Steampunk Books for Kids

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Have you heard of steampunk? I first heard about this new sub-genre of science-fiction a few years ago. Now, steampunk books for kids are also increasing. Both in number and quality. It’s not as common to find steampunk for middle grade but you can find some. I’ve listed those books as well as the best young adult books below.

So, What Is Steampunk?

Steampunk is science fiction in which Victorian era society’s technology is powered by steam. In other words, no electricity or batteries or gas. Steam.

The clothing and accessories unique to steampunk often involve gears, goggles, and gadgets.

Remember that Wild Wild West movie with Will Smith? Steampunk!

Steampunk Books for Kids

Steampunk Picture Books

Amazingly, there’s a few steampunk picture books for little kids.

Steampunk ABC
Professor Whiskerton Presents Steampunk ABC
 by Lisa Fallkenstern

Her Majestys Explorer
Her Majesty’s Explorer: a Steampunk Bedtime Story
by Emilie P. Bush, illustrated by William Kevin Petty

Steampunk Chapter Books for 8 – 12 Year Olds

There aren’t tons of middle grade steampunk books but here’s a list of my favorites, books I think your kids will enjoy reading.

Steampunk Chapter Books for 8 - 12 Year Olds
The Kidnap Plot (The Extrordinary Journeys of Clockwork Charlie) by Dave Butler

Flights and Chimes
Flights and Chimes and Mysterious Times by Emma Trevayne

Steampunk Chapter Books for 8 - 12 Year Olds
The Gauntlet
by Karuna Riazi (Contains stempunk elements, not pure steampunk.)


Steampunk Chapter Books for 8 - 12 Year Olds
Timeless Diego and the Rangers of the Vastlantic
by Armand Baltazar (Has steampunk elements in it but is not pure steampunk.)

Girl Genius
Girl Genius Omnibus Volume One: Agatha Awakens
by Phil Foglio

Hugo Cabret
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
by Brian Selznick

The Lost Kingdom
The Lost Kingdom
by Matthew J. Kirby

The Nine Pound Hammer
The Nine Pound Hammer
(The Clockwork Dark series) by John Claude Bemis

Scourge
Scourge: A Grim Doyle Adventure
by David Burton

Vinny Crowe

Vinny Crowe’s Comic Book by Marthe Jocelyn and Richard Scrimger illustrated by Claudia Davila

Steampunk Chapter Books for Ages 12+

YA offers a much bigger selection of steampunk books. Here are the best steampunk books for teens:

Airborn
Airborn
by Kenneth Oppel

The Alloy of Law
The Alloy of Law
by Brandon Sanderson

Newbury Hobbes
The Casebook of Newbury & Hobbes
by George Mann

Clockwork Angels
Clockwork Angels
by Kevin J. Anderson and Neil Peart

The White City
The White City
(The Clockwork Dark Trilogy) by Jean Claude Bemis

Dearly Departed
Dearly, Departed
by Lia Habel

Doomsday Vault
The Doomsday Vault
by Steven Harper

Emperors Edge
The Emperor’s Edge
by Lindsay Buroker

Etiquette Espionage
Etiquette & Espionage
(Finishing School series) by Gail Carriger

Fever Crumb
Fever Crumb
by Philip Reve

Clockwork Collar
The Girl in the Clockwork Collar
(The Steampunk Chronicles) by Kady Cross

Hunchback Assignments
The Hunchback Assignments
by Arthur Slade

Infernal Devices
The Infernal Devices
series by Cassandar Clare

Ivey and the Airship
Ivey and the Airship
by Cheryl Ammeter

Levianthan
Leviathan
by Scott Westerfeld

Mortal Engines
Mortal Engines
by Philip Reeve

Prince of Hearts
Prince of Hearts 
(Elders and Welders Chronicles) by Margaret Foxe

Windup Girl
The Windup Girl
by Paolo Bacigalupi

Worldshaker
Worldshaker
by Richard Harland

See a list of best steampunk books for adults and steampunk costume ideas.

See lots of cool steampunk gift ideas on eBay including books and costumes!

steampunk books for kids

What do you think? Have you read steampunk? What do you like or dislike?

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5 Comments

  1. Hello all, I have just published a childrens steampunk-style, time travelling, fantasy adventure aimed at age 9 and up called, ‘The Lost Heirs’. I am looking for people to gift it to through kindle who would then be willing to read and review it on Amazon for me. If you think you can help please email me at: amandacmoran@gmail.com and I will arrange to get a free copy to you along with my eternal gratitude! Many, many thanks.

  2. LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE this list!!!! Not sure if really steampunk, but how ’bout ‘Springheeled Jack’ by Philip Pullman (Golden Compass fame) — it’s about the a Victorian-age superhero!

  3. Thanks for this list. I love Steampunk. At 65 years of age I am in the 12+ category. Really enjoyed the Steampunk Chronicles by Kady Cross. Will start reading some of your recommendations to share with my students in September.