80 Best Books for 9 Year Olds in 2023
What kind of books should a 9 year old be reading?
By the age of 9, young readers are making a big shift. They move from learning how to read to reading more complex text. Their reading proficiency is a predictor of academic success, and yet many kids “decline by nine” when it comes to an interest in reading.
Use this epic list of books for 9-year-olds to get your child reading. It will help reluctant readers, book lovers, and every type of reader in between.
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Best Books for 9-year-olds to read
According to a Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report, only 35% of 9-year-olds read five to seven days a week compared to 57% of 8-year-olds.
Even more alarming is that the number of kids who say they love reading drop from 40% among 8-year-olds to 28% among 9-year-olds. (Scholastic)
How do we encourage even our most unenthusiastic readers to get back to reading?
We start by introducing kids to great books for 9-year-olds.
*After the books, keep reading to find 5 easy ways to motivate your child to read.
Good Chapter Books for 9 year olds
First, look at these classic books for 9-year-olds. These books are great stories that can also be read aloud to the whole family.
1. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume (Ages 8-9)
*#1 New York Times Bestselling Author
Peter’s biggest problem is his two-year-old brother, Fudge, who seems to get into trouble wherever he goes. The entire family will laugh out loud with this relatable tale by beloved author Judy Blume.
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing is the first in a five book Fudge series and a timeless classic.
2. Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan (Ages 9-12)
*Scholastic Gold Line
Esperanza’s privileged life in Mexico is suddenly gone and Esperanza and her family are forced to escape to California. As Esperanza’s family tries to build a new life while working on a farm labor camp, she realizes she has to find the strength to rise up through hard times.
3. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (Ages 5-11)
*one of America’s top 100 most-loved novels
Journey with four siblings as they step through a magical wardrobe door and into the frozen land of Narnia, where the adventure of a lifetime begins.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe has been a beloved book by readers for decades.
4. Frindle by Andrew Clements (Ages 8-10)
*Award-winning author Andrew Clements
How are words created anyway? Nick Allen has a plan to get his friends to start calling a pen the frindle. Soon, the word spreads and there is nothing Nick can do about it.
5. 4th Grade Rats by Jerry Spinelli (Books for 8-9 year olds)
For Suds, being a third grade angel seemed much easier than being a fourth grade rat. His friend Joey tries to help him to be meaner and tougher, but Suds just can’t get it right. Will he be able to survive the fourth grade? Read to find out!
6. The One & Only Bob by Katherine Applegate (Ages 8-11)
The beloved characters from The One and Only Ivan return in this book. Bob the dog is looking for his sister with Ivan and Ruby. And they’re off on an adventure that readers will love.
7. Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate (Ages 8-10)
Jackson’s family is having a rough time. Without enough money for what they need, they may have to live in their car yet again. When Crenshaw, the imaginary cat, reappears in Jackson’s life, will he be able to help?
Read this book to find out!
Read and enjoy all three popular books by Katherine Applegate!
8. Wishtree by Katherine Applegate (Ages 8-11)
*The New York Times-bestselling story of kindness, friendship, and hope
This is the story of Red, an old oak tree. Everyone in the neighborhood writes their wishes and ties them on Red’s branches. One day, a new family moves into the neighborhood and Red becomes more important than ever.
This thoughtful story is told from the perspective of wise old Red.
9. Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard Atwater (Ages 6-9)
*A Newbery Honor Book
When Mr. Popper receives a penguin, life will never be the same. Pretty soon, he has an entire performing group of penguins on tour! Parents and kids will laugh out loud at the penguin escapades in this delightful story.
10. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh (Ages 8-11)
Like a spy, Harriet writes down everything about everyone in a notebook. When she loses her notebook and her friends end up reading the unkind things she has written about them, she will have to figure out a way to save her friendships.
11. Wonder By R.J. Palacio (Ages 9-11)
*Editor’s Inspirational Pick: Best books for ages 9-12
Meet Auggie. An ordinary boy with an unusual face. His personality inspires an entire community to discuss what kindness, empathy, and compassion mean in practice.
12. The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes (Ages 7-10)
*Newbery Honor Book
Wanda wears the same blue dress to school every day. But she tells her classmates she has one hundred dresses in her closet at home. Another girl in the class, Peggy, starts to make fun of Wanda. Will anyone stand up for her?
This is a wonderful book to teach kindness, discuss bullying, and talk about how to stand up for someone else.
13. The Boy At The Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Rauf (Ages 8-11)
When Ahmet, a Syrian refugee joins Mrs. Khan’s class, everyone is eager to learn about him. And when the class learns that he has been separated from his family during a war, they come up with a plan to help Ahmet.
Read The Boy At The Back of the Class here >>
14. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin (Ages 7-10)
*Newbery Honor Book
Minli lives in the valley of a mountain in a small hut with her family. Her father tells her tales of the Old Man on the Moon, as he knows the answers to many of life’s questions.
Minli soon decides to journey to find the Old Man on the Moon in hopes of making life for her family better.
Read this Newbery-honor book here.
15. The Get Rich Quick Club by Dan Gutman (Ages 8-12)
*New York Times bestselling author
Gina Tumolo and her Get Rich Quick Club vow to find a way to make a million dollars by the end of summer. What is their plan and will it pay off? You’ll have to read to find out!
16. Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper (Ages 9-11)
*New York Times bestseller and award-winning author
In this story, Melody has cerebral palsy that has greatly affected her life. While she doesn’t walk, talk, or write, Melody does have a photographic memory and can remember everything.
She is smart even if no one can tell. But she is on a mission to let everyone know just how smart she is.
Good Books for 9-year-old Girls
Next, these are popular girl books for 9 year olds. There are several series included that may get your resistant reader excited to dig in.
17. Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (Ages 8-10)
*Classic heartwarming tale
When India Opal Buloni finds Winn-Dixie, her life changes for the better. She starts to make friends and learn more about her mother. Readers won’t be able to put this heartwarming book down once they get started.
18. Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George (Ages 8-11)
*First book of a series of 5
Princess Celie loves Tuesdays at Castle Glower because that is the day the Castle adds on a room or wing. Celie is the only one that figures out how the Castle has changed each week. And when the kingdom is in danger, Celie will be the only one able to help save them.
Also look for the Dragon Slippers series by this same author!
19. You Are An Amazing Girl by Nadia Ross (Ages 6-10)
A Collection of Inspiring Stories About Courage, Friendship, Inner Strength and Self-Confidence
This book will inspire girls to feel more secure, have more confidence, overcome fears, and be encouraged to believe in themselves.
With 10 inspirational short stories, girls will be able to relate to the characters and their real-life situations.
20. Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo (Ages 8-11)
*Newbery Medal winner
From beloved author Kate DiCamillo comes a humorous story about the friendship between a girl and a squirrel. Readers will love the characters and the mix of comic and chapter book format in this book.
21. Princess Academy by Shannon Hale (Ages 9+)
*Newbery Honor book for 9 year olds
Miri finds herself going from simple family life to attending an academy where she is learning how to possibly be the next princess. Now, she has to decide what direction her future will take.
Miri experiences hardships and trials readers will relate to as they grow to love this strong character. This is book one of three in the series.
22. The Great Shelby Holmes by Elizabeth Eulberg (Ages 8-11)
*Read more in this series!
9-year-old Shelby Holmes is the best detective in her neighborhood. She’s smart and a little bossy. When John Watson moves in downstairs, Shelby may just find the friend and partner that she needs.
Mystery lovers will enjoy a funny spin on classic Holmes and Watson stories.
23. Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder (Ages 5-10)
*award-winning Little House series
Join Laura and her family as they journey through the hardships and adventures of pioneer life in the 1800s. This is the first book of 9 in a series that tell the true stories of Laura’s childhood and family.
24. Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson (Ages 8-11)
*A New York Times Best Children’s Book of the Year
Read the first book in this delightful series and meet Ryan Hart. Ryan knows how to make sunshine out of adversity, see the best in others, and continue to be kind in all circumstances.
Readers will be inspired by the positivity they find in Ryan Hart!
Best Books for 9-year-old Boys
Boys may gravitate toward the fun book choices in this next section.
25. The Best of Iggy by Annie Barrows (Ages 8-11)
9-year-old Iggy has done a few bad things…and he’s not even sorry for most of them. Except for that one time…
Read this humorous book to meet that loveable Iggy Frangi and find out what he did!
26. Nate Rocks the World by Karen Pokras Toz (Ages 8-10)
Life as a fourth-grader can be tough when you are Nathan Rockledge. Thankfully he has a sketchpad and his imagination to help him survive! This is a perfect read for the boy in your life!
27. Menace From the Deep: Killer Species #1 by Michael P. Spradlin (Ages 8-12)
When Emmet has to go to the Everglades for his father’s job, he has no idea what will happen upon arrival. A strange man-made creature has been found dead, and now they are worried about what predators are lurking in the swamp!
<<Read this adventure here! >>
28. Dude, That’s Rude! (Get Some Manners) by Pamela Espeland (Ages 6-11)
Does the 9-year-old in your life need some manners? This fun book will help teach good behavior in many different situations.
Read this book to get some manners and to be more polite! Kids love the cute and humorous drawings.
29. The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier (Ages 8-11)
*A Netflix original series!
Jack Sullivan and his team are on a mission to defeat the monster known as Blarg. They live in a treehouse and for them, life is a video game. This book is both a fun and funny adventure book series!
30. The Losers Club by Andrew Clements (Ages 9-11)
*New York Times Bestselling author
Alec loves to read. So much in fact, that he can’t pay attention in class. He decides to start a Loser’s club so he can have a way to find more reading time without getting into trouble.
But when other kids decide to actually start joining his club, he may find that life outside of his books can get interesting.
31. Power Forward by Hena Khan (Ages 8-11)
Zayd Saleem is a fourth grader that knows he is going to be a basketball legend, even though, right now he’s on the D-team and a little scrawny. Unfortunately, Zayd’s parents are not happy when shooting hoops gets in the way of practicing the violin.
Will Zayd be able to continue playing basketball and go after his dream? Read to find out!
Best Book Series for 9 year-olds
The best way to hook your child into reading is by getting him/her started on a series. I suggest you read the first book in the series with your 9 year old.
32. The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies (Ages 8-10)
When siblings Evan and Jessie decide to see who can sell the most lemonade before the start of school, there’s no telling who will win. The Lemonade War is the first in a five book series that are fun to read (with characters your child will relate to).
33. Diary of a Wimpy Kid # 1 by Jeff Kinney (Ages 7-10)
*Very popular!
Greg Heffley is new to middle school and is glad to have his friend Rowley by his side. Read about their relatable kid adventures in book 1 of this series.
34. The Bad Beginning: A Series of Unfortunate Events Book 1 by Lemony Snicket (Ages 8-12)
*Now a Netflix original series
“If you are interested in stories with happy endings, you would be better off reading some other book.”
Journey along with the three Baudelaire siblings as they face many unfortunate events throughout this series!
35. The Black Stallion (Book 1 in the Adventures Series) by Walter Farley (Ages 7-12)
*Classic book series for 9 year olds
Read this classic tale of a boy and a wild horse and the adventure they take together.
36. The Tail of Emily Windsnap (Book 1 of 9) by Liz Kessler (Ages 8-11)
*New York Times Bestselling series
Emily is in for a surprise when she goes swimming for the first time and her legs turn into a mermaid tail! Then, Emily starts an adventure she never expected to go on to find the truth about her father.
Read The Tail of Emily Windsnap here!
37. I Survived the Attack of the Grizzlies, 1967 (#17 in the series) by Lauren Tarshis (Ages 8-10)
*New York Times Bestselling author
Read another engaging installment in the I Survived series. When visiting Glacier National Park, Melody Vega comes face-to-face with a grizzly bear. Will Mel survive?
Read about a terrifying season in this national park when grizzlies and humans meet.
38. The Sasquatch Escape: (The Imaginary Veterinary: Book 1) by Suzanne Selfors (Ages 6-9)
*Book 1 of 6 in a great series
What happens when your cat brings home a baby dragon?
Ben thinks his summer spent with his grandfather is going to be a drag, but along with a new friend, Pearl, he discovers that the veterinarian in town actually cares for imaginary creatures. What will happen when they accidentally let out sasquatch?
39. Legend of the Star Runner by J. I. Wagner (Ages 7-9)
Timmi Tobbson and friends only have 24 hours to discover the legend of a long-lost pirate ship buried in their city. However, they may find more than they expect aboard the Star Runner!
This unique series allows your child to become a sleuth by reading a story and finding clues in a picture to solve the puzzle.
40. The Danger Gang by Tom Fletcher (Ages 7-11)
*#1 bestselling adventure!
Franky is new in town, but after a storm with green lightning and thunder, the kids on Franky’s street start to get a little…unusual. Soon he realizes that he and his new gang are in danger.
Grab your copy of this exciting adventure!
41. The Wishing Spell: The Land of Stories 1 by Chris Colfer (Ages 8-11)
*#1 New York Times bestselling author
Alex and Conner Bailey are twins that find themselves in a fairy-tale world. They discover that adventures in a fairy-tale are not always easy!
42. Sleepover Sleuths: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew #1 by Carolyn Keene (Ages 6-9)
When Deirdre invites Nancy and her friends over for a sleepover, Deirdre’s doll goes missing. Will Nancy be able to solve this mystery?
43. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling (Ages 7+)
*Best selling books of all time
When Harry attends Hogwarts, a school for wizards, his world is flipped upside down. Along with his new friends, he must solve his first mystery within the walls of his school.
Check out the first book in the magical Harry Potter Series. It is ideal for a 9-year-old who wants to explore magical worlds.
44. Front Desk by Kelly Yang (Ages 9-11)
*New York Times bestselling author of this series
Mia Tang is a 10-year old that has a lot to think about.
She manages the front desk of the motel she lives in with her family. Her parents let immigrants stay in the motel for free and they hide this fact from the owner of the motel. Mia will have to work hard to balance everything that is going on and to go for her writing dreams.
Get your copy of Front Desk here.
45. The Familiars (Book 1) by Adam Jay Epstein (Ages 8-11)
*Goodreads Choice
Aldwyn is an alley cat whose life suddenly changes when he is picked up by Jack, a young wizard, to be his familiar. Now he has to convince the other familiars that he is the magical cat he pretends to be. What will happen when they are captured by the evil queen? Will Aldwyn be able to save them all?
This is a great fantasy novel that even 9 year olds who don’t like to read will adore.
46. Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar (Ages 7-9)
*Newbery Medal-winning author
Prepare to laugh out loud as you read about this very mixed-up school. It was mistakenly built thirty stories tall! There are a lot of sideways things happening inside sideways Wayside school!
47. Fight for Life: Vet Volunteers by Laurie Halse Anderson (Ages 8-12)
Maggie is used to seeing hurt animals as she helps her grandmother at her animal clinic. Join Maggie as she goes on a quest to save abused and sick puppies in book 1 of this series.
48. Silver Arrow by Lev Grossman (Ages 7-11)
*A New York Times bestseller!
Kate and her brother Tom leave their boring lives behind when their Uncle Herbert surprises her with the most unexpected birthday gift ever: a locomotive called the Silver Arrow. Soon, they are off on a magical adventure of a lifetime.
*Test your knowledge with these book trivia quiz questions for kids >>
9 Year Old Nonfiction Books
Nonfiction books for 9 year olds will pique your child’s interest and help reinforce the skill of reading for information.
49. Weird But True Gross: 300 Slimy, Sticky, and Smelly Facts by National Kids (Ages 7-10)
Do you like to be grossed out? This is the book for you!
Read facts and enjoy cool photos of everything slimy, sticky, and icky in this book of the Weird But True Series. Look for more of these highly engaging books!
50. Mistakes That Worked: 40 Familiar Inventions & How They Came to Be by Charlotte Foltz Jones (Ages 7-11)
Can a mistake change the world? Read these unusual true tales and facts about accidental inventions (from silly putty to potato chips)!
51. Kay’s Marvellous Medicine: A Gross and Gruesome History of the Human Body by Adam Kay (Ages 8-12)
*Bestselling author
How did a fart kill ten thousand people?
Why did the ancient Romans eat lying down?
The 9-year-old in your life will laugh out loud at this hilarious (and gross) book about what people in history thought about the human body. Beware! Your child won’t want to put this book down and dinner time discussions may get interesting!
52. Where is the Bermuda Triangle? by Megan Stine (Ages 8-12)
*New York Times Bestselling series
Engage your reluctant or history loving reader with this book all about the Bermuda Triangle. Where is the Bermuda Triangle and what makes it mysterious?
Explore over 250 books in this series and find topics your child will enjoy learning about!
53. Growing Friendships: A Kids’ Guide to Making and Keeping Friends by Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore (Ages 6-9)
If your child’s friendships are getting complicated, this book will help give them support to be a good friend. The author psychologist presents clever strategies with fun cartoons that give your kids the tools they need to thrive in any situation.
54. Zombie Makers: True Stories of Nature’s Undead by Rebecca L. Johnson (Ages 9+)
Meet nature’s zombies and make science come alive in this intriguing book. Full of ick and interesting facts your child is sure to dive into.
55. Science Verse by Jon Scieszka (Ages 5-10)
Kids everywhere will engage in this fun take on science through poetry! Hear science told in a different way with humor and creativity.
56. Sleuth & Solve: History: 20+ Mind-Twisting Mysteries by Ana Gallo (Ages 8-12)
Develop critical and creative thinking skills by solving mysteries as you travel through history. This is the perfect book for the puzzle lover in your life.
Adventure Books for 9-year-olds
Next, adventure books are always popular with 9 year olds!
57. Earthquake Terror by Peg Kehret (Ages 8-11)
*Popular adventure books
In this story, Jonathan goes camping on an island with his family. Soon, Jonathan, his sister, and their dog, find themselves in the middle of an earthquake. Will they be able to save themselves?
Peg Kehret writes adventure stories that draw in all readers. Look for more titles by this beloved author.
58. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo (Ages 7-10)
*Teacher’s Pick
Join a mouse, a cat, a girl, and a Princess as these delightful characters take a unique journey together .
59. Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls (Ages 8-12)
*Bestselling author of Where the Red Fern Grows
A tree full of monkeys in Oklahoma? The monkeys have escaped from a traveling circus and Jay’s family needs the reward money. Adventure with Jay as he learns lessons on the way to finding the monkeys!
60. Up The Creek! by Kevin Miller: 9 Year Olds Books (Ages 8-11)
In this first book in the Milligan Creek Series, four friends canoe down the creek without realizing the freezing and raging rapids they will encounter. In danger, the boys must figure out how to get home!
This a great book series for any kid that loves outdoor adventure, humor, and getting into a little trouble.
61. The Last Last-Day-of Summer by Lamar Giles (Ages 8-11)
Otto and Sheed, two young sleuths, are looking for a little more adventure before the start of school. When a man appears who has a camera that freezes time, Otto and Sheed will have to work together to save their town.
This book is the first of three books in the Legendary Alston Boys Adventures. Find it here!>>
62. Crocodile Rescue! Wild Survival #1 by Melissa Cristina Marquez (Ages 8-12)
Adrianna and her family travel the world for their nature show while they complete daring missions rescuing animals. When they arrive in Cuba to help rescue an injured crocodile, Adrianna’s brother is injured. Adrianna will go to the dangerous lengths of facing a legendary Mega Croc in order to save the show!
This is a great book for animal lovers with facts and illustrations included.
63. Wild Born (Spirit Animals, Book 1) by Brandon Mull (Ages 8-11)
*Teacher’s pick
Join four children on a wild adventure as they discover their spirit animal bond, a link between human and animal that gives powers to both. They must join with their animals to stop a dark force and save the world of Erdas.
Graphic Novels for 9 year-olds
Graphic novels are stories that are told using a combination of words and pictures. They are a great way to hook readers. And there are a lot of excellent graphic novel series available.
64. Big Nate: From the Top (Volume 1) by Lincoln Peirce
*Now an animated series
Nate Wright holds the school record for the most detentions. Kids relate to the humorous struggle of Big Nate’s life at school as they read about his shenanigans. This is the first book in the popular Big Nate series.
65. Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke (Ages 8-12)
Jack dreads summer because he has to take care of his younger sister. It’s a big responsibility because she is autistic. But one day they get a box of mysterious seeds and start an unexpected garden adventure. Jack quickly changes his mind about summer!
66. Kristy’s Great Idea: A Graphic Novel (The Baby-sitter’s Club #1) by Raina Telgemeier (Ages 8-11)
*Read the graphic novels adapted from the original chapter books.
Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, and Stacey are best friends and the members of the Baby-sitters club. They are ready to help and solve any problem that comes their way.
67. Phoebe and Her Unicorn (Volume 1) by Dana Simpson (Ages 6-10)
Adventure with 9-year-old Phoebe and a magic unicorn named Marigold Heavenly Nostrils as they form an unlikely friendship.
68. Katie the Catsitter by Colleen AF Venable (Ages 8-11)
*My daughter’s FAVORITE!
Katie is not looking forward to summer. All of her friends will be away at camp. Katie figures out a way to earn money for camp by catsitting. But these aren’t just any cats…Readers will love this graphic novel series about friendship, heroes, and cats.
69. The Stonekeeper: Amulet #1 by Kazu Kibuishi (Ages 7-11)
*#1 New York Times bestselling series
Emily and Navin’s mom gets captured and they must follow her into a mysterious world with robots, strange plants, and animals that talk. Will they be able to save their mom in this dangerous world?
70. Bounce Back by Misako Rocks! (Ages 8-12)
Starting over is never easy. Lilico loves her life and friends in Japan, but when her family moves to America, she will have to start over. With the help of some new friends and a cat, Lilico starts to feel like she belongs again in Bounce Back.
71. El Deafo by Cece Bell: Books for 9 Year Olds (Ages 7-10)
*Newbery Honor-winning graphic novel
This story follows Cece as she moves to a new school. At this school, Cece is different from the other kids because she wears a hearing aid strapped to her chest to hear her teacher. But she soon discovers that she can not only hear her teacher in the classroom, but everywhere else in the school!
Cece starts to become El Deafo, Listener of All. But more than anything, Cece just wants to find a friend.
Now streaming on Apple TV+
72. Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier (Ages 8-11)
When Catrina and Maya’s family move to Northern California, their neighbor tells them there are ghosts in their new home. Maya who is sick with cystic fibrosis desperately wants to meet one, but Cat is too scared.
Will Cat be brave enough? Read to find out!
Books for 8-10 year-olds
8, 9, and 10 year olds will love the classic books in this section. Use the recommended ages to help hesitant readers build confidence or to challenge stronger readers.
73. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White (Ages 5-9)
*One of America’s top 100 most-loved novels: PBS’s The Great American Read.
A beautiful spider leaves a message in her web to save her friend Wilbur. Charlotte’s Web is a sweet novel about friendship, life, and death that children everywhere have adored for generations.
74. Matilda by Roald Dahl (Ages 6-10)
*Teacher’s pick and beloved author
Matilda is young but clever. When life gets tricky, she may just have a plan to help her loveable teacher and friends.
“Matilda will surely go straight to children’s hearts.”–The New York Times Book Review
75. The Witches by Roald Dahl (Ages 7-10)
*A favorite read aloud
This is not a fairy tale. This is about real witches.
When you are staying at a hotel where real witches are having a convention, things get a little scary. Especially when you discover that witches cannot stand children! Let your imagination run wild with this classic tale from Roald Dahl.
76. The BFG by Roald Dahl (Ages 7-9)
*One of Time Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Books of all time
When Sophie is carried off in the night by the BFG, she thinks she is going to be his breakfast! Thankfully for Sophie, the Big Friendly Giant is not like the other giants that eat children. Sophie teams up with the BGF to help save them!
78. Stella Diaz Has Something to Say by Angela Dominguez (Ages 8-9)
Stella Diaz loves marine animals and spending time with family and her best friend. Stella longs to fit in, but when a new boy joins Stella’s class, she mistakenly speaks Spanish to him instead of English. And she pronounces many of the words wrong.
Will she be able to get over her fears of speaking to make a big presentation to her class? Read to find out!
77. Cilla Lee-Jenkins: Future Author Extraordinaire by Susan Tan (Ages 6-9)
Cilla needs to become a bestselling author and she needs it to happen before her baby sister is born. She has a lot to write about in a short amount of time.
Book lovers and reluctant readers alike will fall in love with Cilla Lee-Jenkins.
79. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown (Ages 7-10)
*Bestselling and award-winning author
When Roz discovers that she is alone on a remote island, she will have to figure out how to survive. Can a robot survive in the wild? And why is she on the island in the first place?
Read this New York Times bestselling 9 year old novel.
80. Any Day With You by Mae Respicio (Ages 8-12)
Kaia will do anything it takes to keep her great-grandfather, Tatang, from moving back to the Philippines. Will she be able to win when she enters her movie into a contest? And will that be enough to keep Tatang with her?
5 easy ways to motivate your 9 year old to read
1. Schedule in time to read.
As your child gets older, it is still important to schedule reading into their routine. Help them find time to read for at least 20-30 minutes each day. (Try this free routine checklist to help)
*Tip: Stash books in your car for when you are on the go!
2. Book choice matters.
Help your kids find a variety of books that interest them and let them choose what to read.
- Get kids hooked on a series. They will continue to read the rest of the series.
- If a student likes a book, check out other books by that same author.
- Introduce a lot of choices in genres: nonfiction, graphic novels, fantasy, etc…
3. Model a love of reading
Make an effort to read in front of your child. Talk about why you like what you are reading and what you are learning. Read aloud things your child may find interesting. They will value reading if they know you do.
4. Continue to read aloud and with your child.
Read aloud continues to build reading skills such as vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. Plus, both kids and parents enjoy this meaningful time together.
“Read-aloud is a prescription for lifelong success for the child and a dose of deep well-being for the family.”-Pam Allyn, Senior Vice President, Innovation & Development, Scholastic Education
5. Try a reading challenge!
Check out these reading challenge ideas for both adults and kids to enjoy more reading with your child.
Grab the Free Printable Book List for 9 Year Olds
To Consider with books for 9-year-olds
The books on this list came highly recommended by teachers, parents, and 9-year-olds themselves. We hope you enjoy them!
Let us know what your child is loving to read!
Check out these other reading lists!
- Best books for 6 year olds
- Best Books for 7 year olds
- Best Books for 10 year olds
- Best Chapter Books For 8 Year Olds
