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

Hey there! Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to broaden your 9-year-old's horizons? You're in luck! Our latest roundup features the best General Knowledge Books for 9-Year-Olds, crafted to pique their curiosity and enhance their understanding of the world. Whether you're looking for a birthday gift or just a fun addition to their library, these books are sure to captivate and educate. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will both entertain and inform!

Fun General Knowledge Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Magic School Bus at the Waterworks by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen
  • Genre(s): Science, Adventure, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Join Ms. Frizzle and her class as they take a wild, educational ride through the city's waterworks system to learn how water is processed and used.
  • Why we recommend this book: It turns learning about science into an adventure, making complex concepts accessible and fun for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who enjoy learning through stories and vivid illustrations.

• National Geographic Kids Why?: Over 1,111 Answers to Everything by Crispin Boyer
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Science, History, Culture
  • Synopsis: This book provides clear answers to many questions kids might have about the world, covering topics from science to history to culture.
  • Why we recommend this book: It satisfies curious young minds and encourages a love for learning with fascinating facts and engaging explanations.
  • Perfect for: Inquisitive kids who have endless questions about how the world works.

• The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book by Tom Robinson
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This book offers easy and exciting experiments that kids can do at home, using everyday materials to explore the laws of science.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes science interactive and hands-on, helping children understand scientific concepts through real-world applications.
  • Perfect for: Young experimenters and future scientists who love to learn by doing.

• Weird But True! series by National Geographic Kids
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Science, Weird Facts
  • Synopsis: Each book in this series is packed with bizarre but true facts about the world, offering a fun and unusual way to learn about science, geography, and culture.
  • Why we recommend this book: It engages kids with fun, weird facts that spark curiosity and excitement about learning.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love trivia and fun facts, and those who enjoy learning things that are out of the ordinary.

• The Kid Who Invented the Popsicle: And Other Surprising Stories About Inventions by Don L. Wulffson
  • Genre(s): History, Science, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book tells the stories of how various everyday items were invented, often by accident or through surprising twists of fate.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a fun historical perspective on inventions, inspiring creativity and innovation in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and history buffs who are curious about how things came to be.

Educational General Knowledge Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The World Almanac for Kids by Sarah Janssen
  • Genre(s): Reference, Educational
  • Synopsis: This almanac provides a wealth of knowledge on a wide range of subjects, including history, science, sports, and pop culture.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Research skills, general knowledge, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a comprehensive resource that helps children understand and explore the world around them through facts and figures.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who thrive on facts and statistics, and those who like to have a go-to source for learning.

• Knowledge Encyclopedia by DK
  • Genre(s): Reference, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book uses stunning visuals and detailed diagrams to cover topics from history and culture to the natural world and beyond.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Visual learning, comprehension of complex subjects, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: The combination of detailed illustrations and concise explanations makes complex subjects accessible and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and curious minds who appreciate detailed diagrams and photography.

• 5,000 Awesome Facts (About Everything!) by National Geographic Kids
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Reference
  • Synopsis: This book is packed with 5,000 interesting facts covering a vast array of topics from science to food to pop culture.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: General knowledge, reading for information, attention to detail
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a treasure trove of fun, bite-sized information that kids can dive into anytime.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love trivia, fun facts, and learning about a wide range of topics in an entertaining format.

• Maps by Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski
  • Genre(s): Geography, Cultural Studies
  • Synopsis: This visually stunning book provides detailed maps of the world along with facts and features about the cultures, people, and history of various regions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Geographic literacy, cultural understanding, spatial thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It enhances geographical knowledge and cultural awareness through beautifully illustrated maps and engaging layouts.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers who are fascinated by maps and learning about different cultures around the world.

• The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 fact-filled maps! by Gabrielle Balkan, illustrated by Sol Linero
  • Genre(s): Geography, History
  • Synopsis: Each map in this book showcases a state of the USA with key facts, famous residents, and iconic landmarks.
  • Skills and subjects this book is improves: Geographic literacy, historical knowledge, cultural appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a rich, engaging tour of the U.S.A., encouraging a deeper understanding of the country's diversity and history.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in American geography and history, and those who enjoy learning through visual information.

Challenging General Knowledge Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe by Theodore Gray
  • Genre(s): Science, Reference
  • Synopsis: This book presents a unique visual representation and detailed information on every known element in the periodic table.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex chemical concepts and the details of atomic structure that are usually tackled at higher education levels.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fascinating and visually engaging way to learn about the fundamental building blocks of the universe.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young scientists and those interested in chemistry and the natural world.

• The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay
  • Genre(s): Technology, Reference
  • Synopsis: This updated classic explains the inner workings of machines and technology, from levers to digital technology.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into mechanical and technological principles that are sophisticated but presented in an accessible way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It demystifies how everyday objects and advanced technologies function, fostering both curiosity and technical understanding.
  • Perfect for: Young tech enthusiasts and future engineers.

• An Anthology of Intriguing Animals by Ben Hoare
  • Genre(s): Nature, Wildlife, Reference
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book showcases more than 100 animals, providing fascinating facts and stories about each creature.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a broad range of biological and ecological information, encouraging deeper knowledge and appreciation of biodiversity.
  • Why we recommend this book: The combination of stunning photography and engaging narratives makes it a captivating introduction to the animal kingdom.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young naturalists who are eager to learn more about wildlife in an enchanting format.

• Children's Encyclopedia of American History by David C. King
  • Genre(s): History, Reference
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide covers American history from the pre-colonial times to the present day, including important events, figures, and milestones.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents a detailed chronological account of American history, which requires understanding complex historical contexts and concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thorough overview of American history, enhancing a young reader's understanding of the nation's past and its impact on the present.
  • Perfect for: Young historians and anyone interested in learning about the historical events that shaped the United States.

• How Things Work: Inside Out by T.J. Resler
  • Genre(s): Technology, Science, Reference
  • Synopsis: This book explores the mechanics behind how everyday objects and systems function, from toasters to roller coasters.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explains the physics and engineering principles behind various mechanisms in a detailed manner.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages curiosity about the physical world and provides a clear understanding of the science behind everyday phenomena.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who want to understand how and why things work the way they do.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

So, you're looking to boost your 9-year-old's reading habits with the help of some general knowledge books? That’s a fantastic idea! General knowledge books are not only packed with interesting facts but also improve reading skills and comprehension. Below are some engaging exercises that can help your child develop good reading habits while exploring these books. Let’s dive in!

• Create a Reading Schedule
  • What it is: Set specific times each day dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Establishes a routine, making reading a regular part of the day.
  • Tips: Use a colorful calendar to mark reading times and make it exciting!

• Design a Quiz Night
  • What it is: Organize a weekly quiz based on the material read that week.
  • How it helps: Reinforces what was learned and makes reading a fun, interactive event.
  • Tips: Let your child come up with some of the questions; it encourages them to pay attention to what they read.

• Summarize the Stories
  • What it is: After finishing a book or a chapter, have your child summarize what they read.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the information.
  • Tips: Encourage them to use their own words, and maybe even draw a picture to go along with their summary.

• Connect the Dots
  • What it is: Relate facts from the book to real-life events or personal experiences.
  • How it helps: Helps in understanding and remembering information by making personal connections.
  • Tips: After reading, ask questions like, "Does this remind you of anything?" or "Have you seen this happen?"

• Word of the Day
  • What it is: Pick a new word from the reading each day and learn its meaning and usage.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Create a "Word Wall" where new words are added and reviewed regularly.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine can not only make reading more enjoyable but also more educational. Remember, the goal is to foster a love for reading that will last a lifetime. Keep the sessions light, fun, and interactive to maintain their interest and curiosity. Happy reading!