10+ Best Science Fiction Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that will launch your 7-year-old into a universe of imagination and wonder? Look no further! Our carefully curated selection of Science Fiction Books for 7-Year-Olds is packed with stories that will captivate their minds and spark their curiosity. Whether they're zooming through space or meeting creatures from another world, each book promises an adventure they'll never forget. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to become their new favorites!

Fun Science Fiction Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
  • Illustrator: Ben Hatke
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Zita finds herself in a distant galaxy after pushing a button that transports her and her friend Joseph. She embarks on a quest to save him from alien kidnappers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with action and heroic deeds, making reading a thrilling adventure for young readers. The graphic novel format also makes it accessible and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love space adventures and heroic tales.

• Commander Toad in Space by Jane Yolen
  • Illustrator: Bruce Degen
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Commander Toad and the crew of the Star Warts navigate through space, encountering strange new worlds and creatures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with adventure, encouraging laughter and the joy of reading.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy space exploration and funny characters.

• The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex
  • Illustrator: Adam Rex
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: On Earth after the alien Boov invasion, 11-year-old Gratuity "Tip" Tucci embarks on a road trip with a renegade Boov to find her mother.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of humor and adventure, making complex themes like colonization and cultural identity accessible and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about friendship and adventures, with a good dose of humor.

• Aliens for Breakfast by Stephanie Spinner and Jonathan Etra
  • Illustrator: Steve Björkman
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Richard Bickerstaff sits down to his breakfast cereal only to find a tiny alien named Aric, who claims that Earth is in danger and needs his help.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and quirky book that uses humor and the element of surprise to maintain interest and encourage reading.
  • Perfect for: Kids who like the idea of secret missions and unexpected heroes.

• My Teacher Is an Alien by Bruce Coville
  • Illustrator: Mike Wimmer (in some editions)
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, School Story
  • Synopsis: Sixth-grader Susan Simmons suspects that her new substitute teacher is an alien, and she's right! She and her friends must uncover his true intentions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It mixes the everyday setting of school with the intriguing possibility of aliens, making it both relatable and exciting for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Students who enjoy school stories with a twist of science fiction.

Educational Science Fiction Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Illustrator: Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she finds herself all alone on a remote, wild island. She must learn to survive and navigate her environment, making unlikely friendships with the island's animals.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, adaptation to new environments, empathy, and understanding of nature and technology.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends technology with the natural world, offering a heartwarming story about friendship and survival.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in robots and nature, and those who love stories about overcoming challenges.

• The Data Set: March of the Mini Beasts by Ada Hopper
  • Illustrator: Sam Ricks
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Dr. Bunsen causes chaos with his latest invention which accidentally turns his pet cat into a giant! Three friends, known as the Data Set, jump into action to help reverse the effects and save the town.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, teamwork, problem-solving, and appreciation for the consequences of technological advancements.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages curiosity about science and technology through exciting and humorous adventures.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young scientists and any kid who loves a good, quirky adventure.

• Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor by Jon Scieszka
  • Illustrator: Brian Biggs
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Kid-genius Frank Einstein loves figuring out how the world works by experimenting with science. After an accident in his garage lab, he creates intelligent robots who help him build a machine to compete in the Midville Science Prize.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic physics, innovation, and creativity in science.
  • Why we recommend this book: It mixes real science with wacky humor, making learning fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy experiments and those who have a knack for building and discovering how things work.

• George's Secret Key to the Universe by Lucy and Stephen Hawking
  • Illustrator: Garry Parsons
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: George's new neighbors turn out to be a scientist with a super-computer that can open a portal to space. Through adventures across the cosmos, George learns about the universe and the importance of protecting our own planet.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Astronomy, environmental awareness, and the scientific method.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides factual information about the universe, wrapped in an exciting narrative that captivates young minds.
  • Perfect for: Young space enthusiasts and future astronomers who dream of unlocking the mysteries of the universe.

• Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot by Dav Pilkey
  • Illustrator: Dan Santat
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Ricky Ricotta, a small mouse, befriends a giant robot and together they protect the city from the evil plans of Dr. Stinky McNasty.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Friendship, courage, and the concept of good vs. evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines action-packed scenes with heartwarming lessons about friendship and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love superheroes and exciting battles between good and evil.

Challenging Science Fiction Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Iron Giant by Ted Hughes
  • Illustrator: Andrew Davidson
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A gigantic metal robot lands on Earth and befriends a young boy named Hogarth. Together, they must prove to the townspeople that the Iron Giant is not a threat.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores themes of fear, acceptance, and friendship through sophisticated storytelling and metaphor.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important values such as empathy and understanding, wrapped in a captivating tale of adventure.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories about friendship and robots, as well as those interested in tales that offer a deeper moral lesson.

• The Time-Traveling Fashionista by Bianca Turetsky
  • Illustrator: Sandra Suy
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Louise Lambert buys a vintage dress which transports her back in time to the Titanic’s infamous maiden voyage.
  • Why this book is challenging: It combines complex historical details with the imaginative concept of time travel, encouraging readers to think critically about history and consequences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of fashion, history, and science fiction, making learning about the past exciting and relatable.
  • Perfect for: Young fashionistas and history buffs who dream of adventure and time travel.

• Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman
  • Illustrator: Skottie Young
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: A father goes to buy milk and returns with wild tales of aliens, pirates, and time travel, explaining why he took so long to come back home.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story's inventive plot and whimsical elements challenge the imagination and comprehension skills of young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a hilarious, thrilling adventure that sparks creativity and shows the fun in storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a good laugh and creative, out-of-the-box stories.

• Cakes in Space by Philip Reeve
  • Illustrator: Sarah McIntyre
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Astra’s spaceship is traveling to a new planet when she wakes up from hibernation to find that the cakes on board have turned into alien monsters.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces young readers to the concept of space travel and the unexpected in a playful, complex narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: Combines the thrill of space adventure with the absurdity of cakes turning into monsters, making for an engaging and memorable read.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy quirky stories and the idea of space exploration mixed with a bit of silliness.

• The Adventures of Ook and Gluk by Dav Pilkey
  • Illustrator: Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Two caveboys, Ook and Gluk, befriend a time-traveling inventor and must use their wits and strength to protect their home from a villainous corporation from the future.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a non-linear storyline and various forms of humor that require a higher level of comprehension and inference.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fast-paced, humorous read that encourages friendship, bravery, and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love graphic novels and stories that combine humor with action and adventure.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to get your 7-year-old excited about science fiction books and develop good reading habits, I've got some fun exercises that can help. These activities are designed to engage young readers and make the reading process enjoyable and educational. Here’s what you can try:

• Create a Story Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that includes major locations and events from the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps children visualize the story’s setting and plot.
  • Tips: Use colorful markers and stickers to make the mapping activity more fun and engaging.

• Design a Book Cover
  • What it is: Have your child design a new cover for the book they are reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and helps children think about the main themes of the book.
  • Tips: Provide them with drawing paper, crayons, and other craft supplies to spark their imagination.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with your child taking on the role of their favorite character.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding of character development and motivation.
  • Tips: Use simple costumes or props to make the role-playing more exciting and realistic.

• Discussion Time
  • What it is: Set aside time to discuss the book’s plot, characters, and themes with your child.
  • How it helps: Enhances critical thinking and comprehension skills.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions to encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story.

• Reading Challenge Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart to track the number of books or pages your child reads.
  • How it helps: Motivates children to read more and helps them set and achieve reading goals.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards for reaching reading milestones to keep the motivation high.

By incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine, you’ll not only help them develop a love for reading but also enhance their understanding and enjoyment of science fiction books. So, grab a book, pick an activity, and let the adventure begin! Happy reading!