To continue our monthly series of book lists for youth, the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library would like to recommend the following titles.
July, 2008 - Science Fiction
Commander Toad in Space by Jane Yolen. In this adventure, the crew of the Star Warts lands on a water-covered planet inhabited by Deep Wader, a horribly hungry monster. Grades K-3. Braille book BRW 701. Cassette book RC 32121. Large Print book LP 14628.
Aliens for Breakfast by Jonathan Etra. Finding an intergalactic special agent in his cereal box, Richard joins the fight to save Earth from the Dranes. Grades 2-4. Braille book BRW 1183.
Eager by Helen Fox. The Bell children find their functionally designed experimental robot a little embarrassing until the more humanistic models of their wealthier classmates become aggressive. Grades 3-6. Braille book BRW 1172. Cassette book RC 59122.
Star Hatchling by Margaret Bechard. When earthling teen, Hanna, falls out of a spaceship, she lands on a planet of intelligent lizard-like creatures and is befriended by Shem and Cheko, who include her in their adventures. Grades 3-6. Cassette book RC 43881.
Aliens Ate My Homework by Bruce Coville. Tiny space aliens crash through Rod’s window and request his help with repairing their ship and locating a notorious criminal they’ve come to arrest. #1, Rod Allbright series. Grades 4-7. Braille book BR 11547. Cassette RC 40831.
City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau. An underground city stocked with supplies for 200 years is now in year 241. Twelve-year-olds Doon and Lina exchange assigned professions and investigate what’s really happening and why. #1, Book of Ember series. Grades 4-7. Braille book BR 15120. Cassette book RC 59907.
The Power of Un by Nancy Etchemendy. A strange man appears in the woods and gifts Gib with a device he claims will “undo” events. When Gib’s sister is hit by a truck, he is desperate enough to try the device, but it’s soon clear that changing one event has far reaching consequences. Grades 4-7. Cassette book RC 52229.
Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix. When diphtheria breaks out in her frontier village, Jessie is shocked to learn the year is really 1996 and she inhabits a tourist attraction. Her assignment is to escape and bring back medicine available in the real world. Grades 4-7. Braille BR 11287.
Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet by Eleanor Cameron. Answering a newspaper ad, two young boys become involved in the construction of a space ship and a journey to the dying planet of Basidium. #1, Mushroom Planet series. Grades 4-7. Cassette book RC 19725.
Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix. In the future, when it’s illegal to have more than two children, 12-year-old Luke must, as a third son, remain hidden on his family's farm. When he discovers another "shadow" child next door, the two join forces to try to change their society. #1, Shadow Children series. Grades 5-8. Braille book BRW 1180. Cassette book RC 53286 or CBA 7339. Large Print book LP 17354.
The Forever Formula by Frank Bonham. A teenager wakes up in a hospital thinking he’s crashed his moped, but he has actually spent two centuries in cryonic suspension and is being reanimated for a purpose. Grades 5-8. Braille book BR 5111. Cassette book RC 18522.
When the Tripods Came by John Christopher. Teens Laurie and Andy witness the arrival of towering metallic creatures who use television programming, mass hypnosis, and mind-controlling head coverings to dominate humanity. Prequel to The Tripods Trilogy. Grades 5-8. Braille book BR 8606. Cassette book RC 32476.
Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle. Meg, Charles Wallace, and their neighbor Calvin are transported to another planet as they search for Meg's missing father. #1, Murray Family series. Grades 5-8. Braille book BR 9403. Cassette book RC 48972. Large Print book LP 5639 or LP 21944.
Enchantress from the Stars by Sylvia Louise Engdahl. Elana unexpectedly becomes part of a space mission to Andrecia, and has the opportunity to observe three different third planet civilizations. Grades 6-9. Cassette book RC 52616.
Have Space Suit Will Travel by Robert Heinlein. High school senior Kip is kidnapped by space pirates. He meets other prisoners -- an 11-year-old girl named Peewee and a strange creature they call the Mother Thing. For junior and senior high readers. Braille book BR 14679. Cassette book RC 55814.
Heir Apparent by Vivian Van Velde. While playing a virtual reality game full of fantasy humor, Giannine learns that equipment damage means she must win the game quickly or face brain damage. Grades 6-9. Cassette book RC 56628.
House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer. On an opium estate in what used to be Mexico, a young clone discovers the true reason for his existence. Grades 6-9. Cassette book RC 55927. Large Print book LP 19649.
Invitation to the Game by Monica Hughes. In 2154, three teenagers are bored until they receive an invitation to “The Game” -- immersion in computer-simulated adventures that soon enough become all too real. Grades 6-9. Cassette book RC 38939. Large Print book LP 18188.
A Matter of Profit by Hilari Bell. Ahvren has the opportunity to end the world-conquering soldiering he hates and save his sister from an undesirable marriage if he can discover who’s behind an assassination plot. Grades 6-9. Cassette book RC 55224.
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. Tally’s friend Shay escapes the city just before the beauty-enhancing operation that’s scheduled for every 16-year old. Those in charge insist that Tally find her friend or forfeit her own chance to be chance to beautiful. #1, Uglies Series. For junior and senior high readers. Cassette book RC 61639. Large Print book LP 23158.
To order these books and others like these, use the link to the "On-line Catalog (OPAC)" at www.wtbbl.org. Order these books or use keyword search or subject search to find more like these. You can limit your search by reading level and/or material format.
Link to previous Recommended Reads.