Families who loved Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive by Victor Appleton often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
You would reach for this book when your child is obsessed with how things work, showing a deep interest in engineering, physics, or mechanical systems. It is the perfect choice for a pre-teen who needs to see that intelligence and technical skill are powerful tools for solving real-world problems. The story follows Tom Swift as he designs a massive electric locomotive to conquer a dangerous mountain pass, facing both technical hurdles and corporate sabotage along the way. While the prose is a product of its time, the core themes of innovation, grit, and scientific curiosity remain highly relevant for the modern young maker. It offers a sense of independence and agency that encourages children to believe in their own creative potential and ability to build the future.
