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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for your nine-year-old? Finding the right book can be a game-changer, especially at such a formative age. Whether you're looking for a birthday gift or just something new for their nightly reading, our roundup of popular books for 9-year-olds is here to help. Keep reading to discover a variety of captivating books that are sure to engage and excite young readers!

Fun Popular Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This beloved story follows a young girl named Fern who saves a piglet named Wilbur from being slaughtered. Wilbur's adventures in the barnyard, along with his friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte, form the heart of this touching tale.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life in a gentle way that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children who appreciate stories about friendship and survival.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A little girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike his giant peers, refuses to eat boys and girls. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the other giants from eating children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a whimsical and exciting tale that sparks imagination and encourages empathy towards others.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magical adventures and quirky characters.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This series kicks off with the introduction of middle-schooler Greg Heffley, who navigates the highs and lows of school life, all documented in his diary with drawings and hand-written notes.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its humorous take on everyday school life and relatable diary format make it incredibly engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good laugh and those who might be a bit hesitant about reading.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to a camp for demigods like him. He soon finds himself on a quest to prevent a war among the gods by finding the stolen lightning bolt of Zeus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines exciting adventures with Greek mythology, making it both educational and thrilling.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure stories and mythology.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, but her parents mistreat her and her school's headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, is a terrifying bully. Matilda discovers she has a special telekinetic power and uses it to stand up to her adversaries.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, and it's a story of empowerment and justice.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood and those who appreciate stories of triumph over adversity.

Educational Popular Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: The story centers around Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial deformity, as he attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Auggie's journey deals with themes of acceptance, courage, and friendship.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of diversity, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming and powerful tale that promotes the importance of being kind and accepting differences.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are learning about kindness and the value of accepting others.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: This novel is inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, who lived in a shopping mall. The story is told from Ivan's perspective, focusing on his friendships with the other animals in captivity and his desire for freedom.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Animal welfare awareness, empathy, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches about compassion and the power of change through a touching animal narrative.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in animal rights.

• 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 to infiltrate a mysterious organization. They must use their unique skills and intellect to solve a series of puzzles and stop a global crisis.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that challenges the mind and emphasizes the value of intelligence and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and any kid who loves puzzles and mysteries.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: When fifth-grader Nick Allen invents a new word for the pen, "frindle," he unknowingly creates a series of events that escalate beyond his control, involving his entire school and eventually gaining national attention.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, vocabulary, understanding of language and media
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and shows the impact one individual can have on language and culture.
  • Perfect for: Young innovators and creative thinkers who enjoy seeing the power of ideas in action.

• 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 small mouse with big ears, on his quest to save a human princess. The narrative weaves together themes of bravery, forgiveness, and redemption.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, moral reasoning, imaginative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written fairy tale that celebrates the virtues of bravery and compassion.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy classic fairy tales with a modern twist and characters who overcome adversity.

Challenging Popular Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows a bored young boy named Milo who receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Kingdom of Wisdom. Here, he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical insights.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in wordplay, puns, and abstract concepts that require advanced reading comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages curiosity and exploration of language and mathematics in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, word games, and thinking outside the box.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: This timeless story tells the adventures of a young prince who travels from planet to planet, learning life lessons and exploring themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores deep philosophical themes and abstract thinking that can challenge and expand a young reader's understanding of the world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound insights on human nature and relationships through simple yet powerful storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Thoughtful readers who enjoy deep stories filled with meaning and emotion.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin embark on a journey across dimensions to save their father from an evil force. Along the way, they confront challenges that test their courage and understanding of the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel incorporates concepts of theoretical physics, complex themes, and rich vocabulary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends science and fantasy in a way that sparks imagination and encourages a love of science.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and anyone interested in science and adventure.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sour-faced and temperamental girl, transforms into a kind-hearted child through her experiences in the hidden garden she discovers at her uncle's house. As she brings the garden back to life, she also heals herself and others around her.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style and historical setting require a higher level of reading comprehension, along with an understanding of subtle character development.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautiful story of redemption and the healing power of nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about personal growth and the magic of nature.

• 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 to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, where they uncover a mysterious statue that may be the work of Michelangelo.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book presents a complex plot with themes of independence, self-discovery, and historical intrigue.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with a mystery that encourages critical thinking and appreciation for art history.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and budding art historians.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you've got a 9-year-old at home or you're just looking for ways to encourage good reading habits, here are some fun and effective exercises to try. These are designed to make reading a more engaging and enriching experience for young readers.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a cozy, dedicated space for reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a special place that can make reading a more enjoyable and anticipated activity.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book Club for Kids
  • What it is: Organize a small group of your child’s friends to read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and gives your child a chance to socialize and share ideas.
  • Tips: Keep the sessions light and fun, possibly with some themed snacks or activities that relate to the book.

• Reading Challenge Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart to track the books your child reads, aiming for a set goal.
  • How it helps: Encourages a sense of achievement and motivates them to read more.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards for reaching milestones to keep the excitement alive.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Before finishing a story, ask your child to predict what happens next.
  • How it helps: Stimulates imagination and improves analytical thinking skills.
  • Tips: Discuss their predictions and the actual outcomes to enhance understanding and engagement.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading a book aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves vocabulary and reading fluency, and it's a great bonding activity.
  • Tips: Try doing different voices for characters to make the reading more entertaining.

Implementing these exercises can really help your 9-year-old grow into a keen and thoughtful reader. Not only do these activities support reading development, but they also make the process a lot more fun. Give them a try and watch as your young reader's skills and love for reading blossom!