This blog post is part of the Woodson Project—a series of events, posts, and book lists on subjects including empowering Black families, amplifying Black voices, exploring Black identity and intersectionality, and discovering Black influencers in STEAM. The project was created by branch staff from across NYPL to honor Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who in 1926 created Negro History Week—the precursor to Black History Month.

This mini-booklist highlights a few childrens books that empower kids to embrace science, technology, engineering, and math. Looking for more recommendations? You can find over 100 STEAM-related book suggestions—featuring Black scientists, doctors, architects, inventors and more—for all ages here.

Buzzing With Questions: The Inquisitive Mind Of Charles Henry Turner by Janice N. Harrington, illustrated by Theodore Taylor III 

Presents the life and career of the African American entomologist, describing how he overcame racial discrimination in the pursuit of his education and how his pioneering work in the study of insect behavior won him international recognition.

 

 

 

Stella's Stellar Hair by Yesenia Moises

Stella travels planet to planet visiting her aunties looking for a stellar hairdo for the Big Star Little Gala, but she is not convinced by any of their suggestions.

 

 

Dream Builder: The Story Of Architect Philip Freelon by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Laura Freeman

"A biography of Philip Freelon, whose rich family history and deep understanding of Black culture brought him to the role of lead architect for the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture"--

 

Rocket Says Look Up! by Nathan Bryon, illustrated by Dapo Adeola

Aspiring astronaut Rocket draws her community together to see a rare appearance of the Phoenix Meteor Showers, hoping especially that her big brother, Jamal, will look up from his phone.

 

 

 

My Rainy Day Rocket Ship by Markette Sheppard, art by Charly Palmer

Told in rhyming text, a young African American boy, stuck inside on a rainy day, uses his imagination to create a rocket ship out of a rocking chair and takes off on an trip to a distant planet.

 

 

 

 

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Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.

Summaries provided via NYPL’s catalog, which draws from multiple sources. Click through to each book’s title for more.