Royal Society sends six science books to young readers’ judgment
Evolution, atoms, pollination, space and experiments make up the British shortlist for readers under fourteen.
The Royal Society has announced in London the six finalists for its 2026 Young People’s Book Prize, celebrating outstanding science books for readers under fourteen. The selection ranges across evolution, everyday chemistry, pollination, galactic travel, life on Mars and experiments at home. Titles include Choose Your Own Evolution by Jules Howard, Cosmo Park by Madeleine Finlay and Moving to Mars by Eduard Altarriba and fellow authors. Following an adult panel’s selection, the decision now passes to schools, youth groups and reading clubs throughout the United Kingdom. More than 600 panels and 11,000 young people took part in 2025. The winner will be announced in June 2027, making this a prize that uses reading to give children an active voice in how science is explained and shared.