We here at Broke by Books love science fiction and have previously featured the best sci fi short story collections. Today, the second in my series of the best genre books for teens, (the first being the best mystery books for teens), you’ll find an epic list of the 20 best science fiction books for teens. It’s all here, every subgenre you can think of: post-apocalyptic, dystopian, space opera, alien invasion, artificial intelligence, cyberpunk, time travel, and more. If you’re looking for the best science fiction YA books, you’re in the right place.
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And now for a roundup of the best science fiction books for teens…
Configured (Configured #1) by Jeanette Penner
Kicking off this list of the best science fiction books for teens is Jeanette Penner’s Configured, the first in the Configured series. More than a 100 years after a virus cratered Earth’s population, seventeen-year-old Avlyn is prized for her advanced intellect among the Citizens. Avlyn was separated at birth from her twin brother and raised by foster parents in the Citizens society far away from the untamed, deadly, and violent Outerbounds. Now Avlyn is contacted by a coalition of rebels asking her to join them just as she begins to have visions of her brother. Will she be a part of the fight for justice and a better future? You’ll flip pages to find out.
How to read it: Purchase Configured on Amazon
Defy the Stars (Constellation #1) by Claudia Gray
Claudia Gray’s Defy the Stars is the first in the three-book Constellation series and one of the best science fiction YA books. Noemi is a proud and lethal soldier on the planet Genesis, eager to protect her home from enemies both foreign and domestic. Abel’s AI is starting to break down. The people on Genesis see him as an abomination. Together, Noemi and Abel embark on an interstellar journey that will have them questioning everything they thought was fact.
How to read it: Purchase Defy the Stars on Amazon
The Disasters by M.K. England
This fun and funny standalone book is my choice for any roundup of the best science fiction books for teens. Pilot Nax Hall has made a string of bad decisions, so it’s no shocker when he’s expelled from the elite Ellis Station Academy in under twenty-four hours. Then, just when he’s on his way out, a terrorist group seizes the Academy. Nax and three other screwups manage to survive, making them either heroes or the perpetrators, depending on who you believe. Trying to escape the blame, Nax and his friends plot a heist to end all heists that will tell everyone the truth about what really happened. The Disasters has a perfect antihero you can’t help but root for and a dark sense of humor that lightens the story. Good YA science fiction books don’t get much funnier than this must-read book.
How to read it: Purchase The Disasters on Amazon
The Girl from Everywhere (The Girl from Everywhere #1) by Heidi Heilig
Pirates! Time travel! Adventure! You’ll find all that and more in The Girl from Everywhere, part one in an exciting must-read young adult sci fi book series from Heidi Heilig. Nix spends her days aboard her father’s ship, where he follows an eclectic collection of maps. But Nix knows it all has to end someday…If her dad can find a rare 1868 map of Honolulu, Nix’s father could travel back in time to Nix’s mother, his long lost love, even though it might erase Nix. Now Nix has to navigate around the tricky waters of pleasing her father and staying alive.
How to read it: Purchase The Girl from Everywhere on Amazon
Grasshopper Jungle (Grasshopper Jungle #1) by Andrew Smith
This outrageous novel is one of the best YA sci fi books for sure and totally original. In Grasshopper Jungle, Austin and his bestie Robby accidentally unleash an army of giant praying mantises in their tiny down of Ealing, Iowa after unknowingly spreading a virus. Apocalypse descends upon the town as the insects are only programmed to do two things: mate and eat. Austin and Robby try to do damage control and save the world. Grasshopper Jungle is bold, raunchy, and bizarre. It’s also one of the best science fiction books for teens who like their sci fi on the weirder side. Read it and you’ll see why it was a Printz honor book. Smith published a sequel in 2019.
How to read it: Purchase Grasshopper Jungle on Amazon
Ignite the Stars (Ignite the Stars #1) by Maura Milan
In this dystopian space opera and first in a series, the whole galaxy knows Ia Cōcha and fears him. But what they don’t know is that Ia Cōcha is actually a seventeen-year-old girl. Ia’s goal is to terrorize the empirical Olympus Commonwealth, which destroyed her home. When Ia is found out and her secret identity revealed, the Commonwealth ship her off to the military academy, thinking that making her serve them sends the ultimate message that they are in control of every threat. Ia’s experience at the military academy challenges her assumptions and long-held truths as she forms bonds with fellow students and instructors. Soon Ia is thrown off her game, something she’s never experienced before. Will she keep her guard up or let it down for the first time and risk everything for something—love? One of the best science fiction YA books, Ignite the Stars has it all.
How to read it: Purchase Ignite the Stars on Amazon
Illuminae (Illuminae #1) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
In Illuminae, easily one of the best YA sci fi books, Kady and Ezra have recently broken up, but there’s no time for romantic drama when their planet becomes invaded by hostile aliens. The two teens somehow manage to scramble aboard an evacuating fleet with enemy warship hot on their heels. But space means even bigger threats, like a lethal plague and secrets everywhere. Soon Kady and Ezra realize they need to team up to save humanity. But can they get over their lingering attraction for each other first? What’s so great about Illuminae, the first in a trilogy, is it’s an entirely epistolary novel, meaning it’s told in leaked documents, emails, military files, medical reports, chat transcripts and more. This is one of the best science fiction books for teens who like their sci fi with a little bit of romance and high octane adrenaline at the same time. Readers who love YA sci fi romance books won’t be able to put this one down.
How to read it: Purchase Illuminae on Amazon
The Knife of Never Letting Go (Chaos Walking #1) by Patrick Ness
Todd is one month away from manhood in a settlement of men. Thanks to the Noise germ, all of the residents can hear each other’s thoughts. Which means there are no secrets. Todd can also hear the thoughts of his beloved dog who accompanies him when he decides to run away. Soon Todd encounters a silent girl, whose mystery bewitches him: after all, weren’t all the females on New World killed by a germ? Todd will need to forget everything he’s been taught as he goes on the run with his dog and new silent companion. The must-read dystopian Chaos Walking trilogy kicks off with this book, an epic classic that ranks high among the best science fiction books for teens.
How to read it: Purchase The Knife of Never Letting Go on Amazon
Landscape with Invisible Hand by M.T. Anderson
The best science fiction books for teens show how normal life remains even when science changes around you. And that’s exactly what happens in Landscape with Invisible Hand. An alien race might have just invaded the Earth, but teen artist Adam is just trying to make it through his adolescence. While the aliens—known as he vuvvs—have brought good things to their new host planet, like cures for illnesses and free advanced technologies, they’ve also ripped up the only life Adam has ever known, and now alien tech has replaced his parents’ jobs, creating a ripple of existential and financial crisis among adults. To survive and hopefully entertain the vuvv, Adam and his girlfriend, Chloe, film episodes of them going on quaint dates like those in 1950s America since the vuvv enjoy “classic” Earth culture. But no amount of acting can shield the truth, and it’s only certain the vuvv will find out soon enough: Adam and Chloe can’t stand each other and couldn’t be less in love. Can they fake it forever? Anderson’s book is a visceral reading experience and definitely one of the best science fiction YA books.
How to read it: Purchase Landscape with Invisible Hand on Amazon
More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera
Sixteen-year-old Aaron is struggling in the wake of his father’s suicide just months before the story begins. With the help of his mom and girlfriend, Genevieve, he’s on the track back to happiness. When Genevieve goes away for a few weeks, Aaron starts hanging out with someone new, Thomas, who really does make Aaron happy. Then things get complicated, and Aaron considers getting the new memory-alteration procedure offered by Leteo Institute to make him forget Thomas. But doing so might erase his memories of who he really is. It’s a conundrum explored in More Happy Than Not, Adam Silvera’s celebrated debut that belongs on any list of the best YA sci fi books.
How to read it: Purchase More Happy Than Not on Amazon
Once & Future (Once & Future #1) by A.R. Capetta and Cory McCarthy
A.R. Capetta and Cory McCarthy are both faculty in my MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults program at Vermont College of Fine Arts, and I had the good fortune of having Cory for my first workshop. I know they’re a genius, and so it’s no surprise I included their book Once & Future (co-authored with Capetta) in this roundup of the best science fiction books for teens. This King Arthur retelling is set in outer space. Ari Helix is the next King Arthur, but right now she’s just trying to survive. After crash-landing on Old Earth, Ari pulls a sword out of its sacred resting space, announcing herself as the latest incarnation of King Arthur. Her new buddy Merlin is not the wise old man you remember, but instead a teen boy stuck in a backwards-reversed aging process. Together, they team up to try to find out the truth about why Arthur keeps getting reincarnated. Queer, diverse, inclusive, and oh so fun, Once & Future belongs on any list of good YA science fiction books. If you like this one, check out the sequel in this duology, Sword in the Stars.
How to read it: Purchase Once & Future on Amazon
Renegades (Renegades #1) by Marissa Meyer
Marissa Meyer rose to fame with her sci fi fairy tale retellings series, The Lunar Chronicles. But her Renegades book series might be even better. If you’re hungry for YA sci fi romance books, start with the series opener, Renegades. In this inventive story with unbelievable intricate world building, the “Renegades” helped nurture a broken and defeated society. As such, they are naturally seen as symbols of heroism, justice, safety, and all that is good. Nova, the niece of the original supervillain, Ace Anarchy, is set on destroying the Renegades and works in the underground rebellion known as the Anarchists. Meanwhile, Adrian is the adopted son of two world-famous superheroes who also happened to kill Ace. Nova sees an opportunity to get revenge by infiltrating the training for Prodigies, the future Renegades, but things get complicated when she develops feelings for Adrian. One thing’s clear: there’s a whole lot of grey in this morally ambiguous world. Renegades is easily one of the best science fiction books for teens.
How to read it: Purchase Renegades on Amazon
Scythe (Arc of a Scythe #1) by Neal Shusterman
The first in the Arc of a Scythe series, Scythe is a chilling dystopian novel that’s considered one of the best science fiction books for teens. In Scythe, humanity has been cured of all its fatal ailments. There’s no hunger, and diseases are a thing of the past. There’s no war, and there’s no reason for people to kill each other. The art of death is left up to the Scythes, who deliver the end to everyone’s lives. Newly apprenticed to scythes, Citra and Rowan, are unhappy about their new position. But it’s clear: only one of them will become the next scythe. The other? Well, you’ll just have to see.
How to read it: Purchase Scythe on Amazon
Starflight (Starflight #1) by Melissa Landers
Fresh out of the orphanage, Solara Brooks can’t wait to get to the outer realm of the universe, where misfits like her can find a home. What’s even better is getting there will mean having a fresh start, and nobody will question her felony tattoos or murky background she hopes she can shed. To get to where she wants to go, Solara indentures herself to Doran Spaulding, a privileged asshole quarterback who made her life hell in school, on the ship he’s taking, the spaceliner Zenith. But they accidentally end up on another ship, the Banshee, and Doran discovers he’s been framed for conspiracy back on Earth. Suddenly Solara and Doran are on the run trying to save their lives with enemies in hot pursuit. To stay alive, they’ll have to work together amidst their new found family on the Banshee. But they might not be ready for the truths about to be revealed… The best YA sci fi books leave you breathless with adventure, and you certainly get that from Starflight.
How to read it: Purchase Starflight on Amazon
These Broken Stars (Starbound #1) by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
If it’s YA sci fi romance books you’re looking for, you need the Starbound series in your life, three of the best science fiction books for teens you’ll find in any sci fi library. Co-written by Amie Kaufman (who penned Illuminae above) and Meagan Spooner, this young adult science fiction series kicks off with These Broken Stars. When the Icarus, a luxury spaceliner, is stripped out of hyperspace and sent hurtling into the nearest planet, the only two survivors are Lilac LaRue and Tarver Merendsen. Lilac is the privileged daughter of the universe’s richest man. Tarver has no name, no money, and no connections. He’s just a war hero who knows better than to get caught up in Lilac’s near-irresistible spell. But when they team up to search for answers and survivors, their opposite personalities attract into two hearts beating for each other loud enough to hear in space. Each book in this young adult sci fi book series follows a different starbound couple.
How to read it: Purchase These Broken Stars on Amazon
This Mortal Coil (This Mortal Coil #1) by Emily Suvada
This completed young adult sci fi book series is up there among the best science fiction books for teens. In the first book of this completed trilogy, This Mortal Coil, Catarina’s father was Lachlan Agatta, the world’s leader in genetics who was the best hope for finding a cure for a deadly virus sweeping the globe. Tragically, Lachlan passes away. But then Cat realizes her father also created a vaccine. Cat races to decrypt it, but Cartaxus, a shady company that has monopolized genetic tech, is right on her heels. Cat might save humanity—if she can save herself first. Good YA science fiction books don’t get much better than this.
How to read it: Purchase This Mortal Coil on Amazon
Uglies (Uglies #1) by Scott Westerfeld
On the cusp of her sixteenth birthday, Tally can’t wait to have an operation that will transform her from one of the uglies into a gorgeous pretty. As a pretty, her world will open up in a high-tech dreamworld where her sole job is having fun. But Tally’s new friend Shay has her doubts about the surgery. After Shay runs away, Tally learns the dark side of the pretty world. The authorities give Tally two options: first, bring in her friend and become pretty like she wants, or, second, not turn her in and be ugly forever. Scott Westerfeld’s hit dystopian young adult sci fi book series the Uglies stretches to four books and is a modern classic you won’t want to miss.
How to read it: Purchase Uglies on Amazon
Want (Want #1) by Cindy Pon
Cindy Pon’s Want—the first book in a duology—definitely has a spot on this list of the best science fiction books for teens. In Want, our hero is Jason Zhou, who lives in a society divided into the rich and poor. The wealthy wear expensive suits that protect them from pollution and viruses that those not as well off have to endure. After losing his mother, Jason get sick of the corruption and vows to infiltrate the Jin Corporation, the company that manufactures the suits. Jason discovers Jin Corp might also be creating the pollution that the suits protect from, therefore keeping themselves in business. When Jason falls for the beloved daughter of Jin Corp’s CEO, Daiyu, things get complicated. Fans of YA sci fi romance books will find much to like about Want in this exciting young adult sci fi book series.
How to read it: Purchase Want on Amazon
We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson
The best science fiction books for teens reach inside you and don’t let you go, and that’s exactly what happens when you read Shaun David Hutchinson’s We Are the Ants. For years, Henry Denton has been periodically abducted by aliens. Now they serve him an ultimatum: in 144 days, the world will end. The only way to stop it is for Henry to press a big red button. It seems like a no brainer, right? Save the world! But not to Henry, who is reeling from his boyfriend’s suicide last year and has a depressing family situation. Hutchinson’s book has a bold premise in an engrossing, emotional story that hits you in the feels.
How to read it: Purchase We Are the Ants on Amazon
Warcross (Warcross #1) by Marie Lu
And in our last entry in this list of the best science fiction books for teens, acclaimed author Marie Lu brings you an exciting new completed duology. In the series starter, Warcross, millions of players log into Warcross each day. Teen hacker Emika Chen is a bounty hunter, tracking down players who place illegal bets on the game. Then one day, low on cash, Emika accidentally hacks her way into the first game of the Warcross Championships and goes viral. Not only does she not get penalized, the game’s creator, a youthful billionaire named Hideo Tanaka, recruits her to spy on the tournament to expose a security problem. Emika says yes and is launched into the uber-rich world of Warcross tournaments. If she can keep a cool head, Emika might just save the world.
