Books like 'Then Everything Went Wrong'
Readers who enjoyed Then Everything Went Wrong by Judd Winick also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
sc-fi action / adventure space humor robots children friendship magic family aliens
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I Dare by Sharon Lee, Steve Miller
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsThe enemies of Korval have offered Pat Rin the Ring that would make all of Korval's holdings his own, and a Juntavas Judge has offered Pat Rin a world. When he appears with hired guns in tow, no one knows what he'll do. Pat Rin is a gambling man, and on his wild-card shoulders the fate of his Clan, his world, his civilization... -
A Rover's Story by Jasmine Warga
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsNew York Times bestseller * Best Book of the Year from The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, New York Public Library, Chicago Public Library The One and Only Ivan meets The Wild Robot in this unique and deeply moving middle grade novel about the journey of a fictional Mars rover, from the Newbery Honor–winning author of Other Words for Home... -
Phoenix by S.F. Said
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA boy with unprecedented power must turn to the terrifying Alien enemies of humanity to discover his true nature and bring peace to a galaxy at war.Lucky lives a relatively normal life on a remote moon of the planet Aries One, safe from the turmoil and devastation of the interstellar war between Humans and Aliens... -
Randoms by David Liss
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA science fiction superfan finds himself on his very own space adventure when he’s randomly selected to join an alien confederacy in this hilarious middle grade debut novel.Zeke Reynolds comes from a long line of proud science fiction geeks. He knows his games, comics, movies, and TV shows like Captain Kirk knows the starship Enterprise... -
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Compulsory by Martha Wells
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsMurderbot—the sardonic, almost-homicidal, media-loving android created by Martha Wells—has proven to be one of the most popular characters in 21 st century science fiction. Everything that makes this protagonist (it would be wrong to call Murderbot a hero) beloved of fans is on display in Compulsory... -
E. T. - The Extra-Terrestrial by William Kotzwinkle
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsBased on the screenplay by Melissa Mathison.What do you do when you're lost, millions of miles from home, surrounded by frightening creatures?You do what the Old Botanist did when he was accidentally left behind on Earth. First you find a friend.. -
Rebels by David Liss
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA science fiction superfan is heading back to space on a new mission to save Earth in this hilarious follow-up to the “exhilarating” (Booklist, starred review) Randoms...Categorized as:
aliens friendship humor super-powered action-adventure alternate-universe book children-books -
Three's a Crowd! by Ray O'Ryan
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsZack finds out that two best friends are better than one in this chapter book adventure.Zack is thrilled when he finds out that his best friend on Earth, Bert Jones, is going to visit him on Nebulon. Zack can’t wait to show Bert around the new planet, as well as his new school. But when Bert meets Drake, Zack’s best friend on Nebulon, some jealousy starts to brew... -
The Space Child's Mother Goose by Frederick Winsor
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOnly a few years ago (1950s) we walked on solid earth. Today we whirl through space. Space is big. It is not cozy. But with these verses and drawings... cheerfulness breaks in. Suddenly, science seems merry. And space begins, with the rhyme on page 1, to feel a little more like home. A witty collection of 1950's space age poetry accompanied by clever black and white line drawings by Marian Parry... -
Ben Archer and the Cosmic Fall (The Alien Skill Series, Book 1) by Rae Knightly
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA BOY WITH AN ALIEN POWER.“The thing is, it wasn’t meteors that fell into the woods that night. It was alien spacecraft.”THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS 2019 SILVER MEDAL WINNER - AUTHOR ACADEMY AWARDS 2019 FINALIST.When UFOs crash into the fields next to his grandfather’s house, twelve-year-old Ben Archer becomes a cumbersome witness in the eyes of the government...Categorized as:
aliens children family friendship super-powered action-adventure book children-books -
Lights on Wonder Rock by David Litchfield
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHeather wants more than anything to go to outer space, where the stars sparkle with magic and wonder. When a UFO lands behind her house and she meets a friendly alien, it seems that all of her dreams have come true. But soon her new friend has to return home...Categorized as:
aliens children family friendship action-adventure book children-books coming-of-age -
The Smeds and the Smoos by Julia Donaldson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSoar into space with this glorious love story of alien folk, from the creators of The Gruffalo and Stick Man . The Smeds (who are red) never mix with the Smoos (who are blue). So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love, their families strongly disapprove. But peace is restored and love conquers all in this happiest of love stories... -
The Rock from the Sky by Jon Klassen
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsLook up!Turtle really likes standing in his favorite spot. He likes it so much that he asks his friend Armadillo to come over and stand in it, too. But now that Armadillo is standing in that spot, he has a bad feeling about it . .Categorized as:
aliens children friendship humor 21st-century action-adventure animals anthropomorphism -
The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen a boy discovers a single-propeller airplane in his closet, he does what any young adventurer would do: He flies it into outer space! Millions of miles from Earth, the plane begins to sputter and quake, its fuel tank on empty. The boy executes a daring landing on the moon . . -
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Aliens Love Underpants by Claire Freedman
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThis humorous tale describes how aliens, rather than visiting Earth to take over the planet, really visit to steal your pants... -
Randy Riley's Really Big Hit by Chris Van Dusen
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRandy likes space, robots, and baseball, but he can't ace everything . . . or can he? Chris Van Dusen knocks one out of the park with a comical ode to ingenuity.Randy Riley loves two things: science and baseball. When it comes to the solar system, the constellations, and all things robot, Randy is a genius. But on the baseball diamond? Not so much. He tries . . . but whiffs every time... -
The Lost Planet by Rachel Searles
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis is what the boy is told:• He woke up on planet Trucon, inside a fence he shouldn't have been able to pass.• He has an annirad blaster wound to the back of his head.• He has no memory.• He is now under the protection of a mysterious benefactor.• His name is Chase Garrety.This is what Chase Garrety knows:• He has a message: "Guide the star."• Time is running out... -
A New Hope: The Princess, the Scoundrel, and the Farm Boy by Alexandra Bracken
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe galaxy is at war.Although the Rebel Alliance has won a few battles against the Empire, hope is fading. The Empire is about to unveil the greatest weapon the galaxy has ever seen--the Death Star. The Rebels' only chance to defeat it now lies in the unlikely hands of a princess, a scoundrel, and a farm boy... -
The Stolen Moon by Rachel Searles
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe action-packed sequel to The Lost Planet.This is what the boy is told:- His younger sister has an otherworldly (and sometimes annoying) ability.- The starship he now lives on has been infiltrated.- His friend Parker is working on the network hack of a lifetime.This is what Chase and Parker fear:- They won't be able to save the world in time... -
Into the Dark by Claudia Gray
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsNot everyone who hears the call to adventure wants to answer it....Jedi Padawan Reath Silas loves adventure—reading about it, that is, not living it. Content to spend hours browsing the Jedi Archives on Coruscant, Reath dreams of being one of the great scholars of the Jedi Order...Categorized as:
aliens children friendship super-powered action-adventure audiobook book children-books -
We're Not from Here by Geoff Rodkey
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsImagine being forced to move to a new planet where YOU are the alien! From the creator of the Tapper Twins, New York Times bestselling author Geoff Rodkey delivers a topical, sci-fi middle-grade novel that proves friendship and laughter can transcend even a galaxy of differences. The first time I heard about Planet Choom, we'd been on Mars for almost a year... -
The Search for Snout by Bruce Coville
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSomewhere Snout is waiting.Rod Allbright and his alien friends face the biggest mystery of their lives: where in the wide, wide galaxy is their missing friend Snout, the Master of the Mental Arts?Their death-defying search for their friend leads them across the stars to the Mentat, the mysterious home of the Mental Masters. But the clues they uncover there only deepen the mystery — and the danger... -
Man On The Moon by Simon Bartram
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeginning with an introduction to the history of mosaics, colour and design are explored in mosaic-making, across the full range of equipment, materials and tesserae on offer... -
The Jamie Drake Equation by Christopher Edge
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom the author of The Many Worlds of Albie Bright comes another cutting-edge cosmic space adventure for anyone who's ever looked up at the stars and wondered about the universe. An exploration of the constellations, an appreciation of the courage of astronauts, and a loving father-son story. Perfect for fans of Scott Kelly's Astrotwins series... -
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Earth to Clunk by Pam Smallcomb
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat do you send your alien pen pal Clunk to make it clear you do not want an alien pen pal? You send him your big sister. That'll teach Clunk to have a pen pal from Earth-or so our intrepid narrator thinks. But then Clunk sends him a Zoid, an exasperating Zoid that follows him everywhere... -
Stowaway by John David Anderson
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe first book in a coming-of-age sci-fi duology about Leo, a kid trying to navigate the galaxy in order to save his family—and, possibly, the planet Earth.When scientists discover a rare and mysterious mineral buried in the Earth’s crust, they have no idea that it just happens to be the most valuable substance in the entire universe... -
Journey to Juno by Ray O'Ryan, Colin Jack
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsZack joins his school's Explorer's Club and visits Juno, a newly discovered planet of crystals... -
Life on Mars by Jon Agee
Rated: 3.93 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIn this picture book an intrepid but not so clever space explorer is certain he's found the only living thing on MarsA young astronaut is absolutely sure there is life to be found on Mars. He sets off on a solitary mission, determined to prove the naysayers wrong. But when he arrives, equipped with a package of cupcakes as a gift, he sees nothing but a nearly barren planet... -
Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Rated: 3.92 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA one-of-a-kind story of heart, humor, and finding one’s place in the universe.Prez knows that the best way to keep track of things is to make a list. That's important when you have a grandfather who is constantly forgetting. And it's even more important when your grandfather can't care for you anymore and you have to go live with a foster family out in the country... -
Hello, Nebulon! by Ray O'Ryan
Rated: 4.02 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsGet to know Galaxy Zack—and his new home planet!In Hello, Nebulon!, Zack makes the big move from Earth... -
Smek for President! by Adam Rex, Άνταμ Ρεξ
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn this much-anticipated sequel to The True Meaning of Smekday, which inspired the blockbuster feature film Home, Tip and J.Lo are back for another hilarious intergalactic adventure!After Tip and J.Lo banished the Gorg from Earth, the pair is notorious—but not for their heroics. Instead, human Dan Landry has taken credit for conquering the Gorg, and the aliens known as the Boov blame J... -
I Left My Sneakers in Dimension X by Bruce Coville
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsKIDNAPPED TO DIMENSION X! When Rod Allbright's cousin Elspeth arrived for a visit the day after school let out for the summer, Rod thought his vacation was ruined. But after they are kidnapped to Dimension X by a monster named Smorkus Flinders, Rod realizes that Elspeth is the least of his problems... -
In the Dark Spaces by Cally Black
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratings"What will happen when you don't come back?"A genre-smashing kidnapping drama about Tamara, who's faced with an impossible choice when she falls for her captors.Yet this is no ordinary kidnapping. Tamara has been living on a freighter in deep space, and her kidnappers are terrifying Crowpeople – the only aliens humanity has ever encountered... -
Your Alien by Tammi Sauer
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOne day, you'll be looking out your window when something wonderful comes your way… and you will want to keep him. When a little boy meets a stranded alien child, the two instantly strike up a fabulous friendship. They go to school, explore the neighborhood, and have lots of fun. But at bedtime, the alien suddenly grows very, very sad... -
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Aliens in Underpants Save the World by Claire Freedman, Ben Cort
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA zany picture book adventure featuring aliens in (what else?) underpants! Aliens love underpants, It’s lucky that they do,For undies helped save our universe,Sounds crazy but it’s true!The beloved aliens from Aliens Love Panta Claus are back—and this time they are on a mission to save the world! Get ready for another pants-tastic adventure in this wacky picture book from winning author and... -
Aliens Stole My Body by Bruce Coville
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBRING BACK MY BODY!Rod Allbright has found his father—but lost his own body! It's been stolen by BKR, the most fiendish villain in the galaxy. Which leaves Rod sharing the body of a one-eyed blue alien named Seymour.Alas, when it comes time to go after BKR, Rod is forced to stay behind so that the little villain won't be able to get at the world-destroying secret locked in Rod's brain... -
The Starlight Watchmaker by Lauren James
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWealthy students from across the galaxy come to learn at the prestigious academy where Hugo toils as a watchmaker. But he is one of the lucky ones. Many androids like him are jobless and homeless. Someone like Dorian could never understand their struggle - or so Hugo thinks when the pompous duke comes banging at his door... -
Space Taxi: Archie Takes Flight by Wendy Mass, Michael Brawer
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsArchie Morningstar learns a big family secret and helps save the universe. All before breakfast! It's not every day a regular kid like Archie gets to wake up at midnight. But today is Take Your Kid to Work Day, and Archie is finally allowed to ride along in his dad's taxi cab. He has been waiting eight years, eight months, and eight days for this moment to arrive... -
Commander Toad in Space by Jane Yolen
Rated: 3.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsYoung fans of Star Trek and silliness will toad-ally love Commander Toad!Brave Commander Toad and the crew of the spaceship Star Warts have a mission: they must go where no spaceship has gone before and bring a little bit of earth out to the alien stars. But when they try to land their sky skimmer on the planet made of water, a terrible sound rises from the waves... -
Harry and Horsie by Katie Van Camp
Rated: 3.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen a boy named Harrysneaks out of bed one nightwith his best friend, Horsie,to play with his Super Duper Bubble Blooper --an out-of-this-world adventure begins!Illustrated with retro-comic art, this is a charming story about the power of friendship and imagination from a talented new team... -
Cosmic Delivery Boy by L.G. Estrella, Matt Cowlrick
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSimon is the best delivery boy that Mr Edwards’s restaurant has ever had. He’s on time every time, and he’s gotten nothing but good reviews. But he needs more money. His mother’s medical treatment won’t pay for itself, and his father is already working three jobs to try to make ends meet. But it might just be his lucky Mr. Edwards has another job for him... -
Aliens on Vacation by Clete Barrett Smith
Rated: 3.95 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsDavid, otherwise known as Scrub (don't ask), isn't happy about leaving Florida and his friends to summer with his grandmother in "Middle of Nowhere," Washington. When he arrives at her Intergalactic Bed & Breakfast, he isn't surprised by its 60s meets Star Wars decor, but he is surprised by the weird-looking guests... -
Starbounders by Adam Jay Epstein, Andrew Jacobson
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsZachary Night has been waiting his whole life for this moment. Like his family before him, he's finally headed to Indigo 8, a top secret training center where future Starbounders learn the skills to protect the galaxy. But being a Starbounder is no walk on the moon... -
Pi in the Sky by Wendy Mass
Rated: 3.86 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsJoss is the seventh son of the Supreme Overlord of the Universe. His older brothers help his dad rule the cosmos, but all Joss gets to do is deliver pies. That's right: pies. Of course, these pies actually hold the secrets of the universe between their buttery crusts, but they're still pies.Joss is happy to let his older brothers shine... -
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Demons and Druids by James Patterson, Adam Sadler
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsDaniel X's hunt to eliminate each and every intergalactic criminal on Earth is always relentless, but this time, it's getting personal. Number Three on the List of Alien Outlaws takes the form of raging, soul-possessing fire. And fire transports Daniel back to the most traumatic event of his life-the death of his parents... -
The Moon Platoon by Jeramey Kraatz
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIn the year 2085, Benny Love is pretty used to surviving on what he and his family can scavenge on Earth. But when he wins a scholarship for a life-changing trip to visit the Lunar Taj, the first-ever resort on the Moon, Benny thinks he finally has a chance to give his family a better life... -
Finn and the Intergalactic Lunchbox by Michael Buckley
Rated: 3.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFinn Foley has a lunchbox, and when he opens it, weird things come out . . . like a seven-foot-tall robot and a strange, blinking device that glues itself to his chest. The lunchbox also opens wormholes--shortcuts through space--that take Finn to the farthest corners of the galaxy.Sounds awesome, right?Not so much... -
Take Us To Your Chief And Other Stories by Drew Hayden Taylor
Rated: 3.85 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA forgotten Haudenosaunee social song beams into the cosmos like a homing beacon for interstellar visitors. A computer learns to feel sadness and grief from the history of atrocities committed against First Nations. A young Native man discovers the secret to time travel in ancient petroglyphs. Drawing inspiration from science fiction legends like Arthur C... -
There's Nothing to Do on Mars by Chris Gall
Rated: 3.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen Davey Martin's family moves to Mars, he discovers that there's nothing to do--at least until he and his robot dog Polaris learn to seize the spirit of adventure... -
Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapow by Nathan Bransford
Rated: 3.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOut-of-this-world antics in this hysterical middle-grade adventure! Sixth-grader Jacob Wonderbar is a master when it comes to disarming and annihilating substitute teachers. But when he and his best friends, Sarah and Dexter, swap a spaceship for a corn dog, they embark on an outer space adventure...
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