Decolonising Science Reading List

Many advanced teens and grownups reach a point where they want to question not just what science has discovered, but how and by whom it’s been done. The “Decolonising Science Reading List,” compiled by physicist Chanda Prescod-Weinstein on Medium, gathers books and essays on race, colonialism, and scientific practice. It was created to help readers explore how power, history, and culture shape what counts as knowledge. Parents of older teens appreciate having a curated starting point rather than hunting piecemeal for critical science studies texts. It’s ideal for college-bound students, educators, and book clubs looking to deepen conversations about equity in STEM. Many titles are dense and aimed at adults, so you’ll want to choose selectively for younger readers and budget for multiple purchases or library holds. Pro tip: pick one book per semester and pair it with reflection journaling or discussion questions rather than trying to tackle the entire list at once.