Skip to main content

Five Faves: Science Fiction for Reluctant Readers

Science fiction books have plenty of action and adventure behind a solid science background of possible alien technology, giant robots, worlds in outer space, and even dangerous experiments. If you like a good book with lots of creative stories that take place in the realm of science then check out one of these middle grade science fiction books. 


The Rhythm of Time
Written by Questlove and S.A. Cosby
New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2023. Fiction. 263 pages.

Rahim Reynolds loves testing out gadgets that his friend Kasia invents. For his birthday Kasia gave Rahim her best invention yet, a cell phone. It may not look great, but it worked, and Kasia even found a sketchy network so Rahim wouldn't have to pay for services. After Rahim begins to use his new phone, the two friends discover that the phone has some unique abilities. When the phone takes Rahim back in time, he quickly learns that if you change things in the past those changes also affect the future. 

This was a very entertaining book that kids will enjoy reading and talking about. The story is fast paced with some throwback information about 1990's hip hop music. A good choice for middle grade readers who like action, technology, and time travel wrapped up in one exciting book. 

Alien Summer
Written by James S. Murray
New York: Penguin Workshop, 2022. Fiction. 235 pages.

Vivian is looking forward to summer vacation and spending time with her friends -- not going to her mother's office for Take Your Kids to Work Day. When she gets to her mother's office, she is surprised to find her best friends are also at the office with their parents. It's a perfectly ordinary day in Area 51 until some aliens decide to break out and take revenge on the people who put them away. Now it's up to Vivian and her friends to save the day. 

This is a non-stop action and adventure book that takes off right from the beginning. The characters are funny and brave and are willing to sacrifice themselves for the good of the world as they battle this alien invasion. A perfect read for any middle-grade reader who enjoys a good action packed alien story.  

A Rover's Story
Written by Jasmin Warga
New York: Balzer + Bray, 2022. Fiction. 294 pages.

Resilience, a Mars rover built by scientists in a NASA lab to live and explore Mars, was not built to feel human emotions. This glitch may have been a problem with his programming, but when he is sent to Mars with a little drone helicopter named Fly, these human emotions are what keep him alive. While Res is gathering information about the planet Mars, he shows his resilience again and again as he learns to navigate Mars with all of it's difficulties while millions of people on earth follow his progress.

This is an inspiring story that is full of hope. You will find yourself rooting for this courageous robot and his companion Fly as they work together to discover what the planet Mars has to offer. If you love space, or NASA, or just science in general you will want to read this book. 


Stowaway
Written by John David Anderson
New York: Walden Pond Press, 2021. Fiction. 368 pages.

Leo Fender is living with his brother Gareth and their father, Dr. Fender, on an alien research ship in space, when it is attacked by aliens. The aliens are looking for a precious resource called Ventasium and since Dr. Fender is a Ventasium specialist they take him as a prisoner and Leo and Gareth are left behind. Not long after the alien attack the ship is attacked again, this time by space pirates. Leo and Gareth make a plan to stowaway aboard the pirate ship hoping that they can convince the pirates to help them look for their father. But space pirates can't always be trusted and now Leo must decide who he can trust in order to stay alive.

This middle-grade space book has authentic characters, a fast paced plot and is the kind of story that will engage its readers. An enjoyable read with some heartfelt moments that will keep you turning pages. If you like the Mandalorian or Guardians of the Galaxy you will enjoy reading Stowaway. 


Finn and the Intergalactic Lunchbox
Written by Michael Buckley
New York: Delacorte Press, 2020. Fiction. 271 pages.

Finn Foley has a unicorn lunchbox and it's awesome! You would never guess that this unassuming pink unicorn lunchbox is a space-traveling weapon, but it definitely is. When the lunchbox lid opens up it creates a wormhole that allows Finn to move through space and time with ease. But problems develop when other-worldly creatures want Finn's lunchbox. These creatures will stop at nothing to get this lunchbox weapon. When a giant robot named Highbeam shows up and offers to protect the lunchbox, Finn must form a team of unlikely friends in order to help Highbeam on his quest.

If you are a fan of "The Last Kids on Earth" or Doctor Who you will enjoy reading this action-packed sci-fi adventure. 








Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Review: The House with Nobody in It

  The House with Nobody in It By Jon Klassen Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 2026. Board Book.  The House with Nobody in It may very well be your child's first ghost story. The simple story begins with the narrator explaining to readers that this house used to have someone in it, but there is now nobody there. Toddlers and preschoolers will love contradicting this statement as they peek through the house that the board book forms, as the ghost is clearly visible throughout the story.  This unique and imaginative board book is the perfect thing to read during Halloween season! The book itself plays into the experience, with cutouts and clever turns that make it especially interactive. The illustrations are superb, simple but well crafted, adding to the story's theme as a whole. This will likely be a book that gets many repeat reads!

Display: Teddy's Top Picks

  Bear in the Air Written by Susan Meyers Illustrated by Amy Bates New York : Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2010. Picture book. When a teddy bear is lost by the child who loves him, the bear begins an adventurous journey to get back home again. -- Editor Blanket and Bear, A Remarkable Pair Written by L.J.R. Kelly Illustrated by Yoko Tanaka New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2013. Picture book. When a boy loses his beloved blanket and bear, they travel a great distance to make their way back to him. -- Editor A Bear to Share Written by Jessica Alba, Nora Weinstein, and Kelly Patricof  Illustrated by Alicia Mas New York, NY : Baby2Baby/Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2021. Picture book. Tiana loves her teddy bear, Bach. She doesn't mind that he's a little worn and somewhat torn. So when her mother suggests she make room for a new bear, Tiana can't believe her ears! Will Tiana have to lose the one bear she really loves? Or will she find room in her heart for t...

De la hora del cuento: La letra "E"

  Cuentos Mi perro solo hable espaƱol Por Andrea CĆ”ceres Somerville, Massachusetts : Candlewick Press, 2023. Libro ilustrado. "Cuando Aurora llegó a los Estados Unidos, aprendió a hablar inglĆ©s, pero Nena, su spaniel, no. Por eso, cuando pasea a Nena, Aurora les explica a sus nuevos amigos que su mascota solo habla espaƱol ..." --Editor Cuentitos Colores Por Joel Sartore Washington, DC : National Geographic Partners, LLC, 2025. Libro ilustrado. "El National Geographic Photo Ark es una iniciativa plurianual para concienciar y encontrar soluciones a algunos de los problemas mĆ”s urgentes que afectan a la vida silvestre y sus hĆ”bitats. El proyecto busca documentar todas las especies que viven en zoológicos y santuarios de vida silvestre del mundo, inspirar acciones a travĆ©s de la educación y ayudar a salvar la vida silvestre apoyando iniciativas de conservación sobre el terreno." --Editor Otros libros sobre la letra "E" PapĆ” Monstruo y el bosque de las emocion...