In celebration of Black History Month, Wonder Workshop is delighted to share a fresh collection of books that shine a spotlight on the incredible achievements of African American innovators in various science and technology fields. Perfect for readers ages 6–12, these engaging titles not only spark curiosity about STEM but also encourage young learners to dream big, stay creative, and work hard. We hope this list inspires meaningful conversations at home and in the classroom, and helps readers understand how determination and imagination can lead to amazing accomplishments.
This is list is all new for 2025!
Work It, Girl: Blast Off Into Space Like Mae Jemison by Caroline Moss, illustrated by Sinem Erkas.
The illustrated biography from the Work It, Girl series tells the story of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space, and her journey from a curious child to a trailblazing astronaut. Through 10 key lessons and self-reflection prompts, readers learn how to apply her resilience and ambition to their own lives.
Black Women in Science: A Black History Book for Kids by Kimberly Brown Pellum, Ph.D.
This collection of short biographies profiles 15 extraordinary Black women who made lasting impacts in STEM. From Bessie Coleman soaring as a pioneering aviator to Jane Cooke Wright revolutionizing cancer treatment, readers ages 9-12 will uncover stories of innovation and resilience.
Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 by Helaine Becker, illustrated by Dow Phumiruk.
Katherine Johnson’s love for numbers and curiosity about the universe led her to become one of NASA’s most remarkable mathematicians, playing a key role in the safe return of Apollo 13. This engaging biography follows her journey from a gifted child to a history-making scientist whose work changed the course of space exploration.
Black Inventors: 15 Inventions that Changed the World by Kathy Trusty.
Explore the remarkable achievements of 15 Black inventors whose innovations shaped the world. From Marie Van Brittan Brown’s creation of the home security system to Lisa Gelobter’s development of web animation technology, each story highlights creativity and perseverance. This book celebrates the inventors’ lasting legacies and the impact of their groundbreaking work.
The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver by Gene Barretta, illustrated by Frank Morrison.
This beautifully illustrated picture book explores George Washington Carver’s childhood, where his secret garden nurtured his love for plants and nature. It follows his path from a boy born into slavery to a renowned scientist and botanist whose agricultural innovations transformed farming practices. Through vivid storytelling, this book highlights Carver’s curiosity, resourcefulness, and enduring impact on the environment and society.
Tiny Stitches: The Life of Medical Pioneer Vivien Thomas by Gwendolyn Hooks, illustrated by Colin Bootman.
Tiny Stitches tells the story of Vivien Thomas, a self-taught surgeon who, despite facing racism and never attending medical school, became a key figure in the development of the procedure used in the first successful pediatric open heart surgery. Though his contributions were left unrecognized in the official report, Vivien’s groundbreaking work changed the future of pediatric surgery.
The Unstoppable Garrett Morgan: Inventor, Entrepreneur, Hero by Joan DiCicco, illustrated by Ebony Glenn.
This story follows the inspiring journey of an Garret Morgan, the son of freed slaves and inventive African American entrepreneur who turned his creative ideas into life-saving innovations. In addition to creating the prototype for the three way traffic signal we use today, Morgan designed a gas mask that would later play a critical role in a rescue operation following a deadly tunnel collapse.
Flying Free: How Bessie Coleman’s Dreams Took Flight by Karyn Parsons, illustrated by Gregory Christie
Denied entry to U.S. flight schools due to her race and gender, the legendary Bessie Coleman traveled to France to earn her pilot’s license and become the first Black woman and Native American aviator. Upon returning to the U.S., she thrilled audiences with her daring air show performances, standing firm in her commitment to equality by refusing to perform for segregated crowds.
Sweet Dreams, Sarah by Vivian Kirkfield, illustrated by Chris Ewald
This illustrated biography tells the story of Sarah Goode, a creative inventor who was one of the first known Black women to receive a patent in the United States. In 1885, Sarah invented a revolutionary folding cabinet bed, providing a smart solution for people struggling with limited space in their apartments.
Buzzing with Questions: The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner by Janice Harrington, illustrated by Theodore Taylor III
This engaging picture book introduces young readers to Charles Henry Turner, the first Black entomologist whose curiosity about the natural world led to incredible discoveries about insects. From exploring how ants navigate to whether spiders can learn, Turner’s curious questions and experiments pushed the boundaries of science, even when he was confronted with prejudice.
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