have in common? Pearl and her sidekick robot, Pascal, can help shed some light on that. This is a fun story that helps to break down various coding concepts including conditionals and loops all while following a playful storyline of problem solving and creativity.
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
Based on the phenomenal true story of the female mathematicians at NASA, whose work helped the success of some of the greatest achievements in space. A moving and inspiring book that chronicles the history of a group of women and the wheels of change that they set in motion when they follow their passions.
Looking for more reading inspiration? Check out our STEM Recommended Reading List for Coding & Robotics. And be on the lookout next month for our Inspiring Women in STEM list to celebrate Women’s History Month!
