Science fiction books for 9+

When Harriet is hunting for her hearing aid under the bed, the last thing she expects to find is an alien. Soon, she is working alongside her gran to defend the human race. A highly accessible story, laced with lively illustrations and lots of laughs. 

The story races along at a furious pace, and is packed full of laughs, hilarious antics and imaginative inventions. The short chapters are bursting with black-and-white illustrations, helping readers to visualise the many weird and wonderful gadgets which feature throughout the wacky tale.

Set against the backdrop of a climate catastrophe, this gripping dystopian thriller is oppressively atmospheric as it depicts a reality where if you can’t pay, you can’t breathe. 

A futuristic thriller set on the island of Trinidad that is unsettling from the start; a curious mix of cautionary tale, science fiction horror and a study of friendship and trust. 

This compelling tale is set in Addis Prime, a dystopian city which is strictly controlled by the Authority. Combining elements of Ethiopian culture with space-age technology, this fast-paced Afrofuturistic adventure is a thrilling read.

When Earth is threatened by a terrifying supervillain, brothers Micah and Cass travel back in time to stop him. An exciting sci-fi adventure packed with futuristic technology.

A thought-provoking science fiction thriller that looks at Earth and humanity through alien eyes.

In a world devastated by 200 years of brutal conflict between humans and intelligent machines, could Adam‑2 hold the key to ending the war? And, if so, which side should he save? A breathtaking science fiction thriller. 

Science fiction meets Korean mythology as Min tries to solve the mystery of her brother’s disappearance by stowing away on a Space Forces battle cruiser. 

A tense and intriguing sci-fi mystery that’s creepy and unnerving with one or two genuinely spine-tingling moments.

Zed’s dad is the First Hunter of Demons. But when Zed meets a Demon, he discovers that they’re not as terrifying as the myths say. Exciting and full of heart. 

Scrap the robot has vowed never to help another human. Now two children need him, and he’s catapulted into a breakneck adventure full of action and humour. A fantastic read.

Suspend disbelief and fly through a solar system where every moon, planet and star has its own dragon avatar to represent and protect it. A nerve-jangling sci-fi adventure that will take your breath away. 

Jen and Father are searching for a new home in a destroyed world. But they have a secret: Father is a human-appearing AI, whom others fear. Thrilling and thought-provoking, this contains much to discuss. 

Save the planet and live forever. Just upload your personality into a Pleeka, a replica human body which doesn’t consume food or produce waste. But at what cost? This futuristic, dystopian thriller will have readers on the edge of their seats. 

Lucky is on the run and joins up with a group of aliens – refugees from the ongoing war between aliens and humans – who agree to help Lucky find his father. A thrilling space adventure, full of suspense, action, emotion and more.

Only a very few Leaplings (born on 29th February) have ​‘The Gift’: the ability to leap backwards or forwards through time. Elle Bibi-Imbelé Ifiè – who loves her name, white food, and her Nigerian heritage – is one of them. The first book in Patience Agbabi’s Leap Cycle series is fresh, exciting, bold and witty, with a thoughtful character-driven plot and interesting ethical undertones.