10+ Best Engineering Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to spark a love of engineering in your young one? Look no further! Our curated list of engineering books for 12-year-olds is packed with exciting reads that are sure to captivate their curious minds and help them discover the wonders of engineering. Whether your child is a budding builder, a future coder, or just loves to figure out how things work, we’ve got something that will entertain and educate. Keep reading to explore our diverse selection of engineering books for 12-year-olds that promises to inspire and intrigue!

Fun Engineering Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Science, Technology
  • Synopsis: This updated classic offers a detailed look into the inner workings of machines and technology, from levers to lasers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies complex engineering concepts with clear explanations and engaging illustrations, making it accessible and fun for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds fascinated by how things work and young engineers in the making.

• Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women by Catherine Thimmesh, illustrated by Melissa Sweet
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Biography, Science
  • Synopsis: This book celebrates the innovative contributions of women inventors, featuring stories of creations from chocolate chip cookies to windshield wipers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s inspiring and empowering, highlighting the creativity and persistence of women inventors throughout history.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and history, especially girls who dream of becoming inventors themselves.

• Rubber Band Engineer: Build Slingshot Powered Rockets, Rubber Band Rifles, Unconventional Catapults, and More Guerrilla Gadgets from Household Hardware by Lance Akiyama
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, DIY, Engineering
  • Synopsis: This book guides readers through the creation of fun projects using simple household items, emphasizing the principles of engineering and physics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages hands-on learning and experimentation, perfect for engaging young minds in practical engineering challenges.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love building and tinkering, and who enjoy seeing the real-world application of scientific principles.

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Young Readers Edition by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Biography, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This is the story of a boy from Malawi who builds a windmill from scraps to provide electricity and water to his village.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a powerful tale of innovation and determination, showing that age doesn’t limit one’s ability to make a significant impact.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in sustainability and renewable energy, and those who like stories of triumph against the odds.

• Cool Engineering Projects: Fun & Creative Workshop Activities by Rebecca Felix
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Activity Book, Engineering
  • Synopsis: This interactive book offers a variety of engineering projects that kids can build and modify, each designed to teach fundamental engineering concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes creativity and problem-solving skills through engaging, hands-on activities.
  • Perfect for: Young engineers who enjoy crafting and learning through doing, and who appreciate a challenge.

Educational Engineering Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Engineer Academy by Steve Martin
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Activity Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This interactive book invites kids to complete various tasks and projects that simulate the real-world challenges engineers face.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, critical thinking, basic principles of engineering
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fun, engaging, and hands-on approach to learning about different fields of engineering.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring engineers and young learners who love interactive challenges.

• How Things Work: Discover Secrets and Science Behind Bounce Houses, Hovercraft, Robotics, and Everything in Between by T.J. Resler
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Science, Technology
  • Synopsis: This book explores the mechanics behind how everyday objects and advanced technologies function.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of physics and mechanics, curiosity about everyday objects
  • Why we recommend this book: It demystifies the science behind common and complex machines in a way that’s accessible and fascinating for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who always ask "How does this work?" and those interested in mechanical and robotic engineering.

• The Kids' Book of Simple Machines: Cool Projects & Activities That Make Science Fun! by Kelly Doudna
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Educational, Science
  • Synopsis: Kids learn about the six simple machines and how they make our lives easier through a series of projects and activities.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of simple machines, application of scientific concepts, hands-on building skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning about simple machines interactive and practical, encouraging kids to see and think about the physics in their everyday lives.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and scientists who enjoy learning by doing and have a keen interest in understanding the basics of mechanics.

• Exploring Engineering: An Introduction to Engineering and Design by Philip Kosky, Robert Balmer, William Keat, and George Wise
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Educational, Engineering
  • Synopsis: This introductory book gives an overview of the various engineering disciplines, combined with design principles and case studies.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Fundamental engineering concepts, introduction to different engineering fields
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a broad and informative overview of the engineering field, making it a great starting point for young learners.
  • Perfect for: Students who are considering engineering as a career or who want to learn more about what engineers do.

• Nick and Tesla's High-Voltage Danger Lab: A Mystery with Electromagnets, Burglar Alarms, and Other Gadgets You Can Build Yourself by Bob Pflugfelder and Steve Hockensmith
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Science, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: Follow twins Nick and Tesla as they solve mysteries using science and technology, with projects readers can build at home.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Electrical engineering principles, problem-solving, DIY project skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines storytelling with educational content, allowing readers to engage in the story and learn through hands-on activities.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and inventors who love a good story and learning through making things.

Challenging Engineering Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Art of Tinkering by Karen Wilkinson and Mike Petrich
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, DIY, Engineering
  • Synopsis: This book invites kids to explore the world of makers and tinkerers, encouraging them to create, experiment, and innovate with various materials and technologies.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex maker projects that involve electronics, programming, and unconventional materials, pushing the boundaries of typical children's engineering projects.
  • Why we recommend this book: It fosters creativity and innovation, teaching critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities.
  • Perfect for: Creative minds and future innovators who aren't afraid to try new things and think outside the box.

• The New Way Things Work by David Macaulay
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Science, Technology
  • Synopsis: This book explains the workings of hundreds of machines and devices, from basic levers to the digital technology of the modern world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a breadth of complex mechanical and digital technologies in detail, challenging young readers to understand both fundamental and advanced engineering concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a comprehensive look at how machines work, with engaging explanations and detailed illustrations that captivate and educate.
  • Perfect for: Young tech enthusiasts and budding engineers interested in understanding the mechanics behind everyday technology.

• Robotics: Discover the Science and Technology of the Future with 20 Projects by Kathy Ceceri
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Robotics, DIY
  • Synopsis: This book introduces the exciting world of robotics through interactive projects, including how to build simple robots from everyday items.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into the basics of robotics, including sensors, servos, and programming, which are complex topics tailored to challenge curious minds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a hands-on introduction to robotics that encourages problem-solving and technical skills through engaging DIY projects.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring roboticists and young techies who want to understand and build their own robots.

• Can You Feel the Force? Putting the Fizz Back into Physics by Richard Hammond
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Science, Physics
  • Synopsis: This book puts a fun spin on learning physics, exploring the forces that govern our world through experiments and explanations.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles the fundamental concepts of physics, such as gravity, magnetism, and force, with a depth that requires critical thinking and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes physics accessible and entertaining, using hands-on activities to explain complex ideas in a way that sticks.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists who are eager to explore the physical laws that shape everything around us.

• The Marvelous Thing That Came from a Spring: The Accidental Invention of the Toy That Swept the Nation by Gilbert Ford
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, History, Science
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of how the Slinky toy was invented by accident and became a popular phenomenon.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces historical and scientific concepts through the narrative of an invention, providing a multidimensional learning experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines history, science, and engineering, illustrating the serendipitous nature of inventions and encouraging creative thinking.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in history and inventions, and those who love stories about how simple ideas can lead to big changes.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of engineering books at 12 years old, you're already on an exciting path. To make the most out of your reading adventures, it's great to develop some solid reading habits early on. Here are a few exercises that can help you do just that. They're simple, fun, and super effective for budding engineers like you!

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on how many pages or chapters you want to read each day.
  • How it helps: Keeps you focused and helps in completing books systematically.
  • Tips: Choose realistic goals that fit into your daily schedule without feeling overwhelming.

• Summarize What You Read
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter or section after you read it.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and to the point; try using bullet points!

• Discuss With Friends or Family
  • What it is: Talk about what you’re reading with others who are interested.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and can introduce new perspectives.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club or have a weekly 'book talk' with family.

• Create Visual Aids
  • What it is: Draw diagrams or sketches that represent concepts you read about.
  • How it helps: Helps in visualizing and remembering complex information.
  • Tips: Use colored pens or pencils to make the diagrams engaging and clear.

• Teach Someone Else
  • What it is: Explain a concept you've learned to a friend or family member.
  • How it helps: Teaching others is a great way to deepen your own understanding.
  • Tips: Try to use simple language and examples to explain complex ideas.

• Link Concepts to Real Life
  • What it is: Connect ideas from the book to real-world applications or scenarios.
  • How it helps: Makes the learning more relevant and interesting.
  • Tips: Look for news articles or videos that show engineering principles in action.

By integrating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your engineering books more, but you'll also retain a lot more of what you learn. Remember, the key is consistency, so try to make these exercises a regular part of your reading habit. Happy reading, young engineers!