What is a good book to introduce a child to the science fiction genre?

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   GinnyLeeposted 13 years ago

   What is a good book to introduce a child to the science fiction genre?

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   Emma Harveyposted 13 years ago

   I think it depends on the age of the child. My son has Dr Who books he likes to read and can associate them with the television program. Fantasy books are great for kids as they can start to use their imagination then go onto Sci Fi. Harry Potter is great, but I also like the Terry Pratchett books. He has written stories for all different ages. I like CS Lewis too - The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe is good to get started then maybe Tolkien's The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings books.  Then perhaps start introducing them to Stars Wars and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

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   Cre8torposted 13 years ago

   If you can find it, "The Hero From Otherwhere". I believe it's stopped printing but I loved it as a child. (If you find it...let me know:-)

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   FatFreddysCatposted 13 years ago

   Go old school... my 9 year old just read H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine" and enjoyed it.

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   Brain Baldwinposted 13 years ago

   I introduced my son to Sci-Fi through Isaac Asimov’s novel treatment of Fantastic Voyage.  At the time he was in grade 5 and about to study the circulatory system in school and this book was an amazing way to learn about it.  This is one of those strange instances where the movie came before the book.  At the time, the special effects and portrayal of the inner workings of our complex bodies was groundbreaking.  The descriptions and images coming out of this story were realistic depictions of what goes on inside us a good 15 years before science had the technology to confirm it.
   The great thing here is that you can have your child read the book and then show the movie.  It is a rare opportunity to demonstrate the contrast between reading a novel and watching someone else’s interpretation of the same material.  Despite the movie coming first, it still started as a screenplay and the director made certain decisions.  Watch to see if your child recognizes the difference in the ending, specifically the contrived movie ending to save money and wrap things up fast.  You won’t be disappointed.

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   duffsmomposted 13 years ago

   Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'engle.  It is a wonderful science fiction type story, also about coming of age and family ties.

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   fitmomposted 13 years ago

   I second a lot of the other books mentioned. You definitely want to be careful about the maturity level of the book and what the child is ready for.
   
   One of my favorites is The Giver by Lois Lowry (and the books that follow it). They are great books for talking about some big topics.

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      B98 Bookclubposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      The Giver is a great suggestion. It is interesting enough to hold anyone's attention, and it is educational.

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   Larry Wallposted 13 years ago

   Depending on age my choices are:
   
   From Earth to the Moon by Jules Verne
   
   The Time Machine by H. G. Wells
   
   And for the slightly older two books that are not pure science fiction, but have some connection to science fiction would be
   
   1984 by George Orwell
   
   Anthem by Ayn Rand
   
   Finally, make sure they see the move (original) The Day The Earth Stood Still
   
   The first two are pure science fiction, From Earth to the Moon foretold some actual events.
   
   The other two books fall into the category of social science fiction .
   
   The movie I suggested has science fiction elements but an excellent message.

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   jpiferposted 13 years ago

   Depending on the age, The Hunger Games series.

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    Ruby Rectorposted 13 years ago

    The actual book depends on the age of the child.  Some of my favorites were:
    
    Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series 
    War of the World's by HG Wells
    Ringworld by Larry Niven

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    shadowspyro99posted 13 years ago

    You could use doctor sues, or mysteries of michagen, Goosebumps I hope this helps.

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    winboposted 13 years ago

    Tintin such a nice book for children.. thank u

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    Krigenposted 13 years ago

    My favorite for a long time has been The Giver, by Lous Lowery.

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    Mageplasmposted 13 years ago

    I agree with jpifer. The Hunger Games series is downright amazing. It's a fairly simple read for kids 4th grade and above.

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    I Am Rosaposted 13 years ago

    The first sci-fi book I remember reading is "My Robot Buddy" by Alfred Slote ... I *think* I was in grade 4 and I still have it in my personal library :-)

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    inevitablesecretsposted 13 years ago

    Depending on the age of the child I'd recomend Ender's Game.  I know a lot of people and young teens who became hooked on the genre after reading that book.  For young children who are still being read too I really like Mars Needs Moms but whatever you don't watch the movie, it's really bad.

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    RadicalRickposted 13 years ago

    As said, it depends on the age. A great book that remains to be one of my all time favorite books is Eragon. It's mainly geared for young adults but it's a pretty easy read filled with action, fantasy, sci fi, and adventure!

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    lovetherainposted 7 years ago

    A Wrinkle in Time

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    trusouldjposted 5 years ago

    Adaptions of Marvel movies may be a fun way to start. I’m sure there are plenty of choices on Scholastic ‘s website or search for Scholastic on Amazon.

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    Morenang Manunulatposted 5 years ago

    Let them read the classics first.

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