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Original poster

Science Fiction recommendations

34 replies

RubberDuck · 27/03/2009 08:39

Ds1 (will be 8 in May) has picked up Asimov's I-Robot off my book shelf and started reading it. He seems to be enjoying it so far (am hoping there's nothing wildly inappropriate in it, has been years since I've read it myself!) - but I do wonder if it's a little old for him.

Does anyone have any recommendations for good science fiction books aimed at children which he might enjoy? I would say his reading level is around Harry Potterish sort of level - it's content is more the issue as while his reading is good, I don't think he's ready for the more mature themes in books aimed at teens.

OP posts:
differentID · 27/03/2009 14:08

The pern series is a bit too challenging for an 8 year old tbh. There are plenty of allusions to sex in that story series.

OhBling · 27/03/2009 13:06

Again, with fantasy - Anne McCaffery - the Pern series. Wonderful stories and quite easy at that age.

I'd have said he was a bit young to be reading I Robot, but if he is and enjoying it then maybe something by John Wyndham? The Chrysalids as an easier one or the Kraken Wave perhaps?

CMOTdibbler · 27/03/2009 13:02

Harry Harrison did some childrens - The Man from PIG and ROBOT is great.

Ursula Le Guin for more fantasy stuff

John Christopher Tripods series was something I enjoyed around that age

Susan Coopers Dark is Rising series

Margaret Mahy has some fab books (well, all her books are fab but she writes for from toddler to adult) - The Greatest Show off Earth, Aliens in the Family come to mind

mankyscotslass · 27/03/2009 12:59

If it's fantasy stuff too he may like the Alan Garner stuff, and the Taran series by Lloyd Alexander. Also the Susan Cooper Dark is Rising series.

Garth Nix?

differentID · 27/03/2009 12:54

Jenny Nimmo is another good author- The Snow Spider, Emlyn's Moon and The Chestnut Soldier were made into TV shows in the 90's

Original poster
RubberDuck · 27/03/2009 09:42

Thanks, I'll look out for those!

A friend has also suggested Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy - I'm sure I have that series up in the loft somewhere...

OP posts:
differentID · 27/03/2009 09:37

There's also Nicholas Fisk- a bit darker, but I enjoyed them

Original poster
RubberDuck · 27/03/2009 09:29

Oh good idea - hadn't thought about Terry Pratchett. I think some of the jokes will go over his head, but I have practically the whole series

OP posts:
differentID · 27/03/2009 08:44

What about fantasy or is he more of a science type?
If you include Fantasy there are the doctor who books- there are some aimed at children. Or Terry Pratchett.