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.
Professor Whiskerton Presents Steampunk ABC Â by Lisa Fallkenstern
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.
The Kidnap Plot (The Extrordinary Journeys of Clockwork Charlie) by Dave Butler
Flights and Chimes and Mysterious Times by Emma Trevayne
The Gauntlet by Karuna Riazi (Contains stempunk elements, not pure steampunk.)
Timeless Diego and the Rangers of the Vastlantic by Armand Baltazar (Has steampunk elements in it but is not pure steampunk.)
Girl Genius Omnibus Volume One: Agatha Awakens by Phil Foglio
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
The Lost Kingdom by Matthew J. Kirby
The Nine Pound Hammer (The Clockwork Dark series) by John Claude Bemis
Scourge: A Grim Doyle Adventure by David Burton
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 by Kenneth Oppel
The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson
The Casebook of Newbury & Hobbes by George Mann
Clockwork Angels by Kevin J. Anderson and Neil Peart
The White City (The Clockwork Dark Trilogy) by Jean Claude Bemis
Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel
The Doomsday Vault by Steven Harper
The Emperor’s Edge by Lindsay Buroker
Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School series) by Gail Carriger
Fever Crumb by Philip Reve
The Girl in the Clockwork Collar (The Steampunk Chronicles) by Kady Cross
The Hunchback Assignments by Arthur Slade
The Infernal Devices series by Cassandar Clare
Ivey and the Airship by Cheryl Ammeter
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve
Prince of Hearts (Elders and Welders Chronicles) by Margaret Foxe
The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi
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!
What do you think? Have you read steampunk? What do you like or dislike?
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.
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!
thanks! Great suggestion!!
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.
Love it – I’m also in the 12+ category myself. Thanks for the vote for Kady Cross’ series. 🙂