Helen Hall Library Guides: Teen Shelf Help: Science Fiction

What if? With varying degrees of realism, Science Fiction depicts the plausible, the improbable, and the seemingly impossible. Guardians are always encouraged to review the books to help teens find out if they're the right fit!

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson
ISBN: 9781435233492

After the mutant Erasers abduct the youngest member of their group, the "bird kids," who are the result of genetic experimentation, take off in pursuit and find themselves struggling to understand their own origins and purpose.

Is this book right for me?

An action-packed, science fiction title that features a Human 2.0 theme. It is fast-paced, compelling, and suspenseful. Great for those who don't normally like to read as well as fans of the X-Men!

This sci-fi thriller is best for fans who want action and excitement since it doesn't focus as much on character or plot development. There is some brutal violence since the characters have to fight their way out of dangerous situations.

Accelerated Reader: Upper Middle Grades, 6+ (Novelist) │ Lexile Measure: 700L (Novelist)

Suggested for:

Grades 7-9 (Booklist)
Grades 7+ (School Library Journal)
Ages 12+ (Publishers Weekly)
Ages 11+ (Common Sense Media)
Ages 14+ (Compass Book Ratings)
Ages 12+ (Plugged In)

Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans
ISBN: 9781451656503

My name is Michael Vey, and the story I'm about to tell you is strange. Very strange. It's my story. To everyone at Meridian High School, Michael Vey is an ordinary fourteen-year-old. In fact, the only thing that seems to set him apart is the fact that he has Tourette's syndrome. But Michael is anything but ordinary. Michael has special powers. Electric powers. Michael thinks he's unique until he discovers that a cheerleader named Taylor also has special powers. With the help of Michael's friend, Ostin, the three of them set out to discover how Michael and Taylor ended up this way, but their investigation brings them to the attention of a powerful group who wants to control the electric children - and through them the world. Michael will have to rely on his wits, powers, and friends if he's to survive.

Is this book right for me?

An action-packed, science fiction title that features a Human 2.0 theme. It is fast-paced, compelling, and plot-driven. Great for fans of superheroes!

This read is a well-paced yet suspenseful superhero origin story with likable characters. There are some violent scenes with little bloodshed, and the characters drink celebratory champagne in one scene.

Accelerated Reader: Upper Middle Grades, 6+ (Novelist) │ Lexile Measure: 500L (Novelist)

Suggested for:

Grades 8-10 (Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books)
Grades 7+ (Library Media Connection)
Grades 5-9 (School Library Journal)
Ages 12+ (Publishers Weekly)
Ages 12+ (Common Sense Media)
Ages 12+ (Compass Book Ratings)
Ages 12+ (Plugged In)