Books About First Contact

The Best First Contact Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about first contact? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 4 Favorite Books About First Contact

The Knife of Never Letting Go
Sale price
$2214
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2008

The Knife of Never Letting Go

By Patrick Ness · Book #1 in the Chaos Walking series

A boy hears everyone's thoughts and uncovers a deadly secret, forcing him to flee with a mysterious silent girl.

512 pages· 111,986 words· Est. 10.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 207,164 ratings
$23.30Save 5%
Prebound-Glued
Summary: In a world where thoughts are audible, Todd Hewitt is the last boy in a town of men. As he nears manhood, he discovers a dark secret that forces him to flee with his loyal dog. Pursued by hostile townsmen, Todd encounters a silent girl, defying everything he knows about the Noise germ that killed all females. Who is she, and why is she immune? As Todd's journey unfolds, he must question everything to uncover the truth and find his place in a world filled with chaos and deception.
The True Meaning of Smekday
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2007

The True Meaning of Smekday

By Adam Rex · Book #1 in the Smek series

A girl and an alien mechanic embark on a wild quest to save Earth from invasion.

423 pages· 86,086 words· Est. 12 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 10,163 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Paperback
Summary: Twelve-year-old Gratuity Tucci faces an unexpected adventure when aliens invade Earth, abducting her mother and renaming the planet Smekland. Teaming up with a renegade alien named J.Lo, Gratuity embarks on a daring journey in a hovercar to rescue her mom and thwart another alien threat. Will their unlikely friendship and outrageous plan be enough to save the world?
A Beautiful Friendship
Sale price
$855
Chapter Book · Ages 12–17 · 2011

A Beautiful Friendship

A teen's bond with an alien species sparks a battle for survival on a dangerous planet.

384 pages· 101,590 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 5,386 ratings
$9.00Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Stephanie Harrington, a determined teen on the frontier planet Sphinx, discovers an intelligent alien species, the treecats. Forming a telepathic bond with one, she faces powerful enemies intent on claiming the planet for humans. As galactic wealth hangs in the balance, Stephanie must protect her new friends from extermination. Will her courage and loyalty be enough to save them?
The Wearle
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

The Wearle

Dragons and humans clash; a boy's daring act may prevent war.

320 pages· 58,709 words· Est. 8 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 1,450 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Gabrial, a young dragon, seeks his missing father but causes a baby dragon's disappearance, risking his place among the Wearle. Meanwhile, Ren, a curious human boy, defies fear to enter dragon territory. As tensions rise between dragons and humans, Ren's bold move could be the key to peace. Can he earn the dragons' trust and avert disaster?