Wood, Wire, Wings: Emma Lilian Todd Invents an Airplane

Reach for this book when your child is frustrated by a project that is not working or when they start to believe that certain hobbies are not for them. This inspiring biography follows Emma Lilian Todd, a self-taught engineer who defied the gender norms of the early 1900s to design a better airplane. While others doubted her, Lilian used her love of gadgets and tinkering to solve complex mechanical problems. Through energetic illustrations and a focus on the iterative process of design, the story emphasizes that mastery comes from persistence rather than instant perfection. It is an ideal choice for elementary-aged children who love to take things apart and build them back up. By highlighting Lilian's resilience in the face of failed test flights, the book encourages kids to view mistakes as necessary steps toward success.