Looking to add to your collection? Here is a list of Books About Aviation and Flight
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Soaring Stories: Picture Books About Aviation and Flight
From the first airplanes to modern jets, the dream of flight has inspired inventors, explorers, and storytellers for generations. National Aviation Day (August 19) celebrates the history of aviation and honors the birthday of Orville Wright, one of the pioneers of powered flight. These books introduce young readers to the excitement of flying through engaging stories, fascinating biographies, and beautifully illustrated nonfiction. Whether children dream of becoming pilots, engineers, astronauts, or simply love watching airplanes soar overhead, these titles are ready for takeoff!
1. The Glorious Flight: Across the Channel with Louis Blériot
Author & Illustrator: Alice and Martin Provensen https://amzn.to/4xcQIUS
This Caldecott Honor book tells the inspiring true story of Louis Blériot’s historic first flight across the English Channel in 1909. Rich illustrations bring this aviation milestone to life.
2. Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles
Author: Michelle Meadows
Illustrator: Ebony Glenn https://amzn.to/4x3WyYs
While not about airplanes, this inspiring biography uses the theme of “soaring” to encourage children to dream big and persevere.
3. Rosie Revere, Engineer
Author: Andrea Beaty
Illustrator: David Roberts https://amzn.to/4i1GulB
Rosie’s inventive spirit and determination make this an excellent companion to studies of aviation, engineering, and innovation.
4. Planes Fly!
Author: George Ella Lyon
Illustrator: Mick Wiggins https://amzn.to/3SIEXq3
Simple, rhythmic text introduces young children to many different kinds of airplanes and the joy of watching them take flight.
5. Amazing Airplanes
Author: Tony Mitton
Illustrator: Ant Parker https://amzn.to/4wGKlYK
Bright illustrations and lively rhyming text introduce children to the world of airplanes, airports, and aviation.
6. I Want to Be a Pilot
Author: Laura Driscoll https://amzn.to/3Uswnw9
An engaging early reader that introduces children to the work pilots do and what it takes to fly an airplane.
7. Night Flight: Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic
Author: Robert Burleigh
Illustrator: Wendell Minor https://amzn.to/4zjj4Oy
A beautifully illustrated account of Amelia Earhart’s historic solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean.
8. Fly High! The Story of Bessie Coleman
Author: Louise Borden
Illustrator: Teresa Flavin https://amzn.to/4zt4u76
Learn about Bessie Coleman, the first African American and Native American woman to earn a pilot’s license, and her determination to overcome obstacles.
9. Who Were the Wright Brothers?
Author: James Buckley Jr. https://amzn.to/4g532Aq
A nonfiction chapter book introducing upper elementary readers to the lives and inventions of Wilbur and Orville Wright.
10. Touch the Sky: Alice Coachman, Olympic High Jumper
Author: Ann Malaspina
Illustrator: Eric Velasquez https://amzn.to/4glPShh
Another inspiring biography that pairs well with aviation themes by encouraging children to reach for their dreams.
11. If I Built an Airplane
Author & Illustrator: Chris Van Dusen https://amzn.to/4qmujla
A creative young inventor imagines the ultimate airplane filled with incredible features. A favorite for budding engineers.
12. The Noisy Airplane Ride
Author: Mike Downs https://amzn.to/3Ur7iSe
A fun introduction to flying on a commercial airplane from takeoff to landing, perfect for children preparing for their first flight.
13. Little Plane Learns to Write
Author: Stephen Savage https://amzn.to/45B00Og
A charming story about a little airplane learning to create skywriting while building confidence and perseverance.
14. National Geographic Readers: Planes
Author: Amy Shields https://amzn.to/45CCi48
Filled with colorful photographs and fascinating facts, this nonfiction reader introduces children to airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft.
15. Look Up! Bird-Watching in Your Own Backyard
Author: Annette LeBlanc Cate https://amzn.to/4qn6gCF
Although focused on birds rather than airplanes, this engaging book encourages children to observe natural flight and compare it with human inventions.
The story of aviation is one of curiosity, creativity, and determination. These books show young readers that great achievements often begin with asking questions, trying new ideas, and refusing to give up. Whether children are fascinated by airplanes, inspired by famous pilots, or interested in engineering, these stories encourage them to dream big and aim high.
Celebrate National Aviation Day by displaying books about flight, challenging students to design paper airplanes, exploring the science of lift, or learning about famous aviators who changed history. Who knows? You may inspire the next great inventor, engineer, or pilot!
I have not read all of these books. Please preview them for yourself before adding them to your school library.
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