: I am unfamiliar with the science fiction genre but I hope to read to my 7 year old son a good first scifi book to stimulate his interest in science fiction. I have heard that Andre Norton's books might be a good starting place. Could you recommend a book from her which might appeal to such a young boy?

: Thanks for your help,

: Doug

Doug,

What a lucky son you have, to be introduced to Science Fiction AND Fantasy with Andre Norton's works by his father.

Unfortunately, you have asked probably the most difficult question one could when talking about this author. A lot depends on what your son is interested in already: whatever it is, Andre Norton has probably written something close.

My personal recommendations (not in any particular order) would probably be as follows:

Fur Magic (especially if he likes Indians)

Daybreak: 2250 A.D. / a.k.a. Star Man's Son (for a somewhat more sophisticated audience, usually 9-12 but maybe not out of reach)

Steel Magic / a.k.a. Grey Magic (King Arthur, Merlin)

Star Ka'at & Star Ka'at World & Star Ka'ats and the Plant People (cats and kids in space)

Octagon Magic & Red Hart Magic (time travel in dreams, two different sets of characters)

Lavender Green Magic (time travel through some unknown means, plus a positive view of "witches")

House of Shadows (a haunted house and ghostly possession, with redemption at the end)

There are others I would recommend if I knew that your son was already reading at the level I was when I was that age.

You might want to consider looking at some of Ms. Norton's other works for your own entertainment -- and if your son sees you enjoying them, he might "get the reading bug" and improve his own skill so he can do the same.

Best of luck!

Michael B. Caffrey
Stellae Nostrae Sunt!