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

Are you on the hunt for timeless reads that captivate and inspire young minds? Look no further! Our curated list of classic books for 9-12-year-olds is packed with stories that have enchanted generations. Whether your young reader is a budding bookworm or just starting their literary journey, these classics are sure to spark imagination and joy. Keep reading to discover our top picks of classic books for 9-12-year-olds, perfect for diving into unforgettable adventures and meeting memorable characters.

Fun Classic Books for 9-12-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This heartwarming story follows a young pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte, who tries to save him from being slaughtered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching tale that teaches lessons about friendship, love, and the cycle of life, all presented in a gentle way that resonates with younger readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who appreciate stories about friendship and loyalty.

• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: Four siblings step through a magical wardrobe into the land of Narnia, a world filled with talking animals and mythical creatures that is ruled by the evil White Witch.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to the concept of fantasy worlds and the battle between good and evil, all while keeping them engaged with its magical and mystical elements.
  • Perfect for: Fans of epic adventures and magical narratives.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the life of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is mistakenly sent to live with two elderly siblings in the town of Avonlea.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's adventures and misadventures teach important lessons about love, friendship, and finding one's place in the world.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy character-driven stories and exploring themes of personal growth.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: An orphaned girl named Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle, where she discovers a mysterious, neglected garden that she sets out to restore.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of transformation that illustrates how nurturing something can help heal one's own heart and spirit.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of discovery and personal renewal.

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The tale of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who embarks on a thrilling quest to win a share of the treasure guarded by the dragon Smaug.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to epic fantasy, featuring a journey that is both exciting and instructive about bravery and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and anyone new to the fantasy genre.

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: The story of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—and their journey from childhood to womanhood in post-Civil War America.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores various themes of love, duty, and ambition through the distinct personalities of each sister, providing a rich narrative that encourages empathy and reflection.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy detailed character studies and stories about family bonds.

Educational Classic Books for 9-12-Year-Olds

• Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Pirate fiction
  • Synopsis: Young Jim Hawkins acquires a map to Treasure Island where the fabled pirate treasure is buried. He sets sail on the Hispaniola, encountering dangerous pirates including the memorable Long John Silver.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Map reading, understanding historical contexts of piracy, critical thinking, and problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping adventure that captures the essence of the pirate life and the high seas, perfect for sparking a love of historical adventures.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love adventure and excitement, and those interested in pirates and historical tales.

• Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animals
  • Synopsis: Told from the perspective of a horse, this novel chronicles the joys and sorrows of Black Beauty's life, from his carefree days as a young colt to his difficult times as a cab horse in London.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare, historical perspective on animal treatment, and narrative storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches compassion and provides a poignant look into the treatment of animals, encouraging readers to consider the feelings and suffering of others.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in a classic narrative that promotes kindness and empathy.

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This tale follows the adventures of anthropomorphic animals Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger, living along a river in Edwardian England. Their escapades highlight the importance of friendship and the joys of a simple life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, environmental awareness, and appreciation for nature
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor, adventure, and poignant moments, offering a charming and enduring view of pastoral England.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about friendship and adventures, as well as those interested in nature and whimsical tales.

• Heidi by Johanna Spyri
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: Heidi is an orphan sent to live with her grumpy grandfather in the Swiss Alps. She quickly grows to love the mountains and brings joy to her grandfather. Later, she moves to the city, where she positively impacts the lives of those around her despite facing many challenges.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, adaptability, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that explores themes of familial love and the beauty of the natural world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy uplifting stories of resilience and the impact of kindness.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: Alice falls through a rabbit hole into a fantastical world where she encounters various bizarre characters like the Cheshire Cat and the Queen of Hearts. The narrative plays with logic, giving the story lasting popularity with adults and children alike.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, problem-solving, literary analysis
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and exploration through its whimsical narrative and peculiar characters.
  • Perfect for: Readers with a fondness for fantasy, whimsy, and nonsensical adventures.

Challenging Classic Books for 9-12-Year-Olds

• Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Bildungsroman
  • Synopsis: The story centers on the young orphan Pip, who unexpectedly receives a fortune from a mysterious benefactor. As Pip navigates the complexities of society and class, he learns valuable lessons about loyalty, compassion, and humility.
  • Why this book is challenging: Dickens' intricate plot and richly developed characters require careful reading and comprehension, making it a stimulating challenge for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep dive into themes of personal growth and social justice, encouraging readers to think critically about their own values and society.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy complex narratives and exploring psychological and social themes.

• The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the mischievous adventures of young Tom Sawyer and his friends in the fictional town of St. Petersburg, Missouri, including treasure hunting, witnessing a murder, and getting lost in caves.
  • Why this book is challenging: Twain's use of dialects and satirical style provides a rich, immersive experience but may be challenging for younger readers to fully grasp without guidance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of youthful freedom and adventure, while also introducing readers to important aspects of American culture and history.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous young readers and those interested in American literature.

• A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: Sara Crewe, a wealthy young girl, is sent to a boarding school in London. When her father dies and his fortune is lost, Sara is subjected to cruelty and neglect but uses her imagination and kindness to maintain her dignity and inspire those around her.
  • Why this book is challenging: The transformation of Sara's life from riches to rags and the emotional depth explored are profound themes that challenge the reader's understanding of resilience and ethics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable lessons about maintaining one's self-worth and integrity in the face of hardship.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of transformation and the triumph of the human spirit.

• The Call of the Wild by Jack London
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Buck, a domestic dog who is kidnapped and sold into the brutal existence of an Alaskan sled dog, where he must adapt to survive the harsh wilderness and ultimately reverts to his wild ancestry.
  • Why this book is challenging: The vivid descriptions of the harsh conditions and the primal themes explored through Buck’s transformation provide a raw and intense reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping adventure and a poignant exploration of nature versus nurture, survival, and primal instincts.
  • Perfect for: Young readers fascinated by nature, survival stories, and animal perspectives.

• Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Classic
  • Synopsis: Phileas Fogg, a meticulous and daring gentleman, accepts a wager to circumnavigate the globe in just eighty days. Accompanied by his valet Passepartout, Fogg races against time, facing numerous obstacles and adventures along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: The intricate plot, historical and geographical references, and the old-world language style make this a challenging read for younger audiences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also educates about different cultures and the spirit of exploration.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love geography, history, and thrilling race-against-time adventures.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of classic books, it's not just about reading but also about engaging with what you read. Here are some fun exercises designed for 9-12-year-olds to help develop good reading habits while exploring classic literature. Let's make reading a habit that sticks and a journey that fascinates!

• Create a Reading Schedule
  • What it is: Set specific times each day dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and builds a daily reading habit.
  • Tips: Choose a comfortable spot and a consistent time, like right before bed or after school.

• Chapter Summaries
  • What it is: Write a short summary of each chapter after reading it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Keep it fun by using colorful pens or creating a small storyboard.

• Character Maps
  • What it is: Draw maps or charts that track the relationships and developments of characters.
  • How it helps: Helps in understanding complex characters and their motivations.
  • Tips: Use a large poster paper and add to it as you read more about the characters.

• Vocabulary Builder
  • What it is: Keep a list of new or interesting words found in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of the language used in classics.
  • Tips: Try to use these new words in daily conversations or in writing exercises.

• Book Club Discussions
  • What it is: Participate in or start a book club where each member reads the same book and discusses it.
  • How it helps: Provides different perspectives and enhances critical thinking.
  • Tips: Prepare some questions or discussion points before each meeting to keep the conversation flowing.

• Reading Aloud
  • What it is: Spend some time reading the book aloud to yourself or to others.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps in understanding the rhythm of the text.
  • Tips: Try different voices for different characters to make it more engaging.

• Connect with Current Events
  • What it is: Find connections between the themes of the book and current events or personal experiences.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading more relevant and thought-provoking.
  • Tips: Keep a journal or a blog where you can write about these connections.

Reading classics can be a thrilling adventure that stretches your imagination and sharpens your mind. With these exercises, you'll not only enjoy the stories but also develop skills that will be useful throughout your life. Happy reading!