Lately I have been in a nostalgia mood and have been rereading through a series from my childhood: Animorphs. Revisiting science fiction books from my own childhood has engaged my curiosity to explore what kids are reading these days. Dear reader, though I speak of “kids books” I must point out that anyone at any age or stage in their life is welcome to enjoy and find pleasure in these pages. Not only do kids’ science fiction books contain heart pounding action (when done right) they also contain a humor that even as adults we can still enjoy. For this post I have chosen a couple books that I find nostalgic and will introduce you some of the new science fiction available on the shelves in the kids’ section. Enjoy!
Animorphs Series by K.A. Applegate
As I said, I have been on a nostalgic journey to reread all 54 Animorphs books in addition to the four mega morphs books and the prequels. Currently in my journey I am on #34 The Prophecy. I was afraid when I started that I would feel differently about the series as I am coming back to it as an adult. Was it just my mind as a child that convinced me this series was the best thing ever? Would it seem dumb now? No! Maybe the only thing that aged about Animorphs is the fact that it is set in the 90s (which just adds to the nostalgia value). The series is remarkably mature for a book written for middle school aged kids.
The Animorphs series follows our protagonists Jake (the leader), Marco (the strategist), Rachel (the warrior) , Cassie (the conscience), Tobias (the human trapped as a hawk), and Ax (a young Andalite cadet) as they fight against the alien invasion of Earth. Earth is being invaded. Not an outright takeover, but a far more insidious invasion. The enemy: the Yeerks. The Yeerks are a species of parasitic slug that squeeze in through the ear and wrap themselves around the brain, possessing you completely. Anyone could be possessed by a Yeerk and you would never know. The Yeerks strive to possess humans in power. Though they are just slugs they have possessed aliens such as the Hork-Bajir and the Taxxons that they use in battle. They also possess a wide array of technology. Their leader, Visser Three, is the only Yeerk to ever possess an Andalite body. He is able to use the Andalite morphing technology to further the Yeerk endeavors.
How are five kids and one alien supposed to fight an alien invasion! Luckily (or unluckily) our crew was in the right place at the right time when an Andalite Warrior Prince crashed on Earth. His last act alive was to grant out heroes the technology to acquire the DNA of any animal they can touch. With these powers our heroes must choose the right morphs for the situation. Birds of prey for surveillance. Bugs for infiltration. Predators for battle. As the series progresses the books start turning darker and darker as the kids turn into battle hardened warriors. They must make choices that even adults would find unpalatable and struggle with the moralities of war.
I would highly recommend this series even for adults. I really see why I loved this series as a kid and am finding I am appreciating more that I missed at that age on this read through. Each book is bite sized and can be finished in a day or two. Animorphs has also been relaunched in graphic novel format for those graphic novel fans out there!
Request Animorphs by clicking here!
(If we do not have a certain book available you may also call our number to request and interlibrary loan)
The City of Ember Series by Jeanne DuPrau
For many this is likely also a nostalgic series as the first book (The City of Ember) was published in 2003. I actually came to this series as an adult when I was looking for an audiobook for a long trip. It has now become the number one series I recommend to young science fiction fans. The City of Ember could be described as dystopian as it takes place in the future after a nuclear disaster. However, unlike most dystopian novels, The City of Ember series offers a hopeful view of the future with humanity learning how to live again.
I was completely hooked with the first novel. The City of Ember follows Lina and Doon, two kids growing up in the last city of humanity. This city exists completely underground as the world above was rendered unlivable due to nuclear war. It has been hundreds of years since that disaster and the city is starting to experience blackouts where the last of the electricity periodically dies. The people fear that the electricity will soon go out forever, plunging their world into eternal darkness. Lina believes she has discovered part of an ancient message that may give them the means to save the last stronghold of humanity. Can Lina and Doon solve the clues in time and discover the secrets of the City of Ember?
This is really a feel good science fiction series with plenty of mystery, surprises, and twists and turns. I greatly recommend it to kids and adults alike. City of Ember is followed by: The People of Sparks, The Prophet of Yonwood, and The Diamond of Darkhold.
Request: The City of Ember
Request: The People of Sparks
Request: The Prophet of Yonwood
Request: The Diamond of Darkhold
The Catstronauts by Drew Brockington
Do you like laughs? Do you like cats? Then buckle up for take off with this hilarious crew of Catstronauts! Catstronauts is a new graphic novel series for kids. Join Major Meowser, Private Waffles, technician/inventor Blanket, and Science Officer Pom Pom on one wild ride through the galaxy! This series is a must read for cat lovers young and old. What is not to love about talking cats in actual astronaut situations? Part of the fun is that the author tries to use real science from NASA, but it is put into a world occupied completely by cats. Meet Neil Catstrong on his trip to the Moon! Visit the International Space Station! Learn about the Hubba Bubba Telescope (Hubble Telescope)! Blast off on a purrfect catastic adventure with The Catstronauts series!
There are currently six graphic novels in the Catstronauts series and a board game.
Request: Mission Moon
Request: Race to Mars
Request: Space Station Situation
Request: Robot Rescue
Request: Slapdash Science
Request: Digital Disaster
Upcoming: Look for Cosmic Clutter coming August 2025!
Leonard (My Life as a Cat) by Carlie Sorosiak
A common theme in science fiction is the idea of an alien taking human form and living among us. But what if something in that transformation process goes wrong? Enter Leonard. Leonard the alien accidentally ended up in cat form upon being dropped off to study humanity. Now instead of interacting with the human world as a human he must study us in the form of a cat! Believing Leonard to be the typical stray, a girl named Olive rescues him. Leonard knows he is on a time crunch. His ride is picking him up at Yellowstone National Park by the end of the month. Only, he starts to develop feelings for Olive as she teaches him about her world. Will Leonard find a way to return to the stars or decide to remain a cat forever?
Told with humor and heart this is a story for all ages as Leonard learns what it means to be human from the eyes of an alien cat.
Request Leonard (My Life as a Cat) here!
Voyage of the Dogs by Greg Ban Eekhout
Calling all dog lovers! In Voyage of the Dogs humans have developed the technology to allow dogs to communicate in our language. As the communication barrier has been broken, dogs have been able to learn to work more closely with their human companions and even take up jobs once occupied only by humans. A special group of dogs has been trained to accompany their humans on a mission to seek out a colony planet. These dogs will serve as equals and assistants to the human astronauts. As the planet in question is a long way off both humans and dogs are put into cryosleep for the journey. Everything goes wrong when the dogs awaken on their way to the planet only to find the humans have mysteriously disappeared and their ship is damaged. Good dogs always complete their mission. Will our heroes be able to find their humans and save the day?
Request Voyage of the Dogs here!
Randoms by David Liss
Zeke Reynolds is a complete science fiction geek. Ask him any kind of trivia and he knows it! Zeke has been lucky enough to be picked by the Confederation of United Planets to serve on a space station as part of an exchange to evaluate humanity’s worthiness. There is just one catch: Zeke is The Random. The Confederation has a policy of selecting three of a planet’s MOST talented young people and then one Random in their evaluation. Zeke finds it extremely hard to fit in with the others and those in the Confederation. He finds himself fitting in most with the Randoms of other alien worlds-others that have been rejected by their own species. Can this ragtag group of Randoms prove they have what it takes to stand up, stand out, and save the universe? Randoms continues as a trilogy followed up with Rebels (Books 2) and Renegades (Book 3).
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