Best Science Fiction Novels for Kids (2026): 5 Compared

Rockets, aliens and time machines await, and the best science fiction novels for kids launch young readers into space. We compared five novels by sci-fi fit, publisher and reading age, using only what each Amazon listing states. Every figure below comes from the listings, not from our own reading.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Epic Zero	9.7/10	Buy
2	The Alien Next Door	9.7/10	Buy
3	Science Comics: The Brain	9.7/10	Buy
4	Nemesis and the Vault	9.6/10	Buy
5	Secrets: The Time Machine Girls	9.5/10	Buy

1

Epic Zero

R.L. Ullman·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A superhero novel, 192 pages, reading age 8 to 11 years, Book 1 of 12.

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Pros

• 192 pages; the second longest here
• Book 1 of 12: Epic Zero series
• Reading age 8 to 11 years, from customers

Cons

• Sales claims in the description are the publisher's
• Superhero; light on science
• 2015 edition

2

The Alien Next Door

A.I. Newton·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An alien novel, 112 pages, reading age 5 to 9 years, Book 1 of 14.

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Pros

• Book 1 of 14: The Alien Next Door
• Reading age 5 to 9 years, from customers
• little bee books; 2018 edition

Cons

• Sales claims in the description are the publisher's
• 112 pages; quick read
• Alien school; light on science

3

Science Comics: The Brain

Tory Woollcott·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A STEM graphic novel, 128 pages, reading age 7 to 10 years.

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Pros

• STEM graphic novel format
• Reading age 7 to 10 years, from customers
• First Second; 2018 edition

Cons

• Sales claims in the description are the publisher's
• Brain science; not space
• 128 pages; quick read

4

Nemesis and the Vault

PJ Davis·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A middle grade fantasy novel, 202 pages, published March 17, 2024.

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Pros

• 202 pages; the longest here
• 2024 edition
• Philaments

Cons

• Reading age not stated from customers
• Time thieves; complex plot
• Middle grade fantasy; light on science

5

Secrets: The Time Machine Girls

Ernestine Tito Jones·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A time travel novel, 107 pages, Book 1 of 7.

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Pros

• Book 1 of 7: The Time Machine Girls
• Time travel adventure
• 2015 edition

Cons

• Reading age not stated from customers
• 107 pages; the shortest here
• History; light on science

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More picks to compare

• The Lost Space TreasureSuits readers wanting a space novella, 108 pages.Check on Amazon
• OasisSuits readers wanting a sci-fi graphic novel, 160 pages.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Specs as published on each listing, collected 17 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs sci-fi fit, publisher, value and reading guidance. Three listings state a reading age from customers. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best science fiction novels for kids

Reading age

Reading ages run from 5 to 9 years (Alien Next Door) to 8 to 14 years (Nemesis). Browse middle grade books for more.

Series or standalone

Three are Book 1 of a series; two are standalones. Our sci-fi for middle schoolers list covers more.

Format

Science Comics is a graphic novel; the others are prose. Page counts run from 107 to 202.

Before you buy

• Check the reading age against your child.
• Compare the 107 to 202 page counts.
• Sales claims in the descriptions are the publisher’s; treat as marketing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which novel is the longest?

Nemesis and the Vault of Lost Time, at 202 pages.

Which novel starts the longest series?

The Alien Next Door, Book 1 of 14.

Which is a graphic novel?

Science Comics: The Brain.

Which is about time travel?

Secrets: The Time Machine Girls.

Still deciding? Our top pickEpic Zero

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Related lists

See every middle grade list and all kids and teens lists.

More lists: sci-fi for middle schoolers, graphic novels for kids and fantasy books.