When outlining our simple family unit studies, I mentioned that I like to use a fiction read-aloud on the topic as the backbone of our unit. Then I laid out our summer-long Astronomy unit study for you and there were no fiction books! I struggled with finding fiction books in the space and sci-fi genre because it’s not one that I’m very familiar with, personally. It took a lot of searching, chatting with our librarian, and reading reviews on Amazon to find a list of books to consider that meet what we consider “good books” for our crew’s age. Science-fiction can be a tricky topic.
Science-fiction and fantasy can be tricky topics, especially for Christian families. So everyone will need to use their own discretion when considering this list. But the beauty of family read-alouds is that you’re right there to edit on the fly if needed and lead or manage family discussions about what comes up.
First, let me share what we actually picked to read together–I had no idea when I decided on “space” and “pirates” for our summer units that they would mesh so readily!
Jupiter Pirates: Hunt for the Hydra, by Jason Fry.
This book is about a family of space privateers that get drawn into some inter-galactical politics and intrigue. It has a strong element of family relations, as well as space action and adventures and was described as “Treasure Island meets Battlestar Galactica.” It fits well with our Pirate theme this summer, and I’m sure we’ll be spending quite a bit of time talking about the morality of “pirates” vs “privateers.” I think my kiddos are ready for those conversations, but younger munchkins might need more guidance.
Taken, Quest for Truth, by Brock Eastman.
Eastman is a Christian and has worked for Focus on the Family, so this is labeled as Christian Fiction. I don’t buy into that title as clear sailing, since “Christian” can mean all kinds of things that we don’t agree with. But all the reviews I read were also very encouraging. Another family space adventure with middle and high school-aged main characters and a basic good guys and bad guys plot line.
The Planet Thieves, by Dave Krokos.
A space adventure with the cadets from the Academy for Earth Space Command on the SS Egypt. While I don’t usually go for child-leadership themes with adults as useless seconds, this book doesn’t diminish the adult roles so much as simply focus on the development and leadership of the cadets–with a lot of action in between. There’s also a lot of technology in this story, which I think will interest the Cowboy.
Each of the stories we picked is also a series, so if we like them we have more books to follow up with! Jupiter Pirates and Planet Thieves are also available thru our library.
The rest of the list I considered are books I’d let the kiddos read if they decide after this summer that they’re sci-fi fans. {smile} Several of them were also FREE for Kindle when I looked them up, and I’ll note that in case you might be able to snag them as well.
  | The Captain's Kid by Liz Coley. The child of a famous space Captain that's finally old enough to join his father on a trip--that turns into a wild adventure. |
  | The Train from Outer Space by Alan Sprouls. Kids team up with good aliens against bad space monsters. Lot of adventure, but not much on the family relationship side. |
  | Earth Kid Hero by Korey Troyer. (FREE for Kindle) The geeky kid that feels ignored by everyone but his parents suddenly realizes he's the key to saving the universe. Fun and simple boy adventure. |
  | Max Powers and Project Gemini by Keith Philips. (FREE with Kindle Unlimited) This is more of a science and technology thriller for middle-school age readers than a space adventure. Kids that are into modern computer and robotics will probably enjoy it! |
  | Bot Wars by J. V. Kade. This one is also Earth-bound, but includes robot technology and a 12 year old main character. Also includes some middle-school level political intrigue. |
  | Trapped: The Prometheus Project by Douglas Richards. (FREE for Kindle Unlimited) Two teenage heroes trying to save the world. Under-developed adult characters, but the book is not demeaning toward them. Richards is a highly successful adult fiction writer and the book has super reviews. |
  | The Far Horizon by Patty Jansen. This is a "pre-quel," if you will, to the Ambassador series with a 10 year old main character that moves to a new planet and has to negotiate relationships with alien species. An interesting story and lots of discussion points for the family in there. |
  | Sci-Fi Junior High by Scott Seegert. This is a lower-level independent reader with a lot of illustrations to engage those more reluctant readers. More middle school humor and simpler plot line than I enjoy, but the kids found it at the library and were quite in to it. |
  | George's Secret Key to the Universe, by Stephen Hawkins. I included this onoe because there's a lot of great science and adventure in these books, but please be aware that some of that science directly contradicts the Christian faith. The first book didn't seem controversial to me, but a couple of the later ones do and we'll just choose to skip them right now. |
I can’t finish this post without including Star Wars: Jedi Academy by Jeffery Brown. I don’t consider these family read-aloud materials, but my Speedracer LOVES them and the comic book format is really engaging for reluctant readers.
Do you have any other recommendations? This is not a genre that I read a lot myself so I’m looking for more books to put on our list in case the kiddos take an interest.
