10+ Best Science Fiction Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that will transport your 10-year-old to other worlds? Look no further! Our guide to Science Fiction Books for 10-Year-Olds is packed with exciting picks that spark imagination and adventure. Whether they're exploring distant planets or encountering futuristic technologies, these books are sure to captivate young minds. Keep reading to discover our top picks for Science Fiction Books for 10-Year-Olds that can't be missed!

Fun Science Fiction Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When Roz, a robot, finds herself alone on a remote island, she must adapt to survive and interact with the wildlife around her. She learns about friendship, family, and the environment.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines technology with nature in a unique way, encouraging readers to think about how they interact with the environment and the technology they use daily.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love nature and robots, and those interested in stories about survival and adaptation.

• Space Case by Stuart Gibbs
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set on a moon base, young Dash Gibson becomes a sleuth when he suspects foul play in the death of one of the base's top scientists.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun blend of science fiction and mystery that keeps readers engaged while subtly educating them about space and scientific inquiry.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love space adventures and enjoy a good mystery.

• 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 into the middle of a space adventure. Now, she must find a way to save her friend and get back home.
  • Why we recommend this book: The graphic novel format is engaging for reluctant readers, and Zita’s courage is inspiring as she faces various alien creatures and challenges.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy vivid illustrations and stories about bravery and friendship in outer space.

• The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: After Earth is invaded by aliens called the Boov, 11-year-old Gratuity "Tip" Tucci goes on a road trip to find her mother, accompanied by a renegade Boov.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's hilariously narrated with a mix of comic strips and prose, offering a fun, creative take on alien invasion stories.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate humor and adventure, and anyone looking for a unique and entertaining reading experience.

• Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: 12-year-old Liam, who often gets mistaken for an adult, finds himself pretending to be a dad in order to go on a space adventure that turns wildly unpredictable.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of responsibility and what it means to be grown-up, all wrapped up in a thrilling, comedic space journey.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about space exploration and tales that mix humor with thought-provoking situations.

Educational Science Fiction Books for 10-Year-Olds

• George's Secret Key to the Universe by Lucy and Stephen Hawking
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: George's adventures begin when he finds a secret doorway into space guided by his new neighbor, the scientist Eric, his daughter Annie, and a super-computer named Cosmos. Together, they explore the universe and unravel its wonders.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Astronomy, physics, critical thinking, and problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's written by renowned physicist Stephen Hawking and his daughter, making complex scientific concepts accessible and exciting for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in science and the mysteries of the universe.

• The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Ellie's grandfather, a scientist who has found a way to reverse aging, shows up as a teenager and turns her life upside down. Together, they explore the impacts of scientific discoveries on life and personal relationships.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Science ethics, biology, family dynamics, and historical scientific contributions
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with thought-provoking questions about science and morality, making it both fun and educational.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy quirky stories with a mix of science and personal growth.

• Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Brian Biggs
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kid-genius Frank Einstein loves figuring out how the world works by inventing gadgets in his garage. This time, he's working on an antimatter motor to win a science competition, but his plans get disrupted by his arch-rival.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Physics, engineering, creativity in science
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages innovation and scientific experimentation, wrapped up in a humorous and engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Budding inventors and young scientists who love to tinker and invent.

• The Search for WondLa by Tony DiTerlizzi
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Eva Nine is a girl raised by a robot in an underground sanctuary. When her home is destroyed, she steps outside for the first time, beginning a quest to find other humans in a strange and complex world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental science, adaptation, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a richly imagined world that blends science fiction with fantasy, encouraging readers to think about biodiversity and the importance of understanding different ecosystems.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure and fantasy who are curious about new worlds and environmental conservation.

• The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a city built to survive a long-forgotten apocalypse, two children discover clues that could lead them to the outside world they've never seen, before their city's lights extinguish forever.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, historical awareness, understanding dystopian concepts
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping story that teaches about perseverance, leadership, and the quest for knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy thrilling, suspenseful stories with a strong message about society and survival.

Challenging Science Fiction Books for 10-Year-Olds

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: The story follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin as they travel through time and space to rescue Meg's father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel introduces complex concepts such as tesseracts and the battle between good and evil on a cosmic scale.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and imagination, blending scientific concepts with a compelling narrative of love and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in physics and metaphysics, and those who enjoy stories about adventure and family bonds.

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a seemingly perfect community without suffering, choices, or differences, a boy named Jonas uncovers the dark secrets behind his society's way of life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as conformity, control, and the moral implications of a utopian society.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book provokes thought about the importance of emotions and individuality in a conformist society.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in social issues and ethical dilemmas, and those who enjoy thought-provoking narratives.

• The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: An inventor creates a time machine and travels to the distant future where he discovers two distinct races, the Eloi and the Morlocks, who reflect the consequences of social and evolutionary forces.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text explores advanced themes of social class disparity and evolutionary theory.
  • Why we recommend this book: It is a pioneering work that combines scientific curiosity with exploration, ideal for fostering a sense of wonder and inquiry about the future.
  • Perfect for: Young readers fascinated by time travel and those curious about the future of humanity.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Sixth-grader Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future and soon realizes they're related to her friend's sudden and strange behavior.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, involving time travel and intricate plot twists that challenge the reader's perception and understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It masterfully blends elements of mystery and science fiction, encouraging analytical thinking and engagement with the text.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love puzzles and mysteries, and those who enjoy stories that make them think deeply about time and relationships.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must stop a global crisis.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features complex riddles and puzzles, layered storytelling, and advanced vocabulary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence, teamwork, and the power of individuality, wrapped in an exciting, suspenseful adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young strategists and thinkers who thrive on solving complex problems and decoding mysteries.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! Diving into the world of science fiction books can be an exciting adventure for 10-year-olds. To make the most out of this experience, developing good reading habits is key. Here are some fun and effective exercises that can help young readers as they explore galaxies far, far away or the future right around the corner:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and helps build a regular reading habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus by associating one place with reading time.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Book Discussion Club
  • What it is: Start a club where friends come together to talk about the book they are reading.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and offers different perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Meet regularly, perhaps once a week, to keep the excitement going.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Draw maps or diagrams to track the settings and events of the story.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding and remembering the plot and the world-building in sci-fi stories.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to make the map more engaging and informative.

• Character Diary
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of a character in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances empathy and depth of understanding of characters.
  • Tips: Choose different characters over time to see the story from multiple viewpoints.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Make predictions about what will happen next after each reading session.
  • How it helps: Stimulates critical thinking and engagement with the plot.
  • Tips: Write down predictions and check how many of them come true as you read.

These exercises aren't just about reading; they're about making reading a dynamic and interactive part of life. Whether it’s charting new planets or understanding complex characters, these activities will enhance the journey through any sci-fi universe. So, grab your favorite science fiction book, and let's get reading!