Popular science reading guide
Entertaining reads about the world around us, scientific discoveries, and more.
Find out what it is to be human, learn about scientific phenomena, get in touch with nature, study the big questions or the scientific discoveries behind everyday objects. Take a journey to the stars or find out how future trends will affect the way we live.
Popular science takes science and makes it engaging and interesting to read for non-scientists. This guide recommends some great popular science titles and authors.
Popular science reading lists
Popular science reading lists
Non-fiction - Pandemics
Learn how the novel coronavirus has affected the world and how people have experienced it from China, the US, and Britain to our own shores.
Non-fiction - Animals
From creatures who run, glide and fly to those who slither, swim or swing - read tales of eye-opening encounters with extraordinary animals.
Non-fiction - Climate and environmental change
Read about the passionate work of environmental activists and what you can do to make a difference.
Non-fiction - Science
Science is for everybody and these entertaining books will give you a great, highly readable, introduction.
Non-fiction - Space and Time
Take a journey to the stars and find out how we can live there or gain insight into how time and space work from award-winning scientists.
Non-fiction - Ecology and Evolution
Learn about the history of life itself, how evolution doesn't work in straight lines, and deepen your understanding of the environment.
Pseudoscience, the Paranormal and Unexplained Phenomena
Is there any truth to tales of alien abductions and UFOs, Yeti and Nessie, ectoplasm and ghosts, or even health fads and detoxes?
Non-fiction - Scientific Microhistories
Entertaining and educational, these titles focus on a tight area of scientific research, tying them in with social and cultural history.
Non-Fiction - Medicine, Psychology and Humanity
From deadly diseases to miracle cures; from detailed studies of blood and wayward microbes to duelling surgeons and criminal minds.
Non-Fiction - Future Technology
Discover how new technologies will shape our future. How will we live, work, or travel? What effect will these changes have on society?
Biography - Need for Speed
Making trains, planes and automobiles go faster; discover the designs that made it possible to rocket around tracks and through the sky.
Biography - Scientists
Meet people whose thirst for learning has inspired them to discover new truths about how the world works.
Biography - Women in Science
Women have been behind great breakthroughs in science. Others have explored scientific fields, telling their own stories in the process.
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Find new authors & reading options using your favourite writer, book or genre as a starting point. Your next great read is just clicks away.
Podcast - The importance of Outdoor Education
Discussion of NZ curriculum changes in an episode of Speak up - Kōrerotia along with suggested reading on outdoor education.
Matariki Learning Resource
Information and activities about Puaka and Matariki to help year 1 to 8 pupils identify, learn about, and celebrate the Māori New Year.
Women's Prize for Non-Fiction
An annual book prize celebrating exceptional narrative non-fiction by women. The 2026 winner is The Finest Hotel in Kabul by Lyse Doucet.
NoveList Plus
Find new authors & reading options using your favourite writer, book or genre as a starting point. Your next great read is just clicks away.
Podcast - The importance of Outdoor Education
Discussion of NZ curriculum changes in an episode of Speak up - Kōrerotia along with suggested reading on outdoor education.
Matariki Learning Resource
Information and activities about Puaka and Matariki to help year 1 to 8 pupils identify, learn about, and celebrate the Māori New Year.
Women's Prize for Non-Fiction
An annual book prize celebrating exceptional narrative non-fiction by women. The 2026 winner is The Finest Hotel in Kabul by Lyse Doucet.
Find great reads:
Popular science authors:
Award-winning science titles
Science in the catalogue
Artificial Intelligence, Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry and Climate science titles
Catalogue searches for Genetics, Medicine, New Zealand science, and Physics
Find non-fiction on your favourite topic
Whatever kind of non-fiction you're into, find lists, new authors to try, and staff picks.