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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to spark a love of building and innovation in your young one? Look no further than our curated selection of engineering books for 10-year-olds! These books are not only packed with fascinating insights and fun projects but are also tailored to captivate curious young minds. Whether your child dreams of constructing skyscrapers or tinkering with gadgets, these reads are the perfect tools to fuel their imagination. Keep reading to discover our top picks for engineering books that are sure to engage and educate in equal measure!

Fun Engineering Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Rosie, a young girl who dreams of becoming an engineer. Through her attempts to build amazing gadgets, she learns about the importance of perseverance and embracing failure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and resilience, showing that failures are just stepping stones to success. The engaging illustrations also help bring the story to life.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and creators who enjoy stories about perseverance and self-discovery.

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: A little girl and her best friend, who happens to be a dog, decide to make the most magnificent thing. Despite several unsuccessful attempts, she learns the value of persistence and innovation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great lesson in troubleshooting and resilience, fostering a growth mindset which is essential for budding engineers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love building and tinkering, and who need a little encouragement to keep trying despite setbacks.

• Have Fun, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell, illustrated by David Catrow
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: Molly Lou Melon is a young girl with a big imagination and the ability to create toys and games out of almost anything. This story encourages children to be resourceful and inventive.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes creativity and resourcefulness, essential skills for engineering, through a fun and engaging narrative.
  • Perfect for: Creative children who enjoy crafting and making things with their hands.

• Nick and Tesla's High-Voltage Danger Lab by Bob Pflugfelder and Steve Hockensmith
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Mystery, STEM
  • Synopsis: This book follows siblings Nick and Tesla as they use science and technology to solve mysteries. It includes actual science experiments that readers can do at home.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a thrilling mystery with hands-on science projects, making it a fun and educational read.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and scientists who love a good mystery and hands-on experiments.

• Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: Iggy Peck has been building fabulous creations since he was two. His talent is put to the test when his second-grade class is stranded on an island during a field trip and he must use his skills to help everyone get home.
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the power of innovative thinking and architectural skills in problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring architects and children who love building and designing things.

Educational Engineering Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Engineering: Cool Women Who Design by Vicki V. May, illustrated by Allison Bruce
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Biography, STEM
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young readers to the fascinating careers of various women in engineering, exploring their contributions and the challenges they've overcome.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of engineering principles, appreciation for diversity in STEM fields, biographical knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides inspiring role models for young girls and boys, highlighting that engineering is a field open to everyone.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in real-life success stories and those curious about careers in engineering.

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Biography, STEM
  • Synopsis: This is the true story of a boy from Malawi who builds a windmill from scraps to save his village from drought and famine.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Innovation, problem-solving, sustainability in engineering
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful testament to how ingenuity and determination can change communities and it encourages problem-solving with limited resources.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in sustainable engineering and those inspired by stories of real-world impact.

• Ruby Goldberg's Bright Idea by Anna Humphrey, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: Ruby Goldberg, a young inventor, decides to build a Rube Goldberg machine for her school science fair, learning much about the complexities and joys of building things.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of physics, creativity, perseverance in project completion
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor and educational elements to make learning about physics and engineering fun and relatable.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and scientists who enjoy a good challenge and creative problem-solving.

• How to Be an Engineer by Carol Vorderman
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational, STEM
  • Synopsis: Clearly explained engineering concepts and fun activities encourage children to understand and apply basic engineering principles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, practical application of scientific concepts, hands-on building skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides step-by-step projects and essential insights, making complex concepts accessible and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Budding engineers who love to learn by doing and are eager to understand how things work.

• The Kids' Book of Simple Machines: Cool Projects & Activities That Make Science Fun! by Kelly Doudna
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational, STEM
  • Synopsis: This book explores the six simple machines—wheel and axle, levers, pulleys, screws, inclined planes, and wedges—with projects and activities to demonstrate each one.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of basic mechanical principles, ability to build and experiment with simple machines
  • Why we recommend this book: It's hands-on and interactive, perfect for getting kids excited about the basics of mechanical engineering.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love to build and experiment, and who are curious about how everyday objects work.

Challenging Engineering Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Exploring the Way Things Work: The Science of Machines by Neil Ardley
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational, STEM
  • Synopsis: This book delves into the mechanics of various machines, from simple levers to complex modern systems, explaining how they operate and their uses in everyday life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a wide range of mechanical concepts, requiring readers to grasp both simple and more complex engineering principles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It broadens understanding of mechanical systems and encourages curiosity about how things work, fostering a deeper appreciation for engineering.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are naturally curious about technology and mechanical design.

• Young Engineer's Guide: Fundamental Concepts and Experiments That Inspired the Experts by Tammy Enz
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational, STEM
  • Synopsis: This guide introduces fundamental engineering concepts through the stories of famous engineers and practical experiments.
  • Why this book is challenging: It integrates historical perspectives with technical experiments, providing a multifaceted approach to learning that can be complex for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It connects theoretical knowledge with real-world applications and historical insights, making it a comprehensive resource for budding engineers.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring engineers who enjoy history and hands-on learning.

• Build It! Structures, Systems and You by Adrienne Mason
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational, STEM
  • Synopsis: This book explores the fundamentals of building structures and systems, from bridges to skyscrapers, explaining the science behind them.
  • Why this book is challenging: It discusses architectural and engineering concepts that require spatial and logical thinking, which are advanced for children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and creativity, providing a solid foundation in the principles of construction and engineering.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are fascinated by big structures and how they are made.

• Architect Academy: Are You Ready for the Challenge? by Steve Martin
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational, STEM
  • Synopsis: This interactive book offers a variety of activities and challenges that teach kids about architectural design, planning, and technology.
  • Why this book is challenging: It requires readers to engage in problem-solving and design tasks that are typically beyond basic children's activities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's interactive and engaging, allowing kids to learn by doing, which enhances their understanding and retention of architectural concepts.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love challenges and have an interest in designing and building.

• The New Way Things Work by David Macaulay
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational, STEM
  • Synopsis: From levers to lasers, from cameras to computers, this book explains the workings of hundreds of machines and devices.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes detailed explanations and complex diagrams of various technologies, which require advanced comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an in-depth look at the mechanics behind everyday objects, fostering a deeper understanding and curiosity about technology.
  • Perfect for: Inquisitive kids who want to know how everything around them works and are not afraid of a little complexity.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to get your 10-year-old into engineering books, it's a fantastic way to explore the exciting world of science and technology. To make the most out of their reading experience, here are some engaging exercises that can help develop good reading habits while keeping the fun alive.

• Create a Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Write down new or interesting words found in the engineering books.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of complex concepts.
  • Tips: Use a notebook dedicated to this task and try to use the words in sentences.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: After reading a chapter, summarize it in a few sentences.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of information.
  • Tips: Keep summaries brief and focus on main ideas and key details.

• Draw It Out
  • What it is: Draw diagrams or sketches related to the concepts read.
  • How it helps: Visual learning aids understanding and memory.
  • Tips: Use colored pencils or markers to make the diagrams vivid and memorable.

• Question and Answer Session
  • What it is: Come up with questions about the chapter and try answering them.
  • How it helps: Enhances critical thinking and reinforces knowledge.
  • Tips: Pretend you're the teacher, explaining the topic to someone else.

• Connect It to Real Life
  • What it is: Find real-life applications or examples of the concepts read.
  • How it helps: Makes learning more relevant and interesting.
  • Tips: Use the internet or discuss with adults to find real-world connections.

These exercises aren't just homework; think of them as fun ways to dive deeper into the world of engineering. They'll help your young reader not only understand the material better but also develop a love for learning about how things work in the real world. Happy reading and exploring!