Stimulate your child's imagination by replacing their screen time with some fun reading time! We've put together a list of sci-fi books for kids who are ready to be transported into another world. The books listed here are generally for those 8-12 but the age ranges are just suggestions.
Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce (ages 8-12)
Strangers often mistake Liam, a tall 12-year old, for being an adult and often expect him to act like one too. Naturally, Liam decides to enter the "Greatest Dad Ever Contest," only to find himself on a rocket ship 200,000 miles above earth. This book is hilarious and heartfelt.
The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury (ages 12+)
After leaving troubled Earth, humans make their way to Mars, inhabited by a mysterious native race. This is a classic work of fiction where Bradbury showcases human ambition and weakness in a strange world where we do not belong.
The Complete Adventures of Lucky Starr by Isaac Asimov (ages 11+)
David "Lucky" Starr is the youngest man ever to become a member of Earth's council of Science. He must act as a dauntless detective in the face of a hostile universe. There are six novels within this volume, and all of which are quick, easy and fun for kids to read.
A Wrinkle In Time by Madeline l’Engle (ages 11+)
Meg Murry is a high-school-aged girl who is transported on an adventure through time and space with her younger brother and friend to rescue her father. Her father, a gifted scientist, is held as prisoner on another planet. This is amust read sci-fi classic.
Space Runners by Jeramy Kraatz (ages 8-12)
In the year 2085, Benny Love is used tp surviving on what he and his family can scavenge on Earth. But after he wins a scholarship for a life-changing trip to visit the first-ever resort on the Moon, Benny thinks he can finally give his family a better life. This high-stakes intergalactic adventure is great for tweens.
The Tripods by John Christopher (ages 12+)
The Tripods trilogy is set in post-apocalyptic territory where alien Masters have conquered Earth, making humans their docile slaves. A group of young teens are determined to change their fate.
City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau (ages 9-12)
Ember was built underground in order to spare mankind from a coming disaster. However, it's been 241 years since the city was founded and now it's dying. Stores are running low, machinery is failing and nobody seems to remember why they are down there in the first place. The secret set of instructions has been lost—or has it?
See You In The Cosmos by Jack Cheng (ages 12+)
What would you say in an audio recording about your life on earth meant for extraterrestrials? Alex is an 11-year-old who loves space and rockets, his mom, his brother, and dog Carl Sagan—named after the real-life astronomer. Alex records a journey on his iPod to show other lifeforms what life on earth is like.
What science fiction novels did you love as a kid? Comment below and we will add it to this list!
