10 Reviews: Best Middle Grade Science Fiction Novels (Jun 2023)

What if you were an alien? After Earth becomes uninhabitable, human refugees migrate to Choom. When they wake from hypersleep, the planet has changed its mind. No more humans! Lan’s family is the test case to see if Choom can accept humans. Despite establishing extraterrestrial allies, much of the planet rejects humanity. Instead, they spread rumors about them! How do you change minds when they’re sent? Therefore, it is a creative and engaging sci-fi novel unlike anything on Earth or beyond. Moreover, it mirrors prejudice and immigration.

"This book is definitely one of the best books ever written! It's packed with comedy and adventure, all appropriate for kids. I hope that you enjoy this excellent book."

by Megan Ring

This middle-grade story from Rick Riordan Presents by the author of Ninefox Gambit and Phoenix Extravagant. Plus, it is just as wonderful as his adult works. To join the Space Forces with her older brother, a girl from a line of fox spirits must disguise her magic and act like an average human. But when her brother is suspected of quitting his job, Min is adamant about proving his innocence. To summarize, it’s a sci-fi fantasy that blends mythology and science to perfection.

"I found this book hard to put down. It was very easy to slip into the world. I am excited to see what happens next."

by Shanda

Even though he was born and raised on Mars, Bell is like any other 11-year-old. However, he has some questions about why all the U.S. colony’s grownups seem to be withholding information. How come they can’t get in touch with any of the other Martian settlements, for example? After everyone in the family suddenly becomes ill, Bell and the kids are left to figure out what’s happening. And perhaps, just perhaps, they will be the ones to unite Mars.

"Great storyline. A Creative idea to follow kids in their lives on mars. Well written and I recommend for elementary kids looking for a new adventure."

by Brooke

People retire to hermetically sealed housing complexes after a flu outbreak. Cleo Porter takes online lessons from home. Then she knows the clock is ticking when a shipment arrives with someone else’s meds. As a doctor-to-be, she recognizes the importance of delivering the package. But people don’t leave. So never, Cleo must provide the medicine to save a life. In addition, it is a perceptive book published before the current COVID-19 Pandemic that may provide a much-needed diversion for kids locked at home.

"The writing easily immerses you into this world, with interesting characters, settings, and detailed descriptions for almost everything Cleo encounters in this novel."

by Sharlene/Saleem

Fovea’s family may have a cadaver lab, but it doesn’t make her disgusting if that’s what her peers say. To compensate for the lack of summer camp, she must work in the lab with her parents during the school year. She’s not, however, a lab assistant for a lunatic. She didn’t believe it, at any rate. But suddenly, many disembodied heads begin to speak to her, and they ask for her help, like an enormous creatures.

"Such a fun, crazy read! Captures the angst of being a teenager! Captures the kookiness of family! And just gross enough to take the fun into the atmosphere!"

by Elena

Once you enter the tower, you will be safe. Outside, though, is a very different tale. Even though Ade’s mother is too afraid even to glance out the window, Ade enjoys the feeling of living at the very top of the tower. However, the buildings began to collapse around them one day, trapping them inside with no way out. Then Ace and his mother found themselves imprisoned with no means to escape. Unfortunately, The Blutchers have begun their invasion of the surrounding area.

"Stunning book. Great for Year 5 pupils. It has astonishing links to our current predicament (lock down, killers in the air) and extremely cleaver writing that hooks even a reluctant reader."

by Mr. R. Paice

The lunchbox belonging to Finn Foley is not your typical container for storing food. When Finn opens his lunchbox, stuff like wormholes and enormous robots tend to fall out of it. However, it turns out that the technology coming out of his lunchbox belongs to a race of substantial alien insects. Although it sounds like many fun to jump through shortcuts to the farthest regions of the cosmos, it turns out that this technology belongs to these giant alien insects. They now want it returned to them.

"Super-fun and funny, kids are going to love this! Can't wait until my nephew gets his copy. Recommended!"

by Nick C.

The notion of surprises may make Jillian nervous, but she’s always wanted to go on a mission with her astronaut parents. And it just so happens that this is her lucky day! Jillian finally visits an extraterrestrial world on Take Your Kid to Work Day. Specific to Planet 80 UMa C. An enjoyable camping trip quickly degenerates into a nightmare when the surrounding flora and creatures begin to turn parasitic. Nobody can save Jillian’s parents except her and the ship’s onboard computer, Sabrina.

"Highly recommended for anyone over age 9 or so who enjoys suspenseful adventure with strong, original characters."

by Mir

A young shapeshifter is on the run, and mayhem is their calling card. The Trouble is, in fact, the shapeshifters’ name. Even though he knows the ship’s captain will dump him off at the nearest spaceport, Trouble begins to feel safe after sneaking onto the boat and taking the form of a human kid. However, things get tricky when the StarLeague shows up on the quest for a particular shapeshifter, even more so when Trouble takes on a new form that none expected.

"... I would definitely recommend this story for young readers finding their way into new worlds and journeys."

by Dale

Reyna Cheng, a 12-year-old rising star in the virtual reality game Dayholder, is the one to watch. Against AI creatures and other players, she participates in battle-royale-like games. However, she prefers to remain anonymous. Reyna doesn’t want to get in trouble with the internet bullies because she plays video games, which are still mostly a man’s world. Therefore, it’s up to her to decide if she qualifies for the Dayhold Junior Tournament. Because of the threats, Reyna must determine how to deal with the toxic gaming community and establish her ability to win.

"... The action kept the pace moving, and I loved the so on-point portrayal of sexism in gaming culture. Entertaining read and great conversation starter for gamers of any gender."

by Klarika Hume