NSTA and the Children’s Book Council Announce 2026 List of Top Science Trade Books for K-12 Students

MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), in conjunction with the Children’s Book Council (CBC), has released its annual list of “Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12: 2026.” The list represents the best science trade books published in 2025 for kindergarten through 12^th grade students, with criteria including captivating stories, compelling characters, and beautiful illustrations.

"This year’s science book selections are filled with curiosity-driven stories and imaginative visuals that invite students to explore, question, and dream,” said Bob Lay, Interim CEO of NSTA. “Each title shines not only for the clarity and accuracy of its science but also for its ability to build literacy and spark wonder. We’re proud to celebrate books that nurture young learners and open doors to new ways of understanding the world.”

A curated group of science educators and literacy professionals made up a book review panel and selected 35 books for the list from a competitive roster of submissions. The list of winning titles includes topics that range from black mambas to snowflakes.

The top books went through a rigorous review and the panel followed strict guidelines for selection. Criteria include the amount of science content; presentation of material in a clear, accurate, and up-to-date manner; avoidance of over-simplification; the use of data to support generalizations; and freedom from gender, ethnic, and socioeconomic bias. Titles are grouped by category, including Archaeology, Anthropology, and Paleontology; Biology; Earth and Space Science; Environment and Ecology; Life Science; Physical Science; and Technology and Engineering.

NSTA and CBC have collaborated on the list of Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students since 1973 in an effort to help science educators and family members access quality books that support learning in science. This year’s list and past winning lists can be found on both the NSTA website and the CBC website.

About NSTA

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a vibrant community of 35,000 science educators and professionals committed to best practices in teaching science and its impact on student learning. NSTA offers high-quality science resources and continuous learning so that science educators can grow professionally and excel in their careers. For new and experienced teachers alike, the NSTA community offers the opportunity to network with like-minded peers at the national level, connect with mentors and leading researchers, and learn from the best in the field. For more information, visit https://www.nsta.org/, or follow NSTA on X, formerly known as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

About Children’s Book Council

The Children’s Book Council (CBC) is the nonprofit trade association for children’s book publishers in North America. The CBC creates educational programming, promotes diversity in employment and in book publishing, compiles curated reading lists and resources for teachers, librarians, and booksellers, and fights against the banning of books. Alongside with the NSTA on both the Outstanding Science Trade Books and Best STEM Books, the CBC further oversees a portfolio of national book award programs including CBC Favorites, Youth Book Prize for Social Justice, Free Speech Award, and more. The CBC also manages the national programs of Every Child a Reader.