Books About First Contact

The Best First Contact Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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 True Meaning of Smekday
The Shortlist

Our 5 Favorite Books About First Contact

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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.

Odyssey Honor (2011)
512 pages· 111,986 words· Est. 10.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 206,460 ratings
$23.30Save 5%
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.
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
4.1/5 Goodreads · 10,131 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
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?
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
4.1/5 Goodreads · 5,369 ratings
$9.00Save 5%
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?
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
3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,437 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
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?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Doctor Dolittle The Complete Collection, Vol. 4: Doctor Dolittle in the Moon; Doctor Dolittle's Return; Doctor Dolittle and the Secret Lake; Gub-Gub's Book

A doctor who talks to animals uncovers lunar secrets and ancient mysteries.

880 pages· 206,287 words· Est. 28.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 42 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Summary: Join Doctor Dolittle, the eccentric naturalist who converses with animals, as he embarks on a cosmic journey to the moon, uncovering its secrets and meeting the enigmatic Moon Man. Back on Earth, he races to Africa to save Mudface, a turtle from Noah's Ark, and reveals the tale of The Great Flood. Meanwhile, Gub Gub the pig pens an encyclopedia of food. Will Dolittle's discoveries change the world, or will they remain hidden mysteries? Dive into this classic adventure filled with wonder and whimsy.
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