Let's Hear It for Science Fiction
On November 13, 1971, Mariner 9 became the first successful spacecraft to orbit another planet--and this planet was Mars. From War of the Worlds to tales of UFOs and alien invasions, humans have long imagined the possibility of life on Mars and an attack by Martians against humanity. Science Fiction; two words that encompass so many images and ideas; from spaceships and aliens, super-computers and androids, to mutants and time travel - it's all Sci-Fi. From Star Trek and Star Wars, to Stargate SG-1, science fiction is a staple of the American television and movie industries. Likewise, from H.G. Wells to George Orwell, Ray Bradbury to Frank Herbert, and the more recent Orson Scott Card and Margaret Haddix, science fiction is a thriving genre in literature that captures the imagination of all generations.
For readers and those who like to be read to, from ages 4 through high school, the following books will transport children to new worlds, introduce them to new species, and encourage them to stretch their imaginations.
Visit our Themed Reviews section for more space books!
Science Fiction
2030: A Day in the Life of Tomorrow's Kids
Amy Zuckerman and James Daly
Back many years ago, when Dick Tracy was talking to his wrist watch, it seemed quite farfetched. Now you can talk, e-mail, take and send pictures, and do just about whatever you want with a cell phone strapped to your wrist or carried in a pocket. What will the future hold? Zuckerman and Daly speculate in this picture book, and, amazingly, they are really only looking about twenty years ahead. The opening spread shows a contemporary kid with a dog and skateboard, looking at his counterpart in 2030 who is using a magnetized skateboard that floats above the ground. His personal computer is a data orb and also seems to float along beside him, and his dog has a collar and headset that appear to take its thoughts and convert them into words. The data orb transmits and receives three-dimensional images, and clothes are created with special fibers that will keep you warm or cool. People like this young boy's dad work from home. Water is recycled; wind turbines generate electricity, and garbage is reused to grow fruits and vegetables. Speaking of foods "scientists have discovered the part of your brain that controls taste and flavors. So you'll be happy to eat healthy things." Cars drive themselves, thus minimizing accidents, eliminating traffic tie ups, and getting lost. Much of this future is based on actual research, but the real issue is when or if these inventions will be cost-effective enough for mass production and general use. The closing page contains a bibliography of books, journal articles, reports, and news sources. For those who may want a peek at the future, this list is a great resource. 2009, Dutton/Penguin, $16.99. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780525478607
ISBN: 0525478604
Academy 7
Anne Osterlund
After her father's death, seventeen-year-old Aerin Renning pilots their space craft until its systems fail, leaving her adrift in space. Once rescued, she gains entrance through the intervention of her rescuer to Academy 7, an elite Alliance school, and a chance to make her own way in the future. As the son of General Gregory Madousin, the head of the Allied Military, Dane Madousin's arrival at Academy 7 generates a celebrity welcome. Despite their disparate backgrounds, Dane and Aerin discover they share similar political views and a passion to succeed. They fall in love. When Dane takes Aerin home at Christmas, her presence sparks a violent confrontation, resulting in an irreparable rift between Dane and his father. Dane and Aerin return to school determined to uncover the dark secret that links the Rennings and the Madousins and the source of General Madousin's animosity. Skillfully grounding her science fiction in the familiar, the author tackles the struggle to fit in at school, explosive family issues, and love in the face of parental disapproval, creating a broad appeal that crosses genre lines. Aerin and Dane both seek an education to distance themselves from their pasts, but family ties continually undermine their goals. General Madousin, charming one moment and then beating his son unconscious the next, is a chilling character. Intriguing cover art, complex characters, and an innovative plot will send this book tumbling off library shelves. Readers can only hope for a sequel. VOYA CODES: 4Q 5P S A/YA (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Every YA (who reads) was dying to read it yesterday; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult-marketed book recommended for Young Adults). 2009, Speak/Penguin, 272p., $8.99 Trade pb. Ages 15 to Adult. Reviewer: Nancy K. Wallace (VOYA, August 2009 (Vol. 32, No. 3))
ISBN: 9780142414378
ISBN: 0142414379
Alcatraz Versus the Knights of Crystallia
Brandon Sanderson
Alcatraz, Grandpa Smedry, Bastille, and the rest of their group are aboard the Hawkwind, headed for Nalhalla in the Free Kingdoms when an explosion rocks them from the skies. Exciting as that event is, the information they are given after their rescue begins the real adventure. A sect of Librarians has approached the Council of Kings to sign a peace treaty. The Librarians are asking for the kingdom of Moika, and in return, they will agree to stop the fighting. Certain that there is something evil lurking behind the offer, Alcatraz begins investigating. After seeing his Librarian mother disappear into the Royal Archives (not a library!), Alcatraz becomes even more alarmed. Finding out who is behind which plot--and why they are doing it--is a tall order, and Alcatraz worries he will not be able to deliver. Will he disappoint his fans, Grandpa Smedry, and himself? Or is he actually the hero he claims he could not possible be? This reviewer absolutely agrees with Alcatraz's admonishments not to read this third book first. Information about occulators, family ties and talents, and why Librarians are Evil has been established and are not really repeated. Luckily the prequels are quick reads, and catching up takes no time at all. Offbeat humor, a budding romance, plenty of magic, creative world building, smart references to science fiction luminaries, clever word play, and good action scenes make this one a strong choice for young teen boys and adult fans of the SF genre. VOYA CODES: 5Q 4P M (Hard to imagine it being any better written; Broad general YA appeal; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8). 2009, Scholastic, 336p., $16.99. Ages 11 to 14. Reviewer: Stacey Hayman (VOYA, October 2009 (Vol. 32, No. 4))
ISBN: 9780439925556
ISBN: 043992555X
Alien Expedition
Pamela F. Service
Illustrated by Mike Gorman
It's not easy being an Alien Agent: you have to meet your purple-skinned handler in secret, your co-workers resemble bossy velociraptors, and sometimes you even have to spend your summer break in Mongolia. In this third book in the "Alien Agent" series, young Zack Gaither is again paired with toothy Cadet Agent Vraj, this time to supervise an archeological dig by her species, the Tirgizians, who are hoping to prove Earth is their home planet. The routine mission becomes anything but, though, when the entire Tirgizian team goes missing and the Galactic Union receives a ransom note from the evil Kaipa Kapa Syndicate. Now, it is up to Vraj, Zack, and Zack's two new Mongolian friends to find the Tirgizians without blowing their covers… and showing Earth that we are not alone. Service deserves a great deal of credit for forgoing normal preteen haunts--"Aliens in the Cafeteria," "Aliens in the Mall"--and livening up this latest installment with a fresh cultural look at Mongolian food, religion, dress, and landscape. Readers will enjoy thoroughly unraveling a PG evil plot and defeating the none-too-bright henchmen perpetrating it, especially since the adventure is accompanied by stellar black-and-white illustrations from Gorman. This is an excellent book to read aloud to a class in parts, or to coax a struggling reader who is beyond picture books but may still need some pictorial aid. 2009, Carolrhoda Books/Lerner Publishing Group, $16.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Cara Chancellor (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780822588702
ISBN: 0822588706
The Baseball Card Kid
Adam Osterweil
Pictures by Craig Smith
In this sequel to The Comic Book Kid, Brian and his best friend, Paul, travel back through time to the Titanic to retrieve a now-priceless baseball card before it sinks to the bottom of the North Atlantic. (As a young child, Brian accidentally ate his father's treasured copy of the card, and its loss has haunted their relationship ever since.) If it seems to show insensitivity that the boys want to save the baseball card, rather than the boy who owns it, never mind: they end up saving him as well, and everybody else on the Titanic, as their showing of the DVD of the movie alerts the captain to the impending iceberg in time to avert the catastrophe. But this then triggers another, worse catastrophe, as a vampire doctor aboard ship survives to create a terrible race of monsters that will destroy all of life on Earth. To avert this catastrophe, the boys must travel into the far future to consult a newly minted Answer Box that will tell them how to undo what they have done. The book is cram-packed with humor and action: what more could Osterweil include than the sinking Titanic, a visit to Count Dracula's castle, and science fiction adventures in the year 100,000? How many more threats to all of life on Earth can two boys create, and foil, in one single book? 2009, Front Street/Boyds Mills Press, $17.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Claudia Mills, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781590785263
1590785266
Bob's Best-Ever Friend
Simon Bartram
This oversized hardcover picture book finds Bob, the Man on the Moon, still entertaining space tourists with his knowledge, his moon-themed variety show, and free moon-cake snacks. Bob's job as a moon tour guide is fun, but something is missing in his busy life--when he goes home at night, it is a bit lonely. There is no one to share a peas-and-fishstick-in-front-of-the-telly dinner, or a jigsaw puzzle evening, or a nightly cup of cocoa, so Bob makes it his mission to find a best-ever friend who will always be by his side. The perfect best friend turns out to have been following Bob all along, as readers will easily see in the background of the story's illustrations once they know who he is: an intergalactic dog named Barry. The richly-hued illustrations overshadow the rather predictable story in this follow-up to Bartram's first book about Bob. Bartram takes elements from everyday earth life and deftly blends them with space landscapes, rocket ships, alien pets, and the like with hyper-realistic, rubbery style. Young readers will be so captivated by the visual details in Bob's world that they will want to put the glow-in-the-dark poster printed on the reverse of the book jacket on their wall right away! 2009, Templar Books/Candlewick Press, $16.99. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Dianne Ochiltree (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780763644253
ISBN: 0763644250
Camp Alien
Pamela F. Service
Illustrated by Mike Gorman
In the first book of the "Alien Agent" series, Zackary Gaither learns that he is not human as he had assumed. He is actually an alien representing the Galactic Union being groomed to act as a liaison when Earth is asked to join. This second book begins with Zack looking forward to a normal summer vacation at Camp Trailblazer. But due to an intergalactic emergency, he is sent to Camp Takhamasak instead where he will work with Agent Itl Vraj Boynyo Tg to gather Duthwi eggs, which look like glowing rocks, before they hatch. Sneaking out of his cabin at night to meet with his new partner is difficult enough but becomes even more so when he is followed by shy, insecure Opal who is shocked when she first sees the "monster" Vraj. Zach explains that Vraj is really a dinosaur and that he is on a mission to help Vraj find dinosaur eggs and enlists Opal's assistance while vowing her to secrecy. Things become more complicated when other campers stumble on their secret project. Vraj ends up playing the role of a very believable dinosaur in a campfire pantomime. However, the warmth of the campfire over the place where Zack has gathered the eggs causes them to hatch. Just when it appears all is lost, Zack and Vraj manage to save the day or, as it happens, Earth. Young readers will enjoy this fun, fast read and look forward to more alien adventures. 2009, Carolrhoda Books, $16.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Shirley Nelson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780822586562
ISBN: 0822586568
Catching Fire
Suzanne Collins
After surviving the Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are back in District 12, but life is far from normal. Unbeknownst to the pair, their united tactics and subsequent joint triumph were interpreted by many as rebellious and there is widespread unrest in the Districts. Katniss, as always, worries about her family and their safety as she struggles with her role in the rebellion she seems to have fueled. Katniss tries to reconnect with an estranged Gale, while somewhat keeping up the pretense of being hopelessly in love with Peeta. She soon discovers, however, that her life depends on proving without a doubt that she and Peeta are indeed completely in love. Once again, Katniss must make choices that will greatly impact those she loves. In Book 2, Suzanne Collins is able to recapture the brilliant and edgy style that captivated readers of the Hunger Games. Each page seems to bring a new surprising twist and, with the investment that loyal readers already have in Katniss, Catching Fire will tear at the heartstrings of every reader and leave them thirsting for the Book 3. Catching Fire will be sure to top just about every list this coming year. 2009, Scholastic, $17.00. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Jeanna Sciarrotta (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780439023498
ISBN: 0439023491
The Comet's Curse
Dom Testa
In this science fiction novel, a team of talented and unique teenagers find themselves in outer space aboard the Galahad. How did this happen? The comet Bhaktul brushed his tail over the world and inflicted the population with a deadly disease that has affected all the adult inhabitants over 18 years old. Before the death toll took out the entire world, a group of scientist designed this spaceship and trained these teenagers to go to another world to save them so they could protect the human race. Now, 250 teenagers and their leader, Trianna Martell, find themselves in danger from an unknown source. A saboteur hidden abroad the ship has attacked crew members, left vicious messages, and may have even taken over ROC. ROC, the computer system that regulates the ship, tries and tries again to help Trianna and the council figure out who or what may be trying to make this into a death ship. Why doesn't any of this make sense? What does anyone gain from destroying mankind? The author, Dom Testa, brings together several creative aspects in this novel. Because the book's protagonist is female but there are strong males on the council as well, the book works for both genders. The book's teenage characters think and act like young adults, which adds to the book's appeal. In addition, the spaceship is presented in an original manner, and all of the characters have strong, distinct voices. The reader will definitely want to find out what happens in the next book of this series, "A Galahad Book." 2008, TOR Teen, $16.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Julia Beiker (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780765321077
ISBN: 0765321076
Cyberabad Days
Ian McDonald
Subtitled "Return to the India of 2047," this collection of science fiction short stories takes place in the world created in McDonald's River of Gods. India is now twelve rival states in various stages of upheaval and development. In McDonald's India, humans work as jockeys (or robotwallahs) for giant, destructive robots. Missiles are disguised as common cats, new technology allows a person to open up whole new worlds in their own mind, and the middle class now has four times as many males as females. Regular girls can become goddesses; a new species of humans--nutes--exists, who are neither male nor female; and genetic engineering allows humans to live twice as long and age half as fast. Most stories run twenty to thirty pages, but the standout story, "Vishnu at the Cat Circus," is nearly eighty pages long. Here, Vishnu, a superior genetically engineered god-child, relays the story of his creation, his life as a young child, his arranged marriage, and the further advances in biotechnology that worry him and force him to withdraw from society as humanity as he knows it moves on. A glossary would be helpful in introducing the reader to this strange new world filled with new terms (for technology that we cannot yet even imagine) that sometimes context cannot make clear. McDonald's book is an excellent addition to science fiction collections looking for more diversity. The setting, less than forty years in the future, will inspire readers to wonder how one society could transform so quickly. 2009, Pyr/Prometheus Books, $15.00. Ages 14 up. Reviewer: Amanda MacGregor (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781591026990
ISBN: 1591026997
Dead is a State of Mind
Marlene Perez
When a gorgeous new student arrives at Nightshade High School, the gossip of the hallways shifts from the upcoming prom to rumors about the mystery student's upbringing and psychic powers. His charm and exaggerated stories, however, do not fool the one person he hopes to win over: Daisy Giordano, the daughter and sister of extremely talented, psychic women who help solve crimes and mysteries in their community. Daisy is skeptical of the new guy, Duke, but when her boyfriend suddenly begins to act weird, her initial impression of him changes. Things get creepy in Nightshade when a teacher, the subject of one of Duke's predictions, is murdered. After the incident, Daisy decides to takes matters into her own hands to solve the unexplainable murder, but her investigation reveals a turn of events even she could never have predicted. In Nightshade, werewolves roam amongst humans and psychic powers provide protection to the citizens, but despite this surreal atmosphere, no Nightshade citizen tolerates an act of murder. The science fictional and supernatural elements found throughout the novel successfully capture a fictional town and its interesting citizens. Perez includes situations with which the reader can identify; however, by placing them in an unfamiliar, spooky setting with werewolves and psychics, she manipulates perceptions about the events that take place throughout the novel. Although the science fiction and supernatural elements in the novel could turn away readers not enticed by mysterious and paranormal creatures, they provide unique and mysterious components to the setting and the characters that could change any opposed reader's mind. 2009, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, $7.99. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Courtney Elrod (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780152062101
ISBN: 0152062106
The Doom Machine
Mark Teague
Jack was delivering papers when he saw the flying saucer. Dr. Isadora Shumway heard about the alien invasion on the radio. "Such nonsense," she complained. "I don't know why you say that, Mother," said her daughter, Isadora. "Your own research proves that advanced space flight is possible." The three have no idea that in a few short hours they, along with Jack's Uncle Bud, a mysterious hobo, Sergeant Webb and his son, Grady, will be scooped up by a nine-foot-tall spider and dragged aboard the alien ship. It turns out the aliens are eager to get their hands on Uncle Bud's invention, which looks like a refrigerator, but is really a dimensional field destabilizer designed to create holes in space that take travelers wherever they need to go. With the destabilizer, the Skreeps can open wormholes in time and space and have easy access to planets (like Uurth) just ripe for the picking. Isadora, a super smart African-American girl and Jack, a boy whom trouble always finds, are an unlikely duo, but with a bit of help from an assortment of vividly imagined creatures and a ooman being or two, the pair are determined to rescue Uncle Bud and Isadora's mother from the clutches of the Skreepian queen and find a way to save Uurth. This wild ride through the far reaches of the universe is recommended and not to be missed. 2009, Blue Sky Press/Scholastic, $17.99. Ages 9 to 14. Reviewer: Anita Barnes Lowen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780545151429
ISBN: 0545151422
Dull Boy
Sarah Cross
This work of easy-to-read fiction follows the anything-but-dull life of a pubescent boy named Avery. When he injures his friend Henry and discovers his seemingly endless strength, Avery feels like a freak. He distances himself from his family and friends. Although he claims to be doing homework, he really wanders around his community looking for people he can use his strength to help. One such attempt becomes the last straw for his parents, who enroll Avery in an alternative school because they believe he is a danger to himself and those around him. In the meantime, Avery discovers he has the capacity to fly (as if his superhuman strength were not enough). A visit from ice queen Churchette helps Avery on his journey, causing him to realize there are others out there like him--but where? His senses are keen as he takes in the characteristics of others, finally finding a group of teens with whom he can relate. Follow this group, whose powers include being a matter-consuming vortex, stickiness, catlike dexterity, dropping temperatures to arctic conditions, and being a robot scientist (the brains of the operation), as they work on honing their powers, overthrowing evil and saving the world. 2009, Dutton Books/Penguin Group, $27.99. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: K. Meghan Robertson (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 9780525421337
ISBN: 0525421335
Far Arena
Lynda Williams
In a far future universe, where habitat suitable for life is rare, several culturally different humanoid empires exist. Volume five of a 10 book series jumps right into the middle of the complicated tale without any preamble, and as a result, if you have not been following the series, it takes a few pages to get into the flow of the story. The book follows three main characters: Erien, the youth newly named Heir Gelion, his half-brother Amel, the very troubled Courtesan Prince, and the stern Liege Nersal, Horth. The three become involved in the taking of a space station back from a group of malcontents to try and avoid the use of weapons that would make space flight even more dangerous. This leads to friction with the Reetion Confederacy, a society of commoners who are governed and constantly watched by their Artificial Intelligences (AIs). The next step is for Erien to proceed to visit the Reetions with the purpose of opening negotiations to arrange for an exchange of ambassadors. The story at this point revolves around the efforts by the Reetions to unlock the secrets in Amel's tortured mind. Damaged by a Reetion brain probe earlier in his life, Amel is unwilling to take this too far, while the Reetions want to conduct a judicial investigation into the events regarding the taking of the space station and offer Amel asylum. All of this activity is supervised by their AIs. Erien tries to balance diplomacy, and his concern for what state secrets Amel might reveal under probing, with the need to try and keep the volatile Hoth from starting a full-fledged war. Far Arena is not your standard Space Opera, with large explosions on every page and ray guns blazing in all directions. The well-written story is character-driven and investigates the social problems that can arise. There are larger than life characters, but they are humanized by having to deal with their own personal problems as well as the larger affairs of their empires. Full of references to events described in previous books in the series, and unfamiliar terms, phrases, and titles, this volume consists of 304 pages broken into 24 four chapters. It would appeal to the reader of science fiction or fantasy who is interested in the interplay between varied individuals in social situations unfamiliar both to the characters and the reader. If you are a fan of the series, Far Arena advances the complex plot another step. Recommended. Rating: *** /4. Grades 8 and up. (Okal Rel Saga, Part Five) 2009, Edge Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing, 304 pp., pbk., $20.95. Ages 13 up. Reviewer: Ronald Hore (CM Magazine, September 11, 2009 (Vol. XVI, No. 2))
ISBN: 9781894063456
ISBN: 1894063457
Genesis
Bernard Beckett.
Bernard Beckett, a well-known New Zealand writer for young adults, has won a variety of awards. Genesis is his eighth novel. Genesis is a story within a story. Anaximander is a bright young student who wishes to enter The Academy, the highest educational institution in the island Republic. To accomplish this, she must pass a gruelling oral presentation in front of a trio of examiners. Being a historian, she chooses the life of Adam Forde (2058 - 2077) as her thesis topic. Forde is a nonconformist who refuses to follow military orders to shoot any refugees approaching the Republic's shores. Those in power would have liked to execute him as an example to other citizens, but instead, due to public pressure, they choose to imprison Adam with Art, an android who is a new form of artificial intelligence. Adam's role is to help program the android into a more 'human' entity. The background for all of this action is the Republic (New Zealand) in the late 21st century, and the world has been plagued with climate change, terrorism and a major global war. A man named Plato has fled to New Zealand and chosen to isolate his society completely, even installing a huge sea fence guarded by military outposts. In this way, no refugees from the rest of the planet who might carry potential plague can infect what is now called the Republic. The outpost sentries have orders to shoot any approaching refugees on sight. If they cannot, they, themselves, will be shot by a fellow soldier. The Republic society contains elements of 1984 and Brave New World. Citizens are divided at birth into classes (labourers, soldiers, technicians, philosophers), and there is virtually no way to change one's classification. Conformity and obedience are the norm; anyone who acts otherwise must face dire consequences. The entire novel has a militaristic and claustrophobic feel to it. The Republic is physically cut off from the rest of the world, society has strict rules which cannot be questioned, and, on a smaller scale, Anaxander tries her five-hour oral exam in a small and stifling room with three stone-faced, unresponsive examiners. Her tension is palpable throughout the book, and readers will find they have a great deal of empathy for her. The bulk of Beckett's novel is a conversation between Adam Forde and Art the android which touches on topics fundamental to our understanding of what it is to be human and what could potentially happen in a society where high level technology becomes more and more the norm. What role would humans have in a world of highly intelligent and capable machines? Adam and Art debate what consciousness means, what the definition of a soul is, whether people should be allowed to think as independent individuals, and much more. This amazing novel is gritty, thought-provoking and, in many ways, difficult. There are no chapter breaks, and so the tension and suspense are continuous. One feels almost unable to breathe until the final page is turned, and the ending is a shocking and unexpected climax. Genesis defies classification. It is certainly science-fiction but it delves into so much more: questions of philosophy, ethics, theology. Young adults will find many topics to debate and discuss, just as Adam and Art do in the novel. Older readers will also enjoy the book, exploring its many layers, allusions and images. This is a demanding novel, but well worth the effort as it will certainly shake readers out of their literary comfort zone. Highly Recommended. Rating: **** /4. Grades 10 and up. 2009, Tundra Books, 144 pp., hardcover, $19.99. Ages 15 up. Ann Ketcheson (CM Magazine, November 7, 2008 (Vol. XV, No. 6))
ISBN: 9780771011429
ISBN: 0771011423
Herbert's Wormhole
Peter Nelson and Rohitash Rao
Cartoon-like illustrations seem to be making a comeback, as do alien stories. This one has them both. Alex Filby is a video game addict. His love of the genre led him to make a hasty promise: If his parents bought him AlienSlayer 2, Alex would play it only until he beat it. Then, he would put it away, and the rest of his summer would be spent outdoors. Unfortunately, Alex did not know when he made his promise that AlienSlayer: 3-D was destined for summer release. Imagine Alex's disappointment when he vanquishes the last AS2 creature, knowing that he cannot touch AS3D for the rest of the season. It seems like torture that this video-addicted ten-year-old is to go on a "playdate" with his geeky neighbor Herbert and play on a new jungle gym his parents installed. Then, Alex sees that inventor Herbert has the gear from AS3D. Sure, he has modified the suits in some strange way, but Alex is in such a video game thrall that he does not question it; he just dons a game suit as quickly as he can. Imagine Alex's surprise when he feels himself being pulled into the jungle gym's blue tube slide, only to land in a caveman's fire. He's barely wrapped his head around that "truth," when he finds that Herbert is alongside him and they are not in the distant past but 100 years in the future. It is a technologically-advanced time populated by ugly aliens living hand-in-hand with humans. Nelson and Rao's characters are clever and funny; their setting is intriguing. It is hard to imagine that later books in this series will live up to this first, but such a comment only reflects the skill and perfection of this initial adventure tale. This is a hard act to follow. Buyers are cautioned to flip through the book before they purchase it; this reviewer's copy had the first twenty-four pages printed upside down and backwards before the book proceeded as intended. 2009, HarperCollins, $12.99. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780061688683
ISBN: 0061688681
The Hunchback Assignments
Arthur Slade
The Hunchback Assignments is a complex, multi-layered novel that weaves multiple plotlines into a rich and exciting adventure/science fiction novel. Modo is a young boy, deformed and hunchbacked from birth, raised by Mr. Socrates, the Victorian answer to James Bond's 'M'. At the same time Dr. Cornelius Hyde, the consummate mad scientist, along with his evil sidekicks Mr. Fuhr and Miss Hakkendottir, is working on a tincture that will cause the drinker to be ruled by his or her dark side. Modo, aided by another of Mr. Socrates's protégés, Octavia Milkweed, discovers the full extent of the evil plot and together they manage to stop it just in the nick of time. Apart from the interesting characters and the many twists and turns in the plot, this novel is an homage to several classic literary traditions including the Hunchback of Notre Dame and such gothic horror classics as The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Frankenstein, and the various werewolf novels including Dumas's The Wolf Leader. The characters are out of the ordinary - Modo in particular is multifaceted. The descriptions of Victorian era London, especially those of the sewers, draw clear pictures for the reader. This novel will appeal particularly to middle school boys, and with the ties to earlier literature, may draw them into reading other works. Arthur Slade, winner of the 2001 Governor-General's Award for Children's Literature, has again written a novel that will fascinate middle school readers. Highly recommended. Category: Fiction Grades 7-12. Thematic Links: Science Fiction; Adventure. Resource Links Rating: E (Excellent, enduring, everyone should see it!), Gr. 7-10. 2009, HarperTrophyCanada, 275p., Hdbk. $18.99. Ages 12 to 16. Reviewer: Diane Gallagher-Hayashi (Resource Links Reviews, October 2009 (Vol. 15, No.)
ISBN: 9781554683543
ISBN: 1554683548
Hunger: A Gone novel
Michael Grant
It is three months after everyone fifteen or older has vanished, and youth in the FAYZ (Fallout Alley Youth Zone) are barely surviving. Food is extremely scarce, and the young people are reduced to eating random canned goods, garbage, and at least one neighborhood pet. Sam is beginning to cave under the pressure of being in charge, and it is only getting worse as the general population becomes more apathetic about working toward their own survival. Conflict between the norms (normal youth) and the moofs (mutant freaks) escalates until there is an attempted lynching. The mysterious Darkness, naming itself a gaiaphage, is growing stronger, and it is working on a plan toward ultimate dominance of the FAYZ, but it needs a fuel rod from the nuclear power plant to succeed. Unable to break his connection from the gaiaphage, Caine attempts to appease it by taking the power plant from Sam and his people, but can either boy claim a victory if the Darkness gets what it needs? Readers will be unable to avoid involuntarily gasping, shuddering, or flinching while reading this suspense-filled story. The tension starts in the first chapter and does not let up until the end. Some of the questions from Gone (HarperTeen, 2008/VOYA April 2008) are answered, but they leave new questions in their wake. The story is progressing with smart plot twists, both in actions and in emotions. If this reader has one regret while reading this series, it would be that this entry is only book two in a proposed six book series. The next cannot come soon enough. VOYA CODES: 5Q 5P M J S (Hard to imagine it being any better written; Every YA (who reads) was dying to read it yesterday; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2009, HarperTeen, 608p., $17.99 and PLB $18.89. Ages 11 to 18. Reviewer: Stacey Hayman (VOYA, June 2009 (Vol. 32, No. 2)).
ISBN: 9780061449062
ISBN: 9780061449079
ISBN: 0061449067
ISBN: 0061449075
The Ice Caves of Pluto
David Orme
Illustrated by Peter Richardson
These beginner graphic novels are set in a futuristic world where our hero, Billy Blaster, is a young, tough detective who is ready to solve any problem, along with his assistant, Wu Hoo. Simple, colorful, full-page illustrations are appealing and make the captions easy to read. Following each story are biographies of the author and illustrator. Also included are discussion questions, writing prompts, and Internet sites where one can read more about the subjects mentioned in the books. Young readers who enjoy mystery stories will be captivated by this series. Glossary. Recommended. 2009, Stone Arch Books, 40pp., $22.65 ea. hc. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Patricia Perret Megerle (Library Media Connection, October 2009).
ISBN: 9781434212757
ISBN: 1434212750
The Knife of Never Letting Go
Patrick Ness
Todd Hewitt is the last boy in town to become a man. The Noise germ infected the settlement of Prentisstown, killing all the women and allowing all the men to hear each other's thoughts as well as the thoughts of animals. After revealing a horrible secret, Todd's guardians send him away from town with a journal written by Todd's mother before she died. With only his dog Manchee for company, Todd flees the settlement, pursued by all the men in town. During his flight, Todd meets the first female he has ever seen, Viola, who has just landed on the planet. Together, they find their way to various oases of safety, but cannot ever stay long because of their hunters. As Todd talks to other people and reads his mother's journals, he discovers the true nature of Prentisstown. It is not until the final, horrifying confrontation that he realizes why they will not stop until they find him. This brilliant post-apocalyptic novel is gritty and exciting. The way the Noise is handled, from Manchee's simple thoughts to the chaos in Prentisstown is particularly well done, as are Todd's misspellings and grammatical mistakes within the text of the book (just enough to give us a sense of realism to Todd's narrative, but not too many to be distracting). An excellent and gripping beginning to the "Chaos Walking" series. 2008, Candlewick Press, $18.99. Ages 12 to 18. Reviewer: Amie Rose Rotruck (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780763639310
ISBN: 0763639311
The Last Synapsid
Timothy Mason
Middle schoolers Phoebe Traylor and Rob Gates have a lot in common: they have been friends all their lives; they are each the only child of a single mother; and they live in Faith, Texas, a small mountain town where the "Stairmaster," the highest peak, is a favorite spot to get away from it all. Rob and Phoebe depend upon their friendship in middle school, which is not the "safest territory on earth." And they are about to share the adventure of their lives, one that includes missing pets, danger, adults' distrust, time travel, and meeting two synapsids (creatures who lived 250 million years ago) nicknamed Sid and Gorgon, who got to the modern world through a time snag. Did I mention that these creatures speak English? Yes, and they are asking for the young people's help to get back to their own world before Phoebe's and Rob's very existence is threatened. Mason's characters are compelling. Rob and Phoebe must deal with early teenaged angst, fear, quirky teachers and townspeople and what Phoebe's mom terms, "hormones." Finally, there is a new person in town--Dr. Jenkins. Is he a scholarly and harmless professor who is "just passing through " or a dangerous nutcase? A well-written, complex, suspenseful plot plus pencil illustrations by fourteen-year-old Paul Cronan all make this a great read with some science and history lessons thrown in for good measure. 2009, Delacorte Press/Random House Children's Books, $16.99 and $18.99. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Judy Crowder (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780385735810
ISBN: 9780385905671
ISBN: 0385735812
ISBN: 038590567X
Leviathan
Scott Westerfeld
Illustrated by Keith Thompson
This is a combination historical novel/fantasy-science fiction coming-of-age story. In 1914, Europe is split between "Darwinists" and "Clunkers"--Britain and her allies, and Germany and hers. The Darwinists have used what they call "life-threads" to clone extinct animals and manipulate genetics to the point where whales can fly and lizards can communicate (after a fashion) with people. The Clunkers consider that all of this is blasphemous and evil. So we begin with the Clunkers Aleksander, called Alek, is the son of the Crown Prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. His mother is a commoner, so Alek "has had enemies since the day he was born." But it's July 1914, and his parents have just been assassinated. Fortunately, he has some friends in the Army who were privy to his father's plans for just this situation. So while he feels that he has been kidnapped, he's being protected--but from whom? Can he trust Master Klopp or Count Volger? The pattern of the book is established here, as we are introduced to Deryn Sharp, a British girl who would really much rather be a boy. Her father has recently died in a flying accident, and she knows that she would be a terrific soldier or sailor--and her older brother decides to help her. She cuts off her hair, puts on boys clothes, and enlists in the Navy as Midshipman Dylan Sharp. Every few chapters we switch viewpoints, and the characters are so real that we really don't know whose side we should be on. By the end of the book we are not even sure who will win the war--but it's all right because there will be another volume to the series. A terrific read. 2009, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, Ages 11 up, $19.99. Reviewer: Judy Silverman
ISBN: 978-1-4169-7173-3
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Nagaru Tanigawa
This is the first English edition of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, which was released in Japan in 2003 and has its roots in Japanese pop culture and comics. An anime series of episodes appeared as a 2006 Japanese animated television series. The story is set in a high school in a Japanese city, where a strange girl, named Haruhi professes an eagerness to contact aliens. She forms the SOS Brigade and forces four other students to enter her club. The viewpoint character, Kyon, helplessly falls in with her schemes. He is sarcastic and philosophical and at first does not give credence to another Brigade member, Nagato, when she tells him that she is an alien observing Haruhi and providing data to an Overmind who has interest in life forms and autoevolution. Next, Kyon learns that another club member, Asahina, is a time traveler from a future time plane who believes Haruhi is responsible for a timequake. Finally, Koizum, another club member admits to being an esper and explains that the whole world may be a dream. All of them assure Kyon that Haruhi Suzumiya is no ordinary human. As the story unfolds, the reader learns that everyone tries to keep Haruhi happy, because, even though she does not know it, she has the power to destroy the universe. Science fiction and anime fans will enjoy several black and white illustrations as well as a four page color insert. A web site for readers encourages them to join the SOS Brigade by visiting www.jointhesosbrigade.com. 2009, Little Brown, $8.99. Ages 15 up. Reviewer: Phyllis J. Perry (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780316039024
ISBN: 0316039020
Out of This World: Science Fiction Stories
Edited by Edward Blishen
Readers travel from the center of the earth, to present day rural England, to the moon and beyond in this collection of exciting short stories that offers a peek at what the future could hold for mankind both here on earth and in distant corners of space. Featuring twenty tales by a variety of authors, this collection mixes excerpts from the works of well known authors such as H.G. Wells, Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asminov, and Ursula LeGuin, with the phenomenal writings of talented, yet lesser known authors to create a collection that is sure to please everyone from the Science Fiction novice to the diehard Science Fiction fan. The perfect addition for any high school library or middle school library serving advanced readers, over half of the stories feature teenage characters dealing with the challenges of growing up in these futuristic environments that range from space ships, to interstellar settlements, to schools on Venus to the future cities of planet earth. 2008, Kingfisher, Ages 14 to 18, $6.99. Reviewer: Jamie Hain
ISBN: 978-0-7534-6246-1
The Roar
Emma Clayton
This book is set in a future London where people live behind The Wall in order to be safe from The Animal Plague just beyond the boundary. This plague caused every animal to turn vicious and attack anyone they came upon. As a result the wall was built and the animals were killed with a poisonous gas that damaged the surrounding environment as well. This is the world that Mika has always known. His life however is changed forever by the disappearance of his twin sister Ellie. To make matters worse a secret organization is recruiting mutant children. They are used to fight in virtual reality games that are more than what they seem. This is the author's first novel for children and I often read these books with great trepidation when I hear of this. People often think that the jump from novels written for adults to those written for children is an easy one. This is not true, yet this author manages to not completely lose sight of the intelligence and the interests of her intended audience. At times, not surprisingly, the book feels inspired by manga and anime. This makes it fun and almost visual in its approach to setting, events, and locations. 2009, Scholastic Inc, $17.99. Ages 13 to 16. Reviewer: Monserrat Urena (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780439925938
ISBN: 0439925932
Starclimber
Kenneth Oppel
This beautifully crafted tale is mesmerizing from the first page and readers are instantly immersed in a wonderful world that, despite its wonderful eccentricities, strongly parallels our own. The realistic yet fantastical nature of the story enables readers to make a strong connection not just to the engaging characters but to the story itself. Each word is a welcome step along the adventure, as Oppel takes his readers beyond the skies and into musical, beautiful, and dangerous space. It is part love story, part adventure, part science fiction--yet it utterly transcends the boundaries of each of those genres. While Matt, a likable aspiring pilot, and Kate, a compelling, strong-willed scientist, dominate the story, readers will identify with each character--the humorous, odd supporting cast is essential to the success of the story. This is the third book in the series, but Starclimber easily stands on its own. This book is highly recommended for purchase for public libraries, high school media centers, and personal collections. 2009, HarperTeen/HarperCollins, $17.99. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Meagan Albright (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780060850579
ISBN: 9780060850586
ISBN: 0060850574
ISBN: 0060850582
Switch
Carol Snow
Claire Martin lives in a sleepy beach community and loves her mother, friends, and grandmother, even though her grandmother is a ghost who sits, endlessly smoking, around the premises of Claire's house. Claire is also a competitive high school swimmer and a no-nonsense friend. To complicate matters further, however, whenever there's electricity in the air, there's a chance that Claire will switch bodies with the nearest available girl close to her age. It's all an accident, but when Claire switches with Larissa, a beautiful girl being pursued by Claire's crush, it's hard to want to go back. The book is an interesting read, and will catch the eye of young teens interested in science fiction and fantasy. The characters are solid and the writing is engaging. However, some of the plotlines lack dimension, and the conclusion leaves so many loose ends, it's hard to come away completely satisfied. Still, Claire is an easy-to-like ordinary-girl narrator, and her story will interest readers of fantasy and realistic teen fiction. 2009, HarperCollins Children's Books, Ages 12 up, $8.99. Reviewer: Elizabeth McMunn-Tetangco
ISBN: 978-0-06-145210-9
For reviews of Science Fiction books from previous years, click on the following links:
2009
1999
Updated 11/24/09
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