10+ Best Airplane Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read to ignite the imagination of your young flyer? Look no further! Our list of Airplane Books for 10-Year-Olds is packed with exciting choices that are sure to captivate their minds and elevate their love for aviation. Whether they're into thrilling adventures or curious about how things work, we've got something that will keep them glued to the pages. Keep reading to discover our top picks for airplane books that will make any 10-year-old's heart soar!

Fun Airplane Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Boundless by Kenneth Oppel
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This book follows a young boy named Will who ends up on a thrilling adventure aboard The Boundless, the longest and most luxurious train ever built. As he travels across the country, Will encounters various dangers and mysteries.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with action and suspense, making it a great choice to keep young readers engaged and excited about reading.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who love stories about journeys and mysteries.

• Airborn by Kenneth Oppel
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Steampunk, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Set in an alternate history where airships rule the skies, the story follows cabin boy Matt Cruse, who discovers a damaged balloon carrying an old man who speaks of beautiful creatures flying in the clouds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fantasy with adventure and introduces readers to a vividly imagined world, enhancing their creativity and imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of adventures in the skies and fantastical creatures.

• Skybreaker by Kenneth Oppel
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A sequel to Airborn, this novel continues the adventures of Matt Cruse, now a student at the Airship Academy, as he embarks on a quest to find a legendary ghost ship that contains a potentially immense treasure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a mix of suspense, mystery, and adventure, perfect for keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
  • Perfect for: Fans of high-stakes adventure and complex, imaginative settings.

• Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, illustrated by Greg Call
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This prequel to Peter Pan explores how Peter, an orphan, becomes the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up. The story begins with Peter aboard a ship called the Never Land and unfolds into a magical adventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative take on a classic story, which helps instill a love for reading through familiar characters in a new light.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy classic tales with a twist and magical adventures.

• The Glorious Flight: Across the Channel with Louis Bleriot by Alice and Martin Provensen
  • Genre(s): Biography, History, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Louis Bleriot's daring flight across the English Channel in 1909 in his own airplane design.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines historical facts with engaging storytelling, providing both education and entertainment.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are interested in history and the early days of aviation, as well as those who appreciate inspiring stories of achievement.

Educational Airplane Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Who Were the Wright Brothers? by James Buckley Jr., illustrated by Tim Foley
  • Genre(s): Biography, History
  • Synopsis: This book delves into the lives of Orville and Wilbur Wright, exploring how these brothers invented, built, and flew the first successful airplane.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, scientific understanding, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a detailed look at the challenges and triumphs of the Wright Brothers, inspiring perseverance and innovation.
  • Perfect for: Young historians and budding scientists interested in aviation and inventors.

• Fly High! The Story of Bessie Coleman by Louise Borden and Mary Kay Kroeger, illustrated by Teresa Flavin
  • Genre(s): Biography, History
  • Synopsis: This inspiring story highlights the life of Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman to earn a pilot's license.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, historical context, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the importance of determination and breaking barriers, offering a powerful role model for kids.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for stories of groundbreaking figures and overcoming adversity.

• The Fantastic Flights of Sophie Blanchard by Matthew Clark Smith, illustrated by Matt Tavares
  • Genre(s): Biography, History
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Sophie Blanchard, a fearless aeronaut who soared to fame in France as one of the first women to pilot balloons.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, bravery, exploration
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights an often-overlooked pioneer in aviation, encouraging curiosity and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids and those interested in stories about pioneering women in history.

• Taking Flight: How the Wright Brothers Conquered the Skies by Adam Hellebuyck, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
  • Genre(s): Biography, History
  • Synopsis: This book follows the journey of the Wright Brothers from their initial interest in flight to their successful flights at Kitty Hawk.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Technical knowledge of early aviation, perseverance, innovation
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling narrative that captures the spirit of innovation and the excitement of early flight.
  • Perfect for: Kids fascinated by how things work and those inspired by stories of inventors and innovations.

• Planes Fly! by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Mick Wiggins
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: An engaging exploration of how and why planes fly, including different types of aircraft and the basics of aerodynamics.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of physics, curiosity about engineering
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies complex concepts into child-friendly language, enhancing understanding of science and technology.
  • Perfect for: Young tech enthusiasts and future engineers interested in the mechanics of flying.

Challenging Airplane Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Set in World War II, this novel tells the story of a young British spy captured by the Nazis in occupied France, who writes her confession detailing her mission and friendship with a pilot named Maddie.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex narrative structures and shifting perspectives that require careful reading and consideration.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping, emotional exploration of friendship, bravery, and sacrifice during wartime.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical narratives and stories of espionage and resilience.

• Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: During World War II, Ida Mae Jones, a young African American woman, passes as white to join the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) and fulfill her dream of flying.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex themes of racial identity and gender roles within a historical context, challenging readers to think critically about social issues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of courage and determination against societal norms, offering a powerful perspective on history.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in stories of overcoming adversity and historical perspectives on race and gender.

• The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage by Sydney Padua
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: An imaginative and whimsical graphic novel that explores an alternate reality where Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage build the first computer and use it to fight crime and have adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book blends historical facts with complex mathematical concepts and computer science in a graphic novel format.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively introduces advanced scientific and mathematical concepts, making them accessible and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Young tech enthusiasts and history buffs who enjoy a mix of education and adventure.

• The Wright Sister by Mary Robinette Kowal
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Epistolary
  • Synopsis: This novel is composed of letters written by Katharine Wright, sister of the famous Wright brothers, detailing her life, the challenges of her brothers' endeavors in aviation, and her personal struggles and triumphs.
  • Why this book is challenging: The epistolary format and historical vernacular require readers to engage with the text in a more intimate and reflective manner.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on the personal lives behind a pivotal moment in history, emphasizing the importance of family and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate historical details and stories told through personal correspondence.

• Black Dove, White Raven by Elizabeth Wein
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Influenced by their pilots’ mothers' adventures, Teo and Emilia become involved in an aviation-inspired adventure when they move to Ethiopia to avoid the racial tensions of 1930s America, only to find themselves embroiled in the conflict of the impending Italian invasion.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores complex themes of race, politics, and identity through the lens of aviation and war.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel encourages critical thinking about historical events and cultural differences, wrapped in an adventurous narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history, aviation, and exploring complex global issues.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you've got a young reader who loves airplanes and adventure, you're in the right place. Encouraging reading can be super fun, especially with books that zoom through the skies. Here are some great exercises to help 10-year-olds develop stellar reading habits using airplane books. Let's make reading as exciting as a flight through the clouds!

• Set a Flight Path Reading Goal
  • What it is: Set a specific number of books to read within a certain timeframe.
  • How it helps: Helps kids stay focused and motivated to finish a book.
  • Tips: Choose a realistic number and celebrate when the goal is reached!

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Create a visual map of the story’s plot and characters.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and recall of the story details.
  • Tips: Use drawings or symbols to represent different parts of the book.

• Co-Pilot Reading Sessions
  • What it is: Pair up with a friend or family member to read together.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a social activity and can improve confidence.
  • Tips: Choose someone who will encourage discussion about the book.

• Flight Simulator Challenge
  • What it is: Pretend to be characters from the book and act out scenes.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of the characters and plot.
  • Tips: Use props or costumes to make the simulation more engaging.

• Pre-Flight Checklist
  • What it is: Create a list of predictions before reading a new book.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Review the predictions post-reading to see which ones were right.

• Captain’s Log Book Reviews
  • What it is: Write a short review of each book after reading.
  • How it helps: Helps with summarizing and expressing opinions clearly.
  • Tips: Include both what you liked and didn’t like about the book.

So there you have it! With these fun exercises, your 10-year-old will not only improve their reading skills but also have a blast as they dive into the world of airplane books. Remember, the sky's the limit when it comes to building great reading habits. Happy reading!