I’m standing in for Justin again today because his first child, Amarani Sedah Blazier, was born a couple of days ago. I thought that, as a way to welcome Baby Blazier, we could create a list of essential speculative fiction that Amarani must have on her bookshelves. Her parents can use our list as a wish list for birthdays and Christmas.fantasy book reviews science fiction book reviews

Here are the rules: You may add up to 5 books to each category of our list:

1. Preschool (ages 0-4)

2. Early Readers (ages 5-8)

3. Middle Grade (ages 9-12)

4. Young Adult (ages 13+)

Your additions do not need to be different from what other commenters have suggested. Duplicates are welcome — that will just indicate how essential that book is.

Please indicate which category your book choices go under and offer an explanation for each of the books you suggest. Is it a classic which any young SFF reader must read to be educated in SFF? Is it an award-winner? Is it the best book you remember reading when you were that age? Let us know why it’s on your list. After we’re finished, we should have a nice wish list for Justin!

As usual, one commenter will win a book from our stacks.

Author

  • Kat Hooper

    KAT HOOPER, who started this site in June 2007, earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience and psychology at Indiana University (Bloomington) and now teaches and conducts brain research at the University of North Florida. When she reads fiction, she wants to encounter new ideas and lots of imagination. She wants to view the world in a different way. She wants to have her mind blown. She loves beautiful language and has no patience for dull prose, vapid romance, or cheesy dialogue. She prefers complex characterization, intriguing plots, and plenty of action. Favorite authors are Jack Vance, Robin Hobb, Kage Baker, William Gibson, Gene Wolfe, Richard Matheson, and C.S. Lewis.