The 9 Most Popular Children's Science Fiction Books
Book RaiderScience Fiction: An uncharted territory full of extraterrestrial creatures, fictitious scientific experiments, hovering spacecrafts, and galaxies far, far away; this much fun should be illegal. While these tales of wacky warp speeds, aliens making house calls, and philosophizing robots may seem like high-tech adult affairs, you’ve grossly underestimated the pint-sized populous. It's time to think again!
Kids love a chaotic romp through the cosmos just as much as space-obsessed adults do. And why wouldn't they? It offers them a break from the ordinary, fuels their curiosity, and stokes the fiery spaceship of their imagination. So, buckle up wanderlusters of the littles-kind, as we are about to embark on a star-studded journey through well-thumbed pages of the most popular children's science fiction books.
Captain Underpants and the Invasion of the Incredibly Naughty Cafeteria
by Dav Pilkey
Why Captain Underpants and the Invasion of the Incredibly Naughty Cafeteria is on this list: Science fiction is all about the wonder of the unknown and the thrill of discovery. This book does a fantastic job of translating those core aspects into a kid-friendly format. It's the best of both worlds - a real page turner and a great introduction to the genre for young readers.
Welcome to a tale of unspeakable lunchtime horror, where two fourth graders, George and Harold, accidentally hypnotize their principal who then believes he is the superhero from their homemade comic book. Throw in some outrageous aliens and you have the recipe for out-of-this-world adventure and a good chuckle along the way.
What readers like: Readers love this book for it's unique blend of absurdity, iconic illustrations, and fun characters that keep you entertained all the way through. It strikes a balance between being educational but also just plain fun. Perfect for kids who think they don't like reading or science fiction.
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A Wrinkle in Time
by Madeleine L'Engle
Why A Wrinkle in Time is on this list: Firstly, it's a children's book. Secondly, it's science fiction. Boom - fits on our list. But it's more than just that. It's dripping with adventure, space-time travel, and alien planets, all parceled up in fascinating scientific theories. It's really a science geek's daydream wrapped up in the cover of children's literature.
A Wrinkle in Time is about a young girl named Meg Murry, her genius little brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin. When their father disappears during a government experiment, they go on a daring rescue mission that takes them across the universe. With help from three mysterious astral travellers known as Mrs Who, Mrs Whatsit, and Mrs Which, they battle forces of evil to save their father and the universe.
What readers like: Readers adore A Wrinkle in Time because it's not afraid to tackle big ideas, like love, evil, and space-time. Whether you're a child or an adult, you'll be intrigued by the science and the adventure. Not to mention, you'll probably want to join Meg, Charles, and Calvin in their whimsical spaceship. Enjoy it for the crazy ride it is and get ready to see science and imagination collide in spectacular fashion.
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Percy Jackson & Olympians: The Lightning
by Rick Riordan
Why Percy Jackson & Olympians: The Lightning is on this list: While not strictly Science Fiction, Percy Jackson combines myth, magic, and a modern setting, transporting you to a world where ancient Greek Gods mix with Science and Technology. It's not often that you'll find Poseidon diving across seas of data, but here we are.
Our young protagonist Percy Jackson discovers he is actually a demigod, the son of Poseidon no less, and gets pulled into an adventure of heroic proportions. Mona Lisas aren't the only things missing in Percy's world, Zeus’s master bolt is gone and it sparks a celestial conflict. So it's up to Percy and his friends to find the bolt, solve the mystery and stop a war among the gods.
What readers like: Readers love Percy's wry humor and the creative way the book incorporates Greek mythology into the everyday. The relationships and dialogues between the characters feel real and engaging. Percy's friends, each intriguing in their own right, help to keep the plot moving at lightning bolt speed. If you've ever wanted to see a Minotaur in Manhattan, well, buckle up darling.
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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
by J.K. Rowling
Why Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is on this list:
Harry Potter is in his third year at Hogwarts School Witchcraft and Wizardry. Alongside his usual magical studies, he also has to deal with an escapee from the dreaded Azkaban Prison who is on the loose, and worse, seems to be after him. Add in some Defense Against the Dark Arts lessons with the mysterious Professor Lupin and a dose of time-travel, and you have a truly mesmerizing tale.
What readers like: Readers revel in J.K. Rowling's creative environment, filled with fascinating characters and intricate plot. Most of all, they love the elements of magic mingled with a touch of science, making this book a splendid addition to a young reader's burgeoning science fiction collection. And who doesn't love a story about good triumphing over evil, especially when said good takes the form of a bespectacled boy wizard?
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The Tale of Despereaux
by Kate DiCamillo
Why The Tale of Despereaux is on this list: Although it's not out-of-this-world science fiction the usual sense, The Tale of Despereaux daringly mixes themes of time, space, and alternative realities. A mouse, a princess, soup, and spools of thread are spun together to create an enchanting universe teeming with peculiarities. It's an alternative reality, which, in essence, is what makes science fiction so captivating.
The Tale of Despereaux tells the story of Despereaux Tilling, a tiny, but bravely innovative mouse with huge ears and an even bigger heart. This little hero falls in love with a human princess and ends up on a wild adventure that involves dastardly rats, a gloomy dungeon, a magical thread, and a quest to rescue the princess from a fate worse than death itself - a bad soup day. With a pinch of courage, a sprinkle of adorable, and a hearty stir of impossibility, this book serves a dish that'll satisfy your craving for charm and adventure.
What readers like: Readers are smitten by Despereaux's bravery and indomitable spirit, as he proves that heart is mightier than size. The story's unique blend of reality and fantasy leaves a lasting impression that imparts the message - there's more to this world than meets the eye, and sometimes, the most unlikely heroes come in the tiniest packages. It's perfect for young readers who thirst for adventure and aren't afraid of a little mouse-sized mischief.
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How to Train Your Dragon
by Cressida Cowell
Why How to Train Your Dragon is on this list: If you're imagining science fiction for children, what could possibly be more encapsulating than dragons and a far-off Viking world? Combine that with a whole lot of whimsical, relateable characters and you've got yourself a perfect fit.
This hilarious hit takes the readers on an exhilarating adventure with young Viking Hiccup Horrendous Haddock as he learns to tame and train his dragon, Toothless. With a rich blend of fantasy, imagination, and just a dash of science, this gripping book sure fuels inquisitive minds into the realm of the seemingly impossible. It's not just about dragons and Vikings, it's a tale of courage, friendship, and being comfortable in your own skin, or scales.
What readers like: Readers of all ages enjoy the tongue-in-cheek humor, the lovable characters, and the imaginative tale filled to the brim with illustrations and silliness. The storyline has a casual comfort to it, making it a perfect night-time read for kids. They also appreciate how the book teaches life's valuable lessons while keeping it light and comical.
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Among the Hidden
by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Why Among the Hidden is on this list: This is the first book in the Shadow Children series that combines suspense with a touch of dystopian science fiction, making it a prime pick for the kiddos who fancy sci-fi with a healthy side of mystery. Now there's a kid-pleaser for you!
A story set in a future society that allows only two children per family. Meet Luke, a third child, forced to live in secrecy, hidden from the outside world. When Luke meets Jen, another 'shadow child', their lives takes a dramatic turn. And yeah, it's as gripping as it sounds!
What readers like: Young readers love this book for its exciting plot, its relatable characters, and how it makes them think about the world in a different way. Adults appreciate that Margaret Haddix weaves a tale that not only entertains, but also encourages conversations about government control, civil rights, and the idea of personal sacrifice. So, you see? It fires up their imaginations and gets them talking. Quite a win-win.
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The Field Guide
by Holly Black
Why The Field Guide is on this list: Sure, there are heaps of science fiction books out there, but 'The Field Guide' gets a place in this list because it's not just loved by kids – adults can't seem to put it down either. Like gooey cheese pizza, it's delectable for all ages.
We're seeing a fairly familiar yard through strangely unfamiliar eyes here. The Field Guide is the first book in the Spiderwick Chronicles, introducing Jared, Simon, and Mallory Grace. These ordinary siblings stumble on a extraordinary book filled with unbelievable things like goblins and faeries. As you go through their weird and whimsical encounters, you start to see the 'science' in 'science fiction.'
What readers like: Readers seem to love how 'The Field Guide' stocks loads of suspense, thrill, and a dash of humor in every chapter. Everyone's fond of the Grace children in their different ways. On top of that, the book is swimming in imagination and eye-popping illustrations. It's like eating cornflakes with a sweet surprise in each bite.
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Uglies
by Scott Westerfeld
Why Uglies is on this list: Uglies enters the league of the most popular children's science fiction books due to its unique combination of adventure, the struggle of adolescence and an intriguing futuristic setting. It makes science fiction taste less like chilly space and more like a hearty slice of reality cake.
The book is set in a future dystopian society where beauty standards have shifted beyond imaginings. Turning sixteen signifies a mandatory operation that transforms everyone into a 'Pretty'. Tally Youngblood, the book's heroine, is all set to undergo the transformation, till she meets Shay, who introduces her to a world beyond the 'pretty' surface. Loaded with adventurous escape missions, compelling action, and lessons about individuality, the book is a thrilling roller coaster ride into the future.
What readers like: Readers love Uglies for its refreshing take on beauty standards, individuality and defiance of societal norms. Kids relate to Tally's struggle to find her identity. Plus, who doesn't get a kick out of imagining a future world and daring escapes? Read it, and you'll soon be craving seconds of that reality cake!
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