Books About Inventors · 71 titles considered

The Best Inventors Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Invention Books, featuring 13 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about inventors? 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 Inventors

Balloons Over Broadway
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2011

Balloons Over Broadway

By Melissa Sweet

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

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award (2012)Golden Kite Award (2012)Orbis Pictus Award (2012)
40 pages· 1,258 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 13,488 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Meet Tony Sarg, the visionary puppeteer who transformed the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with his groundbreaking balloon creations. Journey through his inventive world, where imagination takes flight and childhood dreams become reality. How did a self-taught immigrant's whimsical designs capture the hearts of millions? Explore the magic behind the parade's iconic floating giants and uncover the legacy of a man whose creativity continues to inspire. This captivating tale, brought to life with vibrant illustrations, invites readers of all ages to experience the wonder of a beloved holiday tradition.
Violet the Pilot
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2008

Violet the Pilot

By Steve Breen

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·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,087 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
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.
Who Was Nikola Tesla?
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Who Was Nikola Tesla?

By Jim Gigliotti, Who HQ, John Hinderliter (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

Rivalry sparks innovation as Tesla challenges Edison in a race to electrify the world.

112 pages· 7,989 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 781 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In 1884, Nikola Tesla arrives in America with little money but a letter for Thomas Edison. Their brief collaboration turns into fierce rivalry, shaping the future of electricity. Tesla's groundbreaking work in X-rays, remote controls, and wireless communication, along with his invention of the Tesla coil, revolutionizes technology. Discover the genius and madness behind one of history's most influential inventors as he battles for recognition and the power to illuminate the world. Will Tesla's vision outshine Edison's legacy?
Pony
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Pony

By R. J. Palacio

A boy's quest to rescue his father with a ghostly ally and a mysterious pony.

304 pages· 61,611 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 9,573 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Twelve-year-old Silas's world shatters when horsemen abduct his father. Left with only a ghostly companion, Mittenwool, and a mysterious pony, Silas embarks on a daring journey. As he ventures into the unknown, he must confront his deepest fears and unravel secrets of his past. Will Silas find his father and uncover the mysteries that bind them? This gripping tale of courage and love explores the ties that transcend time and distance, promising an unforgettable adventure.
Ada Lovelace Cracks the Code
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2019

Ada Lovelace Cracks the Code

By Rebel Girls, Corinne Purtill · A Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls Chapter Book series

A curious girl discovers a machine that sparks a future of digital innovation.

128 pages· 10,406 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 679 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: In 19th century London, young Ada Lovelace is captivated by machines and flight. Her mother's push towards math leads Ada to a mysterious machine, igniting dreams that will shape the digital age. Follow Ada's journey as she pioneers computer science, challenging norms and inspiring future generations. What possibilities will her imagination unlock?
Athena the Proud
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2014

Athena the Proud

By Joan Holub, Suzanne Williams · Book #13 in the Goddess Girls series

Athena's labyrinth upgrade spirals into chaos. Can she fix her mistakes?

240 pages· 30,389 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 1,291 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Athena, eager to enhance King Minos's labyrinth, lets her arrogance lead to chaos. Her ambitious plans backfire, creating a maze of unexpected disasters. Can Athena navigate her own creation and rectify her blunders before it's too late? Dive into this thrilling adventure where pride meets peril, and every twist could be the last.
Tumtum & Nutmeg
Sale price
$1348
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2008

Tumtum & Nutmeg

By Emily Bearn · Book #1 in the Tumtum & Nutmeg series

Two mice face perilous foes to protect their human friends.

503 pages· 69,493 words· Est. 13 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 1,625 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In the cozy confines of Rose Cottage, mice Tumtum and Nutmeg secretly care for Arthur and Lucy. Their peaceful life is upended by threats from Aunt Ivy, a timid teacher, and pirating rats. With the help of General Marchmouse and a ballerina army, they embark on daring adventures to safeguard their friends. Can these tiny heroes outwit their foes and restore harmony? Discover the heartwarming tales of courage and friendship in this enchanting collection.
The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2017

The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes

By Julia Finley Mosca, Daniel Rieley (Illustrator) · Amazing Scientists series

A determined scientist overcomes adversity to revolutionize blindness treatment.

40 pages· 879 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 509 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Meet Patricia Bath, a visionary who defied racism, poverty, and sexism to fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor. During the Civil Rights Movement, she faced daunting obstacles but never wavered. Her groundbreaking work in ophthalmology brought light to countless lives. Discover her inspiring journey and the revolutionary treatment she developed for blindness. What challenges did she overcome, and how did she change the world? Dive into this captivating tale of perseverance and innovation, complete with a biography, fun facts, and a personal note from Dr. Bath herself.
The Star Thief
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

The Star Thief

By Lindsey Becker

A maid is thrust into a battle between mythical constellations and a steamship crew seeking their power.

416 pages· 74,500 words· Est. 10.5 hour read
5.3/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 831 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Honorine, a maid at Vidalia mansion, stumbles into a cosmic conflict when she follows a winged girl into the night. Caught between a steamship crew and living constellations, she becomes the key to resolving a clash of magic and science. Can Honorine unite these forces before an ancient evil awakens? Discover a world where the stars themselves fight for survival.
Edison
Sale price
$1895
Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Edison

By Torben Kuhlmann, David Henry Wilson (Translator) · Mouse Adventures series

Two mice dive into the ocean's depths to uncover a hidden treasure with unexpected truths.

112 pages· 4,109 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 1,625 ratings
$19.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a daring quest beneath the ocean, two unlikely mouse friends construct a vessel to seek a legendary treasure. As they journey into the deep, they uncover astonishing truths that challenge their understanding of history and friendship. What secrets lie hidden in the ocean's depths, and how will their discovery change everything they know? Embark on an adventure where imagination and reality collide, revealing a mystery more wondrous than they ever imagined.
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Inventors Picture Books

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

Ada Lovelace
Series
Sale price
$1599

Ada Lovelace

Ages 4–8 · 2017

Discover the first computer programmer's journey from imagination to innovation.

Marvelous Mattie
Sale price
$1799

Marvelous Mattie

Ages 7–11 · 2006

A young inventor battles to prove her groundbreaking creation is truly hers.

Pedro's Yo-Yos
Sale price
$2095

Pedro's Yo-Yos

Ages 5–8 · 2024

A Filipino immigrant's toy becomes an American sensation. Discover the yo-yo's rise.

This Is Iron Man
Sale price
$3422

This Is Iron Man

Ages 0–8 · 2012

A billionaire hero faces high-tech threats in a thrilling adventure.

So You Want to Be an Inventor?
Sale price
$1699

So You Want to Be an Inventor?

Ages 7–10 · 2002

Discover the inventors behind the innovations that changed the world. Will you be inspired to create the next big thing?

Thunder Rose
Sale price
$999

Thunder Rose

Ages 4–7 · 2003

A fierce storm tests a girl's strength and resilience. Can she overcome nature's fury?

Hoop Genius
Sale price
$1999

Hoop Genius

Ages 7–11 · 2012

A teacher stuck with a bored, rowdy gym class invents a brand-new game to save it.

Manfish
Sale price
$1699

Manfish

Ages 6–9 · 2008

A curious boy's love for the ocean leads to a life of exploration and advocacy.

View all inventors picture books
Browse by age

Inventors Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about inventors for developing and independent readers.

Who Was Louis Braille?
Series
Sale price
$699

Who Was Louis Braille?

Ages 8–11 · 2014

A young boy becomes blind after an accident and goes on to invent a system of reading and writing for the blind

The Fly on the Ceiling
Sale price
$599

The Fly on the Ceiling

Ages 7–9 · 1998

Discover the myth behind Descartes' revolutionary coordinate system.

Liberty
Series
Sale price
$799

Liberty

Ages 8–12 · 2016

A boy's invention leads to a stray dog and unexpected friendships during WWII.

American Tall Tales
Sale price
$1999

American Tall Tales

Ages 6–11 · 1991

Discover legendary American folk heroes in tales of epic feats and humor.

View all inventors chapter books
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