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 Episode I-VIII: Readers Collection - 8 Books
5+
The eight books in this collection each retell the story from a different Star Wars film - in LEGO form! Filled with images of the Star Wars sets and featuring all the characters young Jedi will know and love from the famous sci-fi franchise, this is a great collection for children who are looking for truly exciting reads.
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. The Iron Man
Ted Hughes | 7+
This sci-fi classic tells the story of The Iron Man, a mysterious figure who wreaks havoc and destruction where he goes. But, when a monster from another planet threatens to cause even more chaos, The Iron Man becomes the one to save the world.
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. The Gateway Collection - 5 Books
Cerberus Jones | 8+
Amelia's parents run a hotel like no other. Their guests are all from outer space! With so many dangerous visitors coming by from planets far and wide, Amelia and her new friend Charlie are going to have their work cut out for them to protect the hotel. These books are exciting, thrilling and sometimes, a little bit spooky.
10. Only You Can Save Mankind
Terry Pratchett | 10+
This is the first book in Terry Pratchett's hilarious Johnny Maxwell trilogy. Johnny loves playing video games, especially the one that involved protecting the world from invading spaceships! He's about to get a surprise though when he is suddenly transported into the game and the aliens ask him to help them. Johnny takes on the task but he isn't playing a game anymore...
