10+ Best Award Winning Books for 9-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read to captivate your 9-year-old? Look no further than our curated selection of award-winning books for 9-year-olds. These books promise to engage, educate, and entertain, ensuring your young reader encounters stories that are as enriching as they are enjoyable. Keep reading to discover our top picks of award-winning books that are sure to be a hit with your young bookworm!

Fun Award Winning Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte crafts clever messages in her web to save her friend.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life, all presented in a way that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children who appreciate stories about friendship and compassion.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This story centers on Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with big ears and an even bigger heart, on a quest to rescue a beautiful human princess.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends adventure, heroism, and romance with beautifully crafted prose that encourages children to be brave and follow their dreams.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and anyone who loves an underdog hero's tale.

• Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Folklore
  • Synopsis: In this beautifully woven tapestry of Chinese folklore, a girl named Minli sets out on a journey to find the Old Man of the Moon to change her family's fortune.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of enchanting stories within the main narrative, teaching values and providing a rich cultural experience. The illustrations add a magical touch to the engaging plot.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy stories filled with myths and legends.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is a touching narrative told from the perspective of Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and his journey towards finding a better life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an evocative and compelling story that highlights the importance of empathy and the power of friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young animal lovers and those interested in stories that promote kindness and compassion.

• Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by K.G. Campbell
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story follows Flora Belle Buckman and a superhero squirrel named Ulysses with unique powers, exploring their adventures and the unexpected bonds they form.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor, adventure, and quirky characters, making it a captivating read that also subtly explores deeper themes like divorce and loneliness.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy humorous stories with a mix of the fantastical and the everyday.

Educational Award Winning Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Nobody Owens, a boy who is raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is murdered. As he grows up, he encounters various spirits and supernatural beings while uncovering the mystery behind his family's death.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of narrative structure, development of empathy, and introduction to supernatural and mythological themes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique blend of suspense, mystery, and coming-of-age elements, presented in a captivating and imaginative setting.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy spooky stories with a heart and those interested in ghostly tales.

• Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: The story centers on 13-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle who tells the story of her friend Phoebe Winterbottom while on a road trip across America with her grandparents, which helps her to understand her own mother's disappearance.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, understanding of complex narratives, and appreciation for Native American culture.
  • Why we recommend this book: It masterfully weaves two compelling stories, encouraging deep thinking and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories that explore emotions and the complexities of family relationships.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic Realism
  • Synopsis: This tale revolves around a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As Luna grows, her magic begins to emerge with dangerous consequences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, vocabulary expansion, and understanding of themes such as sacrifice and personal growth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a beautifully written narrative filled with magic, adventure, and complex characters.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are fans of magical stories and strong, complex female protagonists.

• El Deafo by Cece Bell
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Memoir
  • Synopsis: This autobiographical graphic novel follows a young girl named Cece who becomes deaf at a young age and uses a powerful hearing aid, the Phonic Ear, which grants her superhero-like powers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy for different life experiences, understanding of deaf culture, and visual literacy through graphic novel format.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming, funny, and relatable story that transforms a personal struggle into a superpower.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in graphic novels and stories about overcoming personal challenges with creativity and courage.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1970s New York, the story follows sixth-grader Miranda as she receives mysterious notes that seem to predict the future and unravel a compelling mystery that involves friendship, time travel, and self-discovery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and understanding of narrative tension and foreshadowing.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of science fiction with a deep, thought-provoking mystery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy science fiction and mysteries that make them think and keep them guessing.

Challenging Award Winning Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must solve a series of puzzles and stop a global crisis.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features complex puzzles and moral dilemmas that require advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages teamwork, intelligence, and perseverance through its engaging and intellectually stimulating plot.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle solvers who love a good challenge.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a spoiled and unhealthy child, transforms as she discovers a neglected garden on her uncle's property and begins to bring it back to life, along with her sickly cousin Colin.
  • Why this book is challenging: The language and themes are more complex, dealing with issues of loss, neglect, and rejuvenation, which can provoke deeper comprehension and empathy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that explores themes of healing and personal growth, encouraging readers to find beauty and potential in the unlikeliest places.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of transformation and nature.

• Pax by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows a boy named Peter and his fox Pax. As war looms, Peter's father forces him to abandon Pax, and the book details their separate struggles to reunite in a war-torn landscape.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with the harsh realities of war, loss, and the bond between a child and his pet, requiring a mature understanding from the reader.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant look at the impacts of war and the power of love and loyalty between a boy and his animal companion.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in stories that delve into the complexities of human and animal relationships.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and disinterested in learning, young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical puzzles.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in wordplay, puns, and abstract concepts that challenge the reader’s understanding of language and mathematics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively encourages curiosity and a deeper appreciation for knowledge through its whimsical and intellectual adventures.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy clever humor and intellectual challenges.

• The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set during WWII, this novel follows Ada, a young girl born with a clubfoot, who escapes her abusive mother in London during the evacuation of children and discovers a new world of freedom and love with her caretaker, Susan.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores themes of abuse, disability, and war, requiring readers to grapple with complex emotional and historical content.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful, uplifting story that highlights resilience, the transformational power of kindness, and the strength found in new beginnings.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in historical narratives and stories of triumph over adversity.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're exploring award-winning books for your 9-year-old, you're already on a fantastic path. To make the reading experience even more enriching, here are some fun exercises that can help develop good reading habits. These activities are not just about reading but also enhancing comprehension and enjoyment.

• Create a Reading Schedule
  • What it is: Set specific times and durations for reading each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and builds a daily reading habit.
  • Tips: Use a calendar or planner to visually map out reading times.

• Read Aloud to Someone
  • What it is: Read the book aloud to a family member, friend, or even a pet.
  • How it helps: Improves fluency and expression in reading.
  • Tips: Choose a comfortable and quiet space for reading sessions.

• Make a Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Write down new and interesting words found in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Use a notebook dedicated to new words and look up meanings together.

• Draw the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Boosts comprehension and makes connections with the text.
  • Tips: Share the drawings with others to discuss the story further.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next after a reading session.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and engagement with the storyline.
  • Tips: Write down predictions and check them as you read to see if you were right.

• Discuss the Book
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are reading it too.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and offers different perspectives.
  • Tips: Organize a weekly book club discussion to make it more exciting.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

By incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine, not only will they enjoy their award-winning book, but they'll also develop strong reading habits that will benefit them for years to come. Happy reading!