Books About Machines · 434 titles considered

The Best Machines Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about machines? 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 Machines

City Spies
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

City Spies

By James Ponti · Book #1 in the City Spies series

A young hacker joins a secret spy team to stop a villain and save the world.

378 pages· 64,521 words· Est. 9 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 19,175 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Sara Martinez, a skilled hacker, faces juvenile detention until a British spy offers her a new life with a secret MI6 team. Now, part of the City Spies, Sara must navigate espionage, teamwork, and danger. As she heads to Paris, she must prevent a rival from winning a fortune and stop a looming threat. Can Sara and her diverse team of young spies outsmart the villains and save the day?
Slay
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2019

Slay

A teen game developer battles a troll threatening her secret game and identity.

336 pages· 82,144 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 16,084 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Seventeen-year-old Kiera Johnson leads a double life: honors student by day, secret game developer by night. Her creation, SLAY, offers a haven for Black gamers until a murder links it to controversy. As an anonymous troll threatens to expose her, Kiera must defend her game and identity. Can she protect her virtual world without losing herself? The stakes are high in this gripping tale of identity, community, and resilience.
Secret Coders
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2015

Secret Coders

By Gene Luen Yang, Mike Holmes (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Secret Coders series

A new student uncovers secrets and unexpected friendships at their school.

88 pages· 5,114 words· Est. 57 min read
3.9 Goodreads · 3,990 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: At Stately Academy, mysteries abound. Hopper and Eni, armed with coding skills and sharp minds, dive into a world of puzzles left by the school's enigmatic founder. As they unravel each clue, the stakes rise. Can they solve the academy's secrets before it's too late? This thrilling adventure blends logic, programming, and mystery, challenging young minds to think outside the box. Join Hopper and Eni on a journey where every answer leads to more questions, and the truth is just a code away.
The Elevator Family
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2009

The Elevator Family

The Wilsons' vacation takes a quirky turn when they live in a hotel elevator for three days.

96 pages· 8,991 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
3.8 Goodreads · 526 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: The Wilson family arrives at a San Francisco hotel only to find no rooms available. Undeterred, they make the elevator their temporary home. Over three days, they encounter a parade of quirky characters, from a lovesick bellhop to a British rock band. Each encounter brings unexpected adventures and laughter, turning their unusual stay into a memorable escapade. Will the Wilsons find the best room is the one with constant ups and downs? Join them for a whimsical ride in 'The Elevator Family,' where every floor holds a new surprise.
Robot Queen
Sale price
$2152
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2018

Robot Queen

By Marci Peschke, Tuesday Mourning (Illustrator) · Book #22 in the Kylie Jean series

Can Kylie master robotics and coding to win the big competition?

112 pages· 8,217 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 26 ratings
$22.65Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Kylie Jean is captivated by the school's robotics team, the RoboGirls. Determined to join them, she dives into the world of coding and robot-building. As the competition looms, Kylie must prove her skills and impress the older girls. Will her dedication and newfound knowledge be enough to secure her place on the team and achieve victory?
The End of the Overworld!
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2024

The End of the Overworld!

A rift threatens Minecraft's existence. Can the team save their world in time?

144 pages· 13,496 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 128 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Morgan, Harper, and their friends face their greatest challenge yet as a massive rift threatens to consume the Minecraft Overworld. With chaos reigning and their friend, the Evoker King, in peril, they have one last chance to save everything they hold dear. As the rift grows, will they find a way to close it before it's too late? Dive into the epic conclusion of the Stonesword Saga and discover if courage and teamwork can overcome impending doom.
To Bee, Or Not to Bee!
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2023

To Bee, Or Not to Bee!

Bees vanish, a hive mind emerges, and a dark sky rip threatens. Can they save their world?

144 pages· 13,793 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 170 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Harper and her friends face a vanishing bee crisis linked to a sinister hive mind in Minecraft. As a dark rip looms in the sky, they must unravel the mystery before it's too late. Will their actions restore balance or unleash chaos? Dive into this thrilling adventure where every decision counts.
McToad Mows Tiny Island
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

McToad Mows Tiny Island

By Tom Angleberger, John Hendrix (Illustrator)

A man mows the lawn on a small island every Thursday.

40 pages· 274 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
6.2/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 739 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Every Thursday, McToad embarks on a unique journey to mow Tiny Island. His trusty mower travels by truck, train, helicopter, and boat, showcasing a whimsical adventure of logistics. As McToad navigates this intricate route, he finds joy in the routine and a refreshing break from Big Island. What makes this day so special, and why does McToad cherish it? Discover the charm of simplicity and the satisfaction of a well-earned lemonade in this delightful tale of industriousness and contentment.
Grace Hopper
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2017

Grace Hopper

Discover the trailblazing journey of a woman who taught computers to 'speak English' and broke all the rules.

48 pages· 1,796 words· Est. 14 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,300 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Grace Hopper, a pioneering software tester and naval leader, defied conventions and revolutionized computer science. Known for coining 'computer bug' and making computers 'speak English,' her story is one of innovation and daring. As a mentor and inventor, Hopper's insatiable curiosity led her to achieve the impossible, inspiring future generations of science-minded youth. This engaging biography captures her wit and groundbreaking accomplishments, inviting readers to explore the life of a true rule breaker and chance taker. What challenges did she face, and how did she overcome them to become 'Amazing Grace'? Discover her incredible legacy.
When Charlie McButton Lost Power
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2005

When Charlie McButton Lost Power

By Suzanne Collins, Mike Lester (Illustrator)

A power outage forces a tech-obsessed boy to choose between his games and his sister's happiness.

32 pages· 867 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 542 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Charlie McButton's world crashes when a storm cuts the power, leaving him desperate for batteries. The only ones available are in his sister's beloved doll. Will Charlie risk her meltdown for his games, or discover a new kind of fun with her? As he navigates this dilemma, Charlie must decide what truly matters in a world without screens. This humorous tale explores the bonds of family and the unexpected joys beyond technology.
Browse by age

Machines Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Sale price
$899

The Construction Crew

Ages 2–5 · 2018

Discover what construction vehicles do by lifting the flaps to reveal their secrets.

Sale price
$1099

Whose Tools?

Ages 2–4 · 2015

Discover the tools and trades that build a house in this engaging guessing game.

Sale price
$1299

Farm

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Discover what each vehicle is up to beneath the flaps.

Machines At Work
Sale price
$999

Machines At Work

Ages 0–4 · 1987

A bustling construction site transforms as workers and machines tackle a new project.

Dig It!
Sale price
$799

Dig It!

Ages 1–3 · 2013

Discover the world of construction vehicles through vibrant illustrations and engaging text.

Sale price
$799

Construction Alphabet

Ages 0–3 · 2006

Discover construction machines from A to Z in this noisy alphabet adventure.

Sale price
$799

Baby Code! Play

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Introduce babies to coding through everyday play and discovery.

Robobaby
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1799

Robobaby

Ages 4–7 · 2020

A robot family struggles to assemble a new baby, but big sister saves the day.

Sale price
$899

Baby Loves Coding!

Ages 2–5 · 2018

Can Baby solve problems like a coder to fix her train using logic and patterns?

Browse by age

Machines Picture Books

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

The Floating Field
Sale price
$1999

The Floating Field

Ages 7–10 · 2021

Thai boys defy odds to play soccer on a floating field in a stilt village.

Super Rabbit Racers!
#3 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$799

Super Rabbit Racers!

Ages 5–7 · 2017

A group of racers compete in the Super Cup Grand Prix to win the Super Cup and the power of super speed.

Super Rabbit All-Stars!
#8 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$799

Super Rabbit All-Stars!

Ages 5–7 · 2019

A group of characters compete in a series of games to be crowned the Ultimate All-Star Champion.

Lift
Sale price
$1799

Lift

Ages 4–7 · 2020

A magical elevator button opens new worlds, challenging Iris to share the adventure with her brother.

Invent-a-Pet
Sale price
$1695

Invent-a-Pet

Ages 3–7 · 2020

A girl uses a mysterious machine to create her perfect pet.

Sale price
$1599

Ada Lovelace

Ages 4–8 · 2017

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

Sale price
$1799

Firefighters' Handbook

Ages 4–8 · 2019

Discover the thrilling journey of becoming a firefighter and the challenges they face daily.

Sale price
$1599

Alan Turing

Ages 4–7 · 2020

A young genius deciphers codes, changing the course of history.

Browse by age

Machines Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about machines for developing and independent readers.

Sale price
$899

Insides Out

Ages 6–12 · 2016

Zombie faces his toughest challenge yet: preteen emotions and middle school drama.

Sale price
$1299

Guide to Farming

Ages 8–12 · 2018

Master survival with essential farming techniques in Minecraft.

Sale price
$999

Overworld in Flames

Ages 8–12 · 2016

Mysterious fires threaten Minecraft's Overworld. Can Gameknight999 uncover the source before it's too late?

Shine On, Luz Véliz!
Sale price
$899

Shine On, Luz Véliz!

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A former soccer star finds new purpose in coding, but a mysterious arrival changes everything.

Sale price
$999

The Phantom Virus

Ages 9–12 · 2016

Glitches turn deadly in Minecraft. Can Gameknight999 stop the chaos before it's too late?

Game On!
#5 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$799

Game On!

Ages 7–10 · 2013

Can Squish balance gaming and reality to save his town from a creeping threat?