Trying to see them aliens? Fear not—we have you covered. We’re recommending seven of the best alien-focused YA books to pack for your road trip to Area 51.

(Please note, we cannot be held responsible if any books start glowing mysteriously once they’re in your backpack.)

When the Sky Fell on Splendor by Emily Henry

We’re STILL not over all the Stranger Things vibes from Emily Henry’s novel—and with Season 3 now over, it’s the perfect time to add this to the top of your TBR. Seventeen-year-old Franny is part of The Ordinary, a group of friends who investigate the ghost stories and local legends in their small Ohio town. But one evening, when the strange and dangerous thing that they’re filming turns out to be a U.F.O., their lives change forever. This alien contact story will have you at the edge of your seat (and will probably give you ideas for what to add to your Area 51 sightseeing list).

Nemesis by Brendan Reichs

Every two years on her birthday, Min is murdered, only to wake up hours later with no evidence of the crime. But on her sixteenth birthday, as an enormous asteroid called The Anvil threatens Earth, Min vows to uncover the truth behind what’s happening to her. And that truth might be even darker than whatever may or may not be trapped beneath Area 51…

Skyward by Brandon Sanderson

If we had to recruit a fighter pilot to help defend our planet from a daring alien attack, Spensa would be our top pick! Spensa’s world has been under attack by aliens for decades, but ever since she was young, she’s dreamed of joining the ranks of the pilots who are the heroes of the human race. And now, she might finally have her chance.

Strange Days by Constantine J. Singer

If you need a tour guide to take with you to Area 51, Alex Mata should be your first choice—he’s certainly ours. Alex doesn’t believe in aliens… until he comes home to find that one has murdered his parents. With nowhere else to turn, Alex joins the Witnesses, a secret group of teens who must use time travel (with the help of an eccentric tech guru) to save the Earth from alien incursion.

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

On a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them: the aliens who only look human, killing everyone they see. When she meets the mysterious Evan Walker, she must determine whether she can trust him to help save her brother… but Evan is hiding a dark secret that will have consequences Cassie can’t predict. Read the book, then watch the movie on your way to Area 51.

The Lux Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Jennifer L. Armentrout’s sci-fi romance series, beginning with Obsidian, is a mainstay for any alien-oriented YA readers. Katy Swartz and Daemon Black are basically our half-human/half-alien OTP. Thinking about dating an alien? Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.

Nyxia by Scott Reintgen

A secret planet. A diverse cast of teenagers recruited from all over the world. A mysterious substance that you can transform into anything you want… if you’re okay with it bending you to its will. Need we say more on why you should check out this deep-space thriller?

Need more amazing fantasy reads in your life? These amazing books from the first half of 2019 are not to be missed