Books About Genetic Engineering

The Best Genetic Engineering Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about genetic engineering? 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 10 Favorite Books About Genetic Engineering

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2002

The House of the Scorpion

By Nancy Farmer · Book #1 in the The House of the Scorpion series

A clone's fight for freedom in a world that fears him.

Newbery Honor (2003)National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2002)Michael L. Printz Honor (2003)

432 pages· 100,586 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 97,873 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Matt Alacrán, a clone of the powerful drug lord El Patrón, grapples with his identity in a world that sees him as a monster. As he navigates the treacherous Alacrán Estate, surrounded by sinister forces and a power-hungry family, Matt realizes that escape is his only hope for survival. But even if he breaks free, can he ever truly be free from the shadow of his origins? In a land where his very existence is a threat, Matt must uncover the truth about himself and what it means to be human.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2009

Leviathan

By Scott Westerfeld, Keith Thompson (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Leviathan series

Two enemies unite aboard a whale airship, altering their fates amidst World War I's chaos.

440 pages· 77,962 words· Est. 7 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 95,339 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Paperback

Summary: On the brink of World War I, Prince Aleksandar flees betrayal with only a battle-worn machine and loyal crew. Meanwhile, Deryn Sharp, a girl posing as a boy, excels in the British Air Service. Their worlds collide aboard the Leviathan, a whale airship, as they embark on a globe-spanning adventure. With war looming, can they navigate their differences and secrets to survive? Their journey promises to reshape their destinies forever.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1985

Ender's Game

By Orson Scott Card · Book #1 in the Ender Quintet series

A boy genius leads Earth's last stand against alien invaders, unaware of the true stakes.

253 pages· 100,609 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

6.3/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,498,295 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Ender Wiggin, a child prodigy, is thrust into Battle School to prepare for an alien threat. As he excels in zero-gravity war games, he faces isolation and rivalry. Unbeknownst to him, these games are more than they seem. Can Ender become the leader Earth desperately needs, or will the weight of his hidden mission crush him? With his siblings possessing unique talents, the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. Will Ender discover the truth before it's too late?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1235

Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2010

Maximum Ride, Vol. 3 (Graphic Novel)

By James Patterson · Book #3 in the Maximum Ride series

Can the flock find normalcy in a school without mad scientists?

246 pages· 2,450 words· Est. 19 min read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 11,090 ratings

$13.00Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: After escaping danger in New York, the flock heads to Washington, D.C., seeking answers about their origins. Instead, they find a surprising new challenge: a normal school. Can they adapt to a life without genetic experiments and lurking threats, or will their past catch up with them? As they navigate this unexpected twist, the flock must confront what it truly means to belong. Will they uncover the secrets of their past, or will the promise of a home prove to be another illusion?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

The Deluxe Junior Novelization

By Random House · Jurassic World Dominion series

Dinosaurs roam the Earth again, threatening humanity's survival.

144 pages· 23,204 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 128 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: In a world where dinosaurs walk among us, Owen Grady and Claire Dearing face their greatest challenge yet. As prehistoric creatures reclaim the planet, can they prevent chaos and save humanity? With familiar faces like Alan Grant and Dr. Ian Malcolm returning, the stakes have never been higher. Will they find a way to coexist, or is extinction inevitable? Dive into this thrilling adventure where the past collides with the present, and every decision could mean life or death. Discover the fate of both humans and dinosaurs in this epic tale of survival and courage.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1235

Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2009

Maximum Ride, Vol. 2 (Graphic Novel)

By James Patterson · Book #2 in the Maximum Ride: The Manga series

A winged girl must rescue her friend and uncover her destiny amidst danger.

262 pages· 7,096 words· Est. 53 min read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 13,598 ratings

$13.00Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Max and her winged friends, the Flock, face a perilous mission to rescue young Angel from the clutches of the sinister School. Their journey leads them to New York City, where they battle the fearsome Erasers. As Max grapples with a mysterious voice in her head, she learns her fate might be to save the world. Can she trust her instincts and protect her family from the lurking threats? Dive into a whirlwind adventure where the skies are the limit, and every flight could be their last.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1235

Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2009

Maximum Ride, Vol. 1 (Graphic Novel)

By James Patterson, NaRae Lee (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Maximum Ride: The Manga series

A winged girl must rescue her friend and face a world-altering destiny.

264 pages· 5,894 words· Est. 44 min read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 33,369 ratings

$13.00Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Max and her winged friends, the Flock, face a nightmare when Angel is kidnapped by the sinister School. Their rescue mission leads them to New York, battling fierce Erasers. Amidst the chaos, Max learns her true purpose: to save the world. Can she rise to the challenge, or will betrayal and danger clip her wings? Discover the thrilling journey of courage and destiny.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 12–17 · 2011

Goliath

By Scott Westerfeld, Keith Thompson (Illustrator) · Leviathan series

A ship veers off course with secrets, a hidden identity, and a dangerous passenger onboard.

543 pages· 94,159 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 34,300 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Paperback

Summary: Alek and Deryn race to end World War I and reclaim a throne, but secrets threaten their mission. Disguised as a boy, Deryn hides her identity from Alek, complicating their growing bond. As their ship, Leviathan, heads to New York, a dangerous passenger lurks, unraveling secrets and alliances. Can they navigate these treacherous waters and achieve their goals, or will hidden truths and enemies tear them apart?

Sale price

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 12–17 · 2014

Cress

By Marissa Meyer · The Lunar Chronicles series

A hacker's freedom could save Earth from invasion, but at what cost?

552 pages· 137,743 words· Est. 13 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 412,927 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Cinder, Captain Thorne, Scarlet, and Wolf are fugitives plotting to stop Queen Levana's invasion of Earth. Their hope lies with Cress, a brilliant hacker trapped on a satellite. Forced to track them, Cress's rescue goes awry, splintering the group. As Queen Levana's plans threaten Emperor Kai, Cress gains freedom at a steep price. Can these unlikely heroes save the world from a tyrant's grasp?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Payback

By Gordon Korman · Book #3 in the Masterminds series

Clones on the run face betrayal, secrets, and danger to end Project Osiris.

336 pages· 62,133 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 5,405 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In the thrilling conclusion of the Masterminds trilogy, clones Eli, Tori, Amber, and Malik are on the run after a friend's betrayal. Separated into pairs, they must navigate a world of danger. Malik, drawn to a criminal life by his DNA donor, risks everything, while Eli and Tori uncover deeper conspiracies. As they seek to end Project Osiris, they must confront their darkest selves. Will they succeed, or will the secrets of their origins destroy them? A surprising ally and a cross-country chase add to the suspense in this gripping adventure.

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