Books About Innovation · 565 titles considered

The Best Innovation Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Creativity Books, featuring 12 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about innovation? 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 10 Favorite Books About Innovation

How to Eat Fried Worms
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 1973

How to Eat Fried Worms

By Thomas Rockwell, Emily Arnold Mccully (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Billy Forrester series

A young boy is dared to eat 15 worms in 15 days for $50, leading to a series of humorous and tense events

144 pages· 15,178 words· Est. 2 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 49,086 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Billy faces a stomach-churning challenge: eat fifteen worms in fifteen days to win fifty dollars and his dream minibike. With each worm, he inches closer to victory, but Alan, his crafty opponent, has tricks up his sleeve to thwart Billy's success. Will Billy's determination and creative worm recipes be enough to overcome Alan's schemes and claim his prize? Dive into this quirky tale of guts, grit, and a grossly entertaining bet.
The Marvelous Magic of Miss Mabel
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

The Marvelous Magic of Miss Mabel

By Natasha Lowe · Poppy Pendle series

A young witch seeks the truth about her mysterious origins and discovers the true meaning of family.

304 pages· 50,334 words· Est. 7 hour read
6.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 479 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: When a baby witch is found in a flowerpot, Nora's life changes forever. Named Mabel, the girl grows up with magical talents and a rebellious spirit. At Ruthersfield Academy, Mabel excels but faces trouble for her inventive potions. A shocking revelation about her origins sends her on a quest to uncover her true family. As Mabel, now Magnolia, searches for answers, she must decide if family is defined by blood or by those who love and care for her. Will she find her roots, or something even more profound?
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Sale price
$2849
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2007

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

By Brian Selznick

A hidden life in a Paris station unravels with a cryptic message.

Caldecott Medal (2008)The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2007)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2007)
533 pages· 24,938 words· Est. 3 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 191,576 ratings
$29.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Hugo, an orphan and clock keeper, hides within the walls of a Paris train station. His secretive existence is threatened when he encounters a mysterious toyseller and a curious girl. As a cryptic drawing, a stolen key, and a mechanical man come into play, Hugo must unravel a hidden message from his deceased father. Can he protect his secret and uncover the truth before it's too late?
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1876

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

By Mark Twain · Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn series

A murder witnessed, a secret oath, and a perilous cave. Can Tom Sawyer escape danger?

336 pages· 70,131 words· Est. 10 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,045,346 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Mass Market Paperbound
Summary: Tom Sawyer, ever the adventurer, stumbles upon a murder with his friends by the Mississippi River. Bound by a blood oath to keep the secret, they flee to become pirates, seeking treasure. But when Tom finds himself trapped in a cave with the menacing Injun Joe, his courage and wits are put to the ultimate test. Will he find a way out, or will the shadows of the cave claim him forever? Discover the thrilling escapades and daring escapes in this timeless tale of adventure and friendship.
Pug Blasts Off
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 5–7 · 2019

Pug Blasts Off

By Kyla May · Book #1 in the Diary of a Pug series

A pug named Baron von Bubbles helps his owner Bella with an invention challenge at school

80 pages· 2,532 words· Est. 57 min read
4.2 Goodreads · 1,730 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Baron von Bubbles, or Bub, is a pug with a flair for fashion and a love for peanut butter. His human, Bella, enters the Inventor Challenge, and Bub is eager to help. But when Nutz the squirrel causes chaos, Bub accidentally ruins Bella's project. Now, Bub must overcome his fear of rain and confront Nutz to make things right. Can this adorable pug save the day and prove he's the best furry friend Bella could ask for?
The Bad Beginning
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1999

The Bad Beginning

By Lemony Snicket, Brett Helquist (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the A Series of Unfortunate Events series

Three siblings face misfortune and a villain's plot to steal their fortune.

162 pages· 24,054 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 586,400 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire are bright and resourceful siblings, yet misfortune shadows their every step. From a disastrous fire to a villain's sinister plot to claim their inheritance, their lives spiral into chaos. As they navigate itchy clothing, deadly serpents, and a series of bizarre mishaps, the Baudelaires must outwit their greedy adversary. Will their intelligence and charm be enough to overcome the relentless tide of calamity? Dive into this darkly comedic tale where every twist brings new challenges and unexpected humor.
Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2018

Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters

By Andrea Beaty, David Roberts (Illustrator) · Book #4 in the The Questioneers series

A young inventor helps her friend participate in an art contest despite her physical limitations

144 pages· 7,816 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 1,659 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Rosie Revere faces her toughest challenge yet when her Aunt Rose and the Raucous Riveters need her engineering skills. Tasked with creating a device for a mural competition, Rosie struggles with repeated failures. As hope dwindles, classmates Iggy Peck and Ada Twist join the quest, sparking creativity and teamwork. Can Rosie overcome setbacks and rediscover the true meaning of home with the Riveters? Dive into this adventure of perseverance and friendship, where science and heart collide.
March of the Mini Beasts
Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2016

March of the Mini Beasts

By Ada Hopper, Sam Ricks (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The DATA Set series

Toy animals come to life and grow. Can kids stop them before chaos ensues?

128 pages· 4,599 words· Est. 36 min read-aloud
5.0/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 432 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Gabe, Laura, and Cesar, the whiz kids of Newtonburg, face a wild adventure when their neighbor, Dr. Bunsen, accidentally brings toy animals to life with a growth ray. As these creatures grow into real beasts, including an elephant and a dinosaur, the kids must track them down before they wreak havoc in town. Can they catch the runaway animals before it's too late? Dive into a world of science and excitement with The DATA Set's thrilling escapades.
The No 1 Car Spotter
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2010

The No 1 Car Spotter

By Atinuke, Warwick Johnson Cadwell (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the No. 1 Car Spotter series

A young car spotter solves village problems with creativity and charm.

112 pages· 8,391 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 357 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Meet Oluwalase, the Number 1 car spotter in his village, whose knack for spotting cars is only matched by his problem-solving skills. When his family's cart breaks down, he invents the Toyota Cow-rolla to save the day. From running errands to helping his grandmother reach medical care, his resourcefulness knows no bounds. Can his clever solutions keep up with the village's challenges? Discover the adventures of this bright and plucky hero in a series full of heart and ingenuity.
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Innovation Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

This Little Scientist
Series
Sale price
$799

This Little Scientist

Ages 3–5 · 2018

Discover the groundbreaking scientists who changed history in this vibrant board book.

The Robot Book
Sale price
$1699

The Robot Book

Ages 3–5 · 2010

Discover what truly makes a robot tick beyond gears and bolts.

The Invincible Iron Man
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$599

The Invincible Iron Man

Ages 2–5 · 2012

Discover Iron Man's powerful armor and face his fiercest foes.

Great Inventors
Series
Sale price
$899

Great Inventors

Ages 0–3 · 2020

Explore the world-changing inventions of history's greatest minds.

View all innovation board books
Browse by age

Innovation Picture Books

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

The Crayon Man
Sale price
$1999

The Crayon Man

Ages 6–9 · 2019

A man invents a new kind of colored crayon that brings joy to children all around the world.

Max's Castle
#3 in Series
Sale price
$1899

Max's Castle

Ages 4–8 · 2011

Max turns forgotten toys into a thrilling adventure with pirates and dragons.

Balloons Over Broadway
Sale price
$1899

Balloons Over Broadway

Ages 4–8 · 2011

Discover the story behind the iconic Macy's Parade balloons.

Beautiful Oops!
Sale price
$1699

Beautiful Oops!

Ages 3–8 · 2010

Mistakes become wonders in this interactive journey of creativity.

Albie Newton
Sale price
$1695

Albie Newton

Ages 5–9 · 2018

A child genius's plan to make friends turns into chaos. Can he fix it?

The Secret Subway
Sale price
$1999

The Secret Subway

Ages 4–8 · 2016

Discover the hidden tale of New York's first underground train.

View all innovation picture books
Browse by age

Innovation Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about innovation for developing and independent readers.

Sky Song
Sale price
$1799

Sky Song

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A cursed girl and inventor seek a song to defeat an evil queen.

Orphans of the Tide
Series
Sale price
$1799

Orphans of the Tide

Ages 9–12 · 2020

A mysterious boy arrives, and Ellie must prove his innocence to save him from a city's fear.

The Wright Brothers
Sale price
$1699

The Wright Brothers

Ages 10–13 · 1991

Two brothers defy gravity, launching the Age of Flight.

The Way Things Work
Sale price
$2995

The Way Things Work

Ages 9–12 · 1988

Explore the machines and inventions that shape our world.

Over and Out
Sale price
$1899

Over and Out

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A young girl must spy for the secret police or risk losing her family, but dreams of escape.

Jinxed
Series
Sale price
$799

Jinxed

Ages 9–13 · 2018

A coder's robotic pet hides a secret that could change her future.

View all innovation chapter books
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