I would recommend starting with the bible of model rocketry: http://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Model-Rocketry-Harry-Stine-ebook/dp/B000YJ426K/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399799740&sr=1-1&keywords=handbook+of+model+rocketry

As for procuring engines, I would recommend expending all options to acquire COTS Estes model engines before trying to make your own. Baring that there are a number of potassium nitrate/sugar/epoxy recipes on the internet. I won't link to them here because I strongly advise you not to try DIY explosives.