Airborn by Kenneth Oppel

Set in an alternate past, Airborn takes place aboard a giant pleasure cruise airship. Matt Cruse, a cabin boy on the Aurora airship, lives to fly. When he meets Kate, an outspoken girl who refuses to be confined by the expectations of society, their adventures begin. They discover a new species of animal as well as encounter air pirates. This well written story contains hints of our actual turn of the century, with a few twists and new technology thrown in. A fun read for teens.