What better way to launch into the Library's Summer Reading Program than with books about the cosmos? This list features plenty of books that are out of this world! Discover faraway galaxies, explore the surface of Mars, and meet some aliens with these stellar books!
Picture Books and Younger Elementary
(Juvenile First Chapter Books – J–FC Messing)
A young troop of interstellar space scouts (and their robot) land on a new planet and must face a mind-reading alien named Doug and learn the truth behind the evil, fluffy bunny that threatens to blow up the world. Young science fiction fans will enjoy this adventure that’s like Star Trek for kids. Recommended for ages 7–10.
(Juvenile Nonfiction – J 629.4 Kna)
15 groundbreaking space missions are the subject of this rhyming picture book. Kids will be introduced to famous astronauts and historical events. Emerging readers with an interest in science will love this fun jaunt through space history! Recommended for ages 5–8.
(Juvenile Picture Books – Ej Mcg)
Opportunity (Oppy, for short) is a Mars rover whose job as an interplanetary detective leads him to make groundbreaking discoveries and face life-threatening challenges! This fictionalized account of the NASA rover is perfect for providing a charming read aloud for children. Recommended for ages 6–8.
(Juvenile Nonfiction – J 920 She)
Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were good at math. Really good. These four black women worked at NASA and made space travel possible with their calculations, however, their contributions were ignored for a long time. This picture book version of the bestselling book is also available as a Young Readers Edition. Recommended for ages 5–8.
(Juvenile Picture Books – Ej Oha)
A little rocket zooms through our solar system, passing by each planet on its flight home to its launchpad. Smiling planets and moons welcome the youngest astronauts-in-training to learn about outer space. Set to the tune of Hush, Little Baby. Recommended for ages 1–4.
(Juvenile Early Readers – J–ER Bar)
Jack the rabbit is sent packing on a one-way trip to outer space, where he eats snacks and meets an alien named Zip. Jack’s wacky and hilarious journey to a far-off moon will delight beginning readers. Recommended for ages 5–8.
(Juvenile Picture Books – Ej Age)
Join a young astronaut as he explores Mars, hoping to find signs of life. He even brought chocolate cupcakes to share! Children will enjoy the funny cartoon logic as the oblivious astronaut gets lost and fails to see a creature following right behind him. Recommended for ages 4–8.
(Juvenile Picture Books – Ej Jef)
A family car trip becomes a fantastic voyage through time and space! Humanity’s never-ending conflict over territory is compared to siblings fighting for space in the backseat, and Earth’s mind-bending distance from other planets makes an hour’s ride in the car seem tiny. Readers will gain a new perspective on home after reading this philosophical picture book. Recommended for ages 7–9.
(Juvenile Nonfiction – J 523.3 Mca)
Learn all about Earth’s best friend, Moon! This upbeat book is loaded with fun facts and cute illustrations about Earth’s only natural satellite, and it dispels some common myths about the moon as well. Part of the popular Our Universe series of kid-friendly books about our solar system. Recommended for ages 4–8.
(Juvenile Picture Books – Ej Pete Dea)
Jam on with Pete the Cat as he goes to space camp and visits the moon! This playful adventure introduces readers to the training real astronauts undergo while staying true to the silliness we know and love from Pete the Cat. Recommended for ages 3–6.
(Juvenile Picture Books – Ej Reg)
When young Niko and his dog Tag see his cousin and his sister playing with dolls near his cardboard spaceship, Niko must blast off and embark on an intergalactic rescue mission to the planet Zorg, home of the space pirates! Comic book style illustrations and witty narration combine Niko’s vivid imagination with the real world antics between siblings! Recommended for ages 4–7.
(Juvenile Board Books – Board Book)
A colorful and scientifically-accurate alphabet book to teach your toddler their ABCs, as well as concepts from across the universe. Includes a glossary at the end for caregivers and toddlers who want to learn more about each concept. Recommended for ages birth–3.
Older Elementary
(Juvenile Fiction – J Higuera)
When Earth is threatened by a deadly comet, 12-year-old cuentista, Petra, and her family are chosen to travel to the planet Sagan to begin a new civilization. But will Petra be able to stop the efforts of the Collective to disrupt the mission? A suspenseful and plot-driven tale about the importance of stories and memory. Recommended for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Fiction – J Holm)
Bell, an 11-year-old boy living on Mars, must team up with the other colony kids to survive as a virus outbreak among the adults threaten their lives. Suspense builds quickly in this science fiction tale, immersing the reader in a richly detailed world with likable characters. Recommended for ages 8–12.
(Juvenile Fiction – J Cham)
11-year-old Oliver dreams of being an astrophysicist. Middle school may not make much sense to him, but science does! Oliver’s explanations about space phenomena are presented in funny comic strips that make astrophysics understandable to any newbie. Perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Recommended for ages 8–12.
(Juvenile Graphic Novels – J–GN Space Time v. 1)
Before the aliens landed on Earth, Petra and Jide were just two human kids. Now, the pair join a team of intergalactic aliens to create a base on Mars—while striking off on an adventure of their own! A humorous and fast-paced adventure filled with jokes, pranks, and science. Recommended for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Nonfiction – J 629.45 Roa)
What happens when you vomit in zero gravity? How do astronauts use the bathroom? These questions and more are answered in hilarious (and disgusting!) detail in this nonfiction book about how the human body works during space travel. Recommended for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Fiction – J Warga)
A moving story about a fictional Mars rover named Resilience—nicknamed Res—who gains sentience while being built in a NASA laboratory. While being built, Res receives letters from a young girl. Recommended for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Graphic Novels – J–GN 520 Alm)
Three friends—Squeak, Orni, and Castor—go on an adventure exploring and learning through the universe in Squeak’s observatory. Filled with charming illustrations and plenty of whimsical humor. Perfect for young astronomers-in-training. Recommended for ages 9–12.