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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect escape into magical realms for your young reader? Look no further! Our curated selection of fantasy books for 9-year-olds is packed with enchanting stories that spark imagination and adventure. Whether they're into wizards, dragons, or mysterious lands, we've got something that will capture their hearts and minds. Keep reading to discover our top picks for fantasy books that are just right for 9-year-old readers!

Fun Fantasy Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, discover a magical world called Narnia through a wardrobe in an old house. In Narnia, they embark on a quest to defeat the White Witch, with the help of Aslan, a noble lion.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating tale that introduces young readers to classic fantasy elements and moral lessons, wrapped in a thrilling adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and fans of magical stories.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This story follows a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte, who tries to save him from being slaughtered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, compassion, and the cycle of life in a gentle and heartwarming way.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children who appreciate stories about friendship and loyalty.

• The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Siblings Jack and Annie discover a magical tree house filled with books that transport them to different times and places where they go on various adventures and missions.
  • Why we recommend this book: These books are great for encouraging reading through fun and educational adventures, enhancing both imaginative thinking and historical knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who love time travel and learning about different cultures and historical events.

• The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tales
  • Synopsis: A collection of five magical fairy tales set in the Harry Potter universe, each with its own unique moral lesson.
  • Why we recommend this book: It expands the magical world for young fans of Harry Potter and offers engaging, thought-provoking stories that highlight the value of virtues like kindness and courage.
  • Perfect for: Young Harry Potter fans and readers who enjoy fairy tales with a magical twist.

• How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, a young Viking who must capture and train a dragon as a rite of passage.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and exciting series that encourages overcoming challenges and finding one's unique strengths.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring adventurers and anyone who loves stories about dragons and overcoming the odds.

Educational Fantasy Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic
  • Synopsis: This enchanting book tells the story of a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally infused with moon magic as a baby and raised by a witch named Xan. As Luna grows, her magic begins to emerge with potentially disastrous effects.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, empathy, understanding consequences of actions
  • Why we recommend this book: It's beautifully written with complex characters and a deep, engaging plot that intertwines magic with emotional growth.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magical stories and learning about the power of love and sacrifice.

• The Neverending Story by Michael Ende, illustrated by Roswitha Quadflieg
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Bastian, a shy and bullied boy who discovers a magical book that not only immerses him in the fantastic world of Fantastica but also begins to affect the real world, leading him on a journey of self-discovery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, reading comprehension, self-esteem building
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of escapism and reality, encouraging readers to find courage and explore their own creativity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories where the boundaries between fantasy and reality blur.

• 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 literal idioms.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary, language arts, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively plays with language and teaches the importance of learning and thinking, making it both fun and educational.
  • Perfect for: Children who love word games, puzzles, and imaginative adventures.

• Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magical Creatures
  • Synopsis: Siblings Kendra and Seth Sorenson visit their grandparents' estate, Fablehaven, only to discover it's actually a sanctuary for mythical creatures. They must navigate through adventures and dangers to protect the preserve from dark forces.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, understanding of mythology, strategic thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventures with lessons about responsibility and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in mythical creatures and conservation.

• The Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A magical island opens its portal to London every nine years. When the island's young prince is kidnapped, a rescue team is assembled to retrieve him from the bustling city before the portal closes for another nine years.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, teamwork, understanding of different cultures
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that promotes the values of kindness and courage in the face of challenges.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy magical adventures and stories about hidden worlds coexisting with our own.

Challenging Fantasy Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the Chronicles of Prydain series, which follows Taran, an Assistant Pig-Keeper in the mythical land of Prydain. Taran embarks on a dangerous journey to save his homeland from evil forces.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative introduces a complex world filled with unique characters and Welsh mythology, requiring readers to engage deeply with the text to understand the intricacies of the plot and setting.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a rich, immersive experience in a well-constructed fantasy world, encouraging imagination and a deeper appreciation for storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy epic tales of heroism and adventure.

• The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: On his eleventh birthday, Will Stanton discovers he is one of the Old Ones, a group of ancient beings dedicated to fighting the forces of the Dark. He embarks on a quest to gather the powerful Signs of Light.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book weaves together complex themes of good versus evil with elements of British folklore and Arthurian legends, presenting a challenging but rewarding read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling blend of fantasy and mythology, perfect for developing critical thinking and understanding deeper literary themes.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are fascinated by mythology and stories involving battles between good and evil.

• The Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the journey of Ged, a young boy with innate magical power, as he attends a school of wizardry and battles a shadow creature he inadvertently releases.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores complex themes such as identity and redemption, woven through sophisticated language and a detailed fantasy world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages introspection and the exploration of personal growth, all within the framework of an engaging fantasy narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of magic and self-discovery.

• Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Three siblings on holiday in Cornwall find an ancient map that leads them on a treasure hunt, plunging them into a battle between good and evil as they search for Arthurian grail artifacts.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story combines elements of Arthurian legend with a complex plot and richly drawn characters, requiring readers to keep track of multiple narrative threads.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great mix of adventure and mystery, perfect for readers who enjoy puzzles and historical legends.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous young readers who love a good mystery mixed with fantasy.

• 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 across dimensions to save Meg's father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel introduces concepts of theoretical physics within a complex narrative structure that challenges the reader's understanding of time and space.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines science and fantasy in a way that stimulates curiosity about the universe while offering a compelling story of family and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and epic adventures through fantastical realms.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to dive into the magical world of fantasy books, it's great to develop some solid reading habits early on. Here are a few exercises tailored for 9-year-olds that can make reading not just fun, but also a powerful tool for growth and imagination.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special corner in your home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a comfortable and inviting environment that can make reading a pleasurable habit.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book Character Dress-Up
  • What it is: Dress up as a favorite character from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the character and makes the reading experience more engaging.
  • Tips: Plan a dress-up day once a week after finishing a book or a chapter.

• Story Mapping
  • What it is: Draw or chart the events of the story on a timeline.
  • How it helps: Helps with comprehension and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Use colorful markers or stickers to make the activity more fun and visually appealing.

• Reading Out Loud
  • What it is: Take turns reading the book aloud with a parent or a sibling.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading.
  • Tips: Try using different voices for different characters to make it more entertaining.

• Chapter Summaries
  • What it is: Write a short summary of each chapter after reading it.
  • How it helps: Enhances memory and understanding of the plot.
  • Tips: Keep the summaries brief and use bullet points to outline key events.

• Question Bowl
  • What it is: Write down questions about the story on pieces of paper and put them in a bowl.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and curiosity about the narrative.
  • Tips: Take turns drawing questions from the bowl and discussing them.

• 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.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine can really boost your enjoyment and understanding of fantasy books. They're not just about reading; they're about becoming part of the adventure. So, grab your book, pick an exercise, and let your imagination soar!