--- title: "9 Books to Add to Your Summer Reading List: Electronic Crafts, Paper Circuits and E-Textiles" description: Add these 9 maker titles to your reading list for new project ideas and academic research around electronic crafting and sewable electronics. image: https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hubfs/blog%20assets/AngelaSheehan/SewElectric.jpg --- [![Sparkfun](https://www.sparkfuneducation.com/img/logo.png)](https://www.sparkfuneducation.com/index.html) - [SparkFun Webstore](https://www.sparkfuneducation.com) - [Higher Ed](https://sparkfuneducation.com/higher-ed/index.html) - [Contact Us](https://www.sparkfuneducation.com/contact-us.html) - [Follow Us](https://twitter.com/SparkFunEDU) - [Home](https://www.sparkfuneducation.com) - [Blog](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com) - [Curriculum](https://www.sparkfuneducation.com/curriculum.html) - [PD/Events](https://www.sparkfuneducation.com/professional-dev.html) - [KITS/Materials](https://www.sparkfuneducation.com/materials.html) - [Educator Stories](https://www.sparkfuneducation.com/educator-stories.html) - [Activities](https://activities.sparkfuneducation.com) [Blog Home](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/) / [paper circuits](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/paper-circuits) / 9 Books to Add to Your Summer Reading List: Electronic Crafts, Paper Circuits and E-Textiles # 9 Books to Add to Your Summer Reading List: Electronic Crafts, Paper Circuits and E-Textiles BY [Angela Sheehan](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/angela-sheehan) 7/6/17 8:32 AM [1](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/electronic-crafts-paper-circuit-and-e-textiles-summer-reading-list#comments-listing) [paper circuits](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/paper-circuits), [teaching tools](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/teaching-tools), [Maker Education](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/maker-education), [makerspace](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/makerspace), [e-textiles](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/e-textiles) ![](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hubfs/Angela%20Conference%20Headshots%201.png) ###### Whether you are looking to get new ideas for your classoom, read up on materials and academic research or just find some fun projects to create, we've gathered up nine of our favorite maker titles that include electronic crafting and sewable electronics to add to your reading list. In no particluar order, they are... ## Project Books #### **Sew Electric by Leah Buechley and Kanjun Qiu** ![SewElectric.jpg](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog%20assets/AngelaSheehan/Craft%20Electronics%20Reading%20List/SewElectric.jpg?width=320&name=SewElectric.jpg)   Sew Electric is a project book walking readers through four e-sewing (electronic sewing) projects, from a simple circuit Bookmark Book Light to programming a Fabric Piano. Co-written by [Leah Buechley](http://leahbuechley.com/), creator of the [LilyPad Sewable Electronics](https://www.sparkfun.com/categories/135) platform, this book is a great introduction to sewable and wearable electronics and programming combined with fabric arts and crafting. The projects in this book were extensively tested in classrooms and workshops prior to publication and are some of SparkFun's favorite projects to teach with. **[![Order from SparkFun](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2224003/ca44b6a8-3371-4ce4-bafc-46aaf5a6f240.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2224003/ca44b6a8-3371-4ce4-bafc-46aaf5a6f240)** *Looking to buy hardware to follow along with the book? Check out these wishlists curated by SparkFun:* [Sew Electric: Beginner's Kit](https://www.sparkfun.com/wish_lists/139165) (to complete projects 1 and 2) [Sew Electric: Deluxe Kit](https://www.sparkfun.com/wish_lists/74578) (to complete all 4 projects)   #### **Make It Glow: LED Projects for the Whole Family by Emily Coker and Kelli Townley** ![MakeItGlow.jpg](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog%20assets/AngelaSheehan/Craft%20Electronics%20Reading%20List/MakeItGlow.jpg?width=320&name=MakeItGlow.jpg "MakeItGlow.jpg")*Image via [MakerShed.com](https://www.makershed.com/products/make-it-glow)* [Make It Glow](https://www.amazon.com/Make-Glow-Projects-Whole-Family/dp/1680451057) is a collection of fun electronics projects divided into four sections: Glowies and Throwies, Paper Circuits, Soft Circuitry and Wearables, and Twist, Solder, Tape & Hack. Each has four to seven projects that teach simple circuits (no programming) through crafting and making cards, toys, objects and accessories with step-by-step instructions. This is a great book to have available in a makerspace for ideas or to inspire classroom activities and projects. **The Big Book of Maker Space Projects: Inspiring Makers to Experiment, Create, and Learn by Colleen and Aaron Graves** ![BigBookOfMakerspaces.jpg](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog%20assets/AngelaSheehan/Craft%20Electronics%20Reading%20List/BigBookOfMakerspaces.jpg?width=320&name=BigBookOfMakerspaces.jpg)*Image via [ColleenGraves.org](https://colleengraves.org/publications/)* [The Big Book of Maker Space Projects](https://www.amazon.com/Big-Book-Makerspace-Projects-Electronics/dp/1259644251), written by teacher librarians Colleen and Aaron Graves, features 51 low-cost DIY projects with photo instructions, estimated "make time," cost and classroom tips. It covers some of the more popular maker electronics kits — including Chibitronics, LilyPad, littleBits, MaKey MaKey and Sphero — for a broad overview of technology tools frequently used in makerspaces. Chapters include Stating Small and Low Cost, Smart Phone Projects, Paper Circuits, Coding, Musical Instruments, Sewing Circuits, MaKey MaKey, Coding and Programming Objects, littleBits, 3D Printing, and combining these concepts and techniques in Mixing It All Together. ## Educator Resources and Guides #### **Soft Circuits: Crafting E-Fashion with DIY Electronics by Kylie Peppler, Melissa Gresalfi, Katie Salen Tekinbas and Rafi Santo** ![SoftCircuits.jpg](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog%20assets/AngelaSheehan/Craft%20Electronics%20Reading%20List/SoftCircuits.jpg?width=320&name=SoftCircuits.jpg) Part of the [Interconnections: Understanding Systems Through Digital Design](http://digitalis.nwp.org/gnl) series, [Soft Circuits](https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13089) is a comprehensive educator resource for introducing e-fashion (electronic fashion) with sewable circuits and LilyPad electronics through four design challenges (Introduction to the Electronic Circuit, E-Textile Cuffs, ElectriciTee, and Solar-Powered Backpack). In addition to step-by-step instructions and tips aimed at facilitators, each challenge is connected to Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). A wealth of vocabulary, reflection and assesment prompts and templates, and a section of Systems Thinking Concept Cards at the back of the book, make this a great resource for educators looking for guidance on adding e-textiles curriculum to their classroom.  **[![Order from SparkFun](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2224003/6d11214e-5fe8-454d-b8fc-9ea34d834dfa.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2224003/6d11214e-5fe8-454d-b8fc-9ea34d834dfa)** *Looking to buy hardware to follow along with the book? Check out the [wishlists curated by SparkFun](https://www.sparkfun.com/interconnections).*  #### **Short Circuits: Crafting E-Puppets with DIY Electronics by Kylie Peppler, Katie Salen Tekinbas, Melissa Gresalfi and Rafi Santo** ![ShortCircuits.jpg](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog%20assets/AngelaSheehan/Craft%20Electronics%20Reading%20List/ShortCircuits.jpg?width=320&name=ShortCircuits.jpg)  Another title in the [Interconnections: Understanding Systems Through Digital Design](http://digitalis.nwp.org/gnl) series, [Short Circuits](https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13090) leads educators through creating a sequence of four design challenges (Introduction to the Electronic Circuit, Making E-Puppets, Speaking Stories, and DIY Flashlights and Shadow Puppets) connected to Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). This book incorporates storytelling and narrative while focusing on designing and creating electronic puppets and sound-making storyboards. **[![Order from SparkFun](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2224003/9974050f-3c65-4257-8032-49645b118b2a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2224003/9974050f-3c65-4257-8032-49645b118b2a)** *Looking to buy hardware to follow along with the book? Check out the [wishlists curated by SparkFun](https://www.sparkfun.com/interconnections). * #### **Start Making!: A Guide to Engaging Young People in Maker Activities by Danielle Martin and Alisha Panjwani** ![StartMaking.png](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog%20assets/AngelaSheehan/Craft%20Electronics%20Reading%20List/StartMaking.png?width=320&name=StartMaking.png)*Image via [MakerShed.com](https://www.makershed.com/products/make-it-glow)* [Start Making](https://www.amazon.com/Start-Making-Engaging-People-Activities/dp/1457187914/), developed by the [Clubhouse Network](http://www.computerclubhouse.org/), is a guide for facilitators of making in libraries, schools, after-school programs and other maker-oriented organizations. It covers the who, what and why of making and STEAM projects with chapters broken into guided sessions with a list of goals, materials, step-by-step instructions and facilitation tips. Check out the chapters on paper circuits and sewing circuits, as well as activities around light painting and using MaKey MaKey with Scratch to create music, art-making bots and 3D modeling.  #### **Textile Messages: Dispatches From the World of E-Textiles and Education, Edited by Leah Buechley, Kylie Peppler, Michael Eisenberg and Yasmin Kafai** ![TextileMessages.png](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog%20assets/AngelaSheehan/Craft%20Electronics%20Reading%20List/TextileMessages.png?width=320&name=TextileMessages.png)*Image via Amazon.com* [Textile Messages](https://www.amazon.com/Textile-Messages-Dispatches-E-Textiles-Epistemologies/dp/1433119196) is a collection of papers focusing on e-textiles in education. Topics include development of hardware for classroom use, as well as case studies of implementing curriculum and fieldwork around how communities interact with this new form of electronics prototyping. This is a great resource for educators looking for more background and research on e-textiles or a history of the technology in education.    Materials #### **Wearable Electronics: Design, Prototype, and Wear Your Own Interactive Garments by Kate Hartman** ![MakeWearableElectronics.jpg](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog%20assets/AngelaSheehan/Craft%20Electronics%20Reading%20List/MakeWearableElectronics.jpg?width=320&name=MakeWearableElectronics.jpg "MakeWearableElectronics.jpg")*Image via [MakerShed.com](https://www.makershed.com/products/make-it-glow)* [Wearable Electronics](https://www.amazon.com/Make-Wearable-Electronics-prototype-interactive/dp/1449336515/) covers materials, tools and techniques used in creating fashion, accessories and soft projects. This comprehensive resource covers multiple wearable electronics product lines, the pros and cons of each, as well as quick instructions on how to use them and best practices. A must-have for any wearable electronics work space. #### **Paper Inventions: Machines That Move, Drawings That Light Up, Wearables and Structures You Can Cut, Fold, and Roll by Kathy Ceceri** ![PaperInventions.jpg](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog%20assets/AngelaSheehan/PaperInventions.jpg?width=320&name=PaperInventions.jpg "PaperInventions.jpg") *Image via Amazon.com* [Paper Inventions](https://www.amazon.com/Make-Inventions-Machines-Wearables-Structures/dp/1457187523) is a fun resource for paper crafting, covering topics from the science of paper making to origami to paper circuits. This makes a great addition to any makerspace bookshelf, with instructions and explanations for five types of paper projects: Paper Science, Paper Tech, Paper Engineering, Paper Art, and Paper Math.   What's your favorite book for learning about new ideas and fun projects to use in the classroom?   - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ### Subscribe to SparkFun Education Blog ### Topics - [helpful information (79)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/helpful-information) - [Maker Education (60)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/maker-education) - [teaching tools (55)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/teaching-tools) - [getting started (54)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/getting-started) - [Guest Post (44)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/guest-post) - [computer science (40)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/computer-science) - [micro:bit (38)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/microbit) - [student projects (37)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/student-projects) - [STEM (36)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/stem) - [programming (34)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/programming) - [STEAM (31)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/steam) - [Events (28)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/events) - [Arduino (25)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/arduino) - [robotics (20)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/robotics) - [e-textiles (18)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/e-textiles) - [Professional Development (17)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/professional-development) - [basic circuits (17)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/basic-circuits) - [What is a (16)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/what-is-a) - [announcement (16)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/announcement) - [makerspace (15)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/makerspace) - [Community Partnership Program (14)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/community-partnership-program) - [Training (13)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/training) - [raspberry pi (13)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/raspberry-pi) - [python (11)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/python) - [AVC (10)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/avc) - [paper circuits (10)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/paper-circuits) - [Makey Makey (8)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/makey-makey) - [SIK (8)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/sik) - [Adventures in Science (7)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/adventures-in-science) - [microcontroller (7)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/microcontroller) - [Internet of Things (5)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/internet-of-things) - [Processing (4)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/processing) - [Javascript (3)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/javascript) - [LilyPad (3)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/lilypad) - [funding (3)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/funding) - [weather (3)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/weather) - [Insider (1)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/insider) - [Johnny-five (1)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/johnny-five) All Tags ### Recent Authors - [Megan Hemmings (79)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/megan-hemmings) - [Maya Kleinbort (22)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/maya-kleinbort) - [Derek Runberg (21)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/derek-runberg) - [Shane Diller (16)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/shane-diller) - [Jeff Branson (15)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/jeff-branson) - [Angela Sheehan (12)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/angela-sheehan) - [Melissa Felderman (9)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/melissa-felderman) - [Megan Arnold (8)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/megan-arnold) - [Brian Huang (6)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/brian-huang) - [Shawn Hymel (6)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/shawn-hymel) - [Shelby Landsman (6)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/shelby-landsman) - [Jahnell Pereira (5)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/jahnell-pereira) - [Hailey Blessing (5)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/hailey-blessing) - [Mike Grusin (3)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/mike-grusin) - [Peter Hanson (3)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/peter-hanson) - [Andrew Milne (3)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/andrew-milne) - [Toni Klopfenstein (2)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/toni-klopfenstein) - [Joanna Drusin (1)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/joanna-drusin) - [Joe Romano (1)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/joe-romano) - [Mrinali P. 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