Families who loved Alien Nation by Sandro Bassi often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when you notice your child or teenager becoming increasingly tethered to their device, or when you want to spark a conversation about the 'zombie-like' trance of modern technology. Though the setting is a surreal, alien-populated subway system, the behavior of the characters is hauntingly familiar as every single being is glued to a glowing handheld screen. This wordless graphic novel uses stunning, intricate illustrations to mirror our own digital habits and the isolation that can occur even in a crowded public space. It is a sophisticated visual metaphor that invites readers of all ages to look up and reconnect with the world around them. While appropriate for elementary students due to its lack of text and scary content, its biting social commentary makes it an excellent choice for middle and high schoolers who are navigating the social pressures of the digital age.