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Book Lists

Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

February 9, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Let’s explore some new and classic science fiction books for 4th graders that both boys and girls will love. Also, you’ll love my page Homeschool Curriculum for more ideas and grade level curriculum.

Science fiction for kids is a genre of literature that explores themes of science, technology, and the future in a way that is engaging for young readers. 

Science fiction books for kids often feature elements such as space travel, time travel, alien encounters, and futuristic technology.

Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

These books can be a great way to spark a child’s imagination.

Too, it can get them interested in science and technology when they might not otherwise be while improving reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.

Check out this list of 10 of the best science fiction books for 4th graders.

And I will even throw in some hands-on ideas for multi-sensory learning and fun.

I have a tutorial for a paper plate Millenium Falcon.

You do know it did the Kessel Run in 12 parsecs right?

From robots to time travel and alien invasions, there is something fun for everyone here.

IDEAS TO GO WITH SCIENCE FICTION BOOKS FOR 4TH GRADERS

First, check out these hands-on ideas.

This is a list of Science Fiction books for middle schoolers but you will also find a simple How to Make a Time Travel Craft Inspired by The Time Machine Book.

Wow look at this robot kit that comes with everything your child needs to build and learn code to program their own robot.

Since Star Wars is a great topic for today’s theme here you can Make Cool Star Wars Soap and 15 Star Wars DIY Projects.

I just love this Wild Robot Mini Unit, we enjoyed these books so much, even as an adult I thought it was a wonderful story.

Let your child grab their favorite super hero figure and try this physics experiment Hands-On Super Hero Gravity for Kids.

Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

Too, look at this post The Best Fourth Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations for more fourth grade ideas.

Next, look at how to make this paper plate Millenium Falcon.

PAPER PLATE MILLENIUM FALCON

You will need:

  • 3 paper plates
  • Grey craft paint
  • Markers
  • Paintbrush
  • Glue stick
  • Tissue paper or paper towels
  • Scissors
Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

First, paint the convex side of 3 paper plates grey, or you can leave them white and just brush some grey on to rough up the exterior of the Falcon. Set aside to dry.

Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

Once the paint is dry you are going to take the second plate and draw some of the distinctive features of the Millenium Falcon on it like the cockpit, the forward mandibles, and concussion-missile tubes 

This fandom site has some great inspiration photos including a schematic of the ship or you can just use one of your own models.

Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

Cut the drawings out of the paper plate.

Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

Glue each piece into place on the plate.

Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

Use markers to draw more details on the ship, it is mostly a dirty grey, some red, blue, a little black, and silvery colors for the most part.

Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

Place tissue paper or paper towels in the center of the 3rd plate, making sure it stays inside the inner part of the plate

Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

Glue the top portion that you decorated on top of this one.

Hot glue dries the fastest but you can use whatever type of tacky glue you like.

Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

Finally, look at these science fiction books for 4th graders.

SCIENCE FICTION BOOKS FOR 4TH GRADERS

Science Fiction Books For 4th Graders

Add these books to your reading day or to a unit study to learn science fiction.

The Wild Robot (Volume 1)

A robot named Roz opens her eyes for the first time on a remote, wild island and must learn to survive and navigate the world around her.

The Giver: A Newbery Award Winner

Life in the community where Jonas lives is idyllic. Designated birth mothers produce new children, who are assigned to appropriate family units. Citizens are assigned their partners and their jobs. No one thinks to ask questions. Everyone obeys. Everyone is the same. Except Jonas.

Not until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver of Memory does he begin to understand the dark, complex secrets behind his fragile community. Gradually Jonas learns that power lies in feelings. But when his own power is put to the test—when he must try to save someone he loves—he may not be ready. Is it too soon? Or too late?

Told with deceptive simplicity, this is the provocative story of a boy who experiences something incredible and undertakes something impossible. In the telling it questions every value we have taken for granted and reexamines our most deeply held beliefs.

Star Wars Jedi Academy Series 7 Books Collection

Series: Star Wars Jedi Academy 7 paperback books - Star Wars Jedi Academy: Jedi Academy, Return of the Padawan, The Phantom Bully, A New Class, The Force Oversleeps, Revenge of the Sis, and The Principal Strikes BackSummary: This set includes all seven books from the NY TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES Star Wars: Jedi Academy. Created by award-winning author/illustrator Jeffrey Brown, this series is a hit for readers of all ages. Whether you're familiar with Star Wars or if you're new to the galaxy, this heartfelt and hilarious adventure follows middle grader Roan as he navigates being a Jedi and dealing with bullies, aliens, robots, and even school dances.At Jedi Academy, students learn how to design droids, fight with a lightsaber, and use the Force!

Time Travel Inn (Choose Your Own Adventure)

Acclaimed children's humor author Bart King takes readers ages 8-12 on an interactive science fiction mystery adventure. Battle gladiators and escape from dinosaurs in this funny romp through time and space.

Your adventurous Grandmother Dolores makes you and your family the unlikely stewards of her Time Travel Inn in rural Wisconsin. You move from Florida to Wisconsin with hopes of investigating more about the inn, and your grandmother’s disappearance, but quickly learn the inn is an epicenter for time travel research gone awry.

Choose Your Own Adventure is the bestselling gamebook series of all time. Empowering generations of children through choice, it is widely commended for its appeal to reluctant readers.

Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor

In Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor, an uneventful experiment in Frank's garage/lab, a lightning storm, and a flash of electricity bring his inventions—the robots Klink and Klank—to life!Not exactly the ideal lab partners, the wisecracking Klink and the overly expressive Klank nonetheless help Frank attempt to perfect his inventions . . . until Frank’s archnemesis, T. Edison, steals Klink and Klank for his evil doomsday plan.Integrating real science facts with wacky humor, a silly cast of characters, and science fiction, this uniquely engaging series is an irresistible chemical reaction for middle grade readers. With easy-to-read language and graphic illustrations on almost every page, this chapter book series is a must for reluctant readers.The Frank Einstein series encourages middle grade readers to question the way things work and to discover how they, too, can experiment with science. In a starred review, Kirkus raves, “This buoyant, tongue-in-cheek celebration of the impulse to ‘keep asking questions and finding your own answers’ fires on all cylinders," while Publishers Weekly says that the series “proves that science can be as fun as it is important and useful.”

Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot

Meet Ricky Ricotta, a little mouse with a big problem!Ricky Ricotta lives in Squeakyville with his mom and dad. Ricky has a hard time making friends at school, and the neighborhood bullies are always picking on him. If only Ricky could find someone to be his best buddy and keep those creepy bullies away!Meanwhile, on the other side of town, a mad scientist named Dr. Stinky McNasty has created a Mighty Robot who is as gentle as he is powerful. Dr. Stinky plans to make the Robot destroy Squeakyville, but there's one little thing in his way: Ricky Ricotta! When Ricky rescues the Robot, an unlikely friendship begins. And Ricky discovers that a little mouse can be a BIG hero -- with some help from his new best friend!

Menace from the Deep

Emmet moves to Florida with his biologist father to investigate a strange, genetically engineered animal found dead in the Everglades, a creature that is the first of a new breed of man-made, apex predator that is about to be turned loose.

Space Case (Moon Base Alpha)

Like his fellow lunarnauts—otherwise known as Moonies—living on Moon Base Alpha, twelve-year-old Dashiell Gibson is famous the world over for being one of the first humans to live on the moon.And he’s bored out of his mind. Kids aren’t allowed on the lunar surface, meaning they’re trapped inside the tiny moon base with next to nothing to occupy their time—and the only other kid Dash’s age spends all his time hooked into virtual reality games.Then Moon Base Alpha’s top scientist turns up dead. Dash senses there’s foul play afoot, but no one believes him. Everyone agrees Dr. Holtz went onto the lunar surface without his helmet properly affixed, simple as that. But Dr. Holtz was on the verge of an important new discovery, Dash finds out, and it’s a secret that could change everything for the Moonies—a secret someone just might kill to keep...

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Book Lists Tagged With: 4th grade, book lists, books, science, science fiction

13 Living Books Ancient History Your Kids Will Love

October 21, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have a list of engaging living books ancient history your kids will love. Also, look at my Ancient Civilizations page for fun hands-on ideas and free lapbooks to go with studying ancient history.

Studying ancient history is a fascinating and wide-reaching topic.

It should be taught in a way that draws a child into the period you’re studying about.

That is what a living book does as opposed to a dry boring textbook which kids can loathe.

13 Living Books Ancient History Your Kids Will Love

Too, when I first started homeschooling, I knew what we were reading for history wasn’t presented to my kids in a way they could understand.

A list of dry boring facts does not stir critical thinking skills or nurture my sons’ love for wanting to learn more.

I wanted my sons to read books like I did while growing up.

Little did I know then, there was a name for a book that is lively, engaging, encourages conversations and that is a living book.

WHAT ARE LIVING BOOKS FOR KIDS

Also, through the years I’ve read many excellent definitions of what is a living book.

Be sure you take time to understand what they are so that when you study any topic, especially ancient history, you can bring the topic to life.

Besides, not all, but a lot of them are older books.

They were written at a time when authors did not talk to children, even very young children. And they were written before there was a banned book list or before libraries adopted politically correct views.

However, one of the best features of living books is that the author usually talk about the topic in a story or narrative form. All ages love stories. We never outgrow them.

Additionally, the author is not a textbook writer but an authority on the topic who has infectious enthusiasm for the topic.

This excites the reader.

Even books that are fictional history, the author can weave in dates, events, and details that are true. However, while the story is untrue it still can bring the history period to life.

It helps readers to understand the stream of time.

Additionally, keep this balance in mind as you learn about living books.

Not all vintage books are living books.

However, if you are considering one that is a classic, look for ones that are not edited and have beautiful artwork especially if it’s a picture book.

Many older print pictures books are beautiful and have a higher reading level than you may think.

MORE LIVING BOOKS FOR KIDS LIST & TIPS

  • 5 Steps to Choosing Geography Living Books Your Children Will Love
  • Ancient Civilization History Living Books
  • 13 Living History Books about Ancient Greece
13 Living Books Ancient History Your Kids Will Love

In addition, I have a 5-point checklist to help you decide what is a living book on my post 5 Steps to Choosing Geography Living Books Your Children Will Love.

Your definition and lists of books will grow as you homeschool longer.

Finally, look at this list of living book ancient history for kids.

13 ANCIENT HISTORY LIVING BOOKS FOR MULTIPLE AGES

Add one or two of these books to your day for a unit study or add them to your home library for books to keep.

The Children's Homer

It recounts the perilous adventures of Odysseus on his journey back from the war in Troy, including his encounter with the horrible Cyclops, the duplicitous Sirens, and the evil Circe. One of Colum’s many successful children’s novels, these stories will be enjoyed as much today as they were when they first appeared. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper and is wonderfully illustrated by Willy Pogany.

The Arabian Nights

Full of mischief, valor, ribaldry, and romance, The Arabian Nights has enthralled readers for centuries. These are the tales that saved the life of Scheherazade, whose husband, the king, executed each of his wives after a single night of marriage. Beginning an enchanting story each evening, Scheherazade always withheld the ending: A thousand and one nights later, her life was spared forever.

The Golden Goblet

Ranofer wants only one thing in the world: to be a master goldsmith like his beloved father was. But how can he when he is all but imprisoned by his evil half brother, Gebu? Ranofer knows the only way he can escape Gebu's abuse is by changing his destiny. But can a poor boy with no skills survive on the cutthroat streets of ancient Thebes? Then Ranofer finds a priceless golden goblet in Gebu's room and he knows his luck−and his destiny−are about to change.

City of the Golden House

A slave and a cripple, A saint and a Roman officer, An Emperor and a conspirator . . . A city on fire! The events surrounding the burning of Rome and the subsequent Christian persecution provide the backdrop for this story of faith and friendship. A young slave from Britain finds himself in Rome at a tumultuous time. Through his acquaintance with Christians he comes to understand and love the new religion. Out of his zeal for the love of the Christ, he performs a great spiritual work of mercy that sadly goes awry. In the end, God's providence and mercy shine through.

Boy of the Pyramids

The pictured wall of an Egyptian tomb supplied the inspiration for this unusual story, which takes place during the building of the Great Pyramid of Khufu more than 4,000 years ago. Kaffe and Sari, an Egyptian noble's son and a slave irl from the nomadic Sand People of the Sinai region, help solve a troublesome mystery and trap its culprit. All told against a colorfully detailed backdrop of ancient Egypt.

Gilgamesh the Hero

This is one of the oldest stories in the world, and it's about things that still matter to us today: friendship, fame, courage, happiness.Gilgamesh and Enkidu are friends -- best friends. Together they can work wonders, fight monsters, brave earthquakes, travel the world! But waiting in the dark is the one enemy they can never overcome.Retold by award-winning author Geraldine McCaughrean, and illustrated with great power by David Parkins, Gilgamesh the Hero is a story that will linger in the imagination long after the book has been put down.

The Arkadians

Lucian is on the run from a pair of murderous soothsayers. Joy-in-the-Dance knows magic and marvels, and is on a quest. Fronto is a poet-turned-donkey who wants to break the spell that turned him into an animal. The three of them join forces and set out through Arkadia—on an amazing trip that will change their lives. “Master storyteller Alexander keeps the action brisk, packs the text with a riveting collection of weird characters, fantastic settings, plot twists, derring-do, heroes, villains, magic, prophecy, humor, shipwrecks, fires—what more could readers ask for?”—Kirkus Reviews

Archimedes and the Door of Science

Jeanne Bendick, through text and pictures, admirably succeeds in bringing to life the ancient Greek mathematician who enriched mathematics and all branches of science. Against the backdrop of Archimedes' life and culture, the author discusses the man's work, his discoveries and the knowledge later based upon it. The simple, often humorous, illustrations and diagrams greatly enhance the text.Greece, 200 B.C.

The Golden Bull: A Mesopotamian Adventure

A brother and sister's search for a new life and new home . . .5,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia during a terrible drought, Jomar and Zefa's father must send his children away to the city of Ur because he can no longer feed them. At fourteen, Jomar is old enough to apprentice with Sidah, a master goldsmith for the temple of the moongod, but there is no place for Zefa in Sidah's household. Zefa, a talented but untrained musician, is forced to play her music and sing for alms on the streets of Ur. Marjorie Cowley vividly imagines the intrigues, and harsh struggle for survival in ancient Mesopotamia.

God King: A Story in the Days of King Hezekiah

A never-before published tale by the author of the best-selling Hittite Warrior carries the reader back to Ancient Egypt and biblical Jerusalem. It is 701 B.C—rule of the Kushite dynasty in ancient Egypt. Young Prince Taharka, a very minor royal son, succeeds unexpectedly to the throne of Kush and Egypt—a "divine" rulership. It's not long, however, before a treacherous plot pushes him into sudden exile and into the hands of Amos, an emissary of King Hezekiah seeking help against the Assyrians. Posing as a medical assistant, Taharka journeys with Amos to Judea where he encounters two kings in conflict. His true identity suddenly uncovered, he must choose with whom he will fight—the mighty Assyrian, Sennacherib, promising alliance, or Hezekiah, the Jew who trusts in Yahweh. A novel inspired by research on the historical King Taharka and his period. Includes an introduction, with home-education suggestions, by Daria Sockey.Egypt and Judea, 700 B.C.

Mara, Daughter of the Nile

Mara is a proud and beautiful slave girl who yearns for freedom in ancient Egypt, under the rule of Queen Hatshepsut. Mara is not like other slaves; she can read and write, as well as speak the language of Babylonian. So, to barter for her freedom, she finds herself playing the dangerous role of double spy for two arch enemies—each of whom supports a contender for the throne of Egypt.   Against her will, Mara finds herself falling in love with one of her masters, the noble Sheftu, and she starts to believe in his plans of restoring Thutmose III to the throne. But just when Mara is ready to offer Sheftu her help and her heart, her duplicity is discovered, and a battle ensues in which both Mara’s life and the fate of Egypt are at stake.

The Boy of the Painted Cave

Tao is an outcast. Unlike the great hunters of his clan, Tao does not want to kill the wild bears or woolly mammoths of the hunt. Instead he wants only to paint them. But only Chosen Ones can be cave painters. What's more, Volt, the clan leader, violently despises Tao. And when the other clan members discover Tao's secret talent, they cast him out into the wilderness alone. There, he befriends a wild wolf dog named Ram, and the mysterious Graybeard, who teaches him the true secret of the hunt.

D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths

Here are the greats of ancient Greece—gods and goddesses, heroes and monsters—as freshly described in words and pictures as if they were alive today. No other volume of Greek mythology has inspired as many young readers as this timeless classic. Both adults and children alike will find this book a treasure for years to come.  “For any child fortunate enough to have this generous book . . . the kings and heroes of ancient legend will remain forever matter-of-fact; the pictures interpret the text literally and are full of detail and witty observation.”—The Horn Book

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Book Lists Tagged With: ancient, Ancient Babylon, ancient civilizations, ancient egypt, Ancient Greece, Ancient HIstory, book lists, books

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