1870 – 1920
The Gilded Age and the Progressive Era were times of incredible innovation and progress in inventions, engineering, and transportation. The Wright brothers made history with the first powered flight, while Thomas Edison’s inventions, like the electric light bulb, transformed daily life. The period also saw the construction of impressive structures, such as skyscrapers and bridges. However, not all advancements were without tragedy, as seen in the Titanic disaster. These developments significantly shaped the modern world, bringing both remarkable achievements and important lessons. You can find books about the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era here.
Picture books
Timeless Thomas: How Thomas Edison Changed Our Lives
Introduction to Thomas Edison’s many inventions, and how they’ve stood the test of time
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How Science Saved the Eiffel Tower
Delightful story of how Eiffel turned his tower into a laboratory to save it from destruction
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The Flying Man: Otto Lilienthal, the World’s First Pilot
Story of an aviation pioneer who paved the way for the Wright Brothers
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Tin Lizzie
Cheerful story of a Model T over the years
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The Glorious Flight: Across the Channel with Louis Bleriot
Award-winning book about the first cross-Channel flight
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Cyrus Field’s Big Dream: The Daring Effort to Lay the First Transatlantic Telegraph Cable
Exciting story of the engineering feat that resulted in the transatlantic telegraph cable
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Chapter books
My Brothers’ Flying Machine: Wilbur, Orville, and Me
Story of the Wright Brothers’ growing love of flight from the perspective of their younger sister
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Voyage on the Great Titanic: The Diary of Margaret Ann Brady, RMS Titanic, 1912
Fictional diary of a girl on the Titanic’s doomed maiden voyage
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Silver People: Voices from the Panama Canal
Extraordinary story of the human costs of the construction of the Panama Canal
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The Titanic: An Interactive History Adventure
Choose-your-own-adventure book with stories set on the Titanic
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Non-fiction books
What Is the Panama Canal?
Excellent introduction to the Panama Canal and its construction
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Where Is the Brooklyn Bridge?
Excellent introduction to the Brooklyn Bridge and its construction
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What Was the Titanic?
Excellent introduction to the Titanic disaster
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You Wouldn’t Want to Sail on the Titanic!
Cheeky guide to the Titanic disaster
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Biographies
Who Was Thomas Alva Edison?
Excellent introduction to inventor Thomas Alva Edison
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Who Was Alexander Graham Bell?
Excellent introduction to inventor Alexander Graham Bell
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Who Were the Wright Brothers?
Excellent introduction to the Wright Brothers, inventors and flight pioneers
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Who Was Henry Ford?
Thorough introduction to auto magnate Henry Ford
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The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane
Excellent photo biography of the Wright brothers and their accomplishments
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Taking Flight: The Story of the Wright Brothers
Accessible biography of the Wright Brothers for young readers
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