The Problem With Spaceships Books in Order

The Problem With Spaceships is Rachel Ann Nunes writing for younger readers, and it has a very different feel from her romances and family dramas. Zero G is a chapter book built around a simple but sturdy science fiction idea: what happens when a child who dreams of spaceships finally gets the adventure he wants, then has to prove he can handle it?

Jordan Riley wants to be a spaceship captain someday. A trip to Earth to visit his grandparents should already be exciting, but the story quickly turns that dream into real danger. Jordan, his brother Miles, and their friend Taina find themselves dealing with zero gravity, shipboard trouble, and the possibility that the adults may not be able to solve everything for them. That gives the book genuine stakes without making it feel too heavy for the younger audience it was written for.

The space setting matters here. This is not a story that could happen anywhere else with a thin coat of science fiction paint on top. Zero gravity changes the way the children move, think, and react. Ordinary tasks become obstacles. Safety becomes something that depends on paying attention. That gives the action a nice problem-solving rhythm, because the children are not winning through strength or luck alone. They have to stay calm, notice details, and work together.

It moves fast.

Even though only Zero G appears in this list, the book reads like the beginning of a larger set of adventures. Jordan has the big dream and the eagerness to match it. Miles helps ground the story, and Taina adds another smart, capable voice when things go wrong. The three make a natural team, which is part of why the book feels like setup for more. You can easily imagine them facing new space-related problems in later installments.

The tone is upbeat, clear, and kid friendly. This is science fiction for readers who are just starting to branch away from everyday adventure stories, not dense technical sci-fi. Parents looking for a gentle entry point into the genre will probably like that. So will young readers who want spaceships, danger, and the fun of watching kids use their brains instead of waiting for grown-ups to save the day.

In that sense, the series title fits perfectly. The problem with spaceships is that they are amazing right up until something goes wrong. Then every small choice matters. That is exactly the kind of challenge these books lean into, with enough suspense to keep pages turning and enough warmth to make the ride feel safe.