5 books for International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February

Celebrate science this week with a selection of stories both true and fantastical.

Leonora Bolt: Secret Inventor by Lucy Brandt. Illustrated by Gladys Jose (Puffin)

Leonora lives on an island where she spends her days using her science skills to come up with wild and wacky inventions. Then a boy called Jack washes ashore, revealing that her evil Uncle Luther has been selling her inventions for a profit on the mainland. So begins a quest for justice, involving otters, inflatable lobsters, a singing sea captain and more.

A Galaxy of Her Own by Libby Jackson (Cornerstone)

This book will introduce you to the fascinating stories of 50 women who have played an important role in space travel. All sorts of people feature in these inspiring stories, including mathematician Ada Lovelace and the astronauts of today.

The Infinite Lives of Maisie Day by Christopher Edge (Nosy Crow)

It’s Maisie’s birthday and she can’t wait to open her presents – she’s hoping to get everything she needs to build a nuclear reactor. On waking, however, she finds there’s a black hole outside her door and something has gone badly wrong. This mystery is perfect for anyone fascinated by science.

Fantastically Great Women Scientists and Their Stories by Kate Pankhurst (Bloomsbury Children’s)

This book is a fun way to find out about some of the most gifted women in the history of science. With the help of comic strips, family trees, illustrations and maps, you’ll discover the stories of volcano expert Katia Krafft, astronaut Mae Jemison and many more.

Harley Hitch and the Missing Moon by Vashti Hardy.

Illustrated by George Ermos (Scholastic)

In the second book about a resourceful (problem-solving) heroine called Harley Hitch, we return to the mechanical world of Inventia, where science rules. When Harley accidentally breaks a magic cabinet and makes the Moon disappear, suddenly all is chaos – and it’s Harley’s job make things right again.