Every September, Canadian schools, libraries, community groups, and science centres celebrate Science Literacy Week. It's a great opportunity to have fun while encouraging science exploration and learning.

As part of our contribution to the celebration, we have collected science book recommendations from our staff. Check out this list for book ideas that are sure to get your neurons sparking!

Ada Twist, Scientist

Submitted by Erin - Campaign Manager

This is a delightful book about a young girl who is full of curiosity and driven to experiment. Ada proves that anyone is a scientist as long as they are asking questions and trying to find the answers.

Ignition! An Informal History of Liquid Rocket Propellant

Submitted by Joel - Science Presenter

This book provides an engaging and in-depth introduction to rocket science. It is a surprisingly fun and easy read that provides insights into how some of our favourite rockets get off the ground.

Plant the Tiny Seed

Submitted by Sam - Staff Scientist, CuriousCITY

This interactive book is great for toddlers! The simple story goes through the life cycle of a zinnia flower planted in a garden. The text encourages children to join the flower’s journey by pressing the seed into the soil, wiggling their fingers to add water, and even shooing away a hungry snail.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Submitted by Cate - Staff Scientist, Health Zone

Cells from Henrietta’s cervical cancer tumor became an immortal cell line called HeLa. She died shortly after the cells were collected, but they lived on to support countless biological research pursuits like creating the vaccine for polio, researching cancer, and mapping genes. Her cells even visited space. But these cells were taken without consent – her family continued to live without access to proper healthcare and completely unaware that their mother’s cells were being sold across the globe for research. Author Rebecca Skloot tells the story of these amazing cells and their contributions to medicine while diving into ethical issues of race and class in medical research.

The Most Magnificent Thing

Submitted by Bernadette - School Program Specialist

A book about a girl who has an incredible idea to use her maker skills to make the most magnificent thing. This book has terrific messages about creativity, perseverance, and navigating emotions. The main character works through the complications and frustrations of trying to get her project just right. Even though it doesn’t work the first, or second, or tenth time … she persists.

Longitude

Submitted by Alan - President & CEO

This book tells the incredible story of John Harrison, who figured out that if you wanted to understand your location on the ocean – east to west – (your longitude), the best way to do that was to have an accurate time keeping system. He built the very first clocks that would work on ships. And when he figured that out he transformed the science and safety of maritime navigation. It’s an incredible read!

The Darkest Dark

Submitted by Brianne - Senior Manager, People and Culture

Written by Canadian astronaut, Chris Hadfield, this is the story of little Chris who is afraid of the dark. When Chris sees the first moon landing on TV, he is inspired to become an astronaut but that means he has to deal with the darkest dark – outer space. This book is inspiring and has a great message that encourages children to follow their dreams.