Books About Aviation History

The Best Aviation History Books for Kids

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Aviation Books, featuring 15 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about aviation history? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 6 Favorite Books About Aviation History

Born to Fly
Sale price
$2089
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2019

Born to Fly

By Steve Sheinkin, Bijou Karman (Illustrator)

Fearless women pilots race across America in a daring 1929 air derby.

288 pages· 50,775 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 659 ratings
$21.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1929, a daring group of women pilots, including Amelia Earhart, compete in the first women's air race across America. As they navigate the skies, each faces personal challenges and the thrill of breaking new ground. Marvel Crosson, Louise Thaden, and Elinor Smith join Earhart in this high-stakes race, pushing the limits of aviation and their own courage. With the nation watching, these pioneers risk everything to claim victory and redefine what women can achieve. Will they soar to triumph or crash under pressure? Discover the grit and glory of these trailblazers in a race for the ages.
Raid of No Return
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Raid of No Return

A daring WWII mission: bombers launch from a carrier, risking all for a secret strike on Tokyo.

128 pages· 9,347 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 2,760 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In the midst of WWII, stunt pilot Jimmy Doolittle leads a perilous mission: launching bombers from a carrier to strike Tokyo. With fuel running low and Japanese forces closing in, survival is uncertain. Will these brave pilots complete their mission and find safety in China, or will they fall into enemy hands? Experience the tension and heroism of the Doolittle Raid, a tale of courage and ingenuity against overwhelming odds.
Lost in the Pacific, 1942
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2016

Lost in the Pacific, 1942

By Tod Olson · Book #1 in the Lost series

Stranded WWII soldiers fight for survival in the vast Pacific Ocean.

176 pages· 26,853 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 1,719 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1942, a B-17 bomber crashes into the Pacific, leaving eight soldiers, including a war hero, stranded. With only three rafts and no supplies, they face the daunting challenge of surviving the endless ocean. Can they overcome the odds and make it back to civilization?
The Rock Jockeys
Sale price
$379
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1995

The Rock Jockeys

Trapped on Devil's Wall, climbers face a chilling survival dilemma after discovering a bomber's dark secret.

55 pages· 7,222 words· Est. 49 min read
3.6 Goodreads · 48 ratings
$3.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Three young climbers, known as The Rock Jockeys, are trapped on Devil's Wall, a mountain hiding a sinister secret. They uncover a crashed B-17 bomber and a diary revealing a crew member's desperate act of survival. As eerie clues surface, the boys confront a haunting question: what would they do to survive? With sheer cliffs and wild woods surrounding them, the stakes are high, and the mountain's dark history looms large. Will they find a way out, or will the past repeat itself? The chilling mystery of Devil's Wall challenges their courage and morality.
The Wright Brothers: Nose-Diving into History
Sale price
$1139
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Wright Brothers: Nose-Diving into History

By Ben Thompson, Erik Slader, Tim Foley (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Epic Fails series

Discover how epic failures led the Wright brothers to flight success.

128 pages· 10,505 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 135 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Join Orville and Wilbur Wright on their turbulent journey from crash-prone inventors to aviation pioneers. Despite countless nosedives, these self-taught engineers defied the odds to achieve powered flight. How did their failures fuel their groundbreaking success? Explore the mishaps that paved the way for modern aviation in this humorous tale of perseverance and innovation.
Exploring Flight!
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 5–8 · 2021

Exploring Flight!

Uncover the mysteries of flight with Ada Twist. Why do planes and birds fly? Discover the science behind it all.

80 pages· 2,081 words· Est. 24 min read
4.0 Goodreads · 113 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Join Ada Twist as she explores the wonders of flight. From the secrets of soaring airplanes to the mysteries of fledgling birds, Ada dives into the science that keeps us airborne. Why do some paper planes fly farther than others? What makes modern aircraft so fast? This vibrant nonfiction series invites young scientists to uncover the answers and ignite their curiosity. Embark on a journey through the skies and discover the fascinating world of flight with Ada Twist, Scientist. Perfect for budding explorers eager to learn about the marvels of aviation and beyond.