The Best Space Books for Kids

Does your child love space? Are you looking for some book recommendations for your future space scientist? I’ve collected the best space books for kids. I get commissions for purchases made through affiliate links in this post.

The Best Space Books for Kids

When Aiden was 7, he wanted to be a space scientist as his future career. I have a whole post of Out of This World Space Toys and Gifts for Kids. I also have a collection of Planet Activities for Kids – many of which have book recommendations to go along with the activity. I wanted compile a fresh list of space book recommendations.

The Astronaut Handbook

Learn what it takes to become an astronaut in The Astronaut Handbook by Meghan McCarthy. Brace yourself for a ride on the “Vomit Comet,” learn how it feels to be weightless, and imagine what it’s like to be measured for your own space suit. You’ll love this book for it’s plethora of of details and a bit of humor.

Going Around The Sun: Some Planetary Fun

Going Around the Sun: Some Planetary Fun by Marianne Berkes is a fun take a solar system book. I love this quote by Neil deGrasse Tyson about the book: “If the Sun were a poet, then Going Around the Sun captures just what it would say to its beloved family of planets.” Berkes has written the book in the style of the poem Over in the Meadow by Olive A. Wadsworth.

Our Planet Order Activity was inspired by this book.

I Am Neil Armstrong

I Am Neil Armstrong by Brad Meltzer is part of his Ordinary People Change the World series. I am a fan of this whole series. Meltzer does a great job of telling kids about a person in a relatable way. It introduces readers to Neil Armstrong as a child and then talks about how he became an astronaut who walked on the moon.

Mousetronaut

Mousetronaut is written by astronaut Mark Kelly. A little mouse, Meteor, dreams of going to space, so he trains hard to be chosen for the mission. Meteor eventually finds he way into helping the astronauts solve a problem in space. I like how this story was inspired by the real-life micetronauts that Kelly flew with in space.

You Are the First Kid on Mars

You Are the First Kid on Mars by Patrick O’Brien is a super interesting read for space enthusiasts. You’ll love learning what it might be like to live on Mars. The book is full of details so you’ll be able to imagine yourself there.

The Astronaut with a Song for the Stars: The Story of Dr. Ellen Ochoas

The Astronaut with a Song for the Stars: The Story of Dr. Ellen Ochoa by Julia Finley Mosca was sent to us by the publisher for review. It is Mosca’s fourth book in her series of Amazing Scientists. Mosca’s rhyming style tells the story of Dr. Ochoa in a unique way. We learn of her childhood dreams and how she kept learning and never gave up. Eventually, she became the first Latina in space and went on to gain many more accolades. The back of the book includes a note from Dr. Ochoa as well as a timeline illustrating her life and notes from the authors interview with Dr. Ochoa.

13 Planets: The Latest View of the Solar System

13 Planets: The Latest View of the Solar System by David Aguilar is an up to date guide to our solar system. It includes our 9 planets plus the 4 dwarf planets. You’ll also learn about the sun, the Oort Cloud, comets, and more.

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly is a picture book based on her New York Times bestselling book and the Academy Award–nominated movie about the true story of four black women who helped NASA journey to space. The picture book version brings the story to life with gorgeous illustrations.

The Moon Book

The Moon Book by Gail Gibbons teaches us all about the moon. I love Gail Gibbon’s style. Her books are always well illustrated and full of information that easy for kids to understand.

Margaret and the Moon

Margaret and the Moon by Dean Robbins tells the story of Margaret Hamilton. She loved using math to solve problems. She was a computer programmer for NASA and helped Apollo 11 land on the moon.

Moon! Earth’s Best Friend

Moon! Earth’s Best Friend by Stacy McAnulty is book 3 of 5 in the Our Universe series. Told from the Moon’s point of view, this non-fiction picture book teaches us all about the rock that’s closest to Earth. The other books in the series are about Earth, the Sun, ocean waves, and Mars.

Letters from Space

Letters from Space by Clayton Anderson is a fun insight into what it’s like to be an astronaut. In the book, Astronaut Clayton writes letters to different people throughout his time aboard the International Space Station. This one is a light-hearted quick read that kids will love.

The Stellar Story of Space Travel

The Stellar Story of Space Travel by Patricia Lakin is full of information about the history of space travel. This Level 3 Ready-to-Read book is perfect for high-ability readers grades 1-3.

Journey to Pluto (Ready Jet Go!)

Journey to Pluto (Ready Jet Go!) by Jordan D. Brown is another Ready to Read book. It is a Level 2 book appropriate for independent readers kindergarten – 2nd grade. If your child is a fan of Ready Jet Go!, they will enjoy following the kids to Pluto to deliver the dwarf planet some cards they made. Learn facts about Pluto along the way. There are several other Ready Jet Go! books based on the TV show. Check your local library to see what’s available!

Astronomy for Kids: How to Explore Outer Space with Binoculars, a Telescope, or Just Your Eyes!

Astronomy for Kids: How to Explore Outer Space with Binoculars, a Telescope, or Just Your Eyes! by Dr. Bruce Betts is an illustrated guidebook for ages 7-13 (or anyone really). Learn how to identify 30 objects in the sky without any equipment, including Orion’s Belt, the Big Dipper, Mars, and the International Space Station. Also check out 25 sights magnified with binoculars or a telescope.

What are your favorite space books for kids?

Looking for Gift Ideas for Space Loving Kids?

Try this list of Out of This World Space Toys and Gifts for Kids.

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