10+ Best Interesting Books for 9-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Looking for the perfect page-turner for your young reader? You're in the right spot! Our roundup of interesting books for 9-year-olds is packed with captivating stories that promise to keep their curiosity piqued and their adventures lively. Whether your child loves tales of mystery, fantasy, or everyday heroics, we’ve curated a list that has something to spark every young reader's interest. Keep reading to discover our top picks for interesting books for 9-year-olds that are sure to be a hit!
Table of Contents
Fun Interesting 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 clever spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages in her web to persuade the farmer to save him.
- Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the reality of death in a gentle manner that is appropriate for young readers.
- Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who are beginning to explore deeper themes in literature.
- The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: A young girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike other giants, is kind and charming. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the other giants from eating children.
- Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its creative language and whimsical characters, making reading fun and engaging.
- Perfect for: Children who love stories filled with humor, fantasy, and adventure.
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
- Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Graphic Novels
- Synopsis: The book is a journal of Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges and misadventures of middle school life, with its accompanying illustrations adding to the humor.
- Why we recommend this book: Its relatable storyline and humorous illustrations keep readers engaged and can help reluctant readers discover the joy of reading.
- Perfect for: Kids who enjoy laughing and can relate to the ups and downs of school life.
- Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology, Adventure
- Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod and is accused of stealing Zeus' lightning bolt. He must embark on a quest to find the real thief and prevent a war among the gods.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventures with Greek mythology, educating readers while keeping them thoroughly entertained.
- Perfect for: Young readers interested in fantasy adventures and mythology.
- Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's literature
- Synopsis: Matilda is a young girl with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers, who uses her abilities to overcome her neglectful parents and a tyrannical school principal.
- Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of reading and the resilience of children, encouraging readers to believe in their own strength and intelligence.
- Perfect for: Intelligent young readers who dream of using their talents to make a difference.
- The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
- Synopsis: This story follows Despereaux Tilling, a brave mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It explores his adventures from being banished from his mouse community to saving the princess.
- Why we recommend this book: It teaches lessons about bravery, forgiveness, and the importance of being true to oneself.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales and stories of unlikely heroes overcoming the odds.
Educational Interesting Books for 9-Year-Olds
- The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
- Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
- Synopsis: The story is told from the perspective of Ivan, a silverback gorilla who lives in a cage at a mall. Ivan rarely misses his life in the jungle, instead focusing on art and the people and animals in his life, until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare awareness, creative expression through art
- Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that blends art, friendship, and the natural desire for freedom, all through the eyes of an unforgettable protagonist.
- Perfect for: Animal lovers and young artists interested in stories that inspire compassion and change.
- Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
- Genre(s): Contemporary, Humor
- Synopsis: Fifth-grader Nick Allen knows how to make school more fun, and when he decides to transform his pen into a "frindle," he creates a word that becomes a sensation, much to the dismay of his language arts teacher.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, vocabulary building, understanding of linguistics
- Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to think about language and words creatively, showing the power of individual initiative and the impact of new ideas.
- Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young innovators who enjoy playful disruption and wordplay.
- The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Magical Realism
- Synopsis: In this enchanting tale, a town sacrifices a baby each year to the witch in the forest to ensure their safety, but the witch, Xan, is kind and rescues the children, accidentally feeding one baby moonlight and granting her extraordinary magic.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, moral reasoning, imaginative storytelling
- Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written, complex story that explores themes of power, love, and transformation through a fresh, magical lens.
- Perfect for: Young readers who revel in richly woven narratives and magical adventures.
- The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
- Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
- Synopsis: When Roz, a robot, finds herself alone on a remote, wild island, she must learn from the environment and the island's animal inhabitants to survive and find her place in the natural world.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental science, adaptation, technology
- Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of technology with nature in a unique survival story that highlights the importance of harmony and adaptation.
- Perfect for: Tech-savvy kids and nature enthusiasts who are fascinated by the intersection of technology and the natural world.
- Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
- Genre(s): Picture Book, STEM
- Synopsis: Inspired by real-life scientists, Ada Twist is a curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world around her.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, problem-solving, perseverance
- Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity and determination in the pursuit of knowledge and scientific discovery, encouraging young readers to question and explore.
- Perfect for: Budding scientists and curious minds who love to ask "why?" and "how?" about the world around them.
Challenging Interesting Books for 9-Year-Olds
- The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
- Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
- Synopsis: Four gifted kids 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 this book is challenging: The book features complex puzzles and moral dilemmas that require advanced reading skills and critical thinking.
- Why we recommend this book: It encourages problem-solving and teamwork, while providing a thrilling narrative that keeps readers engaged.
- Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle enthusiasts who enjoy twisting plots and brain teasers.
- A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
- Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
- Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin are transported through time and space on a mission to save Meg's father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
- Why this book is challenging: It introduces concepts of theoretical physics within a complex narrative structure.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines science and fantasy in a way that stimulates the imagination and encourages a love of science.
- Perfect for: Science enthusiasts and fans of epic adventures through space and time.
- 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 philosophical insights.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative is rich with linguistic jokes, puns, and allegories that require a sophisticated understanding of language.
- Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the joys of learning and the richness of language in a fun and imaginative way.
- Perfect for: Readers who delight in wordplay and those who appreciate a clever, humorous story.
- The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
- Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
- Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, discovers a neglected garden on her uncle's estate and, through her restoration of the garden, transforms her own life and that of her sickly cousin Colin.
- Why this book is challenging: It features themes of loss, rejuvenation, and the healing power of nature, wrapped in somewhat archaic language.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story of friendship, healing, and growth that also provides historical insights into early 20th century England.
- Perfect for: Nature lovers and any young reader who enjoys stories about personal transformation and the healing power of nature.
- The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
- Genre(s): Classic, Fantasy, Philosophical
- Synopsis: This poetic tale features a young prince who travels the universe gaining wisdom. The story explores themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss through the prince's encounters with various inhabitants of different planets.
- Why this book is challenging: It delves into deep philosophical issues and existential questions that can be interpreted on many levels.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers profound insights into human nature and relationships, presented through simple but powerful storytelling.
- Perfect for: Deep thinkers and any child who questions the world around them.
- The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
- Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, an orphan boy who lives in the walls of a train station is wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton.
- Why this book is challenging: The novel's unique mix of text and intricate illustrations challenges the conventional format of a book, requiring the reader to interpret visual elements as part of the storytelling.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a visually stunning book that combines a gripping mystery with a touching story of survival and creation.
- Perfect for: Young artists and any reader who appreciates a visually immersive reading experience.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're looking for ways to get your 9-year-old excited about reading, you've come to the right place. Below are some fun and engaging exercises designed to help young readers develop strong reading habits. These activities are not only enjoyable but also beneficial for their reading journey. Let's dive in!
- Set a Daily Reading Goal
- What it is: Choose a number of pages or minutes to read each day.
- How it helps: Encourages consistency and builds a reading routine.
- Tips: Start with small, manageable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Create a Reading Nook
- What it is: Designate a special corner or area in the house just for reading.
- How it helps: Makes reading a special and comfortable activity.
- Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions or posters.
- Book Club with Friends
- What it is: Form a small book club with a few of your child’s friends.
- How it helps: Makes reading a social activity and encourages discussion.
- Tips: Choose books that are engaging and appropriate for their age group.
- Read Aloud Sessions
- What it is: Set aside time to read stories aloud together.
- How it helps: Improves listening and comprehension skills.
- Tips: Use different voices for characters to make the reading more fun and engaging.
- Use a Reading App
- What it is: Incorporate technology by using an app designed for young readers.
- How it helps: Offers interactive and multimedia content to enhance reading.
- Tips: Choose apps that are educational and have positive reviews.
- Visit the Library Regularly
- What it is: Schedule regular visits to the local library.
- How it helps: Provides access to a wide range of books and reading materials.
- Tips: Allow your child to choose their own books to increase engagement.
- Reading Rewards Chart
- What it is: Create a chart to track reading milestones and achievements.
- How it helps: Motivates children by rewarding their reading efforts.
- Tips: Offer small rewards like extra playtime or a small toy.
Incorporating these exercises into your 9-year-old’s routine can transform reading from a chore into a delightful adventure. Not only will these activities improve their reading skills, but they'll also foster a lifelong love for books. Happy reading!