10+ Best Sci Fi Books for 8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect Sci Fi Books for 8-Year-Olds that will transport your young reader to new worlds and ignite their imagination? You've come to the right place! In this blog, we'll explore a variety of captivating science fiction books tailored specifically for eight-year-olds, each packed with adventure and wonder. Keep reading to discover our handpicked selections that are sure to spark a love of reading in your little explorer!

Fun Sci Fi Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, illustrated by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This tale follows a young prince who travels from planet to planet, meeting unique adults and learning valuable life lessons.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines whimsy and wisdom in a way that sparks curiosity about the universe and the different people in it.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and thinkers, and anyone who loves stories that blend reality with fantasy.

• Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Zita finds herself a stranger on a distant planet after pushing a button that transports her through space. She embarks on a quest to save her friend who has been abducted by an alien cult.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s packed with action and adventure, perfect for keeping young readers engaged while boosting their reading confidence with its graphic novel format.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love superheroes and adventures in outer space.

• My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett, illustrated by Ruth Chrisman Gannett
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy, Elmer Elevator, runs away to Wild Island to rescue a baby dragon.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fun, imaginative story that encourages problem-solving and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and any child who enjoys tales of daring rescues and friendships.

• Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: The sequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, this book follows Charlie Bucket and Willy Wonka as they embark on an adventure in a glass elevator that goes into space.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thrilling ride with lots of humor and creativity, great for stimulating a young reader’s imagination.
  • Perfect for: Fans of Roald Dahl, and children who enjoy quirky adventures with lots of laughs.

• The Iron Man by Ted Hughes, illustrated by Andrew Davidson
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A mysterious metal giant appears and befriends a young boy, leading to extraordinary adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant message about friendship and acceptance, wrapped in a captivating tale of mystery and adventure.
  • Perfect for: Kids who like robots and stories about unlikely friendships and heroic deeds.

Educational Sci Fi Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When Roz the robot washes ashore on a wild island, she must learn to survive in a hostile environment that challenges her robotic nature.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, adaptation skills, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that combines technology with nature, showing the importance of adaptation and the beauty of unexpected friendships.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in robots and nature, and those who enjoy stories about survival and friendship.

• Cakes in Space by Philip Reeve, illustrated by Sarah McIntyre
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Astra's spaceship is traveling to a new planet, but her journey takes a turn when the cakes she has for snacks start evolving into alien confections!
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, understanding of cause and effect, basic space travel concepts
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fun and zany adventure that mixes humor with thrilling space escapades, keeping readers entertained while subtly educating them on space concepts.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love space adventures and humorous stories.

• The Time Fetch by Amy Herrick
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Edward picks up what he thinks is a rock but turns out to be a Time Fetch—a device that alters time. Soon, Edward and his friends must retrieve the Fetch from the wrong hands.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of time and its consequences, teamwork, responsibility
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a compelling mix of science fiction and fantasy with a gripping plot that highlights the importance of working together and making wise choices.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are fascinated by time travel and enjoy stories that blend real-world issues with fantastical elements.

• Star Jumper: Journal of a Cardboard Genius by Frank Asch
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young genius Alex creates incredible inventions from cardboard, including a spaceship to escape his annoying little brother.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, engineering basics, sibling relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages innovation and problem-solving through fun and engaging storytelling, perfect for inspiring young inventors.
  • Perfect for: Creative kids with a passion for DIY projects and stories about sibling dynamics.

Challenging Sci Fi Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Search for WondLa by Tony DiTerlizzi
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Eva Nine is a girl raised by a robot in an underground sanctuary, but when her home is destroyed, she is forced to surface and search for other humans in a strange and complex world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book introduces a high-concept world with its own rules and language, which can be complex for young readers to navigate.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a richly imagined world filled with adventure and mystery, encouraging readers to think creatively and adapt to new ideas.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy deep world-building and adventurous quests.

• The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Gratuity "Tip" Tucci embarks on a road trip to find her mother after the Earth is invaded by aliens called the Boov. She's accompanied by a renegade Boov mechanic named J.Lo, and together they tackle big themes with humor and heart.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative tackles complex issues like colonialism and identity through its humorous and unique storyline.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny, smart, and thoughtful exploration of what it means to be human, all wrapped up in an alien adventure.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love humor mixed with a bit of social commentary and science fiction.

• Space Case by Stuart Gibbs
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set on a moon base in 2041, twelve-year-old Dashiell Gibson must solve a murder mystery that threatens the base's future and their very survival.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book combines advanced scientific concepts with a complex mystery plot, requiring readers to think critically and follow intricate details.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling blend of science fiction and detective work that keeps readers engaged while educating them about space and science.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and space enthusiasts who enjoy a good mystery.

• The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Ellie's grandfather, a scientist who has discovered a way to reverse aging, shows up as a teenager and turns her life upside down as they explore the impacts of science on life's natural processes.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with sophisticated scientific concepts and ethical questions about the implications of eternal youth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with thought-provoking ideas about science and family, making complex subjects accessible and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are curious about science and enjoy stories that mix real-world issues with whimsical elements.

• The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In a city shrouded in darkness for generations, two children discover clues that could lead them to the outside world they've never seen.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative builds a mysterious dystopian world that requires readers to piece together clues and think critically about the characters' discoveries and decisions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a gripping adventure that stimulates problem-solving and critical thinking, with a compelling mystery at its heart.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy puzzles and stories about dystopian societies.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-year-old dive into the exciting world of sci-fi books, here are some fun and effective exercises to encourage good reading habits. These will not only enhance their experience but also build a strong foundation for their reading journey.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Set up a dedicated, comfortable spot for reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading by creating a special place for it.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite sci-fi decorations.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading the book aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves listening and comprehension skills, and makes reading a shared, enjoyable activity.
  • Tips: Try doing different voices for characters to make the reading more engaging.

• Use a Reading Timer
  • What it is: Set a timer for a specific amount of reading time each day.
  • How it helps: Helps create a daily reading habit and keeps the session focused and fun.
  • Tips: Start with short intervals (like 10-15 minutes) and gradually increase as your child gets more comfortable.

• Discuss the Story
  • What it is: Talk about the book's plot, characters, and settings after reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and allows the child to express their thoughts and opinions.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions to encourage deeper thinking and connection to the story.

• Book-Themed Activities
  • What it is: Create activities related to the themes or characters of the book.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of the book and makes reading more interactive and fun.
  • Tips: You could create simple sci-fi crafts or draw scenes from the book.

• Reading Challenge
  • What it is: Set up a challenge with a set number of books to read over a period.
  • How it helps: Motivates continuous reading and gives a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards for each milestone achieved, like choosing a movie night or a special treat.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine can make their journey through the cosmos of sci-fi books not just educational but also incredibly fun. Remember, the key is consistency and making each reading session enjoyable. Happy reading, space explorers!