Blast off on an intergalactic adventure in these seriously exciting science fiction books! Featuring all sorts of thrilling sci-fi staples, including aliens, spacecraft, dark quests through the universe, gritty mystery, evil nemeses, and plenty of action-packed adventure, you're guaranteed to find your child's next sci-fi favourite in this list of the best science fiction books for children.
1. A Wrinkle in Time
Madeleine L'Engle | 11+
This much-loved science fiction novel follows the endearing misfits Meg and her brother Charles. Meg, worried about her missing father and doing badly at school, struggles with everything that seems wrong with her life, when events start to take a mysterious turn. Together with Charles and her friend Calvin, she comes across a gap in time through which the children embark on a riveting and perilous adventure. This gripping tale will appeal to booklovers of all ages.
2. LEGO Star Wars: Chronicles of the Force
DK | 6+
Young Jedi can discover the full story of the LEGO Star Wars galaxy with this brilliant bumper book. It covers the saga in detail, featuring all the heroes and villains from across the universe. It explains all about the triumphs and tragedies they have lived through, from the heroic exploits of the Jedi and the Resistance, to the evil plans of the Sith and the Dark Side. The book also comes with an exclusive Minifigure to add to your intergalactic collection!
3. Divergent
Veronica Roth | 11+
The world has changed. The citizens of Chicago are forced to live in a divided society of five factions: Abnegation (the selfless), Amith (the peaceful), Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave) and Erudite (the intelligent). At 16, children are sorted into these factions via an aptitude test. Shocked by the brutality of her own faction, young Tris quickly comes to realise she can trust no-one, but also finds herself drawn to a boy who seems to both threaten and protect her... This exhilarating read is the first book in an electrifying trilogy.
4. Project X Alien Adventures Series
6+
With a whopping 31 books in this incredible collection, these intergalactic adventures are perfect for kids who are looking to tackle their very first chapter books. They're full of fun stories, activities and facts that will build young readers' confidence, progressing from Oxford Reading Level 7 to Level 11. The malevolent Badlaw and his army of robotic Krools are taking over Planet Exis, and it's up to Nok and micro-friends Max, Cat, Ant and Tiger to save the day! Join the adventure in these riveting reads.
5. Legend
Marie Lu | 11+
Day is a boy who walks in the light. June is a girl who seeks her brother's killer. On the run and undercover, they meet by chance, irresistibly drawn together. Neither knows the other's past. But Day murdered June's brother - and she has sworn to avenge his death. Discover the consequences in this gripping dystopian thriller, the first in the Legend trilogy.
6. Mind Games
Teri Terry | 12+
In a future world, life is controlled by the all-powerful PareCo. Young misfit Luna must hide her secrets carefully. Unlike her friends and family, she has never been able to access Realtime, PareCo's virtual world, where almost everyone now lives their lives. So how do PareCo know about Luna, and why do they want her for their elite think tank? Discover a web of corruption and secrets as Luna tries to use her hidden powers to uncover the truth - before it's too late.
7. The Fearless
Emma Pass | 12+
The Fearless: an army, powered by a strange new serum that makes each soldier stronger, sharper, faster, but also devoid of all humanity. They sweep through the country, forcing the serum on anyone in their path. Cass remembers the night they passed through her village. Her father was Altered. Her mother died soon after. All Cass has left is her little brother, but when Jory is snatched by the Fearless and taken to their lair, she must risk everything to get him back.
8. Doctor Who Fairy Tales
Justin Richards | 7+
This gorgeous, dark collection of ancient fairy tales from the world of Doctor Who will enchant young readers, particularly those who are already fans of the brilliant Doctor Who TV series. These captivating stories include mysterious myths and monsters from every corner of the universe.
9. Cakes in Space
Philip Reeve & Sarah McIntyre | 9+
This bizarre and brilliant book is packed with quirky characters and hilarious humour, guaranteed to delight kids! Astra's ship is in trouble. Something is lurking within the ship's canteen - something on the war path. On top of this is the problem of the pesky Poglites, a space salvage crew who have come to pillage the ship of its spoons. Only Astra and her reliable robot friend Pilbeam can stop the ship from being destroyed...
10. My Brother is a Superhero
David Solomons | 9+
11-year-old comic book fan Luke shares a tree-house with his big brother, Zack. In a horribly unlucky twist of fate, Luke decides to go for a wee just as an alien arrives, and gives the undeserving Zack superpowers so he can go and save the universe! This is extremely annoying for Luke, but when Zack is kidnapped, it's up to Luke and his friends to save him - and the entire world...
