100 books like The Spider-Queen

I adore superhero fiction, but it is hard to find good versions of it outside of visual mediums like comics and film. This book was one of the first superhero novels I found, and it is a lot of fun.

Penelope wants nothing more than to develop superpowers and be a hero like her parents, but instead, she develops mad scientist powers that lead to utter chaos! I squirmed as the young characters got themselves deeper and deeper into trouble, but I also laughed at this madcap superhero world filled with puns, metal-eating robots, and epic adventure. 

Magic meets alchemy with this whimsical epic mix of Steampunk, Fantasy, and Fae legend. I love the romance of this book, as well as the complicated world-building and lyrical prose.

Sylvie is a great character because she’s heartfelt and vulnerable but still a fighter. Living on the border between the magical and “real” world, she creates alchemical elixirs to protect herself and the orphans under her care. It’s an epic blend of fae politics, epic battles, and swoony romance.

If there are two things I can’t get enough of, it's fantastic holiday stories and cozy fantasy/science fiction. When you combine the two? I’m sold. Liz Delton’s books have a straightforward charm to them while always involving complicated world-building that gives me a world I’d love to play in.

Her Seasons of Soldark series has four holiday or seasonal tales, and the first, the Clockwork Ice Dragon, is a cozy holiday adventure. The heroine is a determined inventor who I found equally admirable for her persistence (aka stubbornness) and frustrating for snapping to a judgment and sticking to it like a rusty bolt (also stubbornness). This only makes her more believable, though, as it is so often our greatest strengths that are also our greatest weaknesses. 

I’ve adored everything I’ve read that EJ Kitchen has written. Her magical systems are almost scientific—a little in the vein of Brandon Sanderson—intricate and interlocking with multiple parts working together. In this book, we have a complex, high-concept world featuring many brave heroes and heroines trying to make do in a world cursed by evil fae.

The leading lady of the first book in the series is an airship captain, which is epic and awesome. I love how the characters have to constantly work around the limitations placed over their world that make something as simple as trying to navigate to the next town over dangerous. 

This book is an inspiring and easy-to-read children's book that encourages self-belief and diverse representation in STEM careers.

Through illustrations and stories, it showcases 10 children from different backgrounds, demonstrating that anyone can visualize themselves in a successful STEM path. The book emphasizes collaboration among children from diverse backgrounds for collective success. Its empowering message instills hope and motivation, teaching young readers that possibilities are limitless with self-belief.

Diversed In STEM is a must-read to nurture young minds' passion for STEM and foster an inclusive and bright future in the field.

Love + Math is a delightful math book that transforms kids' perception of math from boring to enjoyable.

With engaging examples and colorful illustrations, it shows how math is present in everyday life, making it relatable and fun. This book helps kids see the beauty of math and replaces "I hate math" with "I love math."

It's a fantastic resource to instill a positive attitude towards math and encourage young minds to embrace the subject's possibilities. Get ready to witness a delightful transformation as kids discover the joy of math all around them!

Andrew Learns about Engineers is a captivating STEM children's book that sparks curiosity in young minds. Through Andrew's imaginative journey, kids discover the importance of engineers in shaping our world.

This easy-to-read book features diverse images of engineering pioneers like Garrett Morgan and Katherine Johnson, fostering inclusivity. It's an ideal resource for introducing kids to the profession and celebrating engineers' contributions. With phonetic assistance and a reader glossary, it's accessible to early readers.

The book's free learning activities and supplemental lesson plan make it a valuable addition to classrooms. Andrew Learns about Engineers is a must-have to inspire children's interest in STEM and help them envision a career in engineering.

If you're looking for a fantastic book to engage kids in STEM, Lamar and Maya Build a Robot is the perfect pick!

Picture recommending this book to a friend, you'd rave about its celebration of teamwork and robotics. Personally, I loved this book because it beautifully teaches kids about collaboration, problem-solving, and perseverance in a fun and exciting way.

As I read through Lamar and Maya's journey, I learned the importance of working together and following instructions while exploring the world of robotics. It made me feel inspired and reminded me of the joy of friendship and the power of imagination.

This book is an excellent resource for young readers, and they'll be captivated by the story while unknowingly absorbing valuable STEM concepts. Grab this gem for the little ones!

This adorable picture book by Rajani LaRocca and illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat is about a girl named Bina who wants to make bracelets for her brothers for Raksha Bandhan, a Hindu holiday. Through this sweet story, the book explores patterns and sequences, introducing kids to math concepts in a fun and playful way.

Computer nerd meets billionaire! Nothing better than a college one-night-stand who comes back into Melody’s life as the boss’s son and her lingering flame. Smart women (in STEM, no less) will always be catnip for me as a reader because I love the inner conflict between hard-fought career goals and wanderings of the heart. In this book, watching Melody hold her ground in the face of wayward Jeremy made my heart happy—she’s funny, smart, and willing to put her heart on the line when it matters. And for his part, Jeremy’s the guy you love to hate until you just fall for him completely. This is the first book in the Chemistry Lessons series and each subsequent book delivers as well.