From birds and blimps to jets and paper airplanes, these books about flying and flight cover it all! They are a wonderful introduction to the fascinating world of flight. In fact, they are the 10 books that I suggest to accompany the 10 topics in my Flight Family Unit Study!

If you are new here, let me explain. Each month, I release a brand new Family Unit Study, which is perfect for the whole family to enjoy together, as the activities work for all children aged 6-12 years old. In fact, most of the activities work perfectly for younger children, too!

Each Unit Study covers 10 topics, and each of those 10 topics includes:

1. An interesting fact and discussion question
2. Informative readings at your fingertips
3. A hands-on activity with materials you already have at home
4. ‘What’s Happening’ information to accompany your hands-on activity
5. A curated YouTube video
6. A math word problem or literacy prompt
7. AND a suggested book that fits that topic!

Grab a sample and take a peek inside one of my unit studies! You can also see the entire collection of Unit Studies available in my shop right here: https://shop.howweelearn.com/collections/family-unit-studies

Today, I thought I would share the 10 topics we cover in my Flight Family Unit Study and the 10 books about flying and flight that beautifully fit each topic. 

I strongly suggest you get these books from the library if you are able to. I have also included my Amazon affiliate links below, in case you would like to add them to your personal library.

Are you ready to see the children’s books about flight?! Here we go!

10 Children’s Books About Flying and Flight

Topic One: History of Airplanes

The Wright brothers made history by successfully building and flying the world’s first piloted engine-powered airplane. Let’s explore…

Book Suggestion: Flying Machines: How the Wright Brothers Soared by Alison Wilgus

Follow the famous aviators from their bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio, to the fields of North Carolina where they were to make their famous flights.

Topic Two: Aerodynamics

How can such huge vehicles, like airplanes, stay in the air? There are many forces and principles for us to consider – and that is exactly what we will be doing throughout this unit study! Let’s explore…

Book Suggestion: The Ultimate Guide to Paper Airplanes by Christopher L. Harbo

Step-by-step instructions and easy-tofollow photos of every crease, tuck and fold makes this paper airplane book like no other.

Topic Three: How Do Airplanes Turn?

An airplane cannot simply turn like a car. Turning the steering wheel on an airplane adjusts the rudder on the tail of the airplane, but this will just turn the position of the airplane as it continues to fly straight! So how does an airplane turn? Let’s explore…

Book Suggestion: Flight by Andrew Nahum

Take flight with this spectacular and informative guide to the fascinating world of aircraft.

Topic Four: Carrying Heavy Loads

It is not enough for airplanes to simply be able to take off and fly using the four principles of flight. For a plane to take off and land properly, it also needs to be carrying the proper amount of weight. In fact, when a plane needs to make an unexpected stop, it often needs to release some of its fuel so it is not too heavy to land! Let’s explore…

Book Suggestion: Flight School: How to Fly a Plane by Nicholas Barnard

An interactive introduction to aviation that encourages children to imagine themselves in the air, flying a plane.

Topic Five: Principles of Flight: Lift

Lift is the force that holds an airplane in the air. Wings create most of the lift used by airplanes. Let’s explore…

Book Suggestion: Forces: Physical Science for Kids by Andi Diehn

Perfect for children who love to ask, “Why?” about the world around them, Forces satisfies curiosity while encouraging student-led learning.

Topic Six: Principles of Flight: Thrust

Thrust is the force that moves an aircraft in the direction it is to go. In airplanes, it is created with propellers and an engine. Let’s explore…

Book Suggestion: Wood, Wire, Wings: Emma Lilian Todd Invents an Airplane by Kirsten W. Larson

This riveting nonfiction picture book biography explores both the failures and successes of self-taught engineer Emma Lilian Todd as she tackles one of the greatest challenges of the early 1900s: designing an airplane.

Topic Seven: Principles of Flight: Drag

Drag acts opposite the direction an airplane is going and slows it down. The more drag there is, the more thrust is required for flight. You may have noticed drag when you stick your hand out of a car window and feel it pull back. Let’s explore…

Book Suggestion: Calvin Can’t Fly: The Story of a Bookworm Birdie by Jennifer Berne

Calvin is one unusual starling! While his siblings and cousins learn to fly, this rare bird lets his imagination soar while reading about pirates, dinosaurs, and other fascinating things.

Topic Eight: Principles of Flight: Weight

Weight is the force caused by gravity. The more weight, the more lift required for flight. Let’s explore…

Book Suggestion: Flight: A Pop-Up Book of Aircraft by Robert Crowther

Get ready for takeoff! From an acclaimed 3-D master comes a jampacked, interactive book on flying machines that will send readers soaring.

Topic Nine: How Do Birds Fly?

The four principles of flight affect the flight of birds as well! Wings create lift, strong muscular bodies create thrust, an aerodynamic beak and streamlined body reduce drag, and lightweight bones limit weight. Let’s explore…

Book Suggestion: How and Why Do Birds Fly by Baby Professor

Learn about the aerodynamics in birds that once led to the creation of our modern-day aircraft.

Topic Ten: Why Do Birds Fly in a V?

Birds fly in a V for a few different reasons. First of all, it conserves their energy. The birds in the back benefit from reduced wind resistance (lowering the amount of drag acting on them). When the bird in the lead gets tired, he or she goes to the back and another bird has a turn leading the way. Let’s explore…

Book Suggestion: Whoever Heard of a Flying Bird? by David Cunliffe

Have you ever been told something was impossible, but just knew it was possible?

There you have it, my friend, 10 Children’s Books About Flying and Flight!

If your little one likes these books, they will love my Flight Family Unit Study! Grab your copy right here:

https://shop.howweelearn.com/products/family-unit-study-flight

xo
Sarah