Steampunk Trends: More Than Just Books For Teens

A group of ten teenagers gathered at Saline District Library on Thursday afternoon to check out or add to their Steampunk book of knowledge. Steampunk is a genre of books combining science fiction and fantasy, with a bit of a dark twist. The class explored the trends of Steampunk which included books and authors, book trailers, fashion, gadgets and music. Teens also made charm jewelry and explorer notebooks.

Hannah Jones is entering the seventh grade this year in Saline. 

“I like some dark stuff sometimes," she said. “I think it’s intriguing.”  

Indeed, Steampunk authors do walk on the dark side, while leading readers through explorations and time-twisted adventures. 

Katie Mitchell taught the class, and spoke of a common theme in Steampunk books. 

“Young people (characters) are often left to their own devices,” she said, which is appealing to readers that are the same age as main characters. Steampunk books lead readers across dimensions, through time travel, or just place them smack in the middle of vivid bits of history, surrounded by dark streets and even darker storylines.

Steampunk titles include “Incarceron” by Catherine Fisher, “Starclimber” and “Skybreaker” by Kenneth Oppel, or “The Monsterology” by Rick Yancey. Speaking of the latter, “If you like horror, that one is pretty twisted!” said Mitchell.

The Steampunk genre is more than books. For some teens it is a lifestyle. Mark Herman drove all the way from Marshall, to attend the class. He’s been into Steampunk for a couple of years now, and has attended the World Steampunk Expo twice. 

“There are so many things you can do with it,” Herman said.

He clarified a misconception that Steampunk is similar to goth. 

“Not really,” he said. “There is a little bit of goth, but you can mix in different cultures like Middle Eastern or Asian."

Herman said the different cultures and outlooks are why he finds Steampunk so appealing. 

The "look" of Steampunk is kind of an edgier version of early nineteenth century proper attire, like mixing high style British top hats and bodices with leather boots with buckles and tripped out goggles.   There is a cool gadget for everything from nerf guns that are souped up to look like time travel lasers, to Nintendo Gameboys decked out in brass, with gears showing like a sailors old navigational compass.

Music plays a large role with Steampunk followers. It is a mix of techno, rap, industrial, and world music with a classical vibe. Abeny Park is a popular Stampunk band mixing electric violins and guitars with piano and accordions and other instruments.  

“I saw them at World Steampunk Expo and they were amazing,” Herman said.

Steampunk music videos played in the background as teens worked on their projects at the library.

For more more information on Steampunk, or to have a look at some Steampunk titles, search the teen section at .