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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect children's books for 9-year-olds? Whether you're looking to spark their imagination or encourage their love for reading, finding the right book can be a game changer. In this blog, we've rounded up a diverse selection of books that are sure to captivate and inspire any 9-year-old reader. Keep reading to discover our top picks for children's books that are not only engaging but also fun!

Fun Children's 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 wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte crafts clever messages in her web to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life in a gentle and captivating way that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children who appreciate stories about friendship and survival.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The first book in the Harry Potter series introduces Harry Potter, a young wizard who discovers his magical heritage on his 11th 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 full of imagination and adventure, encouraging readers to believe in the power of magic and their own potential.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mysteries, and epic adventures.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story tells of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse who loves music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It explores his adventures as he navigates a world filled with darkness and light.
  • Why we recommend this book: With its themes of bravery and redemption, it encourages young readers to be courageous and to always fight for what is right.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy fairy tales and stories of unlikely heroes.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • 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 we recommend this book: It's full of puzzles and mysteries that challenge the mind, making it a thrilling read that also boosts problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and using their intellect to solve challenges.

• 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 sent to Camp Half-Blood where he embarks on a quest across the United States to find Zeus's stolen lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventure with Greek mythology, making ancient stories accessible and exciting for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure stories and mythology enthusiasts eager to explore a modern take on classic tales.

Educational Children's Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: The story centers on August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of diversity, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches kindness and the importance of accepting everyone's differences, providing a powerful lesson in empathy and courage.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy uplifting stories about overcoming challenges and making friends.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is narrated by Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle—until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Animal welfare awareness, creative thinking, emotional intelligence
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story that highlights the importance of empathy and the power of friendship among animals, encouraging compassion towards all creatures.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young activists passionate about animal rights.

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Nazi-occupied Copenhagen, Denmark, the story follows 10-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she helps her Jewish friend Ellen escape the Nazis.
  • 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, emphasizing the value of bravery and friendship in times of dire adversity.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and stories of heroism and survival.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction
  • Synopsis: When Nick Allen decides to call his pen a "frindle," he unknowingly creates a chain reaction that turns his quiet town upside down.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Innovation, vocabulary building, understanding of language and communication
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and shows the impact one individual can have on a whole community.
  • Perfect for: Inventive kids and those who enjoy stories about school life and language play.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sour-faced orphan, discovers a neglected garden on her uncle's estate and, through her care, brings it back to life along with her sickly cousin and a local boy.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of nature, health, and rejuvenation; empathy and emotional growth
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless tale that explores themes of healing and friendship through the transformative power of nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love stories about discovery and the healing power of nature.

Challenging Children's Books for 9-Year-Olds

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: The novel follows young Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin as they travel through time and space to rescue Meg's father from evil forces.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex concepts such as quantum physics and the battle between good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages a love of science and exploration, while also teaching important lessons about courage and the power of love.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and readers who enjoy thrilling adventures.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and disinterested in his surroundings, young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, linguistic oddities, and mathematical concepts.
  • Why this book is challenging: It plays with language and mathematical ideas in ways that require creative and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning fun by integrating educational themes into a whimsical narrative.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love wordplay, puzzles, and imaginative journeys.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
  • Synopsis: Matilda Wormwood, a highly intelligent girl with awful parents and an even worse school principal, discovers she has telekinetic powers that help her stand up to bullies and change her destiny.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features rich vocabulary and a plot that deals with complex issues like child abuse and resistance against authority.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the resilience and ingenuity of children, encouraging readers to believe in their own power to overcome obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about triumph over adversity and the magic of self-empowerment.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: This poetic tale tells the story of a young prince who travels the universe, gaining insights into human nature through his encounters with various adults.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores profound themes such as loneliness, friendship, love, and loss through metaphorical and philosophical language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers timeless wisdom through a simple yet deep narrative that appeals to both children and adults.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate profound themes and philosophical questioning wrapped in a tale of adventure.

• From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Claudia and her brother Jamie run away from home to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they become entangled in a mystery involving a statue that may be the work of Michelangelo.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex plot twists and rich descriptions of art history and museum workings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an adventurous and intellectually stimulating story that encourages curiosity and a love for art.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and art lovers who dream of adventure and mystery.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 9-year-old develop great reading habits, I've got some fun and effective exercises that can really make a difference. These activities are not only enjoyable but also designed to enhance their reading skills and foster a love for books. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a comfortable and inviting area dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a special place that can increase a child's eagerness to read.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book Club for Kids
  • What it is: Organize a weekly book club where a group of children read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Encourages reading comprehension and critical thinking through discussion.
  • Tips: Keep the group small and manage the discussions to ensure everyone participates.

• Read Aloud Days
  • What it is: Dedicate specific days where you read out loud to each other.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and introduces new vocabulary in a fun way.
  • Tips: Alternate who reads each session to keep it engaging and inclusive.

• Reading Challenge Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks the number of books or pages your child reads.
  • How it helps: Motivates children by giving them visual progress of their reading achievements.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards for reaching milestones to keep the motivation high.

• Storytelling Time
  • What it is: Encourage your child to retell a story in their own words after reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and allows creativity to flourish.
  • Tips: Ask questions about the story to guide their retelling and deepen understanding.

• Theme-Based Reading
  • What it is: Choose books around a specific theme or topic for a certain period.
  • How it helps: Builds deeper knowledge and interest in particular subjects.
  • Tips: Allow your child to pick the theme; this increases engagement and excitement.

In conclusion, incorporating these simple yet effective exercises into your child's routine can significantly boost their reading skills and make reading a more enjoyable part of their daily life. Give these a try and watch as your child becomes a more confident and enthusiastic reader!