SPACE BOOKS
(520s & 620s)
(520s & 620s)
2025-26 Space (Nonfiction & Narrative Nonfiction)
Summary: “Fast facts and amazing stats that highlight the mind-blowing wonders of the Solar System and the Universe. A collection of spectacular images captured by the latest space telescope, the James Webb, as well as mesmerizing images from Hubble and other spacecraft. Content endorsed and authenticated by Smithsonian.” - From the publisher.
Curricular use: Types of nonfiction, nonfiction text features, space research
Audience: Grades 3-5+
Summary: This 12-book series features a book for each planet in the solar system plus titles on asteroids and comets, dwarf planets, the moon and the sun.
Curricular use: Space/planet research, nonfiction text-features, types of nonfiction
Audience: Grades 2-5
Summary: A traditional nonfiction text exploring both solar and lunar eclipses: their causes, how to safely view them, and a brief history and look to the future. Includes numerous nonfiction text features as well as a combination of photographs and diagrams.
Curricular use: Types of nonfiction, nonfiction text features, space research
Audience: Grades 2-5
Summary: "Has there ever been life on Mars? Will we be living there soon? How?! Discover the past, present, and future of the Red Planet. The book is packed with fun illustrations by artist Mark Ruffle, combined with images from space agencies such as NASA and ESA, information panels, and diagrams.” - from the publisher.
Curricular use: Types of nonfiction, nonfiction text features, space research
Audience: Grades 2-5
Summary: “An illustrated guide to lunar survival for kids from rocket scientist Joalda Morancy in preparation for the upcoming NASA Artemis moon missions! When they're not writing kids' books, Joalda Morancy is building the lunar lander the Artemis missions will use to take astronauts--including the first woman and first person of color--to the surface!” - from the publisher
Curricular use: Types of nonfiction, space research
Audience: Grades 3-5
Summary: "Former astronaut Terry Virts guides readers through the practical elements of becoming an astronaut, along with the wonders (and challenges!) of space travel." --Provided by publisher. Images are a combination of illustrations, diagrams and color photographs.
Curricular use: Nonfiction text features, space research
Audience: Grades 4+
Summary: This lyrical, atmospheric book introduces young readers to a pioneering NASA spacecraft that has spent over forty-five years observing and exploring our galaxy. With stirring poetry, luminous art, and fascinating back matter, The Sky Is Not the Limit will inspire future scientific innovators and foster a sense of wonder at our universe.
Curricular use: Captivating narrative nonfiction, excellent for launching inquiry/research and encouraging curiosity/asking questions
Audience: all elementary
Summary: “A poetic and exquisitely illustrated tribute to the solar eclipse and the magic of togetherness, seen through the eyes of a child. The whole world changes for a few beautiful minutes." -- From the publisher. Backmatter includes a brief scientific explanation of a solar eclipse, a timeline of a solar eclipse, selected resources, and instructions to build a sun viewer.
Curricular use: Types of nonfiction (narrative), science units on space / shadows
Audience: PreK - 3rd grades
Summary: Real space science meets beautiful images in this lyrical nonfiction introduction to one of the most alluring wonders of our universe--the nebula. Readers will be entranced by the vibrant illustrations, which incorporate real photographs of nebulae, and the poetic text, which reveals that we are all grown from scattered stardust. Rich back matter provides details about nebulae and how people have studied them, the nebulae pictured in the illustrations (listed as the "cast"), and resources for further learning.
Curricular use: Types of nonfiction (narrative), science units on space
Audience: 2nd - 4th grades
Summary: Cassini was built to explore Saturn and its moons. It takes her seven years to reach Saturn's orbit, where she investigates Enceladus, the shiniest moon in the solar system. To the amazement of her scientists back home, Cassini makes a series of incredible discoveries: liquid water, chemicals, and energy--the ingredients for life!
Curricular use: Types of nonfiction (narrative), science units on space
Audience: PK - 3rd grade
SERIES
PLANETS IN OUR SOLAR SYSTEM
Presents information about the different planets in Earth’s solar system. Includes color photographs, a glossary, maps, and additional resources.
DISCOVER PLANETS
Using illustrations, fact boxes, and STEM highlights, this elementary nonfiction series explores the planets in our solar system. Titles describe the history of each planet's scientific study, what is known about them, and ways scientists are hoping to learn more. Includes glossaries.
SPACE-OLOGY
How do you become an astronaut? What’s it like to live and work in space? These books will take kids on a fascinating journey to discover the newest developments in space exploration.
SPACE DETECTIVES
Quippy descriptions, full-color images, and fun trivia facts make studying space both accessible and fun. These nonfiction books about comets, asteroids, and meteors is essential reading for any young astronomy enthusiasts.
NARRATIVE NONFICTION
OUR UNIVERSE
Stacy McAnulty
Stacy McAnulty’s fact and fun-filled Our Universe picture book series invites children to explore our solar system from the points-of-view of the celestial bodies that hang out among the stars.
GIRL WHO NAMED PLUTO
Alice McGinty
When eleven-year-old budding scientist Venetia Burney hears about the discovery of a ninth planet in 1930, she suggests the name Pluto to her grandfather. Eventually, a panel of scientists unanimously agrees to name the planet Pluto.
ONE DAY A DOT
Ian Lendler
One Day a Dot explores the age-old question: Where did we come from? Where did everything come from? Starting with one tiny dot and continuing through the Big Bang to the rise of human societies, the story of our universe is told in simple and vivid terms.
EARTHRISE: APOLLO 8 AND THE PHOTO THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
James Gladstone
Earthrise explores the story of the Apollo 8 astronauts and the impact that their picture of the Earth rising over the surface of the Moon, called "Earthrise," has had on world culture, especially in the 1960s in a time of great civil unrest.
DARING DOZEN: THE TWELVE WHO WALKED ON THE MOON
Suzanne Slade
Beginning with Neil Armstrong, this book celebrates the twelve Apollo astronauts who have walked on the surface of the moon.
JUST RIGHT: SEARCHING FOR THE GOLDILOCKS PLANET
Curtis Manley
Follow a young girl as she explores about the wondrous search for another Goldilocks planet.
GO FOR THE MOON: A ROCKET, A BOY AND THE FIRST MOON LANDING
Chris Gall
As the Apollo 11 spacecraft makes its preparations to become the first to land humans on the moon, a young boy imagines himself also in preparation as he sits in his red wagon rocket. The illustrations are gorgeous, with “picture in picture” of the young boy in contrast to the actual events that took place.
HOW WE GOT TO THE MOON
Jon Rocco
This exquisitely researched and illustrated book tells the stories of the 400,000 unsung heroes--the engineers, mathematicians, seamstresses, welders, and factory workers--and their innovations and life-changing technological leaps to land on the moon.
ASTROPHYSICS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN A HURRY
Neil Degrasse Tyson
This young reader's version of Tyson's essays addresses issues surrounding the universe, from the Big Bang and black holes to intelligent life beyond Earth.
TO FLY AMONG THE STARS: THE HIDDEN STORY OF THE FIGHT FOR WOMEN ASTRONAUTS
Rebecca Siegel
Presents an account of the thirteen women who trained alongside the Mercury Seven. Examines the sexism they endured, their test results, which proved they were as capable as the men, and their contributions toward opening up astronautics to women.
STAND ALONE BOOKS
A GUIDE TO THE MOONS, SUN, PLANETS, STARS, ECLIPSES, AND CONSTELLATIONS
Meg Thacher
In this highly visual guide to observing the sky with the naked eye, kids aged 9–14 will delve into the science behind what they see. This captivating book offers a tour of our solar system and deep space.
SOLAR SYSTEM BY THE NUMBERS
Steve Jenkins
Through infographics and illustrations readers will learn about the unfathomably huge and fascinating topic of solar systems. Explore the galaxy that surrounds our planet through astounding numbers, facts, and figures.
DISCOVER OUR SOLAR SYSTEM
Colin Stuart
Provides an overview of space exploration and what humans have learned about the solar system, Includes a timeline of the space race, a glossary, dozens of fact boxes and trivia, and colorful diagrams.
(LOOK INSIDE)
Graphic Novels
Oversized & Beautiful
MOON LANDING
Don Brown
Presents a graphic novel history of the space race, beginning with the origins of the discoveries of gunpowder and rockets and the inventions and discoveries throughout the centuries that ultimately led to the technology that made it possible for Apollo 11 to land on the moon.
SCIENCE COMICS: SOLAR SYSTEM OUR PLACE IN SPACE
Rosemary Mosco
Presents a graphic novel history of the space race, beginning with the origins of the discoveries of gunpowder and rockets and the inventions and discoveries throughout the centuries that ultimately led to the technology that made it possible for Apollo 11 to land on the moon.
PLANETARIUM
Ramna Prinja
Step inside the pages of this beautiful book to discover galleries of galactic matter, to bring you the experience of a fascinating exhibition in the comfort of your own home. Planetarium features all aspects of space, from the sun and our solar system to the lives of stars, the Milky Way, and the universe beyond.
SPACE MAPS: YOUR TOUR OF THE UNIVERSE
Lara Albanese
Let Space Maps take you on a tour through the universe, with its 24 maps, stunning illustrations, and amazing facts. Grab your telescope and get ready for the intergalactic journey of a lifetime!