Books for introducing genetics

For ages 7–16

This book series follows the adventures of Annabelle and Harry, two children of a DNA scientist who must use what they’ve picked up about DNA and scientific methods to solve mysteries. These books achieve a good balance of storytelling and learning. They’re also just good reads!

Published by: The Little Story Telling Company

For ages 7–14

This book presents the story of Gregor Mendel’s experiments with plant genetics accompanied by lovely bright illustrations. It’s also great for exploring how to work scientifically. It walks the reader through Gregor’s experimental process and how he tried to control for different variables to ensure his tests were fair and his conclusions were sound.

Visit the author's website.

For ages 6–11

Daisy and Spike are walking through the woods with their mother when they spot a green animal they’ve never seen before. They learn about DNA and how it can help them figure out what kind of animal they’ve seen. Wonderfully, the book also touches on how people aren’t just the sum of their genes. “Every bit of their life shapes who you are, too.”

The book is free to read at the Little Letters Genetics website.

For ages 4–7

Part of the Little People, BIG DREAMS book series, this book follows the life of Rosalind Franklin, a chemist whose work revealed the structure of DNA molecules.

Visit the Little People, BIG DREAMS website.

For ages 7–14

Part of the See Inside book series, this is a detailed but accessible book that shows kids how genetics and DNA work. It also explores how the science of genetics works, covering some of the key moments and experiments in the history of genetics.

Published by: Usborne

Resources to support teaching evolutionary concepts across primary science.

How we've mapped these resources on to topics in the primary science curriculum.