Genes play an important role in determining what makes us us. Dive right into these books, which are great resources on genes, DNA, and cutting-edge technology that holds a lot of promise for the future.
Genetics (A True Book: Greatest Discoveries and Discoverers)
by Christine Taylor-Butler
Scientists now know that genes are the blueprint for life, but many years ago they didn’t. They discovered it when they attempted to change the traits of living things by altering their genes. Learn about the a-ha moments these scientists had; and more, with this engaging text
The DNA Book
by Alison Woollard
A colorful, interesting book with an in-depth look at DNA and its role in our lives: what DNA does, why we look like our parents, how DNA evidence helps catch criminals, genetic engineering, and more.
The Human Genome: Mapping the Blueprint of Human Life
by Carla Mooney, illustrated by Tom Casteel
All about the human genome, and how understanding it has added to our knowledge in fields like medicine and human history. With hands-on STEM activities, and discussions on the social and ethical issues of genomic science, this book is a fascinating peek into the world of genetics.
The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna and the Race to Understand our Genetic Code
by Walter Isaacson, Adapted for young readers by Sarah Durand
An account of how Nobel Prize Winner Jennifer Doudna and her colleagues launched CRISPR, a tool that can edit DNA, and a discussion of its potential, and the associated moral implications.
CRISPR: A Powerful Way to Change DNA
by Yolanda Ridge, illustrated by Alex Boersma
An engaging book, with detailed illutsrations that explains CRISPR, and the potential it has in the fields of medicine, food and conservation.
Blood, Bullets and Bone: The Story of Forensic Science from Sherlock Holmes to DNA
by Bridget Heos
A history of modern forensic science right from the 1700s to modern times, with its advanced technology, including DNA testing, which has changed the world of forensic science.
Biodiversity: Explore the Diversity of Life on Earth with Environmental Science Activities for Kids (Build It Yourself)
by Laura Perdew (Author), Tom Casteel (Illustrator)
Calling all middle schoolers who are curious about life on earth and its biodiversity. This hands-on STEM-based book is filled with activities to engage critical thinking, as well as lead readers to explorations of the biodiversity around them.
I Can Be a Science Detective: Fun STEM Activities for Kids
by Claudia Martin
Simple hands-on experiments on how to catch a thief, extract DNA from strawberries, and much more!
Extract DNA with Rosalind Franklin: Women in Science Interactive Book With Illustrations
Rosalind Franklin is a known chemist and x-ray crystallographer who is passionate about DNA. She loves sharing her knowledge about this fantastic discovery: she was the first person to discover the shape of DNA! With her expert guidance, readers will be able to experiment at home and make discoveries for themselves.
She Persisted: Rosalind Franklin
by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Chelsea Clinton, Alexandra Boiger (Illustrator), Gillian Flint (Illustrator)
A biography of the amazing woman who persisted in following her dreams to become a scientist and played an important role in the discovery of the shape of the DNA.
Saving the Tasmanian Devil: How Science is Helping the World’s Largest Marsupial Carnivore Survive
by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
This book describes how scientists are working to prevent and eradicate genetic diseases, and helping to save Tasmanian Devils, which are dying in large numbers due a deadly disease.
De-Extinction: The Science of Bringing Lost Species Back to Life
by Rebecca E. Hirsch
This book explains how scientists are trying to reverse extinction and bring back species to life, using techniques like cloning. It also discusses the pros and cons of de-extinction.
Susan Summers is a wildlife enthusiast and an author. Contact her at: https://susan-inez-summers.weebly.com/
Shruthi Rao is an author. Her home on the web is https://shruthi-rao.com