Books About Aviation · 221 titles considered

The Best Aviation Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about aviation? 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.

Rosie Revere, Engineer
Graphic Nov.
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Aviation

Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2013

Rosie Revere, Engineer

By Andrea Beaty, David Roberts (Illustrator) · The Questioneers series

An aspiring engineer makes an invention to help her relative.

32 pages· 818 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
6.1/7 Bookroo experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 13,055 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Rosie Revere, a quiet girl by day and inventive genius by night, dreams of engineering greatness. When her great-great-aunt Rose, the iconic Rosie the Riveter, visits with an unfinished dream of flying, Rosie builds a contraption to help. Though it crashes, Aunt Rose teaches her that failure is only real if you quit. With newfound courage, Rosie learns to celebrate her missteps and pursue her dreams with determination. Will she conquer her fear and soar to new heights? Discover the magic of resilience and creativity in this inspiring tale of persistence and innovation.
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2019

Flight for Freedom

A family risks all to escape East Germany in a homemade balloon.

50 pages· 992 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 438 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: In East Germany, young Peter dreams of freedom. His family secretly builds a hot air balloon in their attic, hoping to soar over the Berlin Wall. As they piece together their daring escape plan, the stakes are life and death. Will their courage and ingenuity lead them to freedom, or will they be caught in their perilous flight? Discover the true story of Peter Wetzel's family's brave journey to escape oppression in 1979. This tale of hope and resilience offers a gripping glimpse into a family's quest for liberty against all odds.
Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2015

Maisy Goes on a Plane

Experience the excitement of a first flight with a curious mouse.

32 pages· 354 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 389 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: Join Maisy as she embarks on her first plane journey to visit her friend Ella. From airport check-in to making new friends on board, every moment is an adventure. Will Maisy enjoy the thrill of takeoff and the wonder of landing in a new place? Discover the joys and surprises of flying with Maisy as your guide.
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2018

The Dreamer

A pig dreams of flying with birds. Can he make it happen?

46 pages· 150 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 491 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Summary: A pig dreams of soaring with the birds he admires. Determined, he crafts flight plans and builds contraptions, embarking on whimsical adventures. Will his perseverance lead him to the skies, or will he find joy in simply watching his feathered friends? This heartwarming tale inspires young readers to dream big and believe in the impossible.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 1991

The Wright Brothers

Two brothers defy gravity, launching the Age of Flight.

Newbery Honor (1992)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (1991)
144 pages· 19,420 words· Est. 2 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,185 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Summary: Orville and Wilbur Wright, with minimal schooling but boundless curiosity, embark on a journey that changes history. From tinkering with toys to pioneering the first controlled flight, their story is one of innovation and determination. As they navigate challenges and triumphs, their legacy soars beyond the skies. Discover how these inventive siblings transformed dreams into reality, sparking a revolution in aviation. With personal writings and rare photographs, this biography captures the spirit of two men who dared to fly, leaving an indelible mark on the world.
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2018

Heal the Earth

Embark on a magical journey to heal the Earth and inspire change.

40 pages· 538 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
5.4/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 308 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Join the adventure aboard the White Feather Flier, a magical plane that takes children on a mission to heal the Earth. Dive into oceans, restore rainforests, and cultivate city green spaces. Each journey offers a chance to make a difference and learn to love our planet. With interactive pages and a special poem, this story invites young readers to explore, engage, and inspire change. Will you help bring medicine to those in need and give animals a home? Discover the power of small actions in this enchanting environmental quest.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2008

Violet the Pilot

A young inventor's flying machine could change everything at the Air Show and beyond.

40 pages· 860 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
5.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,070 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Violet Van Winkle, a young inventor with a knack for creating flying machines, faces teasing from her peers. Determined to prove herself, she sets her sights on winning the Air Show. But when a Boy Scout troop is in danger, Violet's best invention might just save the day and capture the town's admiration, including the mayor's. Will her creations earn her the respect she deserves, or will they lead to an unexpected adventure? Discover the heartwarming journey of a girl who dares to dream and fly.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Above the Trenches

Young Americans defy neutrality, joining WWI's skies as daring pilots.

128 pages· 9,128 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 876 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Summary: In the midst of WWI, eager young Americans defy their country's neutrality, joining the French Foreign Legion to become daring pilots. As part of the Lafayette Escadrille, they face the perils of aerial combat, challenging legendary foes like the Red Baron. How will these brave volunteers shape history from above the trenches?
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2018

Thirty Minutes Over Oregon

A WWII pilot returns to the U.S. decades later seeking forgiveness.

40 pages· 1,717 words· Est. 14 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 737 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: During WWII, Japanese pilot Nobuo Fujita bombed Oregon, the only enemy to do so. Twenty years later, he returns to the U.S. to apologize. This true story explores the power of reconciliation and healing after conflict, as Fujita faces the community he once attacked. Can forgiveness bridge the gap between past enemies?
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

Across the Desert

A girl races against time to save a stranded pilot in the Arizona desert.

320 pages· 50,664 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,744 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Twelve-year-old Jolene's life changes when she witnesses her friend Addie's plane crash during a livestream. With no one to help, Jolene must brave the harsh Arizona desert to rescue Addie before it's too late. Armed with only a hand-drawn map and a stolen phone, Jolene's journey is fraught with danger and hope. Can she save the Desert Aviator and find strength within herself? This gripping tale of survival and friendship will keep you on the edge of your seat.
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Aviation Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about aviation for the youngest readers and listeners.

Pop-up Things That Go!

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover vibrant pop-up vehicles that leap off the page.

Space

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Explore the solar system with vibrant photos and simple facts for young minds.

Angela's Airplane

Ages 2–5 · 1988

A child's button-pressing adventure leads to an unexpected airplane takeoff.

Planes

Ages 0–4 · 1986

Discover the fascinating world of airplanes and their diverse uses.

Planes, Trains, and Animobiles
Sale price
$799

Planes, Trains, and Animobiles

Ages 0–4 · 2018

Discover a world where animals and vehicles collide in pun-filled adventures.

Jumbo

Ages 5–8 · 2020

Discover how the Boeing 747 revolutionized air travel despite initial setbacks.

Amazing Airplanes

Ages 3–5 · 2002

Join an animal crew as they explore the wonders of flying and airplane adventures.

Airplane Flight!

Ages 2–5 · 2009

Join Captain Bright for an interactive airplane adventure.

That's Not My Plane...
Sale price
$1099

That's Not My Plane...

Ages 2–5 · 2008

Explore the plane through touch and discovery.

The Little Airplane
Sale price
$799

The Little Airplane

Ages 2–5 · 1938

Join a pilot's thrilling flight and unexpected landing.

Planes Go

Ages 0–3 · 2014

Discover the thrilling sounds of eight aircraft in this engaging board book.

Planes and Other Flying Machines
Sale price
$899

Planes and Other Flying Machines

Ages 0–3 · 2022

Discover how humans soar with flying machines in this engaging board book.

View all aviation board books
Browse by age

Aviation Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about aviation for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Neil Armstrong

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A child's dream leads to a historic moonwalk.

The Fearless Flights of Hazel Ying Lee

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A fearless woman defies odds to become a pioneering WWII pilot.

Wood, Wire, Wings

Ages 6–10 · 2020

A self-taught engineer strives to design a working airplane in the early 1900s.

Christmas from Heaven

Ages 5–+ · 2013

A pilot's candy drops bring hope to children in blockaded Berlin.

Elecopter

Ages 2–5 · 2013

A heroic elephant patrols the skies, ready to save the savannah.

Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride

Ages 7–10 · 1999

Two iconic women defy convention for a daring night flight adventure.

Wildfire!
Sale price
$1899

Wildfire!

Ages 3–8 · 2021

A forest fire threatens wildlife and tests firefighters' bravery on Spruce Mountain.

Amelia Earhart

Ages 4–7 · 2016

A daring aviator dreams of flying around the world.

On This Airplane

Ages 3–7 · 2022

A family moves, meeting diverse travelers on a plane.

Curious George and the Hot Air Balloon

Ages 4–7 · 1998

A curious monkey gets into various misadventures during a vacation and a trip to the zoo

Little Smokey
Sale price
$1799

Little Smokey

Ages 3–6 · 2019

A firefighting plane faces a blaze only she can conquer.

In the Air

Ages 4–8 · 2012

Explore the skies with Henry and discover all things that fly.

Browse by age

Aviation Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about aviation for developing and independent readers.

Born to Fly

Ages 10–14 · 2019

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

Lindbergh

Ages 8–12 · 2014

A lone mouse must learn to fly to escape a world of traps and cats.

What Is NASA?

Ages 8–11 · 2019

The story of NASA's history and its mission to explore space.

Where Is the Bermuda Triangle?
Sale price
$599

Where Is the Bermuda Triangle?

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A mysterious region in the Atlantic Ocean where many ships and planes have disappeared under unexplained circumstances.

Who Were the Wright Brothers?

Ages 8–11 · 2014

Two brothers defy gravity, inventing the first successful airplane.

Escape at 10,000 Feet

Ages 9–12 · 2021

Unravel the mystery of America's only unsolved airplane hijacking.

Who Were the Tuskegee Airmen?
Sale price
$699

Who Were the Tuskegee Airmen?

Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first airplane pilots of color ever in the US military, and they played a major role in winning World War II.

Grandpa's Great Escape

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A boy helps his grandfather escape a sinister care home, believing he's back in WWII.

Raid of No Return

Ages 8–12 · 2017

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

What Was the Hindenburg?
Sale price
$599

What Was the Hindenburg?

Ages 8–12 · 2013

Discover the mystery behind the Hindenburg's fiery demise.

Who Is Richard Branson?
Sale price
$699

Who Is Richard Branson?

Ages 8–12 · 2015

How does a dyslexic student become a billionaire icon?

Women Who Dared

Ages 9–13 · 2017

Discover untold stories of daring women who defied history's limits.

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