Discover your next book in EiC’s year of science reading list. And don’t forget to send in your own recommendations
We’re celebrating the National year of reading by producing a list of recommended books. All the books have some science or STEM connection, but that connection may stretch from tenuous to barely believable. The list includes fiction and non-fiction, short stories, novels, graphic novels, comics, essays … suitable for learners, teachers, trainees, teacher trainers and technicians.
We’ll be adding to the list regularly throughout the year. So, check back frequently and follow us on social media (scroll down for our contacts). Please also recommend a book by emailing us. We want to celebrate as many books as possible.
May’s choices…
Superheavy: making and breaking the periodic table by Kit Chapman
Age: 14+ | Amazon
‘Before reading this book, I thought that the elements at the bottom of the periodic table were boring and unexciting. This book changed that.
‘Kit tells the story of how scientists across the globe have made and studied the superheavy elements, highlighting the politics and difficulties creating atoms that last for fractions of a second. It reminded me that there’s still so much to learn about chemistry.’
Recommended by Mason Wakley, science correspondent for Chemistry World magazine
The radium girls by Kate Moore
Age: 16+ | Amazon
‘The radium girls tells the story of the ghost girls – the hundreds of young women hired in the 1920s to paint watches and military dials with a material containing radium. When they begin to fall mysteriously ill, managers reassure them of the material’s safety, yet their experiences tell them differently.
‘The book brings the stories of the individuals to life and documents their determination to get justice. Although difficult to read in places owing to the suffering endured, the girls’ stories provide a powerful reminder to us all of how chemistry can lead to great progress yet also give rise to serious concerns.
‘Note: there is also a version for younger readers.’
Recommended by Catherine Smith, chemistry teacher and coach on the RSC ITT scholarship programme
This is how you lose the time war by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
Age: 16+ | Amazon
‘Two agents on opposing sides of a mysterious time war jump between different threads, manipulating events across centuries to their own ends. One leaves a letter for the other to find, and so begins a back-and-forth through time that leads both into danger but closer together. A great, unexpected read.
‘More aimed at adults, but accessible for mature teens (maybe 15 and above).’
Recommended by Jess Gibson, assistant editor for EiC and former primary school teacher
Cat’s cradle by Kurt Vonnegut
Age 16+ | Amazon
‘Based on the dropping of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, Cat’s cradle tells the fictional story of Dr Felix Hoenikker and his family. Hoenikker has invented a version of water, known as ice-nine, that freezes anything it touches, potentially leading to the end of the world.
‘Vonnegut somehow combines humour with critique of the use of science for war and destruction to create this unnerving tale that has stayed with me since I first read it.’
Recommended by Mason Wakley, science correspondent for Chemistry World magazine
Previously recommended…
Dirk Gently’s holistic detective agency by Douglas Adams
Age: 7+ | Amazon
‘Less famous than Hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy, this is my favourite of Douglas Adams’ works, and very different to the two TV series of the same name. Science fiction fantasy, set partially in Cambridge, it weaves in Schrödinger’s cat, hypnosis, time machines, Sir Isaac Newton’s invention of the catflap, and “the fundamental interconnected-ness of all things”.
‘Suitable for all, I first read it around seven-years old, and I reread it nearly 40 years later.’
Recommended by David Sait, RSC Education team
Hidden figures young readers’ edition: the untold story of four African-American women who helped launch our nation into space by Margot Lee Shetterly
Age: 9+ | Amazon
‘A gripping narrative non-fiction, perfect for reading aloud with upper primary. It follows the incredible African American women working for Nasa as part of the space programme. I recommend it to teachers because it also allows for enriching and nuanced conversations about racism, sexism and prejudice while bringing to life the stories of four incredible women.’
Recommended by Hannah Sycamore, assistant editor for teaching resources at the RSC, former primary school teacher and Scottish Book Trust staff
The number devil by Hans Magnus Enzensberger
Age: 11+ | Amazon
‘I’ve always liked numbers, unlike Robert who experiences maths anxiety and finds his classes boring. I also sleep well and rarely remember my dreams, but Robert has recurring ones and starts to meet the titular character in his. The Number Devil visits Robert in 12 dreams, introducing him to mathematical principles in engaging ways and increasing his interest in the subject.
‘The book is aimed at children and young adults, has simple illustrations and is devilishly good at combining numbers and words.’
Recommended by Georgia Murphy, assistant editor for teacher professional development at the RSC and former EiC assistant editor
What if…? Serious scientific answers to absurd hypothetical questions by Randall Munroe
Age: 11+ | Amazon
‘A book that answers ridiculous questions with absurdly detailed, scientific answers. A fun way of answering questions such as “If someone’s DNA suddenly vanished, how long would that person last?” with plausible scientific answers. The explanations are clear and detailed with witty responses and a great way of engaging the most curious minds!
‘This is one I used to recommend to students who always asked me ‘why?’ and anyone who was just a bit curious.’
Recommended by Emma Lumb, former chemistry teacher and now RSC Education team
Orion Lost by Alistair Chisholm
Age: 11+ | Amazon
‘Prior to this book, there wasn’t really any children’s science fiction. There was some YA but the thought that younger readers might want sci-fi hadn’t crossed the minds of the publishing industry. Alistair changed all that.
‘He has written four science fiction books now (and paved the way for more). This book was hugely innovative when it came out (and still is). It is a great read. Taking from sci-fi classics like 2000 Space Odyssey, disaster befalls the ship, Beth becomes captain, someone (or something) is lying to the crew. This is definitely one to get into the hands of young people.’
Recommended by Hannah Sycamore, assistant editor for teaching resources at the RSC, former primary school teacher and Scottish Book Trust staff
A box full of murders by Janice Hallett
Age: 11+ | Amazon
‘Janice Hallett is a well-established crime writer with an unusual style. This book is in the form of letters, diary entries, newspaper clippings, recordings. Although not directly related to science, the critical analysis, investigative, critical thinking and forensic skills are relevant to science’s wider skillset.’
Recommended by Claire-Sycamore-Howe, who oversees CSciTeach at the RSC
The thrilling adventures of Lovelace and Babbage by Sydney Padua
Age: 14+ | Amazon
‘This is great for anyone interested in the history of computing. It’s set in an alternative world where Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage do build the Difference Engine. It’s a mix of truth and fiction in graphic novel form, very funny, very silly, very clever and beautifully drawn.’
Recommended by Claire-Sycamore-Howe, who oversees CSciTeach at the RSC
Periodic tales: the curious lives of the elements by Hugh Aldersey Williams
Age: 14+ | Amazon
‘I would recommend this to anyone who is curious about how different things connect together. It cleverly intersects the boundary between art and science through engaging stories about the different chemical elements and their role within our lives, both past and present.
‘Perfect for recommending to young people who are curious or for adults who just want to know more!’
Recommended by Emma Lumb, former chemistry teacher and now RSC Education team
Invisible women by Caroline Criado Perez
Age: 16+| Amazon
‘Numbers for an older audience, Invisible women highlights the data bias half the world’s population experiences without always knowing it. The gender data gap is not new and sadly there’s still a long way to go. Caroline Criado Perez puts forward the case that individuals and organisations need to collect more representative data and ask women what they want, but changes to societal attitudes and behaviour are also needed to improve women’s lives.
‘An essential read for everyone.’
Recommended by Georgia Murphy, assistant editor for teacher professional development at the RSC and former EiC assistant editor
Unreliable: bias, fraud, and the reproducibility crisis in biomedical research by Csaba Szabo
Age: 16+
‘This is great for those interested in academic processes and biomed. It has some quite upsetting health themes (the impact of data hacking on patients), so you need to sensitively consider the reader’s age.’
Recommended by Del McCallum, RSC Education team
The tiger that isn’t: seeing through a world of numbers by Andrew Dilnot and Michael Bastland
Age: 16+ | Amazon
‘Written by the More or Less Radio 4 team (my heroes), this is a great summary of stats literacy for everyday life. Good for lessons around fake news and manipulating stats for media.’
Recommended by Del McCallum, RSC Education team
Outliers: the story of success by Malcolm Gladwell
Age: 16+ | Amazon
‘Basic concepts that make you think about fairness, ambition, access, luck. Love this book for post-16.’
Recommended by Del McCallum, RSC Education team
The Martian by Andy Weir
Age: 16+ | Amazon
‘Set in a near-future where Nasa is sending manned missions to Mars, Mark Watney finds himself mistakenly left behind by his crew on the Red Planet and has to use chemistry, botany, physics, engineering, problem-solving and his keen sense of humour to survive the hostile environment. The writing style is lively and engaging (and a bit sweary) as Mark walks the reader through his plans, successes and frequent mishaps.
‘Note: there is a version for younger readers with less swearing and complete with classroom activities.’
Recommended by Caroline Morley, EiC’s picture editor and all-round science–image whizz
Mathematical mindsets by Jo Boaler
Age: 18+ | Amazon
‘One of my favourite pedagogical books, it’s appropriate for both primary and secondary teachers (covers up to American level 12), as it explores more of our approach to maths overall in the classroom and society. I used many of the strategies to help normalise mathematical learning and thinking, as well as reduce maths anxiety, in my classroom.
‘So many aspects of chemistry rely on maths, reducing maths anxiety is key to building pupils’ confidence and I feel this is a great place for teachers to glean ideas.’
Recommended by Hannah Sycamore, assistant editor for teaching resources at the RSC, former primary school teacher and Scottish Book Trust staff
Making number talks matter by Ruther Parker and Cathy Humphreys
Age: 18+ | Amazon
‘Another maths one, but I found it so valuable for helping structure and frame starter maths activities to engage prior learning.
‘The principle of a number talk is very simple: put a question on the board and allow pupils to solve it. Focus the talk on basic number and mental maths skills (addition, subtraction, division and multiplication). This book was so helpful for facilitating that discussion accurately and supporting pupils to explain how they solved a question.
‘I feel Making number talks matter falls more into the mathematical literacy/mathematical oracy category. Again, a useful reference for chemistry teachers who perhaps often interact on mathematical concepts with pupils who find it hard to explain their process or thinking.’
Recommended by Hannah Sycamore, assistant editor for teaching resources at the RSC, former primary school teacher and Scottish Book Trust staff
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