Outstanding Science List

A list that represents each year’s best science books, chosen by science educators.

A joint project of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and the CBC since 1973, Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 represents the year’s best science books, chosen by science educators. The selection panel looks for well-presented books that contain substantial science content, that are also clear, accurate, up-to-date, and reflect current scientific research.

The annotated bibliographies feature titles published in the previous calendar year and selected by a book review committee appointed by the NSTA. Titles are grouped by category, including Archaeology, Anthropology, and Paleontology; Biography; Earth and Space Science; Environment and Ecology; Life Science; Physical Science; and Technology and Engineering. Each annotation contains bibliographic data.

NOTE: The 2024 Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 have just been announced! A listing can be found here and the full list with annotations in PDF will be posted here soon.