Readers can retrace millions of years of human history, explore the coldest places on Earth, and journey through a rainbow with the shortlist for the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize 2024.

The prize recognises the best science books for under 14s. The shortlist was selected by a panel of judges comprising CBeebies presenter and conservationist, Chantelle Lindsay; David Rigmand, Head Teacher at Wallace Primary School; science communicator, Dr Emily Grossman; and Dr Emrys Evans, Royal Society University Research Fellow at Swansea University.

The winner will now be chosen by young judges drawn from hundreds of schools, science centres, and community groups from across the UK.

The shortlisted books for the Young People’s Book Prize 2024 are:

All Bodies Are Wonderful by Beth Cox, illustrated by Samantha Meredith, b Small

Very Short Introductions for Curious Young Minds: The Expanding World of Data by Tom Jackson, illustrated by Ekaterina Gorelova and Ana Seixas, OUP

Can You Get Rainbows in Space? by Dr Sheila Kanani, illustrated by Liz Kay, Puffin

Where Are You Really From? by Adam Rutherford, illustrated by Adam Ming, Wren & Rook

Engineers Making a Difference – Inventors, Technicians, Scientists and Tech Entrepreneurs Changing the World, and How You Can Join Them, by Shini Somara, illustrated by Manual Šumberac and Adam Allsuch Boardman, What On Earth

Mission: Arctic – A Scientific Adventure to a Changing North Pole, by Katharina Weiss-Tuider, illustrated by Christian Schneider, translated by Shelley Tanaka, Greystone Kids Books

Professor Dorothy Bishop FRS, Emeritus Professor of Developmental Neuropsychology at University of Oxford and Chair of the shortlist judging panel, said, ‘It was a real treat to be tasked with reading over 100 children’s science books. These books capture the wonder of science in such inventive ways, taking readers on a journey and breaking down complicated topics.

Narrowing them down to just six was an almost-impossible task, but we are thrilled with the shortlist and hope the young judges enjoy reading them as much as we did.’

The winning book will be unveiled at an award ceremony in Scotland in March 2025 with school groups and judges invited to join on the day for a host of science related workshops and activities.

Last year’s winner was Am I Made of Stardust? by Maggie Aderin-Pocock and illustrated by Chelen Ecija.

Find out more about applying to be a school or youth group judging panel.