STEM Reading List: Airplanes

Airplanes have come a long way since their inception. Now a major global transportation provider and military machine, airplanes play a significant part in our society. Learn about the pioneers of air travel, military airplanes, how airplanes work, and the history of this great invention.

	The First Airplanes By: Megan Cooley Peterson In 1903 the Wright brothers Flyer flew for just 12 seconds. What were other early airplanes like, and who made them? Read about the first all-metal plane, the first jet plane, the first jumbo jet, and more.
	How Do Jets Work? By: Buffy Silverman The Lightning Bolt Books: How Flight Works series introduces young readers to these buses of the sky. This edition about jets discusses how they fly and their parts, and how pilots land them.
	How to Build Aircraft By: Rita Storey Take to the skies with How to Build Aircraft. Featuring simple step-by-step instructions, handy templates, vibrant photographs, and easily accessible materials, this title shows readers how to build their very own aircraft that can really fly! Projects include a hot-air balloon, roto-copter, a variety of gliders, and many more.
	The Hindenburg Disaster By: Keith Williams, Charles Barnett III, and Steve Erwin Describes the events of the Hindenburg airship disaster in the graphic-novel format.
	Unbelievable Military Aircraft By: Melissa Abramovitz Packed with exciting facts and essential aspects of military aircraft, this title also provides historical context, compelling photos, primary source quotations, and critical thinking activities. Includes a glossary, weblinks, and additional resources.
	Amelia Earhart: the legend of the lost aviator By: Shelley Tanaka Illustrated by: David Craig Ever since Amelia Earhart and her plane disappeared on July 2, 1937, people have wanted to know more about this remarkable woman. Amelia Earhart follows the charismatic aviator from her first sight of an airplane at the age of ten to the last radio transmission she made before vanishing. Illustrated with original artworks, contemporary photographs, quotes, and details, this is an excellent introduction to the famous pilot.