Selecting books for kids can be fun, but it’s not always easy. The world of children’s books is vast and as varied as its audience. Matching a young reader with the book they’ll fall in love with is itself a labor of love. Luckily, children’s authors are happy to help, and every year they publish more books on unique, even esoteric, subjects. That’s good news for kids, and even better news for the adults trying their best to make reading and learning fun. Looking for a good read for the mini geek in your life? Look no further. The Spark Network has rounded up five titles that are sure to thrill geeky kids of all stripes.

1. Matilda. “I’m wondering what to read next,” Matilda said. “I’ve finished all the children’s books.” She’s the heroine of one of Roald Dahl’s most popular books for kids, and she’s far more than a bookworm. Matilda devours books, outsmarts conniving and self-absorbed adults, and sticks up for her fellow kids. Oh, and did we mention she has telekinesis? (Don’t worry — she uses her powers for good.)

2. The Magic School Bus. It’s hard to believe, but everyone’s favorite science teacher Miss Frizzle has been driving her magical yellow bus for over 25 years. In that time, she’s taken us through hurricanes and asteroid belts and even the human heart. Each Magic School Bus book is a different adventure, and kids who love science will love riding along with Miss Frizzle’s frazzled students. Since each book covers a different topic, there’s something for everyone — space geeks, physics geeks, and biology geeks included.

3. The 39 Clues. More than one book, this young adult adventure series is currently composed of 16 separate novels. The adventure begins when the brother and sister duo Dan and Amy discover that they’re part of the most influential family in history — the Cahills. The two battle against their family members to find the 39 clues — ingredients that hold the key to a serum that can create the most powerful human on earth. Each book comes with six game cards that allow readers to jump into the action online, making The 39 Clues a great series for inquisitive kids who love a challenge. Rumor has it that Spielberg will direct a movie based on the books in 2014, so now’s a better time than ever to crack open book one and begin the journey.

4. Goodnight iPad. Since the time it was first published in 1947, Goodnight Moon has remained one of the most popular books for kids — especially those who have trouble falling asleep. But a lot has changed since the late 40s, and children are far less likely to say goodnight to balls of yarn and bowls of mush than they are to end the day with their tablets, smartphones and laptops. Goodnight iPad puts a new spin on the old classic while it satires our culture’s growing dependence on technology. A perfect bedtime story for techno geeks big and small.

5. Geek Dad. Written by the popular author of the Geek Dad blog, this book supplies dads (and moms) with exciting ideas for tinkering, exploring and creating with their kids. “Today’s generation of dads grew up more tech-savvy than ever,” explains Think Geek. “Rather than joining the Little League team, many grew up playing computer games, Dungeons and Dragons, and watching Star Wars. Now with kids of their own, these digital-age dads are looking for fresh ways to share their love of science and technology, and help their kids develop a passion for learning and discovery.” You won’t find any paper-mache volcanos here, but you will learn how to construct “the best Slip and Slide ever.” If that isn’t enough to excite you, check your pulse.

How many of these geeky books for kids are sitting on your bookshelf? Did you have a favorite childhood book that ignited your love of history, taught you cool science experiments, or helped you form one of your favorite geeky obsessions? Share your story with the Spark network by telling us all about it in a comment below.