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.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Machines

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 experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 18,589 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

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?

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2019

Slay

By Brittney Morris

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

336 pages· 82,144 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 16,042 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

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.

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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

3.9/5 Goodreads · 3,983 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

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.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2009

The Elevator Family

By Douglas Evans · Book #1 in the Elevator Family series

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

3.8/5 Goodreads · 526 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

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.

Sale price

$2152

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2018

Robot Queen

By Marci Peschke, Tuesday Mourning (Illustrator) · Kylie Jean series

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

112 pages· 8,217 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 26 ratings

$22.65Save 5%

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?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2024

The End of the Overworld!

By Nick Eliopulos, Random House (Illustrator) · Book #6 in the Minecraft Stonesword Saga series

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 experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 120 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

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.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2023

To Bee, Or Not to Bee!

By Nick Eliopulos, Random House (Illustrator) · Minecraft Stonesword Saga series

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 experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 160 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

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.

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 experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 733 ratings

$16.95Save 6%

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.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2017

Grace Hopper

By Laurie Wallmark, Katy Wu (Illustrator) · People Who Shaped Our World series

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 experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,297 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

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.

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 experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 540 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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.

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