Adolescent boys are a special demographic when it comes to reading. Most teenage boys are not content to read the jovial, dramatic books that teenage girls tend to enjoy, which can turn many young boys away from reading altogether. The good news is that many science fiction books can be just what teenage boys need to dive back into reading.
Encourage your teen to explore the library for new and exciting titles, but in the meantime, some of your recommendations may pique his curiosity. Beware: these books are so interesting that your child may forget to do their homework. If that happens, purchase term papers essays and don't worry about his grades.
Science Fiction Series
The Hunger Games series, Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins is among the most popular science fiction titles, and your teen will be captivated by the hand-to-hand combat as the characters, fight to the death to win a contest that pits them against 11 other kids. Fantastical aspects, such as killer bees and magical plants, add depth and interest to the series.
The Star Chase series, Saxon Andrew
The Star Chase series, by Saxon Andrew, is sure to grab your child. The books take place 1,000 years in the future after humans have moved from planet Earth out into the galaxy. The endearing characters, battle evil and powerful enemies fighting to protect their way of life.
Luke Bowman's Earthfire Series
Teenage boys may also enjoy Luke Bowman's Earthfire Series. The books take place in the future and depict an apocalyptic war on Earth, which has been destroyed by over-cultivation, population explosion, and food and water shortages. Humans fight alongside drones, cyborgs, and androids to prevent the end of the world and restore Earth to its original state.
Standalone Titles
"The House of Scorpion", Nancy Farmer
If your teen is interested in the medical side of science fiction, he may enjoy "The House of Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer. The main character, Matteo, was fertilized in a Petri dish and grew in the belly of a cow, leading other people to believe he is a monster. The book focuses on Matteo's struggle to survive and outwit his enemies.
"Things Not Seen", Andrew Clements
Begins, when a 15-year-old teenage boy wakes up realizing he is invisible. Bobby is considered a lost person until he meets a blind girl with whom he places his trust as he struggles to figure out how to become visible again.
"Be More Chill", Ned Vizzini
Teenage boys may enjoy the somewhat realistic world of "Be More Chill" by Ned Vizzini. Jeremy, the main character, is a slightly dorky teenager who longs to be interesting enough to get a date with the beautiful Christine. One day he discovers a small computer that he can swallow and will change his appearance and image to that of someone "cool".
Classics
"War of the Worlds", H. G. Wells
"War of the Worlds", which is also a motion picture, is a classic science fiction book that most teenage boys might enjoy. When aliens arrive on Earth, humans are in a race against time to save their planet and protect themselves from becoming slaves to the aliens.
"A Wrinkle in Time", Madeleine L'Engle
It is another classic science fiction novel. The book explores the world of time travel with Meg and Charles searching outer space trying to find their lost father while also trying to overcome the evil forces that haunt them.
"Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?", Phillip K. Dick
Classic, you won't want your teenager to miss. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic world after a nuclear disaster. Rick Deckard, the main character, must fight John Isadore and his legion of androids. In addition to entertaining action and plot twists, the book also explores the differences between humans and robotic machines.
Other Interesting Titles
"The Dark Side of Nowhere", Neal Shusterman
It follows the story of Jason once he discovers that he is not human after all. Instead, Jason is the son of aliens and must learn how to live in a world where his friends are training for super-secret space missions and where he is a hero.
"Interstellar Pig", William Sleator
Another alien-inspired book is "Interstellar Pig" by William Sleator. Three young adults rent a cabin and befriend a young boy named Barney. As the story progresses, Barnsey realizes that the three are actually aliens and that the board game they have been teaching him to play is about to come true. Soon, Barney is responsible for saving Earth from evil alien invaders.
"Rats", Paul Zindel
For scares, teenage boys may enjoy "Rats" by Paul Zindel. Mutant rats take over the city and as they continue to grow and mutate they cause more and more damage. When the rats eat a garbage worker, Sarah and her younger brother are left to fend for themselves while their father tries to figure out what is causing the mutations so the rats can be stopped.
