10 Best Sci-Fi Books for Teens

Even as technology moves forward by leaps and bounds in real life, science fiction writers are still coming up with mind-bending futuristic scenarios, time-traveling journeys, dystopian societies, alien invasions, and brilliant, brave rebels who save the day. Teens will be inspired by the heroes in these books, from cyborgs to starfighters, who use brains, inventiveness, and heart to triumph over tyranny -- on this planet or elsewhere in the universe. For even more imaginative teen reads, check out our Romantic Fantasy Books for Teens and Books Like the Hunger Games.

Filter by:
The 5th Wave, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

The 5th Wave, Book 1

age 13+

Super intense apocalyptic alien-invasion nail-biter.

By: Rick Yancey (2013)
Fahrenheit 451 Poster Image
BOOK

Fahrenheit 451

age 13+

Classic, still-powerful story of futuristic censorship.

By: Ray Bradbury (1953)
Landscape with Invisible Hand Poster Image
BOOK

Landscape with Invisible Hand

age 13+

Darkly funny sci-fi shows future with aliens, economic woes.

By: M.T. Anderson (2017)
Matched, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Matched, Book 1

age 13+

Fun, provoking start to dystopian series for teens.

By: Ally Condie (2010)
The Diabolic, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

The Diabolic, Book 1

age 14+

Deadly female bodyguard stars in smart, surprising sci-fi.

By: S.J. Kincaid (2016)
Warcross, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Warcross, Book 1

age 13+

Winning teen girl drives cyberpunk virtual reality thriller.

By: Marie Lu (2017)
Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation Poster Image
BOOK

Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation

age 14+

Intense, stellar adaptation of classic sci-fi/fantasy novel.

The Martian Poster Image
BOOK

The Martian

age 14+

Gripping tale of space survival has unexpected humor.

By: Andy Weir (2014)
Partials: The Partials Sequence, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Partials: The Partials Sequence, Book 1

age 14+

Tense action, sharp plot twists distinguish dystopian tale.

By: Dan Wells (2012)
Ready Player One Poster Image
BOOK

Ready Player One

age 15+

Exciting, funny, futuristic thriller about online games.

By: Ernest Cline (2011)