Books About Spacecraft

The Best Spacecraft Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Space, featuring 15 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about spacecraft? 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.

Space Shuttle Scam
#12 in Series
Planet Earth Is Blue
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Spacecraft

Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 5–10 · 2019

Go for the Moon

By Chris Gall

Experience the Apollo 11 moon landing through a young enthusiast's eyes.

48 pages· 2,326 words· Est. 18 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 181 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Join a young space enthusiast as he mirrors the Apollo 11 mission, detailing the spacecraft's design and the thrilling journey to the moon. Will his adventure match the astronauts' historic feat?
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2020

Space Shuttle Scam

A space museum visit turns mysterious as someone targets Alice's property.

144 pages· 14,895 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 267 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In Florida, young sleuths Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose visit a space museum, only to find themselves entangled in a mystery. Someone is sneaking around Alice's house, aiming to claim her property. What secrets lie within the space gear, and why is Alice's home the target? As the trio delves deeper, they must unravel this cosmic-sized puzzle before it's too late. Can they solve the mystery and protect Alice's legacy?
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2019

Reaching for the Moon

A mathematician defies racism and sexism to help launch Apollo 11.

256 pages· 44,090 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,835 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician, battles racism and sexism to join NASA in the 1950s. Her calculations are crucial to the Apollo 11 mission, landing the first men on the moon. Discover her inspiring journey of resilience and groundbreaking achievements in 'Reaching for the Moon.'
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

Planet Earth Is Blue

A nonverbal girl awaits a space shuttle launch, hoping to reunite with her missing sister.

240 pages
4.4/5 Goodreads · 3,406 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Twelve-year-old Nova, passionate about space, eagerly anticipates the Challenger launch, a shared dream with her missing sister, Bridget. In a new foster home, Nova, often misunderstood due to her nonverbal autism, begins to reveal her true potential. As the countdown to the launch continues, Nova hopes for Bridget's promised return. Will the liftoff bring the reunion she longs for, or will it mark a new beginning without her sister? Nova's journey is one of discovery, friendship, and the unyielding hope of seeing Bridget again.
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2018

The Bad Guys in Superbad

By Aaron Blabey · Book #8 in the The Bad Guys series

A group of unlikely heroes must band together to save the world from an alien invasion

144 pages· 2,413 words· Est. 27 min read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 4,426 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, and Mr. Shark have gained superpowers, but they're not exactly hero material. With powers that often backfire, they face their biggest challenge yet: stopping Dr. Marmalade from destroying the world. Can these misfit heroes save the day, or will their defective abilities lead to chaos? As they bumble through their mission, unexpected help might just turn the tide. Dive into a world where bad guys try to be good, and nothing goes as planned. Will they rise to the occasion or fall flat on their faces?
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2015

Mr. Cooper Is Super!

By Dan Gutman, Jim Paillot (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the My Weirdest School series

A third-grade class is visited by an alien spaceship and their teacher is taken away by his fellow aliens.

112 pages· 7,974 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 919 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: A.J.'s third-grade class faces chaos when their new teacher, Mr. Cooper, dons bizarre personas like Rat Man and Lava Man. But when a supervillain threatens the school, can Mr. Cooper rise to the occasion, or will his antics lead to disaster? Join A.J. and friends in a hilarious adventure where the line between hero and embarrassment blurs. Will Mr. Cooper save the day, or is the school doomed to a fate of laughter and chaos?
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2002

Living in Space

By Alex Pang (Illustrator), Christyan Fox (Illustrator) · Beginners series

Discover the secrets of life in space.

32 pages· 1,075 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 117 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Ever wondered how astronauts prepare for the vast unknown? Explore the rigorous training, the journey beyond Earth's atmosphere, and the daily life aboard a space station. Uncover the mysteries of space living and the challenges faced by those who dare to venture into the cosmos. What does it take to live among the stars?
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2020

Heart on Pluto

By Karl Jones, Andrew J. Ross (Illustrator)

A satellite finds a heart-shaped message of love on Pluto.

32 pages
5.2/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 80 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: On a groundbreaking mission to Pluto, NASA's New Horizons satellite uncovers an unexpected message of love etched in a heart-shaped ice lake. As it ventures into the unknown, this discovery challenges our understanding of connection and belonging, even in the vastness of space. What secrets does this distant world hold, and how does it remind us of the universal power of love? Embark on a journey where science meets emotion, and the cosmos reveals its hidden messages.
Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 2008

The Moon Over Star

A moon landing inspires a young girl to dream big and explore endless possibilities.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2009)
32 pages· 1,067 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 759 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1969, as the world watches the moon landing, a young girl finds inspiration in the astronauts' giant leap. This picture book captures her journey of dreaming beyond the stars, fueled by the historic Apollo 11 mission. Will she take her own giant step into a future full of possibilities? Discover how one moment in history can ignite a lifetime of dreams.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Where Is Area 51?

What secrets lie within the mysterious Area 51? Discover the truth behind the conspiracy theories.

112 pages· 6,993 words· Est. 59 min read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 731 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Explore the enigma of Area 51, a secretive military base shrouded in mystery and conspiracy. Since 1947, when strange objects appeared in Roswell, New Mexico, questions have swirled about alien encounters and hidden technologies. This book delves into the origins and purpose of Area 51, challenging you to uncover the truth behind the government's silence and restricted airspace. Are extraterrestrial secrets being kept from the world? Dive into the mystery and decide for yourself what to believe.
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Browse by age

Spacecraft Picture Books

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

The Spacesuit

Ages 4–9 · 2019

A team of seamstresses races to design the first moon landing spacesuit against all odds.

Moonshot

Ages 4–10 · 2009

Three astronauts embark on a historic mission to land on the Moon.

Captain Raptor and the Moon Mystery

Ages 5–10 · 2005

A mysterious crash on Eon's moon calls for a daring space mission.

Mousetronaut

Ages 4–8 · 2012

A tiny mouse's courage is tested when disaster strikes in space.

Area 51

Ages 9–12 · 2017

Uncover the secrets of Area 51 through intriguing data and infographics.

Always Looking Up

Ages 5–7 · 2019

A determined astronomer defies odds to lead NASA's Hubble project.

Destination: Moon

Ages 6–10 · 2019

Relive the thrilling 1969 Moon landing and the Space Race that captivated the world.

View all spacecraft picture books
Browse by age

Spacecraft Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about spacecraft for developing and independent readers.

The Challenger Disaster: Tragedy in the Skies

Ages 9–12 · 2020

Kids in the future unravel the mystery of the Challenger disaster.

Close Encounters

Ages 8–12 · 2006

UFO sightings and abductions disrupt a quiet town. Can the truth be uncovered before chaos reigns?

Out There (a Graphic Novel)

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A daughter questions her father's alien abduction claims during a festival trip.

The Flying Saucer Mystery

Ages 8–14 · 1985

A forest search for a UFO leads to wild mysteries and lurking dangers.

24 Hour History

Ages 8–14

Five pivotal days that reshaped history, from war to moon landing.

UFO Lands in USA!: Was Spacecraft Crash Covered Up?
0

UFO Lands in USA!: Was Spacecraft Crash Covered Up?

Ages 8–12

Buzz Aldrin

Ages 8–12 · 2018

Discover the journey of an astronaut who walked on the moon and dreams of Mars.

Houston, We Have a Klutz!

Ages 8–12 · 2016

A seventh grader sneaks onto Apollo 11 to make history, but her achievement is erased.

Spaceman
Sale price
$1799

Spaceman

Ages 9–12 · 2020

A dreamer's journey from Earth to space defies all odds.

Apollo 13

Ages 7–10 · 2015

Can three astronauts survive a catastrophic space explosion and return home?

Hubble Deep Field

Ages 10–12 · 2017

Discover hidden galaxies and unravel the universe's mysteries with the Hubble Deep Field.

UFO Spotted!

Ages 6–8 · 2018

Two sisters investigate a UFO sighting in their town.

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