Top 50 STEM Books for Pre-Teen Girls: Inspiring Future Innovators

STEAM—an integrated approach to learning that combines science, technology, engineering, art, and math—encourages creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving in young minds. 

Books for Pre-Teen Girls

For pre-teen girls, exploring STEAM through engaging books can open doors to new passions and possibilities, while also showcasing the achievements of women in these fields.

This list of 50 books, all authored by women, highlights diverse perspectives, relatable role models, and inspiring narratives that empower young readers to dream big.

Whether through hands-on projects, fascinating biographies, or creative fiction, these books demonstrate that the world of STEAM is vibrant, exciting, and welcoming to everyone.

Top 50 STEM Books for Pre-Teen Girls: Inspiring Future Innovators

Top 50 STEM Books for Pre-Teen Girls

Science: Unlocking the Mysteries of Nature

• “Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World” by Rachel Ignotofsky
  • This visually stunning book profiles women who have made groundbreaking contributions to science, from Rosalind Franklin to Jane Goodall.

• “Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist” by Jess Keating
  • The story of Eugenie Clark, who shattered stereotypes to become a renowned marine biologist, inspires readers to dive into their passions.

• “The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian’s Art Changed Science” by Joyce Sidman
  • Maria Merian’s meticulous artistic renderings helped scientists understand the life cycles of butterflies, blending art and science.

• “Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World” by Laurie Lawlor
  • This biography introduces the life of Rachel Carson, whose book Silent Spring sparked the modern environmental movement.

• “Florence Nightingale: The Courageous Life of the Legendary Nurse” by Catherine Reef
  • Learn about the pioneering work of Florence Nightingale, who combined data analysis and healthcare reform to save lives.

Technology: Harnessing Innovation

Books for Pre-Teen Girls

• “Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World” by Reshma Saujani
  • This practical guide introduces coding concepts and highlights real-life stories of women using technology to make a difference.

• “Code Like a Girl” by Miriam Peskowitz
  • A hands-on book filled with coding exercises and empowering messages to encourage girls to create with technology.

• “Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code” by Laurie Wallmark
  • This biography celebrates Grace Hopper’s contributions to programming, including the creation of the first compiler.

• “Click’d” by Tamara Ireland Stone
  • A tech-savvy fiction about a young girl who creates an app and learns important lessons about coding, ethics, and friendship.

• “Women Who Launched the Computer Age” by Laurie Calkhoven
  • The story of the women programmers behind the ENIAC computer, whose pioneering work laid the foundation for modern computing.

Engineering: Building the Future

• “Rosie Revere, Engineer” by Andrea Beaty
  • Rosie’s inventive spirit and determination show young readers the value of perseverance in engineering.

Books for Pre-Teen Girls

• “Building Zaha: The Story of Architect Zaha Hadid” by Victoria Tentler-Krylov
  • This beautifully illustrated book showcases Zaha Hadid’s groundbreaking architectural designs and her determination to succeed.

• “The House That Jane Built” by Tanya Lee Stone
  • Jane Addams’ work in community building demonstrates the impact of thoughtful engineering and social reform.

• “Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women” by Catherine Thimmesh
  • A collection of stories about women inventors who combined creativity and engineering to develop life-changing products.

Art: Creativity Meets Innovation

• “Pocket Full of Colors: The Magical World of Mary Blair, Disney Artist Extraordinaire” by Amy Guglielmo and Jacqueline Tourville
  • Discover the artistic brilliance of Mary Blair, whose creative vision shaped Disney’s most iconic animations.

• “Ada’s Ideas: The Story of Ada Lovelace, the World’s First Computer Programmer” by Fiona Robinson
  • This artful biography of Ada Lovelace highlights how her artistic creativity influenced her groundbreaking work in mathematics and computer science.

• “Art Sparks: Draw, Paint, Make, and Get Creative with 53 Amazing Projects!” by Marion Abrams
  • A hands-on book that combines artistic expression with STEM concepts through exciting projects.

Math: Exploring the Language of the Universe

• “Nothing Stopped Sophie: The Story of Unshakable Mathematician Sophie Germain” by Cheryl Bardoe
  • It is a beautifully written account of Sophie Germain’s perseverance in becoming a trailblazing mathematician.

• “Infinity and Me” by Kate Hosford
  • A beautifully illustrated exploration of infinity, combining mathematical wonder with artistic storytelling.

Role Models in STEAM: Women Who Inspire

Throughout history, women have excelled in STEAM fields, breaking barriers and redefining possibilities.

Here are some notable figures to inspire young readers:

• Marie Curie (Science): The first woman to win a Nobel Prize, recognized for her work in radioactivity.
• Rachel Carson (Art and Science): Blended poetic writing with science to ignite environmental reform.
• Maria Merian (Art): a young girl in 17th century Germany who was captivated by butterflies. Their metamorphosis fascinated her at a time when scientists did not understand how a butterfly developed.

Craft Activity: Design a STEAM-Inspired Invention

Inspired by: “Ada’s Ideas” by Fiona Robinson

Objective: Encourage creativity and problem-solving by designing an invention that blends science, technology, and art.

Materials:

• Paper and colored pencils
• Rulers and geometric stencils
• Craft materials like pipe cleaners, glue, and beads

Instructions:

1. Brainstorm: Think of a problem in daily life and imagine an invention to solve it.
2. Sketch: Draw a blueprint of the invention, focusing on both functionality and aesthetics.
3. Build: If possible, create a model of the invention using craft materials.
4. Present: Share the invention with family or friends, explaining how it works and its purpose.

Conclusion

By engaging with these 50 books and exploring STEAM through hands-on activities, pre-teen girls can see how creativity and innovation intersect in exciting ways.

The stories of women authors and pioneers in STEAM fields provide role models and pathways for a future where they, too, can make groundbreaking contributions.

With art as a bridge, STEAM encourages young learners to dream big, solve problems, and create boldly.

Top 50 STEM Books for Pre-Teen Girls