I think 'The Fifth Wave' was quite popular. It had a lot of buzz because of its thrilling plot about an alien invasion and how the main character copes with it.
I think 'Ghost' is quite interesting. It's about a boy who is a great runner but has some personal issues to deal with. The story of his growth both as an athlete and as a person is really engaging.
Another interesting book from the 2016 kids science fiction list is 'Illuminae' by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. This book is unique in its format, with a mix of documents, emails, and illustrations that tell the story of a space - based adventure. The characters are well - developed, and the plot is full of twists and turns, making it a great read for kids interested in science fiction.
The books in this list may also show the anxieties of the era. With the Cold War going on, there could be themes related to the fear of nuclear war or the power struggles between different superpowers. At the same time, they might be exploring new ideas in biology and medicine as science was advancing in those fields at that time. For instance, some books could be speculating about genetic engineering or new ways of treating diseases in a science - fiction context.
Some well - known books from 2015 science fiction lists might include 'The Martian' by Andy Weir. It's a great story about an astronaut stranded on Mars and his struggle to survive. Another could be 'Ancillary Justice' by Ann Leckie, which features a complex universe and unique characters.
The 'Foundation' series by Isaac Asimov is among the best. It's about a mathematician who predicts the fall of a galactic empire and tries to shorten the dark age that will follow. 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card is also excellent. It follows a young boy, Ender, who is trained to fight in a future inter - species war. And 'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson is a great cyberpunk novel that combines elements of virtual reality, linguistics, and corporate power.
Some great science fiction books are 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It's set in a far - future universe with complex politics and a desert planet. Another is '1984' by George Orwell. Although it's more of a dystopian novel, it has strong sci - fi elements. And 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley also challenges the way we think about society in a science - fictional context.
'Gateway' is also very popular. Its exploration of human nature in the face of the unknown, along with the unique setting of the alien space station, has attracted a large number of readers. People are drawn to the mystery of the ships and the potential for discovery, as well as the well - developed characters.
Some of the books from 1992 might have been characterized by exploring emerging technologies of the time in a fictional context. For example, they could have delved into early concepts of virtual reality like in 'Snow Crash'.
'Wool' by Hugh Howey was quite popular too. It's set in a post - apocalyptic silo, and the mystery and the characters' struggles within that confined space were really engaging for readers. The story gradually unfolds, revealing more about the world outside the silo as it progresses, which kept readers hooked.