Science fiction books for 9+
These thrilling sci-fi fiction titles will grip readers, and may encourage reflection on contemporary issues.
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Little Badman and the Invasion of the Killer Aunties
Author: Humza Arshad and Henry White Illustrator: Aleksei Bitskoff
Publisher: Puffin Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+Humza Khan is an 11-year-old who devotes most of his energy into trying to be a cool rapper, AKA Little Badman. A perfect read for Tom Gates fans: prepare for big belly laughs and great advice on how to be yourself.
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A Robot Squashed My Teacher
Author: Pooja Puri Illustrator: Allen Fatimaharan
Publisher: Macmillan
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+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.
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The Storm Swimmer
Author: Clare Weze
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+When Ginika meets a boy who lives in the sea, they strike up a secret friendship - but what will happen when he gets ill? A very exciting, unusual and truly imaginative adventure story which is expertly told.
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Harriet Versus the Galaxy
Author: Samantha Baines Illustrator: Jessica Flores
Publisher: Knights Of
Interest age: 6-11
Reading age: 7+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.
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The Day No One Woke Up
Author: Polly Ho-Yen
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9-11A tense and intriguing sci-fi mystery that’s creepy and unnerving with one or two genuinely spine-tingling moments.
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The Infinite
Author: Patience Agbabi
Publisher: Canongate
Interest age: 10-14
Reading age: 11+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 an…
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Phoenix
Author: S F Said Illustrator: Dave McKean
Publisher: Corgi
Interest age: 10+
Reading age: 10+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.
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The Day we Saved the Future
Author: Ashley Banjo and Jordan Banjo with Alexandra Sheppard Illustrator: Brittney Bond
Publisher: Scholastic Children’s Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+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.
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Dragon Pearl
Author: Yoon Ha Lee
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Interest age: 9-12
Reading age: 9+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.
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Zo and the Forest of Secrets
Author: Alake Pilgrim
Publisher: Knights Of
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+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.
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The Lightning Catcher
Author: Clare Weze
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+When Alfie moves to the village of Folding Ford, he is baffled by a series of strange occurrences. This exciting, science-packed novel is a cracking read and bursts with action, warmth and humour.
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Last Gate of the Emperor
Author: Kwame Mbalia and Prince Joel Makonnen
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+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.
