Find your next great read for International Day of Women and Girls in Science by exploring my reviews of these inspiring YA books featuring young women and girls in STEM.
STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, is the field where women thrive in lucrative and interesting careers like medicine, biotechnology, astronomy, and computer programming. Unfortunately, girls are less likely to choose stem-related careers than boys.
Maybe there aren’t enough YA books featuring young women in STEM to galvanize girls into making such choices. I had a hard time finding novels where the protagonist is an aspiring robotics engineer, chemist, or other STEM-associated field. Still, here are a few YA books featuring young women and girls in STEM to start your list. (I also threw in one that is an adult woman in STEM because it’s so awesome!)
The Future Unborn by Khristina Chess
“There is no place for the word twerking anywhere on your college application. Ever.” ― Khristina Chess, quote from The Future Unborn
So compelling! The Future Unborn grabbed and held my interest from the very beginning. What makes The Future Unborn so special is the contrast between the intense situation Kansas finds herself in with an unplanned pregnancy and her “normal” challenges from being on a team of super-smart teen robotics engineers. There are a lot of funny moments. I loved seeing her journey and the brave choices she makes. The ending is a surprise!
You won’t want to miss this quirky YA book featuring young women in STEM. Fans of Far from the Tree will enjoy this one.
In fact, Khristina Chess is such a great author that she’s on my list of Best YA Authors to Binge on Kindle Unlimited because she’s all-around amazing!
Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson
“A teacher (a good teacher) is composed of molecules of education and intelligence, bonded together by patience and passion.” ― Laurie Halse Anderson, quote from Catalyst
Kate Malone is another hopeful MIT applicant. A smart math and science nerd, she is regimented about organizing all aspects of her life. In fact, she is so confident that MIT will accept her that she has not applied to any other colleges.
Things don’t go as planned. Worse, things change at home that force Kate to adapt in ways she never expected.
While Catalyst wasn’t my favorite Laurie Halse Anderson novel, it does fit this list for YA featuring young women in STEM and is definitely worth reading. Check it out!
Laurie Halse Anderson is another author on my list of Best YA Authors to Binge on Kindle Unlimited.
BONUS: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
“Because while stupid people may not know they’re stupid because they’re stupid, surely unattractive people must know they’re unattractive because of mirrors.” ― Bonnie Garmus, quote from Lessons in Chemistry
Lessons in Chemistry is one of the best books I've read in a while. It made me laugh out loud on many occasions. Elizabeth Zott has a direct and no nonsense practicality about her that is so lovable. Her dog, six thirty, makes a delightful sidekick. That she teaches him almost 1,000 words (and the author gives him a point of view) is beyond wonderful.
Elizabeth's struggles for equality in a male-dominated world were poignant and emotional. She demonstrated great restraint and composure when it wasn't deserved. I felt grateful to women of her generation for the opportunities I enjoy today in the technology workplace.
Since Elizabeth Zott is an adult, this book does not technically fit my list of YA books featuring young women and girls in STEM. Still, it’s an inspiring, page-turning, and important book about women in this field and the challenges faced historically to make progress in this area.
BONUS #2: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
“Everyone likes tall, broody, sullen hunks with genius IQs.” ― Ali Hazelwood, quote from The Love Hypothesis
Ten stars! I laughed out loud, so many times, reading this STEM romance book. The voice of the main character, Olive Smith, was so much fun. The scenarios that she finds herself in during her fake-dating relationship are hilarious.
I loved Adam, too, and how he was bemused by the situation and played along with all the shenanigans.
In the end, there is real depth here. Olive faces serious professional issues in the academic workplace, including sexual harassment. Adam is articulate and direct about what it means to be a good professional mentor and why he strives to do so.
Since Olive and Adam are adults (with adult sexual relationships - be warned), this one also goes beyond YA books featuring young women and girls in STEM, too. However, I’ve included it because 1) it’s very, very STEM, 2) it’s wildly popular and awesome, and 3) you will love it. I promise! Ali Hazelwood inspires women in the technology field. Her other novels are great, too, but start with The Love Hypothesis.
Other Inspiring YA Books Featuring Young Women in STEM
If you are looking for other inspiring YA books featuring young women and girls in STEM, check out the STEM Book Lists on Goodreads. You might also be interested in my post, Other Good Reads, which lists other reviews of Binge-Worthy YA Books So Addicting You Can’t Stop Reading.
Do you have any recommendations for me? I’d love to add more STEM YA books to this list!
Khristina Chess is the award-winning author of several YA novels about troubled teens turning corners. You can find her on Amazon, Goodreads, and Twitter as an active daily contributor in the #5amwritersclub.