Steve Otfinoski

  • 9

    Catalog books

  • 8

    Works

  • 1975 to 1997

    Strongest span

Who This Author Is

Steve Otfinoski writes clear, accessible nonfiction for young readers. From Taking Off: Planes Then and Now, he explains how aircraft evolved, mixing simple technical descriptions with comparisons that help children see connections between past and present aviation.

Otfinoski’s style favors short chapters, engaging facts, and a focus on how technology affects everyday life. His work introduces readers to historical context and practical details without overwhelming them, making complex subjects approachable for classroom and library use.

Best Place To Start

Author At A Glance

Best known for: Children's nonfiction for young readers • Early readers and picture-based facts • Transport and technology topics

Genres and themes: Informational picture books • STEM and transport • Historical comparisons

Who this author is best for: Good for early elementary readers who enjoy clear, photo-driven nonfiction about planes and simple tech history.

Start with his illustrated early-reader titles like Taking Off to sample straightforward text paired with photos.

Top Books To Start With

  1. Behind the Wheel: Cars Then and Now (Here We Go! (New York, N.Y.).)

    Marshall Cavendish Corp • 1997 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1997 • 32 pages.

  2. Taking Off: Planes Then and Now (Here We Go! (New York, N.Y.).)

    Marshall Cavendish Corp • 1997 • quick commitment

    You want a concise kid-friendly comparison of biplanes, WWII fighters, and modern passenger jets | You need a 32-page pi…

  3. The Golden Age of Rock Instrumentals

    St Martins Pr • 1997 • standard commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 1997 • 213 pages.

  4. The Kid's Guide to Money: Earning It, Saving It, Spending It, Growing It, Sharing It (Scholastic Reference)

    Scholastic • 1996 • quick commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 1996 • 128 pages.

  5. Marion Wright Edelman

    Blackbirch Pr Inc • 1991 • commitment varies by edition

    It helps anchor a specific period of this author’s publishing run instead of blending into the undated shelf clutter.

  6. Pedaling Along: Bikes Then and Now (Here We Go!)

    Marshall Cavendish Corp • 1997 • quick commitment

    readers who want a faster first book

  7. Oprah Winfrey: Television Star (Library of Famous Women)

    Blackbirch Pr Inc • 1994 • quick commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 1994 • 64 pages.

  8. The Kid's Guide to Money: Earning It, Saving It, Spending It, Growing It, Sharing It (The Kid's Guide to)

    Scholastic • 1996 • commitment varies by edition

    UPB note: year signal: 1996.

  9. Death on Wheels

    Xerox Educational Pubns • 1975 • commitment varies by edition

    UPB note: year signal: 1975.

How The Picks Compare

  • The Golden Age of Rock Instrumentals is also useful if you want a different publishing lane from Behind the Wheel: Cars Then and Now (Here We Go! (New York, N.Y.).).

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