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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect science books for 10-year-olds that will both educate and entertain? You've landed in the right spot! Whether your young reader is a budding biologist or a future astronomer, we've gathered a collection of must-reads that will spark their curiosity and deepen their love for science. Keep reading to discover our top picks of engaging and thought-provoking science books for 10-year-olds.

Fun Science Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Magic School Bus at the Waterworks 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 city's waterworks system to learn how water is processed and used.
  • Why we recommend this book: It transforms complex scientific processes into engaging and comprehensible adventures, making science fun and accessible.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love science and adventure, and those who enjoy learning through stories.

• The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book by Tom Robinson
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book provides a variety of easy and exciting experiments that cover different aspects of science, from biology to chemistry to physics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages hands-on learning and makes scientific concepts tangible and understandable.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who enjoy experimenting and learning by doing.

• National Geographic Kids Why?: Over 1,111 Answers to Everything by Crispin Boyer
  • Genre(s): Reference, Science, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book answers over a thousand questions on a wide range of topics, providing fascinating facts and information.
  • Why we recommend this book: It satisfies the curiosity of young minds and provides answers to the many questions they have about the world.
  • Perfect for: Inquisitive children who love to ask "Why?" and enjoy discovering new facts.

• 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, Experiments, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book offers a hands-on approach to learning with a wide range of experiments and activities that cover various scientific principles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes active participation in learning and helps children understand scientific concepts through practical application.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers who enjoy interactive learning and have a keen interest in understanding how things work.

• The Curious Kid's Science Book: 100+ Creative Hands-On Activities for Ages 4-8 by Asia Citro
  • Genre(s): Science, Activity Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: The book provides over 100 science activities that encourage children to develop their own experiments and explore the world scientifically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It fosters creativity and critical thinking by allowing kids to lead their own scientific discoveries and experiments.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young scientists who are eager to explore and experiment on their own terms.

Educational Science Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Bacteria Book: The Big World of Really Tiny Microbes by Steve Mould
  • Genre(s): Science, Education, Children's Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book dives into the world of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes, explaining their roles in nature and human life in an engaging way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of microbiology, scientific curiosity, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes complex scientific concepts accessible and fascinating, sparking interest in the microscopic world.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in biology and the unseen world around them.

• DK Eyewitness Books: Energy by Jack Challoner
  • Genre(s): Science, Technology, Educational
  • Synopsis: This visual guide explores the concept of energy in all its forms, from kinetic to thermal, and discusses how it powers the world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of physics and environmental science, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses clear, vivid illustrations and explanations to make the concept of energy interesting and easy to grasp.
  • Perfect for: Young readers fascinated by science and how things work.

• The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller
  • Genre(s): Science, Fiction, Middle Grade
  • Synopsis: Natalie's science teacher uses a class project to show how even the seemingly unrelated aspects of our lives can be scientifically analyzed, including her mother's depression.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, scientific method, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It uniquely blends emotional learning with scientific inquiry, making it both educational and deeply moving.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories that combine real-life issues with science and learning.

• How Things Work: Then and Now by T.J. Resler
  • Genre(s): Science, Technology, History
  • Synopsis: This book provides insights into the mechanics behind everyday objects and the evolution of technology from simple tools to complex machines.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, understanding of mechanical operations, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a historical perspective on technology that helps children appreciate the innovations that shape their world.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds that are always asking "How does this work?" and those interested in the history of inventions.

• Astronomy for Kids: How to Explore Outer Space with Binoculars, a Telescope, or Just Your Eyes! by Dr. Bruce Betts
  • Genre(s): Science, Astronomy, Educational
  • Synopsis: This beginner's guide introduces young astronomers to the basics of stargazing, including how to identify planets and constellations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge of astronomy, observational skills, scientific curiosity
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages outdoor learning and provides a practical, engaging introduction to astronomy.
  • Perfect for: Young stargazers eager to explore the night sky and learn about the universe.

Challenging Science Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe by Theodore Gray
  • Genre(s): Science, Chemistry, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book presents a visually stunning tour of the periodic table and provides detailed information on each of the elements.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex chemical properties and atomic structures, which are typically introduced at higher educational levels.
  • Why we recommend this book: The captivating photographs and clear descriptions make complex topics accessible and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Budding chemists and any young reader fascinated by the building blocks of everything in the universe.

• The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay
  • Genre(s): Science, Technology, Engineering
  • Synopsis: This updated classic explains the inner workings of machines and technology, from levers to digital technology, using detailed illustrations and accessible text.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a broad range of mechanical and technological principles that require abstract thinking and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies complex ideas through clear, engaging illustrations and explanations, making them understandable for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and engineers who are curious about how machines work and how technology is evolving.

• Genius: The Game by Leopoldo Gout
  • Genre(s): Science, Fiction, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Three brilliant teens from around the world use their knowledge of science and technology to compete in a prestigious competition with high stakes.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates real scientific concepts and theories into a fast-paced, intellectually demanding plot.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines science with suspense and adventure, encouraging readers to see the excitement in applying scientific knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love thrilling stories and have an interest in science and technology challenges.

• Can You Hear the Trees Talking?: Discovering the Hidden Life of the Forest by Peter Wohlleben
  • Genre(s): Science, Nature, Environmental Education
  • Synopsis: This book explores the complex life of forests, explaining how trees communicate, share resources, and maintain ecosystems.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents detailed botanical science in a way that is insightful but not typically explored at elementary levels.
  • Why we recommend this book: It fosters a deep appreciation for nature and environmental conservation through captivating and scientifically accurate insights.
  • Perfect for: Nature enthusiasts and young ecologists interested in understanding more about the environment and the science of botany.

• Rocket Science for Babies by Chris Ferrie
  • Genre(s): Science, Physics, Educational
  • Synopsis: A simple but profound introduction to the basic principles of aerospace engineering, designed to engage young minds.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces fundamental concepts of physics and engineering that are usually tackled in much later academic studies.
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex scientific principles into digestible parts that spark curiosity and foundational understanding.
  • Perfect for: Future astronauts and little scientists who are just beginning to explore the fascinating world of physics and space.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you've got a curious 10-year-old at home or know one who's eager to dive into the world of science, you're in the right place. Reading science books can be a thrilling adventure, but it's even better when you have some cool exercises to enhance the experience. Here are a few simple exercises designed to help young readers develop great reading habits while exploring science books. These activities are not only fun but also educational, ensuring a deeper understanding and retention of what they read.

• Create a Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Write down new or interesting words found in the science book.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of scientific terms.
  • Tips: Use a notebook dedicated to science vocabulary and review it regularly.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after reading.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of scientific concepts.
  • Tips: Keep summaries short and use bullet points to make it easier.

• Draw Concept Maps
  • What it is: Create visual diagrams that map out key concepts and their connections.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize relationships between ideas and reinforces memory.
  • Tips: Use different colors for different themes or concepts.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends, family, or a reading group.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through explanation and promotes critical thinking.
  • Tips: Try to relate the discussion to everyday life to make it more relatable.

• Predict the Next Experiment
  • What it is: Guess what experiments the scientists might do next based on the reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages logical thinking and understanding of the scientific method.
  • Tips: Write down predictions and check them as you read further.

• Connect to Real World
  • What it is: Find and discuss real-world applications of the concepts read in the book.
  • How it helps: Makes learning more practical and interesting.
  • Tips: Use the internet or other resources to find news or articles that relate to the concepts.

These exercises are designed to be engaging and beneficial, turning reading time into an interactive learning session. Encourage your young reader to try these out with their next science book and watch them grow not just in knowledge but also in their enthusiasm for learning. Happy reading and exploring!