Math and Science Nonfiction Books
Math and science nonfiction books have long been among my favorite nonfiction books to read. Since I first read Henrietta Lacks, I have read some amazing books, and I wanted to put my favorites on a list. If you know me, I do not love math, but I love these books. Who would have thought?
I think that it is easy to get intimidated by a book about math or science if these are not your “thing”. The books on this list are so interesting and informative. These authors have a way of taking information that could be complicated in lesser hands and making it intriguing and readable.
These books are not only about genetics and medicine, but also include Nonfiction Books About Animals and nonfiction books about the weather. If you have followed us for a little while, you know that a fun fact about Kirsten is that she loves Novels about Weather.
The Best Math and Science Nonfiction Books
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Nonfiction Math Book
Humble Pi by Matt Parker
The Best Nonfiction Science Book
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Math Nonfiction Books
Humble Pi
Author: Matt Parker
Year: 2020
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: International Bestseller
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This book revolves around math and how we use it in everyday life. Throughout the book, readers learn about real-life mistakes, mishaps, and near misses that all came about because of mathematical errors. Who knew math could be so entertaining?
Why Kirsten loves it
My math-obsessed 12-year-old got this from my sister and devoured it in just a few days. While reading, he regaled us all with funny anecdotes and stories from its pages. He wears a shirt that says it’s all fun and games until someone divides by zero – a scenario this book talks about after exactly that mistake stalled a battleship in the middle of the ocean!
Find this book in: Best Books for a 13-year-olds / Math and Science Nonfiction Books
Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Woman Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race (Young Readers Edition)
Author: Margot Lee Shetterly
Year: 2016
Genre: Nonfiction
Age: 9 – 12
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Plot
This true and amazing story is about Black female mathematicians and their role in the space race. So many people know this story because of the movie, but the book gives so many more details. This young reader edition is edited for younger readers.
These women, who were originally sent to teach math in the South’s segregated schools, were called into service during WWII. They were some of the most brilliant minds of their generation. They eventually helped in the race to space during the Cold War.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Sexism
Why Jackie loves it
When I read this book, years before the movie came out, I couldn’t put it down. I was mesmerized by what these overlooked women had gone through as they worked to help their country. I recently gave my daughter this version so she could read the story as well.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Best Books for 12-year-olds / Math and Science Nonfiction Books
Science Nonfiction Books
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Author: Rebecca Skloot
Year: 2010
Genre: Nonfiction Science
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 14+
Plot
In the 1950s an African-American woman named Henrietta Lacks unknowingly had her cells taken. These cells, known as HeLa, were the first human cells to survive outside the human body and could reproduce indefinitely. HeLa cells became the basis for medical breakthroughs from the creation of the Polio vaccine to cancer and Aids research. However, Henrietta Lacks’s family was never compensated for her contribution to science and could not afford to pay medical bills despite the cells making billions for companies.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Jackie loves it
I read this book a few years ago and I was absolutely stunned. With each page, I kept thinking to myself “this can’t be true” and yet, somehow, it was. If you have not read this non-fiction book about poverty and science, it should be at the top of your list.
Find this book in: Books About Poverty / Best Nonfiction Books / Thought-Provoking Books / Books About Women in STEM / Math and Science Nonfiction Books
The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness
Author: Sy Montgomery
Year: 2015
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Sy Montgomery is a naturalist who explores consciousness through the stories of animals- particularly Octopuses. The lives of these shy, amazing animals are unlike any other animal on the planet. These intelligent creatures, who have such distinct personalities are the backdrop for this wonderful feel-good nonfiction book.
Why Jackie loves it
My mom recommended this book to me for a feel-good book about animals for adults and it was exactly what I needed. Be warned! After reading this book, you may never be able to eat octopus again.
Find this book in: Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Nonfiction Books About Animals / Best Nonfiction Books / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021 / Math and Science Nonfiction Books
Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family
Author: Robert Kolker
Year: 2020
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: June 2020 Oprah’s Book Club Pick
#1 New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 15+
Plot
Stop everything and add Hidden Valley Road to your TBR now!! All I can say is wow! This favorite is one of the best books on Mental Illness and an absolutely fascinating non-fiction book.
This is the amazing story of Don and Mimi Galvin, whose family paved the way for schizophrenia research over the past 50 years. Of their 12 children- 10 sons and 2 daughters, 6 of the boys have schizophrenia.
The struggles of this family to survive through the age of lobotomies and institutionalization provide a look into the history of this disorder. It’s unbelievable to think how far we’ve come, and yet, we are not even close to understanding this disease.
Trigger Warnings
Suicide, Mental illness, Sexual Assault
Why Kirsten loves it
I think it’s unbelievable to think how far we’ve come, and yet, we are not even close to understanding this disease. I could not put this book down.
Why Jackie loves it
I found this book to be absolutely fascinating and heartbreaking at the same time. It is still shocking to me how much we do not understand about the human mind and how much stigma there is with mental illness.
Find this book in: Books on Mental Illness / 20 Best Books of 2020 / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Best Oprah’s Book Club Books / Best Nonfiction Books / Oprah Book Club List 2020
The Genome Odyssey: Medical Mysteries and the Incredible Quest to Solve Them by
Author: Euan Angus Ashley
Year: 2021
Genre: nonfiction
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Wow! I found this book completely fascinating and enlightening. It has the best of mystery fiction while being completely true. The development of medical technology to map the human genome has so many amazing implications.
From diseases of the retina and hemophilia to numerous cardiovascular diseases, discovering genetic mutations is the first step in finding more tailored and specific treatments. This book left me feeling so hopeful for medical advancements in the future.
Why Jackie loves it
This book left me feeling so hopeful for medical advancements in the future.
Find this book in: Math and Science Nonfiction Books
Plot
I’ve always been obsessed with the weather, specifically Hurricanes. These forces of nature are beautiful from above and deadly from below.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved this non-fiction story of the 1900 Galveston, TX tornado and the meteorologist on the ground – Isaac. From the warning signs to the devastating aftermath, this book read like a novel.
Find this book in: Science and Math Nonfiction Books
Plot
I usually do not read non-fiction books but this was so intriguing to me. Each chapter of the book features one of the greatest scientific errors ever made. And as the name suggests, there are seven of them.
It made me look at everything in an entirely new way. I don’t want to give anything away by telling you what the chapters are about
Why Jackie loves it
This book made me look at everything in an entirely new way. I don’t want to give anything away by telling you what the chapters are about, but it was absolutely fascinating. I really loved this book.
Find this book in: Math and Science Nonfiction Books
Expert Tip
Hearing the term nonfiction science book can seem a little daunting if you are not a “science person”, which is why I wanted to create this list. These nonfiction science books are readable and relatable. You do not need to have a vast knowledge ahead of time to enjoy these books.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your favorite nonfiction science book?
My favorite science nonfiction book is The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. It has stayed with me for years. I also love the book Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery. This is a perfect book for anyone who loves Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt.
There are a few books on my TBR: A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking and Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil DeGrasse Tyson.
Related Content
Epilogue
What is your favorite nonfiction science or math book?
