Bridges and skyscrapers are some of the most incredible structures humans have ever built. Bridges connect people across rivers and valleys, while skyscrapers stretch high into the sky and shape city skylines. These giant structures are engineering marvels that combine creativity, science, math, and teamwork to solve amazing challenges.
Bridges written by Magda Garguláková and illustrated by Jakub Bachorík
A beautifully illustrated nonfiction book about bridges around the world. It explains how bridges are built and why they are important, while showing different designs and styles. Readers learn how bridges connect places and help people travel more easily. It’s a clear, engaging book for curious young learners.
Science Comics series:
Bridges: Engineering Masterpieces written and illustrated by Dan Zettwoch
Skyscrapers: The Height of Engineering written and illustrated by John Kerschbaum
The first graphic novel is a detailed and fun look at how bridges are designed and built. It shows how engineers solve problems to connect places across rivers and valleys.The second graphic novel explores how tall buildings are made and why they can reach such amazing heights. It explains the science and teamwork behind modern city skylines.
The Bridge: How the Roeblings Connected Brooklyn to New York written by Peter J. Tomasi and illustrated by Teo Hernandez DuVall
This book tells the true story of a famous suspension bridge that connects two major cities. It follows the engineers and family behind its design and construction. The story shows the challenges, danger, and determination needed to complete such a huge project. Illustrations help bring this important piece of engineering history to life.
How Was That Built? The Stories Behind Awesome Structures written by Roma Agrawal and illustrated by Katie Hickey
A fun and engaging nonfiction book that explains how amazing structures are built around the world. It breaks down complex engineering ideas in a simple, kid-friendly way. Readers learn the stories behind bridges, buildings, and other impressive creations. Bright illustrations help make the science clear and exciting.
National Geographic – Skyscrapers written by Libby Romero
A fascinating nonfiction book that explores the tallest buildings in the world. It explains how skyscrapers are designed and built using science and engineering. Readers learn about the challenges of building upward in crowded cities. Striking photographs help bring these impressive structures to life.
WhoHQ series
Where is the Brooklyn Bridge? written by Megan Stine and illustrated by John Hinderliter
Where is the Empire State Building (WhoHQ Series) written by Janet B. Pascal and illustrated by Daniel Colon
These two books tell the story of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building. Part of the popular WhoHQ series, they feature easy-to-read text and a straightforward, accessible structure, combining history and STEM as they explore the cultural significance of these two American landmarks.
To Walk the Sky: How Iroquois Steelworkers Helped Build Towering Citiewritten by Patricia Morris Buckley and illustrated by E. B. Lewis
This lyrical nonfiction picture book tells the history of the skywalkers– Native American ironworkers who helped build bridges and skyscrapers all over North America. It honors their remarkable contributions to famous landmarks–including work on the Golden Gate Bridge, Lincoln Center, Sears Tower, and more–as well as their resilience in the face of terrible tragedies: the collapse of the Quebec City Bridge in 1907, and more recently, the collapse of the Twin Towers on September 11.
Why Humans Build Up: The Rise of Towers, Temples and Skyscrapers written by Gregor Craigie and illustrated by Kathleen Fu
Gregor Craigie and Kathleen Fu take readers on a world tour of tall buildings, from the Lighthouse of Alexandria to the Central Park Tower. Each chapter is organized as a different answer to the titular question, “Why [do] humans build up?” Explore how social factors, from religion to industrial competition to environmental sustainability, have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in architecture and engineering.
Skyscrapers!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids written by Elizabeth Schmermund and illustrated by Mike Crosier
Bridges! With 25 Science Projects for Kids written by Jennifer Swanson and illustrated by Bryan Stone
This pair of activity books from Nomad Press, part of the four-book Explore Engineering series, is full of engaging activities that explore fundamental STEM concepts. Sprinkled with fun facts and key vocabulary terms throughout, each chapter uses inquiry-based learning to guide readers through anchor questions, background information, and hands-on projects.
Skyscraper written by Lynn Curlee
With gorgeous illustrations on every page, this book offers a deep dive into the history of skyscrapers—and the architects who designed them. The author, an art historian, sheds a unique light on the technological advances and design decisions that have made each of the featured buildings so memorable.
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This month’s STEM Tuesday book list was prepared by:
Lydia Lukidis is an award-winning author of 60+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include UP, UP HIGH: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere (Capstone, 2025), DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024), and DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023) which was a Crystal Kite winner for the Canada and North America division, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Honor, a Cybils Award nominee, and winner of the Dogwood Readers Award. A science enthusiast from a young age, Lydia now incorporates her studies in science and her everlasting curiosity into her books. Another passion of hers is fostering a love for children’s literacy through the writing workshops she regularly offers in elementary schools across Quebec with the Culture in the Schools program. For more information, please visit www.lydialukidis.com.
Callie Dean is a researcher, writer, and musician living in Shreveport, LA. She is the author of Marvelous Mistakes: Accidents That Made History (October 2026, Beaming Books) and Unstoppable Song (2027, Lerner/Carolrhoda). For more information, please visit https://calliebdean.com.
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