Space Taxi Books in Order

The Recommended Reading Order

The Space Taxi series is designed to be read in its original publication order. Because the books follow a continuous narrative arc—documenting Archie's growing skills as a cosmic copilot and his ongoing battle against the mysterious intergalactic syndicate known as B.U.R.P.—jumping out of order will spoil major plot points and character introductions. Start with the first book to understand how Archie's normal life transforms into an adventure across the stars.

1. Archie Takes Flight (2014)
2. Water Planet Rescue (2014)
3. Archie's Alien Disguise (2015)
4. The Galactic B.U.R.P. (2016)
5. B.U.R.P. Strikes Back (2017)
6. Aliens on Earth (2017)

Space Taxi Books in Detail

Here is a detailed breakdown of the six books in the series, outlining the cosmic escapades and science concepts explored in each chapter book adventure.

1. Archie Takes Flight (2014)

Archie Morningstar thinks his dad has a normal job driving a yellow cab in the city. But on "Take Your Kid to Work Day," Archie climbs into the passenger seat and discovers that the taxi can fly—right out of Earth's atmosphere! Archie's dad is actually an intergalactic driver for the universe's most eccentric aliens. In this debut book, Archie meets Pockets, a sarcastic, gadget-carrying talking cat who is actually an officer in the Intergalactic Security Force. Together, they must protect their first passengers and face the looming threat of the evil organization B.U.R.P.

2. Water Planet Rescue (2014)

Now officially designated as his dad's copilot, Archie travels to Nautilus, a planet covered entirely by oceans. The planet's precious water resources are being drained, threatening the aquatic alien inhabitants. Archie, his dad, and Pockets must dive deep into the mysteries of Nautilus to stop the culprits. This installment emphasizes the importance of ecology and the water cycle, teaching kids about environmental preservation while keeping the action fast-paced and humorous.

3. Archie's Alien Disguise (2015)

When the space taxi is hailed to transport a three-eyed alien princess, Archie has to go undercover. He wears a wacky alien disguise to blend in at a galactic assembly, navigating strange customs and bizarre alien behaviors. Along the way, readers learn about light years, scale, and astronomical distances, wrapped in a fun story about identity, empathy, and overcoming stage fright.

4. The Galactic B.U.R.P. (2016)

The conflict with the villainous organization B.U.R.P. intensifies in the fourth book. Archie and Pockets trace a suspicious signal to B.U.R.P.'s massive mothership. Working under cover of darkness, they must disable the ship's navigation systems before the pirates can launch a sector-wide heist. This high-stakes space heist introduces readers to concepts of gravity, orbit, and weightlessness.

5. B.U.R.P. Strikes Back (2017)

B.U.R.P. is seeking revenge after their mothership defeat, and they have targeted the Intergalactic Security Force's refueling stations. Archie must use his problem-solving skills to decode alien coordinates and navigate a dangerous asteroid belt. The story introduces young readers to basic orbital mechanics and asteroid compositions, testing Archie's courage and quick thinking as a true copilot.

6. Aliens on Earth (2017)

The series reaches its thrilling conclusion when the alien adventures spill over onto Archie's home turf. A group of friendly but highly conspicuous aliens end up stranded on Earth, and Archie has to hide them in plain sight while fixing their ship. Balancing his double life becomes harder than ever, forcing Archie to rely on his family, friends, and Pockets to save the day and keep the alien world a secret.

Chronological Order vs. Publication Order

In some science fiction series, timeline jumps and prequels complicate the reading path. Fortunately, Space Taxi keeps it simple. The chronological timeline matches the publication order exactly. The narrative spans a continuous period in Archie's life as he transitions from an ordinary schoolkid into an experienced space navigator. Reading the books out of order is not recommended, as the technological gadgets, alien alliances, and the mystery of B.U.R.P. build directly from one book to the next.

What to Know Before You Start: Practical Reader Advice

Here are a few helpful tips to get the most out of your journey through the cosmos:

• Transitioning Readers: Space Taxi is specifically formatted for young readers aged 6 to 10 who are transitioning from early readers to longer chapter books. The text features short chapters, large print, and illustrations on almost every page.
• Subtle STEM Integration: Each book includes a glossary at the back that explains the real science behind the science-fiction elements in the story. Concepts like gravity, light years, water cycles, and black holes are explained in simple, accessible language.
• Co-Authored Collaboration: The series was co-authored by Wendy Mass and her husband, Michael Brawer, an educator. This partnership ensures the books balance whimsical storytelling with educational integrity.
• Visual Magic: The dynamic, expressive black-and-white illustrations throughout the series are drawn by acclaimed artist Elise Gravel, adding visual humor that appeals directly to reluctant readers.