Science fiction · Classics
Childhood's End
Huge alien ships appear over every major city and the mysterious Overlords bring an age of peace to Earth, while refusing to show themselves. Humanity must decide what it costs to let someone else steer.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1953
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 277
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you like quiet, awe-struck science fiction about humanity's destiny.
Skip this if you want continuous plot and one central hero, as the story jumps across generations.
The feel
Content warnings
None noted yet.
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about Childhood's End
- What is Childhood's End about?
- Huge alien ships appear over every major city and the mysterious Overlords bring an age of peace to Earth, while refusing to show themselves. Humanity must decide what it costs to let someone else steer.
- Who should read Childhood's End?
- Read it if you like quiet, awe-struck science fiction about humanity's destiny. Skip it if you want continuous plot and one central hero, as the story jumps across generations.
- How long and how fast is Childhood's End?
- It is a medium-paced, short read of about 277 pages, first published in 1953.
- Does Childhood's End have content warnings?
- We have not noted any content warnings for this book yet.
- Can I borrow Childhood's End for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Childhood's End; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Childhood's End?
- Readers who liked it often move on to 2001: A Space Odyssey, Contact.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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