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Cover of George's Secret Key to the Universe

Age rating and parents' guide:George's Secret Key to the Universe

by Lucy & Stephen Hawking

Ages 9–11

George's Secret Key to the Universe by Lucy & Stephen Hawking is best for children aged 9–11. It has no violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language.

George's pet pig escapes into the next-door garden, leading him to meet his eccentric neighbor Eric and Eric's daughter Annie. Eric owns Cosmos, an incredible supercomputer capable of opening doorways into outer space. When a sinister teacher schemes to steal Cosmos, George finds himself on an extraordinary journey through the cosmos to save the day. Blending an exciting science-fiction adventure with real astrophysics explained clearly, it is an engaging ride for curious young readers fascinated by the stars.

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Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence
None
Scary moments
Mild
Romance
None
Bad language
None
Dhiraj Bodade

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 21 September 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Novel
  • ★Part of the George series
  • ★A steady start that picks up quickly
  • ★Mostly text
  • ★Emotionally light

Great for kids who like

  • Science Fiction & Space
  • Mystery & Detective
  • Action & Adventure

Reading mood

  • Adventurous
  • Mysterious
  • Suspenseful

Good to talk about

  • Science
  • Science Fiction & Space

Books like George's Secret Key to the Universe

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  • Cover of The Serpent's Secret

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On these book lists

  • Books for 10 year olds
  • Adventure books for kids
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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is George's Secret Key to the Universe for?
George's Secret Key to the Universe suits children aged 9–11. It is a novel: a steady start that picks up quickly, mostly text.
Q: Is George's Secret Key to the Universe appropriate for a 9 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 9–11. It has no violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language.
Q: Is George's Secret Key to the Universe part of a series?
Yes, it belongs to the George series. If your child enjoys it, the other George books are the easiest next step.
Q: What should my child read after George's Secret Key to the Universe?
Try Spy School, The Explorer and From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.
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