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I'd like to introduce dd to some science fiction (something more sci-fi than fantasy). The main problem is some of the adult themes. She's 7 - but I will be reading it to her so could help it if it gets a bit complicated. But she follows the page so I can't actually skip bits.

I have the Anne McCaffrey dragon books - but they are really fantasy rather than SF. I don't feel any of my own proper SF is sufficiently child-friendly (although she has enjoyed my ancient Star Trek annuals).

Any suggestions?

Earlier Asimov would be suitable - I Robot, The Rest of the Robots, or the Foundation trilogy (but not so much the later ones, they started to have more adult themes). And John Wyndham, there's nothing too "adult" about those.

There are books suitable for children in the Star Wars series - 'Young Jedi Knights' I think. No idea if they are any good! Usborne do adapted versions of classic tales - maybe there are some classic sci-fi editions (I'm thinking War of the Worlds, The Time Machine, 20 000 Leagues, etc.)

Heinlein wrote several books for juveniles: red planet, podkayne of mars, have spacesuit will travel, time for the stars, between planets.

I enjoyed science fiction at that age. Nicholas Fisk (Trillions, Grinny) was a good author, and I also liked Doctor Who and Star Trek novelisations.

John Wyndham as well, especially The Chrysalids as the protagonists are children, although it might be a bit old for a seven year old.

Ooh, I also remember reading Madeleine L'Engle, A Wrinkle In Time, some time before I was 11.

Great ideas - some I'd just totally forgotten about!

When I was about that age I fell in love with Keil Randor in the Last Legionary series by Douglas Hill. Spaceship Medic by Harry Harrison was the first ever scifi I read, and I was totally hooked. They're probably very dated now though.....

Oooh, oooh, Enders Game!

There's a good list here

Agatha H. and the Airship City (probably more for a 10 yr old)
Zita the Spacegirl

Not nearly as classy, but dd loved Astrosaurs when she was that age

I would say technically speaking the Pern books are sci-fi, as there's an explanation of why humans are there and how they genetically engineer the 'dragons' from the fire lizards on first landing. Given this, what about the Dragonsinger trilogy which is aimed at young adults - dd loved it though at a couple of years older.

Will be looking up lots of the other suggestions on this thread - any ideas welcome for classic sci-fi suited to a slightly older child (10.5) . . .

I'm putting these all in my notebook. Alas, I probably won't allowed to read them continuously back-to-back. But I'm on 'fairy' strike. She has to read those herself. I've had enough.

Yes, there is some attempt at science in the back-story of Pern. I do think she might like the dragons. Still prefer some meatier science if possible.

Dated not a problem. If she can enjoy Star Trek annuals from the early 70s, anything is possible.

Rebecca's World by Terry Nation.

What about the Lion Boy trilogy by Zizou Corder - shut your ears when you come to the 'science' explanation of why the hero can speak to cats, but I did rather like the near-future setting (sea level rise / mix of high tech but reversion to sea transport etc)

Oh, oh, another one - I also liked Monica Hughes and I think she is particularly suited to girls of this age - the Isis trilogy in particular and also The Tomorrow City.

Oh I'm sure she'd love a hero that can talk to cats.

Terry Pratchetts Truckers trilogy is arguably science fiction and definitely age-appropriate. Well, I would say that, wouldn't I?

Wyndham may not be too 'adult' but I'd have thought a bit more than 7 for some of them.

Oh....if you want meatier science then how about http://www.amazon.co.uk/Georges-Secret-Universe-Lucy-Hawking/dp/055255958X George's Secret Key to the Universe ]] (and theres at least one sequel we haven't got). I'm not sure it quit fits the sci-fi genre but the science shouldn't be too dodgy!

Oh those look great (Goerge books)!

There are some Ursula Le Guin that might suit. Obvioysly Earthsea but also threshold and the short stories in A Fisherman Of The Inland Sea. The Lathe Of Heaven is one of my favourites
Anne McCaffrey "doona" books are good as well as the Petabee books, but they're probably too grown up for your dd - give it a couple of years. Also her 'Crystal Singer' books. Her 'Talent' series is also accessible.
If fantasy isn't an issue, my 12yo is reading the Hobbit right now. Dh says look at Harry Harrison, but some are a bit adult so you should read first.

I would recommend A Wrinkle in Time too, and Fisk's "Trillions".
Also John Christopher's The Tripods series.

oooh, Rebecca's World was my favourite book as a child. 7 year old DD loves Dr. Who

Andre Norton - lots of hers, but among my favourites are the three original Solar Queen stories - Sargasso of Space is first. And I second Nicholas Fisk - the Starstormers series, and all his short stories, and Grinny. Erm, what else...
Monica Hughes is nice - Earthdark and Crisis on Conshelf Ten, and her Isis Light series - the main protagonist of the Isis ones is a girl in the first , and she features heavily in the second one too. It's a different girl in the third one.
And if you can find H M Hoover, they are ever so good, I love these and even reread them now, even though they are "kids books" - This Time of Darkness and Children of Morrow and its sequel Treasures of Morrow are the best but they are all good. (The one about the Lion Cub isn't sci-fi though, it's historical and based on real people).

Mrs Frisby and the Rats of Nimh is sci-fi rather than fantasy (unlike the cartoon version which has fantasy elements). Simply but beautifully written.

Jules Verne

I wouldn't read John Wyndnams Chrysalids yet, has some nastier adult issues for some of the kid protagonists. Leave it to teenage yrs.