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Chloe has nine lives. But will nine be enough?
This is not the story of the Wonderland we know. Alice has not fallen down a rabbit hole. This is a Wonderland where beneath each smile lies a secret, each tart comes with a demand, and only prisoners tell the truth.
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Chloe has nine lives. But will nine be enough?
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At a Glance
(includes moderate romance, implied off-page sexual content, intense violence, death, and frequent strong language [censored with black bars])
AUTHOR AMIE KAUFMAN & JAY KRISTOFF
ILLUMINAE
“It certainly filled the Battlestar Galactica–shaped hole in my heart.” —Victoria Aveyard, bestselling author of The Red Queen
Read the New York Times bestselling blockbuster that critics are calling “out-of-this-world awesome.” The first in an epic sci-fi series unlike anything else out there.
Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the worst thing she’d ever been through. That was before her planet was invaded. Now, with enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra are forced to fight their way onto one of the evacuating craft, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.
But the warship could be the least of their problems. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet’s AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their biggest threat; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady plunges into a web of data hacking to get to the truth, it’s clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: Ezra.
Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.
“Brace yourself, because you’re about to be immersed in a mindscape that you’ll never want to leave.” —Marie Lu, author of the bestselling Legend series
“Prepare yourselves for Illuminae.” —EW.com
“You’re not in for an ordinary novel experience. . . .” —Bustle.com
“A truly interactive experience. . . . A fantastically fun ride.” —MTV.com
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff’s Illuminae and its series are a thrilling, visually dynamic choice for readers who love fast-paced science fiction with a creative twist. Told through classified files, emails, interviews, and ship schematics, the storytelling style is immersive and unique, drawing readers into a high-stakes, interstellar conflict. The plot centers on teens Kady and Ezra as they navigate the aftermath of a space colony attack, uncovering conspiracies, AI threats, and moral dilemmas along the way. It’s a great pick for families with older teens who enjoy stories full of action, tech, resilience, and emotional depth. Content-wise, Illuminae does include some mature elements, such as strong language (censored in a stylized way), moments of violence, and light romantic/sexual references between characters, though these are not explicit. The romantic content is brief and appropriate for older teens, focusing more on emotional connection than physicality. Because of the book’s inventive structure and thought-provoking themes, it’s a great way to engage reluctant readers or spark deeper discussions about technology, ethics, and human connection in extreme situations.
(moderate sci‑fi violence and some mild swearing, with no explicit sexual content or romance)
AUTHOR NANCY KRESS
STEAL ACROSS THE SKY (BOOK 1)
Aliens try to atone for past wrongs to humanity and take twenty-one humans on a revelatory journey in this science fiction novel by a Nebula Award–winning author.
The aliens appeared one day, built a base on the moon, and put an ad on the internet:
“We are an alien race you may call the Atoners. Ten thousand years ago we wronged humanity profoundly. We cannot undo what has been done, but we wish humanity to understand it. Therefore, we request twenty-one volunteers to visit seven planets to Witness for us. We will convey each volunteer there and back in complete safety. Volunteers must speak English. Send requests for electronic applications to witness@Atoners.com.”
At first, everyone thought it was a joke. But it wasn’t.
This is the story of three of those volunteers, and what they found on Kular A and Kular B . . .
Praise for Steal Across the Sky
“Kress skillfully explores the consequences of her ideas. . . . Arrestingly ambiguous and persuasively set forth—in the best science-fiction tradition, guaranteed provocative no matter what your personal opinions.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Steal Across the Sky is a thoughtful, character-driven science fiction that delves into big ideas about life, death, and morality, making it appealing for families who appreciate introspective and philosophical storytelling. The novel features moderate sci‑fi violence—such as tense confrontations and depictions of prisoners—but it is not excessively graphic. There is minimal swearing and no explicit sexual content or romance, so the focus remains on plot and ideas rather than mature themes. For readers who enjoy space‑based adventures that provoke discussion without heavy sensual or profanity‑laden scenes, this book can be an engaging choice. On the other hand, this story’s slower pace and emphasis on existential questions may not suit families looking for fast‑paced action or light entertainment. The violence, while not graphic, can be unsettling—characters endure capture, deprivation, and the threat of death, which could be intense for more sensitive readers. Additionally, the lack of clear romantic plotlines and the novel’s introspective tone might feel dry to those seeking emotional drama or straightforward thrills. In short, Steal Across the Sky works best for readers comfortable with thoughtful, sometimes somber science fiction rather than casual, action‑heavy fare.
(story of supernatural battle against darkness)
AUTHOR MADELINE L'ENGLE
A WRINKLE IN TIME
This is Book 1 of the Time Quintet Series
It was a dark and stormy night; Meg Murry, her small brother Charles Wallace, and her mother had come down to the kitchen for a midnight snack when they were upset by the arrival of a most disturbing stranger.
"Wild nights are my glory," the unearthly stranger told them. "I just got caught in a downdraft and blown off course. Let me sit down for a moment, and then I'll be on my way. Speaking of ways, by the way, there is such a thing as a tesseract."
A tesseract (in case the reader doesn't know) is a wrinkle in time. To tell more would rob the reader of the enjoyment of Miss L'Engle's unusual book. A Wrinkle in Time, winner of the Newbery Medal in 1963, is the story of the adventures in space and time of Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin O'Keefe (athlete, student, and one of the most popular boys in high school). They are in search of Meg's father, a scientist who disappeared while engaged in secret work for the government on the tesseract problem.
A Wrinkle in Time is the winner of the 1963 Newbery Medal.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time and its series are a beloved classic for good reason—it’s a magical blend of science fiction, fantasy, and heartwarming family themes. The story follows Meg Murry, her younger brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin as they travel through space and time to rescue Meg’s father and battle a dark force threatening the universe. With themes of love, courage, and the power of individuality, this book resonates across generations and makes for a meaningful read-aloud or independent read for middle-grade and teen readers. In terms of content, the series is very family-friendly. There’s no sexual content, and the romantic elements—such as Meg and Calvin’s growing connection—are sweet and subtle, developing naturally over time without any inappropriate scenes. The story does deal with some intense concepts, like evil and conformity, but it’s handled in a thoughtful, age-appropriate way. A Wrinkle in Time is a great choice for families who enjoy stories that stretch the imagination while reinforcing strong moral values and emotional intelligence.
(contains mild romance, some violence, no sexual content, and minimal swearing)
AUTHOR WENDY KNIGHT
BEFORE THESE WINGS
Phoenyx and Cole survived the end of the world. The alien invasion that took out most of the population and crippled any form of government—they’d fought that, and they’d survived.
Or at least, they’re trying to.
They battle starvation, fear, exhaustion, and death every single day, and while the future doesn’t look bright, at least they’re fighting for it.
Hope is hard to come by, but when they need it most, it does come—in the form of a different alien entirely—beautiful, with the wings of a fairy, the voice of a siren...
And the teeth of a vampire.
Sometimes hope is most devastating of all.
Never Trust Beautiful Things.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Wendy Knight’s Before These Wings and its series are a great pick for families who enjoy paranormal stories with a fresh twist. The book blends action, fantasy, and romance with an emotional coming-of-age story centered around Phoenyx, a girl who discovers she’s not entirely human. With battles between angels and demons, a fierce yet vulnerable heroine, and a deep theme of self-discovery and sacrifice, this book draws readers into a world where good and evil clash in high-stakes, heart-filled ways. As for content, Before These Wings is a clean read overall. While there is a romantic thread, the story keeps things appropriate for a teen audience, with no graphic sexual content or language. The romance is sweet and contributes to the emotional growth of the characters rather than taking center stage. This series would be a strong choice for families looking for a supernatural adventure that still upholds wholesome themes and avoids content that might be too mature for younger readers.
(sweet romance, nothing too graphic)
AUTHOR PITTACUS LORE
I AM NUMBER FOUR (BOOK 1 OF THE LORIEN LEGACIES SERIES)
Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books—but we are real.
Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. we have lived among you without you knowing.
But they know.
They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They killed them all.
I am Number Four.
I am next.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Pittacus Lore’s I Am Number Four and its series offer a thrilling mix of science fiction, action, and coming-of-age themes that make them an exciting choice for both teens and adults. The story follows a group of alien teens hiding on Earth, each with unique powers, as they are hunted by a deadly enemy. It's fast-paced, suspenseful, and full of themes like friendship, loyalty, courage, and the fight between good and evil—all wrapped in a compelling sci-fi world. Readers who love stories with underdog heroes and high-stakes battles will be hooked from the first chapter. In terms of content, the series is teen-friendly, with mild romantic elements that remain appropriate for younger audiences. There are some kisses and emotional connections between characters, but nothing explicit or graphic. Violence is present due to the action-packed nature of the plot, but it's handled in a way that supports the story’s themes rather than sensationalizing it. Overall, I Am Number Four is a solid choice for families who enjoy sci-fi adventures with heart, heroism, and just a touch of romance.
(no swearing, no sexual content)
AUTHORS JENNIFER & CHRISTOPHER MARTUCCI
PLANET URTH (BOOK 1)
More than two hundred years into the future, human beings are an endangered species. The planet has been battered by war, its inhabitants plagued by disease and death. Few humans survived and remained unaffected. Most changed dramatically and evolved into something else entirely. Irrevocable alterations caused by chemical warfare have created a new species. North America is in ruins and has been overtaken. Humanity has fallen at the hands of mutants known as Urthmen.
eventeen year-old Avery is alive and unchanged. But she has not been immune to the harshness of the new world. She has lived on the run for much of her life, in terror.
After losing her father, Avery is the sole guardian of her eight-year-old sister, June. Avery is now charged with June’s safety as well as her own, a nearly impossible task.
Forced to hide deep in the forest and away from the cities overrun by Urthmen, Avery and her sister are constantly hunted. Danger awaits them at every turn. They fear they are the only human beings left, that they are the last of their kind.
But are they truly alone?
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Jennifer & Christopher Martucci’s Planet Urth series is a gripping post-apocalyptic adventure that’s perfect for readers who enjoy dystopian stories with a strong female lead. Set in a future where Earth has been overtaken by mutants, the series follows a young girl named Avery who must protect her younger sister while navigating a dangerous and unfamiliar world. With themes of survival, bravery, family, and hope, this series provides an exciting yet heartfelt experience that can appeal to both teens and adults. It’s particularly great for families who enjoy strong sibling dynamics and stories about resilience in the face of adversity. In terms of content, Planet Urth remains clean and appropriate for a wide range of readers. There’s no graphic sexual content, and any romantic undertones are minimal and handled with care. The focus is largely on the action, emotional growth, and the tight bond between the characters rather than romance. While there is some violence due to the nature of the world the characters inhabit, it’s not overly graphic or disturbing. Overall, the series is an engaging, thought-provoking, and family-friendly read with plenty of action and heart.
(mild romance, implied sensual content, moderate violence, no swearing)
AUTHOR ANNE McCAFFREY
DRAGONFLIGHT (BOOK 1)
The first novel in the legendary and magical New York Times bestselling dragonriding series, “a masterpiece of adventure, intrigue, and romance” (Danielle L. Jensen), from Hugo and Nebula Award–winning author Anne McCaffrey
“Anne McCaffrey’s Pern novels are truly foundational books; it’s hard to imagine the modern-day landscape of fantasy and science fiction without them.”—Naomi Novik, author of the Temeraire series
On a beautiful world called Pern, Lessa is an outcast survivor—her parents murdered, her birthright stolen—a fierce young woman who has never stopped dreaming of revenge. That is, until an ambitious young dragonrider, F’lar, offers her something even greater: the chance to lead Pern at his side by Impressing a golden dragon with whom she will share a telepathic bond more intimate than any human connection. Although there is also her intense relationship with F’lar himself.
But Lessa’s fierceness and courage will be put to the test when an ancient scourge returns to the land: a deadly silver spore that falls from the sky, destroying all it touches. Only dragons can fight this Thread, and there are not enough dragons to protect all of Pern. Lessa and her dragon may hold the key to their world’s salvation . . . but executing her daring plan may be costlier than she ever envisioned.
Don’t miss the original trilogy from Anne McCaffrey’s beloved Dragonriders of Pern series:
DRAGONFLIGHT • DRAGONQUEST • THE WHITE DRAGON
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonflight and the Dragonriders of Pern series offer a rich blend of science fiction and fantasy, perfect for readers who love dragons, world-building, and character-driven stories. The series takes place on the planet Pern, where courageous dragonriders defend their world from a deadly spore called Thread. With strong female leads like Lessa, political intrigue, and the deep bond between humans and dragons, the series explores themes of duty, courage, and identity. It's an excellent pick for families who enjoy stories that balance action, heart, and imaginative settings. Regarding content, Dragonflight does include some mature themes, including a few scenes with implied or brief romantic and sexual content, but these moments are not graphic and are presented within the context of the story's world and relationships. For older teens and adults, the content is generally appropriate, especially for those who enjoy classic science fiction with emotional and intellectual depth. While it may not be ideal for younger readers, families with older teens will find the series thought-provoking, exciting, and ultimately rewarding for its timeless storytelling and memorable characters.
(no swearing, no sexual content)
AUTHOR MARISSA MEYER
CINDER (BOOK 1)
The #1 New York Times Bestselling Series!
Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl. . . .
Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Marissa Meyer’s Cinder and the Lunar Chronicles series are a fantastic choice for readers who enjoy a fresh twist on classic fairy tales, set in a futuristic, dystopian world. In Cinder, the first book of the series, readers are introduced to a talented cyborg mechanic who is caught in a web of political intrigue and looming interplanetary conflict. With strong female characters, exciting plot twists, and a well-developed setting, the series offers a blend of adventure, mystery, and romance that will keep readers engaged from start to finish. It's perfect for families who enjoy books with complex characters, moral dilemmas, and an exploration of human and technological relationships. In terms of content, Cinder is a great fit for older teens and families, with only a few mild romantic elements and light violence, all appropriate for a young adult audience. There is no explicit sexual content in the book, and any romantic themes are treated with care, focusing more on emotional connections and developing relationships rather than physicality. The story’s focus is on the adventure, friendships, and challenges the characters face, making it a suitable choice for those seeking an action-packed yet thoughtful read for teens and up.
(romance, mild sensual content, some violence, and occasional mild swearing)
AUTHOR STEPHENIE MEYER
THE HOST (BOOK 1)
Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed.
Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.
Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves -- Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.
Featuring what may be the first love triangle involving only two bodies, The Host is a riveting and unforgettable novel that will bring a vast new readership to one of the most compelling writers of our time.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Stephenie Meyer’s The Host is a great choice for readers who enjoy science fiction with a deep emotional core, exploring themes of identity, love, and survival. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where alien “souls” have taken over human bodies, the story follows Melanie, a human whose consciousness fights to survive after her body is overtaken by an alien named Wanderer. The novel’s focus on the conflict between Melanie and Wanderer, and their gradual alliance to protect the people they love, creates a compelling narrative that will resonate with fans of thought-provoking, character-driven stories. The book’s exploration of what it means to be human, the struggle for autonomy, and finding common ground in the face of adversity make it a thought-provoking read for older teens and adults. In terms of content, The Host is a suitable choice for families, particularly older teens, as it contains minimal violence and no explicit sexual content. The romantic elements of the story are central to the plot but are handled in a subtle and respectful manner, focusing more on emotional connections and the choices characters must make rather than physical relationships. There are a few mild instances of sensuality, but nothing explicit. The book’s tone is more about internal struggle and the nature of human connection, making it a thoughtful and engaging read without the concerns of explicit or graphic content, making it an excellent choice for a family read.
(no sex scenes, or outright violence)
AUTHOR KAREN McQUESTION
FROM A DISTANT STAR
When Lucas Walker inexplicably recovers from a terminal illness, everyone is astonished --except for his girlfriend Emma, who never gave up hope. However, as friends and family celebrate the miracle, Emma becomes alarmed: Lucas has changed. He speaks haltingly, can't recall past events, and even his own dog doesn't recognize him. Emma begins to suspect something is terribly wrong. What happened to the Lucas she loved? Does his strange behavior have something to do with the shooting light that fell into Lucas's backyard the night he recovered?
As the two set off on a road trip in search of the truth, the journey takes an unexpected turn. First they're shot at by unknown enemies and then helped by unlikely allies. Before long, Emma and Lucas are plunged into a desperate life or death race against time.
Packed with intrigue and emotion, FROM A DISTANT STAR is a riveting novel about loyalty and the power of love.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Karen McQuestion’s From a Distant Star is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy heartwarming, thought-provoking stories with elements of science fiction. The book follows the story of Sophie, a young girl who has suffered from a mysterious illness for years. When a strange extraterrestrial being named Alex arrives on Earth, his goal is to learn more about humanity while helping Sophie. The novel explores themes of love, resilience, and healing, making it a deeply emotional and relatable read. The plot strikes a nice balance between sci-fi intrigue and the heartfelt human connection between the characters, offering a unique perspective on life, illness, and personal growth. Regarding content, From a Distant Star is family-friendly, with little to no explicit violence or sexual content. The romance in the story is mild and does not include any graphic scenes, making it suitable for young adults and teens. While the novel contains some emotionally intense moments, the overall tone remains thoughtful and respectful, focusing on the characters’ emotional journeys and their bond rather than physicality. The story’s gentle handling of complex themes, such as illness, personal growth, and the strength of relationships, makes it a great choice for families looking for an engaging and meaningful read without explicit content.
(minimal swearing, no explicit sexual content, and some sci-fi violence)
AUTHOR BRANDON Q. MORRIS
THE DEATH OF THE UNIVERSE (BOOK 1)
For many billions of years, humans—having conquered the curse of aging—spread throughout the entire Milky Way. They are able to live all their dreams, but to their great disappointment, no other intelligent species has ever been encountered. Now, humanity itself is on the brink of extinction because the universe is dying a protracted yet inevitable death. They have only one hope: The ‘Rescue Project’ was designed to feed the black hole in the center of the galaxy until it becomes a quasar, delivering much-needed energy to humankind during its last breaths. But then something happens that no one ever expected—and humanity is forced to look at itself and its existence in an entirely new way.
Hard Science Fiction.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
The Death of the Universe by Brandon Q. Morris is a hard science fiction novel that delves into humanity's struggle for survival as the universe approaches its end. The narrative is rich in scientific concepts, focusing on themes like cosmic entropy, artificial intelligence, and the ethics of survival. For readers who appreciate intellectually stimulating content without the distractions of explicit romance or gratuitous violence, this book offers a compelling exploration of existential questions and scientific possibilities. The absence of explicit sexual content and minimal use of strong language make it a suitable choice for readers who prefer content that is thought-provoking yet not graphic. However, the book's emphasis on complex scientific theories and its dense narrative structure may not appeal to all readers. The lack of traditional action sequences or emotional character development could make it less engaging for those who prefer more dynamic storytelling. Additionally, the minimal presence of interpersonal relationships and the focus on abstract concepts might not resonate with readers seeking character-driven narratives or emotional depth. Families or readers looking for more traditional science fiction adventures with clear-cut heroes and villains might find this novel's approach more challenging to connect with.