Multicultural Books That Celebrate Girls in S.T.E.M.

Jobs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (S.T.E.M.) fields are some of the most highly paid and respected in our society, yet less than half of them (43 percent, according to the National Science Foundation) are held by women.

Why aren’t more girls choosing S.T.E.M careers? It’s not because they can’t do the work. Yes, girls generally are more verbal than boys, but that doesn’t mean they can’t add or do a science experiment.  Girls lose interest in S.T.E.M. subjects because they have fewer role models, and parents and teachers often don’t steer them toward activities like the Math Club or the Robotics Team. 

Getting girls interested in math and science early-on is one way to increase female representation in S.T.E.M fields. This group of  engaging multicultural books that celebrates girls in S.T.E.M. does just that. 

 

Emmy in the Key of Code by Aimee Lucido – Written in free verse and Java script, this innovative middle grade novel tells the story of Emmy’s introduction to a new school, new friends, and a computer coding class, after her musician parents move the family from Wisconsin to San Francisco. 

“This unusual tale seamlessly weaves basic computer coding concepts into a compelling story about middle schoolers struggling to forge their own identities in spite of the expectations of their families and society.”—School Library Journal Ages 8-12

 

Jada Jones: Sleepover Scientist by Kelly Starling Lyons – Jada is hosting her first sleepover, and her besties are looking forward to a night of movies, giggles, and staying up late, but the science-loving fourth grader has other ideas. When her scripted plans to do science activities all night explode like a botched chemistry experiment, Jada lightens up and learns the formula for fun. This is Book Three in a series that encourages girls to explore leadership and S.T.E.M. Ages 6-8

 

 

Two Naomi’s by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich and Audrey Vernick – Told in the viewpoint of two girls, both named Naomi, this interesting book tackles the issues of divorce and the blending of families, through a child’s view.  Brought together when their parents start dating, the girls bond in a computer coding class they’re forced to join and learn lessons about being a true friend. Ages 8-12

 

 

Girls Who Code: The Friendship Code by Stacia Deutsch  –Lucy’s excited about joining the after school computer coding club until she’s matched with girls she doesn’t know well in this fun and mysterious story about computer coding and friendship. The Friendship Code is the first book in the Girls Who Code series. Ages 8-12

 

 

Sophie Washington: Code One by Tonya Duncan Ellis –Xavier Academy is having a computer coding competition with a huge cash prize! Sixth grader Sophie and her friend Chloe can’t wait to enter with their other classmates, Nathan and Toby. The only problem is that the boys don’t think the girls are smart enough for their team and have already asked two other kids to work with them. Determined to beat the boys, Sophie and Chloe join forces with classmates Mariama, Valentina, and “brainiac,” Rani Patel, to form their own all-girl team called “Code One” with hilarious results. Ages 8-12

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
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