2026 BEST STEM BOOK & Outstanding Science Trade Book for K-12 from CBC and NSTA
Wow! I am super amazed to hear that the Children’s Book Council (CBC) named Safe Crossing a 2026 Best STEM Book, and also an Outstanding Science Trade Book for K-12 jointly with the National Science Teaching Association!
These honors are truly humbling. I am so thankful for my education at Antioch University New England Graduate School where I studied Environmental Science and Science Teaching. I hope the inclusion of Safe Crossing on these award lists will inspire more young people and their caregivers to join citizen science efforts wherever they live.
According to the CBC, “Best STEM Book Awards are a joint project of the American Society for Engineering Education, the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association, the National Science Teaching Association, the Society of Elementary Presidential Awardees, and the Children’s Book Council since 2017. This list of books aims to provide recommendations to educators, librarians, parents, and guardians for the best children’s and young adult books with STEM content.”
“Reviewers appointed by NSTA, ITEEA, SEPA, and ASEE read and evaluate the submitted books. Their selections are published in a yearly list appearing in NSTA Reports and ITEEA’s Children’s Technology and Engineering magazine and are promoted through membership networks and at partner conferences.”
“WHAT IS STEM? STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) is an integrated and creative approach to discovering and applying knowledge about our world to solve problems that utilize one, or more of the content areas. Trade books that deliver background and model the practices of STEM provide context and inspiration to readers.”
“The selection committee will evaluate submissions based on its adherence to the following criteria:
- Models innovation
- Illustrates authentic problems
- Assimilates new ideas
- Invites divergent thinking
- Explores multiple solutions
- Integrates STEM disciplines
- Shows progressive change or improvement
- Content accuracy–appropriate to age and audience”
You can find out more and read bout other books on this list at https://cbcbooks.org/awards-and-book-lists/best-stem-books/.
If you are looking to add Safe Crossing to your shelf, you can order one from your favorite local independent book shop, like Frugal Books in Roxbury. Try IndieBound.org to find a bookstore near you!