There’s no denying it, we can’t escape the growing fields of robotics and artificial intelligence. Below are book suggestions for readers who wish to learn more about the history of robotics and AI, as well as how to create their own inventions
National Geographic Kids Everything Robotics: All the Photos, Facts, and Fun to Make You Race for Robots
by Jen Swanson
Robots don’t simply occupy the space of fiction these days, as they have infiltrated every day life. Robots can fix aircrafts, dance, tell jokes, and even clean your carpet! Swanson gives a great history of robotics and also adds a section of the future of robotics. Fantastic writing along with eye catching visuals.
Spare Parts (Young Readers’ Edition): The True Story of Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and an Impossible Dream
By Reyna Grande (Adapter), Joshua Davis (Author)
Spare Parts is a true story based on Joshua Davis’ New York Times bestseller. The narrative chronicles the life of four undocumented Mexican teenagers who join a robotics class. Through that class, a new friendships develops. With their passion and determination, they take on MIT in the National Robotics Nationals Championship.
Machines That Think!: Big Ideas That Changed the World
by Don Brown
Award-winning author Don Brown explores computers and technology in this installment of the Big Ideas that Changed the World series. Brown takes a look at machines throughout history, giving a nod to great minds such as Ada Lovelace and Bill Gates. It’s written as a graphic novel with punchy illustrations.
Machine Learning for Kids: A Project-Based Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
by Dale Lane
This is a hands-on application-based introduction to machine learning and AI (artificial intelligence). Readers will be able to create AI-powered games and applications using Scratch programming language. Some ideas are a Rock, Paper, Scissors game that recognizes your hand shapes and a movie recommendation app.
Bots! Robotics Engineering: With Hands-On Makerspace Activities 
by Kathy Ceceri and Lena Chandhok
This book explores how robots play a vital role in our world. It details the history and theory of programming and robotics, and includes many hands-on robotics projects that help children learn design, engineering, and coding. It’s beautifully formatted and fun to read
Robot
by Lucy Rogers
Get up close and personal with more than 100 different robots, from automata to androids. This browseable book from DK is divided into sections based on different jobs the robots perform, like rescuing people after natural disasters, packing food in factories, and taking care of hospital patients. Each spread features captivating, full-color photo illustrations as well as essential statistics and facts about each robot.
Maker Comics: Build a Robot
by Colleen AF Venable and Kathryn Hudson
A talking toaster? An army of evil robots? A plot to take over the world? Embedded within this outrageously entertaining graphic novel are step-by-step instructions for building robots. Using easy-to-source components and everyday household items, readers can follow along with this “ultimate DIY guide” to make six different working bots.
Artificial Intelligence: Thinking Machines and Smart Robots 
by Angie Smibert
For kids that want to dive a little deeper into artificial intelligence, this book provides a great primer. It explores the development and implications of emerging AI technology from a variety of perspectives, including sci-fi, computer science, and ethics. Pop-out sections introduce readers to essential vocabulary words and encourage hands-on exploration of concepts.
Science Comics: Robots and Drones: Past, Present, and Future
by Mairghread Scott and Jacob Chabot
A mechanical bird named Pouli leads readers on a whirlwind tour of the history and technology behind robots and drones. Like other volumes in the Science Comics series, this book is packed full of information, and its graphic novel format is sure to keep kids engaged.
Hubots: Real-World Robots Inspired by Humans
by Helaine Becker and Alex Ries
Humanoid robots, or “hubots,” can walk, talk, think, learn, work, and play. This short book features 10 different hubots, explaining both the human-like features and the superhuman abilities of these incredible machines.
This month’s STEM Tuesday book list was prepared by:
Lydia Lukidis is the author of 50+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024), DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023) and THE BROKEN BEES’ NEST (Kane Press, 2019) which was nominated for a Cybils Award. A science enthusiast from a young age, she 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. She writes stories that spark curiosity and encourage kids to explore their world. For more information, please visit https://calliebdean.com.
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