10+ Best Chapter Books for 9-12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for the perfect chapter books for 9-12-year-olds that will keep your young reader hooked? You’ve come to the right place! Whether your child is a voracious reader or just getting comfortable with longer stories, finding the right book can be a game-changer. Keep reading as we dive into various lists of engaging and exciting chapter books tailored specifically for 9-12-year-olds, ensuring you find just the right fit for your budding bookworm.

Fun Chapter Books for 9-12-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the iconic series where young Harry Potter discovers he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here, he makes friends and enemies and uncovers the truth about his past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces a magical world that captivates the imagination, encouraging a love for reading through its engaging narrative and relatable characters.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mysteries, and a good adventure.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt. He must embark on a quest across America to find it and restore order to Olympus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling mix of modern adventure and classic mythology, making ancient stories accessible and exciting.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy fast-paced stories and learning about Greek mythology.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classics
  • 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 a plan to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important lessons about friendship, love, and the cycle of life through simple, yet profound narrative.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and stories about friendships.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted kids are recruited by the mysterious Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must stop a plot that could have global consequences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines brain-teasing puzzles with thrilling adventures, encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy puzzles, mysteries, and teamwork.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time and strives to be treated as an ordinary kid.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes empathy and understanding, showing the importance of accepting everyone for who they are.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories about overcoming challenges and the importance of kindness.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It's about his adventures, from the darkness of his dungeon to the light of the princess's castle.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that champions the underdog and celebrates the power of bravery and forgiveness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales with a twist and rooting for the underdog.

Educational Chapter Books for 9-12-Year-Olds

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is based on the true story of Ivan, a captive gorilla who lived in a shopping mall for 27 years without seeing another of his kind. Through friendships with the other animals, Ivan grows and seeks a better life beyond his glass walls.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal rights, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming and thought-provoking story that teaches compassion and the importance of a natural habitat for wildlife.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young activists.

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in WWII-era Denmark, this story follows ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she helps her Jewish friend escape the Nazis and flee to Sweden.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, ethical reasoning, bravery
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a sensitive and appropriate introduction to the Holocaust for younger readers, highlighting themes of courage and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and stories of heroism.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' detention center where the boys build character by spending all day, every day, digging holes. However, there is more to the activity than meets the eye.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding of themes like justice and fate
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inventive and engaging story with rich themes that encourage deep thinking and discussion.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love solving mysteries and exploring complex characters and plots.

• The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young girl born with a clubfoot is evacuated from London during WWII and experiences life outside of her abusive mother's control, discovering a new world of freedom and love.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, historical context, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant story that showcases the power of determination and the transformative impact of kindness.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy emotional, uplifting stories and historical settings.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Humorous
  • Synopsis: When fifth-grader Nick Allen invents a new word for the pen, "frindle," he unleashes a series of events that rapidly gets out of control.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, vocabulary building, understanding of language and its evolution
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and clever book about the power of words and the unexpected consequences of innovation.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are creative thinkers or budding linguists.

Challenging Chapter Books for 9-12-Year-Olds

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe as they travel through time and space to rescue Meg's father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex scientific and philosophical ideas, including tesseracts and the battle between good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines science fiction with deep moral questions, encouraging readers to think critically about the universe and their place in it.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and thinkers intrigued by time travel and complex narratives.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and wisdom.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in wordplay, puns, and abstract concepts that require a sophisticated understanding of language and metaphor.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful journey that celebrates the joys of learning and the power of curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love language, puzzles, and imaginative adventures.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this story is narrated by Death and follows Liesel Meminger as she finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others, including the Jewish man hidden in her basement.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of mortality, war, and the power of words, all presented through the unusual perspective of Death.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique narrative voice and a poignant look at human kindness in the face of devastating cruelty.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and profound, thought-provoking stories.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy
  • Synopsis: In this tale, a witch named Xan accidentally feeds a baby moonlight instead of starlight, filling the ordinary child with extraordinary magic.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves complex themes involving magic, authority, and the nature of evil with rich, poetic language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written story that explores the consequences of actions and the power of love and sacrifice.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy lush, descriptive narratives and magical realism.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: Sixteen heirs are brought together to solve the puzzle of Sam Westing's death, competing for his fortune through a series of clues.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot is intricate with a large cast of characters and a complex puzzle that intertwines their lives and secrets.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging brain teaser that encourages critical thinking and attention to detail.
  • Perfect for: Mystery lovers and young detectives who enjoy solving puzzles and unraveling complex plots.

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a seemingly utopian society without pain, twelve-year-old Jonas is selected to inherit the position of Receiver of Memories, and he discovers the dark and complex truths of his community's past.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents profound questions about society, individuality, and the meaning of freedom through a narrative that is both accessible and deeply philosophical.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to think about the importance of memory, emotion, and the human experience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in dystopian societies and philosophical questions about life and society.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're between 9 and 12 years old and love diving into chapter books, here are some fun exercises to help you develop great reading habits. These will not only enhance your enjoyment but also improve your comprehension skills. Let's get started!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many books or pages you want to read each week or month.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and creates a sense of achievement.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus by associating one place with reading time.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfy, and has good lighting.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in a group that reads and discusses books regularly.
  • How it helps: Encourages you to read more and exposes you to different genres and ideas.
  • Tips: If you can’t find a book club, consider starting one with friends or classmates.

• Use a Reading Timer
  • What it is: Set a timer for a fixed amount of reading time each day.
  • How it helps: Helps build a daily reading habit and improves concentration.
  • Tips: Start with short intervals like 15 minutes and increase as you get more comfortable.

• Read Aloud or Share
  • What it is: Read books aloud to yourself, family members, or friends.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and makes reading a shared, fun activity.
  • Tips: Try different voices for different characters to make it more engaging.

• Keep a Vocabulary Notebook
  • What it is: Write down new words and their meanings while reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and better understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Review this notebook regularly to reinforce new words.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write brief summaries of each chapter after you finish reading.
  • How it helps: Boosts comprehension and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and focus on main events and characters.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Try to guess what might happen next before reading further.
  • How it helps: Engages your analytical thinking and makes reading more interactive.
  • Tips: Discuss your predictions with others to see different perspectives.

So there you have it! Try out these exercises to make your reading experience even more enjoyable and productive. Whether you're exploring magical worlds, solving mysteries, or going on historical adventures, these tips will help you get the most out of your chapter books. Happy reading!