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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for your 9-year-old? Finding age-appropriate and engaging books for 9-year-olds can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. Whether you're looking to spark their imagination or nurture their love for reading, we've curated a selection of books that are sure to captivate their curious minds. Keep reading to discover our diverse lists of books for 9-year-olds that promise adventure, laughter, and learning.

Fun 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 a young pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte uses her web to write messages praising Wilbur, aiming to save his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, compassion, and the cycle of life in a gentle and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who appreciate stories of friendship and loyalty.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the Harry Potter series, introducing Harry Potter, a young wizard who discovers his magical heritage on his eleventh birthday when he receives a letter of acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
  • Why we recommend this book: It opens up a magical world of imagination and adventure, making it a perfect gateway to foster a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of adventure and magic, and anyone new to the fantasy genre.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story tells the tale of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It intertwines his story with that of a servant girl who wishes to be a princess and a devious rat who lives in the darkness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written fairy tale that emphasizes the importance of courage and forgiveness.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fairy tales with unlikely heroes and heartfelt messages.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: This book introduces Greg Heffley, a middle-schooler who documents his trials and tribulations in a diary filled with hand-drawn sketches and simple notes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's incredibly relatable and funny, making it particularly appealing to reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy humor and can relate to the ups and downs of middle school life.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, but her parents mistreat her and the school headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, is a terrifying bully. Using her intelligence and telekinetic powers, Matilda devises clever ways to overcome these obstacles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, and it's a story that champions the underdog.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or underappreciated and enjoy stories of triumph over adversity.

Educational Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Biography, Science
  • Synopsis: This inspiring true story follows William Kamkwamba, a boy from Malawi, who builds a windmill from scraps to save his village from famine.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Science and engineering principles, resilience, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful testament to how ingenuity and determination can change communities.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and scientists, as well as any child interested in real-life heroes.

• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fiction, Multicultural
  • Synopsis: After Unhei moves from Korea to America, she worries that her new classmates won’t be able to pronounce her name. As a solution, she decides to choose a new name from a jar of suggestions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, social skills, self-acceptance
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages appreciation of one's own culture and the cultures of others, fostering inclusivity and self-confidence.
  • Perfect for: Children experiencing or learning about cultural transitions and the value of diversity.

• What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Inspirational, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This is a story of a child who has an idea that seems strange and difficult at first, but he learns to nurture it and see its true potential.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, confidence, innovation
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a motivational tale that helps children understand the importance of believing in their own ideas and dreams.
  • Perfect for: Young thinkers and dreamers, and any child who needs encouragement to pursue their passions.

• The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca, illustrated by Daniel Rieley
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Biography, Science
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Temple Grandin, a woman who overcame the challenges of autism to become one of the world’s leading animal scientists.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of autism, animal science, perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights how someone's differences can lead to incredible achievements and innovations.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in animal science and stories of personal triumph.

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fiction, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: A little girl decides to make the most magnificent thing with the help of her canine assistant, but finds that the task is more challenging than she thought.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, problem-solving, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches persistence and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude towards setbacks.
  • Perfect for: Young makers and creators who need a little inspiration to keep trying and innovating.

Challenging Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows a bored young boy named Milo who unexpectedly receives a magic tollbooth one afternoon and, having nothing better to do, drives through it in his toy car. The tollbooth transports him to a land of adventure and discovery called the Kingdom of Wisdom.
  • Why this book is challenging: It plays with language and mathematics in a way that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging and whimsical journey that combines entertainment with a deep appreciation for knowledge and learning.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love wordplay, puzzles, and imaginative adventures.

• 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 the only rule is that there are no rules.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story features complex riddles and puzzles that challenge the reader’s comprehension and deductive reasoning skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes teamwork, intelligence, and perseverance through its engaging and thought-provoking plot.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and any reader who thrives on solving puzzles and mysteries.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a journey through space and time to save Meg's father from an evil force that threatens to grip the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces concepts of physics and deep philosophical questions that are usually not explored in children's literature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines science fiction with a deep emotional story, encouraging readers to think about love, family, and the fight between good and evil.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and fantasy, as well as those who enjoy stories about courage and familial bonds.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sour-faced and sullen young girl, transforms into a kind-hearted character through her adventures in the hidden garden she discovers at her uncle's gloomy estate.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features thematic depth, including dealing with loss and rejuvenation, which requires a mature understanding from young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless tale of transformation and the healing power of nature that also teaches about the impact of positive change.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about discovery and personal growth.

• From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Claudia Kincaid and her brother Jamie run away from home to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they become involved in an art mystery involving a statue that may or may not be the work of Michelangelo.
  • Why this book is challenging: It involves a complex plot with themes of independence, self-discovery, and historical investigation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages exploration and curiosity, blending adventure with a fascinating art mystery.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and budding art historians.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help a 9-year-old develop great reading habits, you've come to the right place! Here are some fun and effective exercises that can make reading a more engaging and beneficial part of their daily routine. Let's dive in!

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or a set amount of time to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and helps build a reading habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in the house just for reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special event and provides a comfortable environment.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club where your child and their friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a social activity and enhances comprehension through discussion.
  • Tips: Schedule regular meetings and let the kids take turns choosing the books.

• Read Aloud Time
  • What it is: Set aside time when you read a book aloud together.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and makes reading a shared, enjoyable experience.
  • Tips: Choose engaging and age-appropriate books to maintain interest.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Incorporate technology by using an app designed for book tracking and recommendations.
  • How it helps: Provides personalized book suggestions and keeps track of reading achievements.
  • Tips: Choose apps that are kid-friendly and have educational value.

• Visual Reading Map
  • What it is: Create a visual map that tracks all the books read over a period.
  • How it helps: Gives a sense of accomplishment and visually displays progress.
  • Tips: Use stickers or drawings to mark each book completed, making it fun and colorful.

These exercises are not just about reading more books; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of your child's life. By incorporating these activities, you're helping to lay down a foundation of good reading habits that can last a lifetime. So, grab a book and let's get started! Happy reading!