Mountains are some of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth, towering above clouds, shaped by volcanoes and glaciers, and home to incredible plants, animals, and people. From icy Himalayan peaks to rugged mountain ranges around the world, these powerful landscapes shape ecosystems and challenge explorers. The books below invite middle grade readers to discover the science, adventure, survival, and wonder found at the top of the world.
Mountain: Go On a Grand Tour of the Highest Places on Earth by Jason Bittel and Sandra Neuditschko
This browseable guide showcases mountain ranges, plateaus, volcanoes, and tepuis across the world. From the pink sand of Mount Roraima to the Himalayan glaciers, the book’s breathtaking landscapes and close-up photos of mountain-dwelling creatures highlight the geographic and ecological diversity of the planet’s mountains.
There’s a Mountain in this Book by Rachel Elliott and Genevieve Lacroix
With clever die-cut flaps and interactive gatefolds, the book takes readers on a global trek through mountain ecosystems, geology, and wildlife. Engaging visuals and tactile exploration make learning about Earth’s peaks fun, informative, and perfect for curious young explorers.
At the Top of the World: The greatest mountains on Earth (and how to climb them) by Robin Jacobs and Ed J. Brown
An engaging, beautifully illustrated guide to eight of Earth’s most iconic peaks, merging mountain geology, ecosystems, cultural stories, and climbing challenges. Accessible text explains routes, risks, gear, and knots with vibrant visuals that inspire curiosity and adventure. Perfect for young explorers and budding climbers alike.
Map & Track Mountains by Heather C. Hudak
Part of a larger series about biomes and their animal inhabitants, this short book is packed full of facts. Each spread features a different mountain range, including some lesser-known ranges like the Harz Mountains in Germany and the Virunga Chain in east Africa. Sidebars focus on one species at a time, mapping its habitat and describing conservation efforts.
Spin to Survive: Frozen Mountain by Emily Hawkins and R. FressonIn this immersive, “choose-your-own adventure” story, each page presents a new dilemma…and the consequences could be life or death. After disaster strikes in the Alps, readers must rely on their own wits (and a bit of luck!) to avoid avalanches, altitude sickness, frostbite, bears and more. The book comes with a game spinner that adds a unique element of chance to the reading experience.
Danger on the Mountain! True Stories of Extreme Adventure by Gregg Treinish and Kitson Jazynca
A thrilling collection of true adventure tales that plunge readers into wild mountain quests, extreme terrain, and close encounters with nature’s fiercest challenges. Gregg Treinish’s real-life exploits, told through gripping, kid-friendly storytelling, inspire courage, curiosity, and respect for the natural world while keeping young explorers on the edge of their seats.
Survival Scout: Lost in the Mountains by Maxwell Eaton III
The first in a graphic novel series, Scout and her brother set off on an epic backpacking adventure, only to immediately get lost. Instead of panicking, Scout gets to work, taking an inventory of their belongings, building a shelter, and signalling for help. Visual diagrams, wilderness survival tips, and plenty of humorous moments make this a captivating read for adventurous kids!
Mountains by Sarah Eason
Sarah Eason’s newest book, due to launch this August, explores the interconnected systems and special adaptations that allow plants and animals to thrive in mountain habitats. Eason highlights the important roles that various plants and animals play in their ecosystems, from the symbiotic relationship between birds and trees in the Rocky Mountains to the importance of mountain gorilla poop!
Mountains: Explore Earth’s Majestic Mountain Habitats by Charlotte Guillain and Chris Madden
A richly illustrated journey through the world’s mountain landscapes, blending science, wildlife, and cultures. Clear, engaging text uncovers how different species survive at high altitudes and how mountain habitats shape life. Perfect for curious readers, this book inspires wonder and respect for Earth’s towering ecosystems.
Saving the Ghost of the Mountain: An Expedition Among Snow Leopards in Mongolia by Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop
A poetic and fascinating account of a scientific expedition to study elusive snow leopards. Blending field science with stunning photography and heartfelt narrative, this book brings readers into Mongolia’s rugged wilderness. Educational and moving, it highlights conservation challenges while celebrating the beauty of one of the world’s most mysterious big cats.
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This month’s STEM Tuesday book list was prepared by:
Lydia Lukidis is an award-winning author of 60+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include UP, UP HIGH: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere (Capstone, 2025), DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024), and DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023) which was a Crystal Kite winner for the Canada and North America division, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Honor, a Cybils Award nominee, and winner of the Dogwood Readers Award. A science enthusiast from a young age, Lydia now incorporates her studies in science and her everlasting curiosity into her books. Another passion of hers is fostering a love for children’s literacy through the writing workshops she regularly offers in elementary schools across Quebec with the Culture in the Schools program. For more information, please visit www.lydialukidis.com.
Callie Dean is a researcher, writer, and musician living in Shreveport, LA. Her first picture book, Marvelous Mistakes: Accidents That Made History, will be published in 2026. For more information, please visit https://calliebdean.com.
