Books like Desolation Road by Ian McDonald

Set on the desert planet Arrakis, Dune follows Paul Atreides as he rises from betrayed heir to the enigmatic Muad'Dib, guarding the precious spice melange that fuels galactic politics and extends life.

A weary father and his young son journey across a bleak, post‑apocalyptic America, battling cannibals, starvation, and a harsh winter in a desperate quest for safety and a glimpse of remaining civilization.

After a catastrophic pandemic, former actress Kirsten Raymonde joins a traveling troupe that performs Shakespeare for scattered communities, only to confront a ruthless prophet in a desperate quest for survival.

William Gibson’s debut Sprawl novel, *Neuromancer*, blends cyberpunk with a visionary digital future, following a hacker’s final job against a powerful AI. It earned Hugo, Nebula, and Philip K. Dick awards.

Red Mars chronicles the early days of humanity’s colonization and political upheaval on Mars, blending environmental engineering, terraforming and nation‑building in a hard‑science vision.

In a post‑alien‑invasion future, a diverse crew of highly modified humans and a resurrected ancient predator are sent to the edge of the solar system to make contact with unknown extraterrestrial intelligence.

In a future where corporations weaponize genetic engineering, Paolo Bacigalupi’s *The Windup Girl* explores the ethical and societal consequences of bioterrorism and gene hacking.

Inspector Tyador Borlú journeys from Besźel to Ul Qoma to investigate the murder of a woman, navigating two distinct cities that both share one physical space yet have separate identities.

In Ursula K. Le Guin’s classic, physicist Shevek leaves his home planet of anarchists to seek truth, challenge entrenched structures, and bridge the divide between his egalitarian society and the wider civilized universe.

In the grim, alchemical city of New Crobuzon, scientist Isaac Underwood faces a half-bird, half-human Garuda and a ravenous caterpillar that threatens the entire metropolis.

Ken Liu’s celebrated short‑story collection, featuring his most honored works—especially the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy‑winning “The Paper Menagerie”—alongside a brand‑new tale, all bound by themes of origami and storytelling.

Jack McDevitt’s sci‑fiction adventure follows Chaka, who inherits a mysterious Roadmaker artifact and assembles a disparate crew to seek the legendary sanctuary of Haven, uncovering secrets about their own past.

A complete 12‑book set of Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, including Diary of a Wimpy Kid through Hard Luck, perfect for fans and collectors.

Former rebel leader Ivan Delgato is freed from prison to escort a dangerous secret mission through the perilous Star Road, facing treachery, brotherly conflict, and ancient planetary secrets that could alter humanity.

In the 24th century, two comedians find themselves embroiled in a terrorist plot aboard a spaceship and are rescued by their robotic sidekick during an interplanetary tour.

A coming‑of‑age tale that follows teenage girls as they form bonds over shared love for books in a library setting, weaving in themes of friendship, English literature, and the lives of widowers.

In a Montana town, a veteran coping with PTSD and a newly-divorced woman named Jillian form an unexpected bond that reshapes their lives, exploring friendship, family, self‑confidence, and the complexities of ranch life.

Davy Spencer might be the new kid in school, but that doesn't mean he can't start as the most POPULAR kid. With the help of his two best friends, Chuck and Annie, Davy throws himself into making viral YouTube videos with hilariously disastrous results. If he can pull this off, everybody at his new school will know his name before even meeting him. Davy's YouTube channel has everything- awesome pranks? Check! School lunch reviews? Check! Undercover detention missions? Check! Getting duct taped to the wall? Check - wait what? Becoming a rockstar Youtuber isn't easy but Davy won't give up... no matter how crazy things have to get. Kid Youtuber is a funny children's book for ages 9-12, middle school students, and adults who never grew up. Marcu Emerson is the author of Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja, The Super Life of Ben Braver, and Recess Warriors.