Families who loved Tom Swift and His Repelatron Skyway by Victor Appleton II often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is obsessed with how things work, constantly taking apart gadgets, or dreaming of the next big invention. It is the perfect choice for a young reader who feels a bit restless with the ordinary and needs to see that intelligence and scientific curiosity are actual superpowers. In this adventure, young genius Tom Swift Jr. uses his Repelatron technology to attempt a massive engineering feat: creating an aerial highway. The story emphasizes the grit required to see a project through, even when faced with sabotage and technical setbacks. While the technology is rooted in 1960s futurism, the emotional core of the book celebrates self-reliance, the thrill of discovery, and the importance of ethical problem-solving. It is a fantastic bridge for children moving into middle-grade fiction who enjoy fast-paced action combined with technical detail.
