NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K–12

About this book list

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K through 12 is an annual bibliography from the National Science Teaching Association and the Children's Book Council. An NSTA-appointed review panel selects science trade books published in the preceding year. The organizations began the project in 1973, when it focused mainly on kindergarten through Grade 8, and expanded it to include high school in 2002. The books are intended to support literacy while introducing science content. This is not a ranked award or a textbook series. An edition can include narrative nonfiction, biography, picture books, reference works, and stories connected to scientific ideas. The source's subjects and grade bands help families narrow the choices, while available reading measures describe a different part of the decision. A parent might look for a book tied to a classroom topic, a child's question, or a favorite branch of science, then compare the description and format before choosing between independent reading and reading together.