Dystopian fiction. It’s so hot right now. From The Hunger Games, to the Divergent series… it seems like vampires are out, and books about a future wherein we have destroyed the Earth and are now ruled by evil, controlling, big-brother-type governments, are totally in.
So, here’s my list of book recommendations for the kid who just can’t get enough of dystopian fiction. Oh, and I recommend trying your local library for many of these titles. Some titles are a bit older; so if your library still owns the book, you may be able to find a copy available right away!
Dystopian Fiction:
Older Elementary:
A Wrinkle in Time* by Madeleine L’Engle (Grade 4-6)
The Giver* by Lois Lowry (there are three other books in this series that many people don’t know about: Gathering Blue and Messenger and, one that was written more recently, Son. AND, The Giver has been made into a movie (release date: August 2014) Read the book, then family movie night!) (Grade 3-6)
The City of Ember* by Jeanne DuPrau (Grade 4-7)
Epic* by Conor Kostick (Grade 4-6)
Among the Hidden: The Shadow Children Book One* by Margaret Peterson Haddix (Grade 5-8)
Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick (Grade 5-8)
Tweens:The Ear, The Eye and the Arm by Nancy Farmer
The Guardians* by John Christopher
The Supernaturalist by Eoin Colfer
The House of the Scorpion* by Nancy Farmer
The Maze Runner* by James Dashner
Matched* by Allie Condie
Teens:
Unwind* by Neal Shusterman
Uglies* by Scott Westerfeld (other books in the series are Pretties, Specials and Extras)
Feed by M.T. Anderson
The Declaration by Gemma Malley
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Parable of the Sower* by Octavia Butler
*denotes that this is the first book in a series or trilogy.
The age ranges above are just suggestions. I always recommend you read a book before or along with your child. This allows you to determine if a book is reading-level-appropriate. Additionally, if situations come up in a book with which you feel uncomfortable, it gives you the opportunity to talk with your child. I say anything that opens up the lines of communications with your teenager is good thing… And sometimes books can introduce topics that are a little difficult to broach.
I also want to point out that if you enjoy teen dystopian fiction (like I do), reading it “with” or “for” your child gives you the perfect excuse to read young adult literature without guilt. 😉
For a couple other dystopian fiction reading lists created by others, check out:
Enjoy!
the Stay At Home Librarian 