Best Science & Technology Biographies Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, Young Reader's Edition is a captivating memoir of a young inventor, William Kamkwamba, who brought electricity to his Malawian village during a terrible drought that left his family with nothing to eat. Using scrap metal and old bicycle parts, William built a windmill that brought electricity to his home and helped his family pump the water they needed to farm the land. The book is complete with photographs, illustrations, and an epilogue that brings readers up to date on William's story. Overall, this book is an inspiring read that highlights the importance of curiosity, ingenuity, and resilience in overcoming difficult situations.

The book "Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World" written by Rachel Ignotofsky is a fascinating collection of 50 women who have made significant contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) throughout history. The book includes striking illustrations, scientific glossary, and infographics that provide relevant information about lab equipment and the current rate of women working in STEM fields. Rachel Ignotofsky has done an excellent job of highlighting the achievements of these intrepid women who have paved the way for the next generation of female scientists. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in STEM and women's achievements.

The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Rivalry, Adventure, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements (Young Readers Edition) is an extraordinary book that chronicles the fascinating stories behind one of the greatest scientific tools in existence: the periodic table. This young readers edition of the New York Times bestseller offers a simple, easy-to-follow format with approximately 20 line drawings and sidebars throughout. The author, Sam Kean, has done an excellent job of bringing the history of chemistry to life, making it an enjoyable read for students, teachers, and science enthusiasts alike. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of science and the amazing stories behind the elements on the periodic table.

The Jazz of Physics is an intriguing exploration of the connections between music and science, particularly jazz and physics. Author Stephon Alexander, a physicist and jazz musician, draws on the work of great minds like Pythagoras, Kepler, Newton, Einstein, and Rakim to explore the concept of the "Music of the Spheres" and its potential to clarify issues in physics. The book is part memoir, part history of science, and part physics popularization, making for a compelling read. Overall, The Jazz of Physics is a unique and fascinating book that will appeal to anyone interested in the mysteries of the universe, music, and life itself.

The Woman All Spies Fear: Code Breaker Elizebeth Smith Friedman and Her Hidden Life is an inspiring and well-written book that sheds light on the life of Elizebeth Smith Friedman, one of the most prolific codebreakers in US history. The author, Amy Butler Greenfield, does an excellent job of bringing to life the story of this female pioneer of the STEM community, who played a major role in decoding messages during both World War I and II, despite the fact that most women weren't welcome in the workforce at the time. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in history, cryptography, or women's contributions to science and technology.

Galaxy Girls: 50 Amazing Stories of Women in Space is a groundbreaking compendium that honors the true stories of fifty inspirational women who helped fuel some of the greatest achievements in space exploration. From Ada Lovelace in the nineteenth century to the “colored computers” behind the Apollo missions, this book celebrates the band of heroic sisters and their often little-known scientific achievements. Written by Libby Jackson, a British expert in human spaceflight, and illustrated with striking artwork from the students of London College of Communication, Galaxy Girls is a must-read for all ages. This book is a perfect tribute to the women who played an essential role in the story of humankind’s quest to reach the stars.

Galileo and the Magic Numbers is a historical biography book for teens and young adults that tells the story of Galileo's life and his quest for truth. The author, Sidney Rosen, provides an engaging and informative account of Galileo's work in mathematics, physics, and astronomy. Rosen's writing is accessible and easy to understand, making this book a great introduction to Galileo's life and work. Overall, Galileo and the Magic Numbers is an excellent choice for anyone interested in science and history.

El niño que domó el viento / The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Spanish Edition) is an inspiring memoir of survival and perseverance based on the true story of William Kamkwamba, a young inventor who brought electricity to his village in Malawi. After his family lost everything to a terrible drought, William used his imagination and determination to build a windmill out of recycled materials, bringing electricity and water to his home and changing the fate of his family and country. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for a heartwarming story of hope and innovation.

Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different: A Biography is a fascinating and insightful look into the life of one of the most innovative minds of our time. Karen Blumenthal takes readers on a journey through Jobs' life, from his birth to his battle with cancer. The book also explores the evolution of computers and the impact Jobs had on the industry. Blumenthal does an excellent job of capturing Jobs' personality and his drive for perfection. The book is well-written, engaging, and provides a unique perspective on a man who changed the world. Overall, this is a must-read for anyone interested in technology, business, or innovation.

The Bones of Birka by C. M. Surrisi is an engaging nonfiction book for young adults that tells the inside story of the Birka warrior grave Bj 581 archaeological endeavor. The book offers an impartial discussion of the controversial DNA findings for the person in the Viking grave and the impact it has had on scientists' and historians' views of gender roles in ancient societies. It includes all the dreams, setbacks, frustrations, excitement, politics, and personalities that went into this history-changing discovery. The book raises crucial questions about research bias, academic dialogue, and gender identity. Overall, this book is a fascinating read and a must-read for anyone interested in Viking history and archaeology.