Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy that includes social or technological aspects of the 19th century. It is not a well defined subgenre, with plenty of disagreement about what is and is not included.

The Time Machine by H.G. Wells is considered some of the earliest literature involving Steampunk concepts. The list below should help clarify the typical elements found in Steampunk:

Steampunk is not only found in literature but also TV, movies, and other art forms. Firefly is a prime example of Steampunk in a TV series. PBS recently showcased Steampunk as an art form in their show Off the Books:

Steampunk is making its way into the YA world. Below are some of the books that are classified as Steampunk and are really good reads.

Boneshaker by Cherie Preist
Boneshaker derives its title from the Bone-Shaking Drill Engine, a device designed to give Russian prospectors a leg up in the race for Klondike gold. Unfortunately, there was one hitch: On its trial run, the Boneshaker went haywire and, long story short, turned much of Seattle into a city of the dead. Now, 16 years later, a teenage boy decides to find out what is behind that mysterious wall. Can his sister save him in time? Zombie lit of the first order.

The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross
In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one except the “thing” inside her.

When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch…

Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she’s special, says she’s one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits. Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.

Griffin’s investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help-and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.

But The Machinist wants to tear Griff’s little company of strays apart, and it isn’t long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she’s on, even if it seems no one believes her.

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
Prince Aleksander, would-be heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battletorn war machine and a loyal crew of men.

Deryn Sharp is a commoner, disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She’s a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered.

With World War I brewing, Alek and Deryn’s paths cross in the most unexpected way…taking them on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure that will change both their lives forever.

The Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger is an adult series but an absolutely fantastic read. Soulless is the first in the series.

What do you think about Steampunk? Do you like reading stories that contain the elements found in the genre?