Get ready to blast off with this month’s Hoopla Reading Challenge! May’s theme is “Fly Me to the Moon,” and we’re highlighting space books—both fiction and nonfiction. Travel to Mars or fall in love within the pages of an imaginative fiction book or learn more about real-life astronauts and space exploration in a nonfiction space book. Hoopla has a universe of titles waiting for you.

Fiction Space Books You Can Borrow from Hoopla and Spark Your Imagination

Hoopla offers a universe of fiction space books that will keep you turning pages. Here are a few of our favorite sci-fi books, all available on Hoopla:

The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

From one of the most highly regarded sci-fi writers of all time, this classic explores humanity’s colonization of Mars, a land of dreams, mystery, and forgotten civilizations. As Earthmen invade, they are transformed by the Red Planet’s haunting beauty. In this web of vivid, connected tales, Bradbury writes of human hope, folly, and vulnerability. This timeless, poetic meditation on conquest, loss, and imagination clocks in a under 300 pages, so it’s a quick read jam-packed with emotion.

Full Speed to a Crash Landing by Beth Revis
Part 1 of the Chaotic Orbit series

Ada Lamarr barely survives a wreck before being rescued by a reluctant government salvage crew. While enjoying their resources, she hides her true mission—until agent Rian White grows suspicious. Sparks fly, secrets unravel, and in this fast-paced twisty space heist, it’s unclear who’s playing who. A fun space romance, and the first of a trilogy so there’s lots more to come!

Chilling Effect by Valerie Valdes
Part 1 of the Chilling Effect series

Captain Eva Innocente hauls cargo across the galaxy with her quirky crew. Then her sister, Mari, is kidnapped by a sinister syndicate known as The Fridge. To raise the ransom to save her, Eva takes dangerous jobs, faces psychic cats, vengeful royalty, and emotional chaos, risking her ship, crew, and secrets in a high-stakes fight for family. Part cozy mystery, part escape, and all sci-fi fun.

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
Part 1 of the Wayfarers (Chambers) series

Rosemary Harper, young explorer, joins a quirky spaceship crew. She’s seeking escape but finding adventure, danger, and an unexpected sense of family. As they tunnel wormholes across the galaxy, she discovers that trusting others might be the key to survival—and that home can be found in the most unlikely places. This feel-good sci-fi book is packed with characters from diverse backgrounds and intertwined relationships.

Mickey7 by Edward Ashton

Mickey7 is an expendable clone on a hostile ice world, repeatedly dying and regenerating for dangerous missions. After going missing, he returns to find Mickey8 has replaced him. Now, with food shortages, hostile natives, and a deadly secret, Mickey7 must save two species—without getting recycled for protein. It’s science fiction, adventure, and humor all in one. Read the book and then watch the movie inspired by it—Mickey 17!

Books About Space for Curious Minds

Prefer the real story of space? Hoopla has an amazing collection of books about space covering astronomy, space missions, and the lives of astronauts. Nonfiction lovers have lots of titles to explore with Hoopla.

What Are Good Science Fiction Books to Try?

If you’re asking, what are good science fiction books to start with, the Hoopla Reading Challenge is a great way to dive in. Start with well-loved titles, or explore hidden gems from diverse authors. Check out the Hoopla Reading Challenge list or browse the Hoopla app or website. Search phrases like “science books,” “science fiction,” and “non-fiction science.”

Join the Hoopla Reading Challenge Today

To join the May Hoopla Reading Challenge, simply log into your Hoopla account, borrow a space book, and start reading!

Let’s fly to the moon—and beyond—with Hoopla this May!

Titles may vary by library