• This is the second in a series listing teen favorites in the genre of science fiction. Science fiction (also referred to by fans as “SF”) and fantasy are both types of speculative fiction, which encompasses all stories that explore
• This is the second in a series listing teen favorites in the genre of science fiction.
Science fiction (also referred to by fans as “SF”) and fantasy are both types of speculative fiction, which encompasses all stories that explore the question, “What if?” What follows are a few more suggestions for SF fans.
“Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card
Ender Wiggin is only six years old when he is recruited for the International Battle School in space. There, he and other genius kids engage in battle simulations and an addicting video game to prepare for war with the Buggers, a giant ant-like alien race that threaten to destroy Earth. (Grade 7 up)
“Life as We Knew It” by Susan Beth Pfeffer
After a meteor crashes into the moon, sixteen-year-old Miranda and her family struggle to survive. In her journal Miranda describes how life becomes surreal as supermarkets run out of food, hospitals run out of medicine and schools close indefinitely. (Grade 7 up)
“The Knife of Never Letting Go” by Patrick Ness
Todd Hewitt is the last boy in Prentisstown, a town of men where everyone can hear each other’s thoughts. But before his 13 birthday Todd flees to avoid the awful deed he must perform to become a man. On the run, Todd and his dog Manchee meet a girl who has crash landed on the planet. Together they try to escape the killer army from Prentisstown that is right behind them. (Grade 9 up)
“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams
Right before the demolition of planet Earth, Arthur Dent and his friend Ford Prefect (galaxy travel guide posing as an unemployed actor) hitchhike a ride onto a spaceship commandeered by Vogons — a race of aliens who torture Dent by reading their poetry aloud (the third-worst in the universe). (Grade 7 up)
Can’t get enough SF? Try “Feed” by M.T. Anderson, “The Giver” by Lois Lowry, “Gone” by Michael Grant, “Uglies” by Scott Westerfeld and “Unwind” by Neal Schusterman.
Next week look for suggestions in the genre of fantasy.
Michelle Young is the young adult librarian for Lihu‘e Public Library.
