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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for your nine-year-old? Look no further! Our roundup of bestseller books for 9-year-olds is packed with captivating stories that promise to keep young readers hooked. From thrilling adventures to heartwarming tales, we've scoured the shelves to bring you the best of the best. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to delight any eager young reader!

Fun Bestseller Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the Harry Potter series where young Harry learns that he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here, he makes friends and enemies and discovers his fate as the boy who lived.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces magic in a way that ignites imagination and curiosity, perfect for capturing the minds of young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love magic, mystery, and a good adventure.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic, Animal story
  • Synopsis: This beloved novel tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages praising Wilbur 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.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and stories about friendships.

• The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • 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’s a thrilling introduction to Greek mythology, woven into a modern-day setting, which makes learning fun and accessible.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in fantasy adventures and mythology.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: The book is a journal of Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges and embarrassments of middle school life.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its humorous take on everyday middle school issues makes reading enjoyable and relatable for kids.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy laughter mixed with a bit of cringe-worthy adolescence.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a young girl with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers who uses her abilities to manage life with her mean parents and headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, encouraging readers to embrace their own strengths and stand up against wrongdoing.
  • Perfect for: Intelligent young readers and those who appreciate a bit of mischief and justice.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences, as he attends school for the first time and strives for acceptance and kindness from his new classmates.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes empathy, kindness, and the importance of accepting others, regardless of their appearance.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are learning about empathy and the value of kindness towards others.

These books not only entertain but also offer valuable lessons and foster a love for reading.

Educational Bestseller Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal story
  • Synopsis: This novel is based on the true story of Ivan, a gorilla who lived in a shopping mall for 27 years before being moved to a zoo. Ivan shares his experiences and the story of his friends, including an elephant named Stella and a stray dog named Bob.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare awareness, creative storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that teaches compassion and the importance of a proper habitat for animals.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in real animal stories.

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When Roz, a robot, finds herself on a remote, wild island, she must learn to survive and navigate the wilderness. She adapts, learns from the island's animal inhabitants, and begins to explore the true meaning of community and friendship.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental science, technology, adaptation, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines technology with nature in a narrative that highlights the importance of harmony between technology and the environment.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in robots, nature, and survival stories.

• 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 at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must solve a series of puzzles and stop a global crisis.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, logic
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to think independently and creatively while stressing the importance of teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and problem solvers who love puzzles and mysteries.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Nick Allen invents a new word, "frindle," for what is commonly known as a pen, sparking a series of events that captures the nation's attention.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Innovation, vocabulary, language arts, understanding of media influence
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the power of words and creativity, encouraging readers to see how small ideas can make a big impact.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young innovators who enjoy a good laugh and a clever plot.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This story follows Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with large ears, on his quest to save a human princess named Pea. It intertwines with the tales of other characters, exploring themes of bravery, love, and redemption.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, moral reasoning, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written fairy tale that emphasizes the values of courage and forgiveness.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fairy tales with unlikely heroes and heartfelt messages.

Challenging Bestseller Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After the murder of his family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of life, death, and belonging, using a sophisticated narrative structure that intertwines various subplots.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on growth and community, wrapped in an engaging and spooky adventure.
  • Perfect for: Fans of supernatural stories and young readers looking for a thrilling yet profound tale.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, discovers a neglected garden after the death of her parents. As she brings the garden back to life, she transforms her own life and that of her sickly cousin.
  • Why this book is challenging: The use of symbolic and thematic depth in exploring themes of rebirth and healing can be complex for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages resilience and self-discovery, showing how nurturing something can lead to personal growth and healing.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy transformation stories and exploring nature.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and disinterested in learning, 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.
  • Why this book is challenging: It plays with language and logic in ways that require critical thinking and a sophisticated understanding of wordplay.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative journey that celebrates the joys of learning and the richness of language.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, word games, and creative adventures.

• 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 travel through space and time to save their father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel introduces complex scientific and philosophical concepts, including tesseracts and the battle between good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends science fiction with a deep moral narrative, encouraging readers to think about the universe and their place in it.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and fantasy, and those who like stories about courage and family bonds.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, an orphan boy named Hugo lives in the walls of a train station, maintaining the clocks and trying to solve the mystery left behind by his father with a broken automaton.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's sophisticated narrative, which includes a large portion of the story told through intricate illustrations, requires interpretative and inferential skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a visually stunning book that combines text and art to tell a captivating story of mystery and discovery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate art and storytelling, and those who enjoy historical settings.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to get your 9-year-old into the habit of reading bestsellers, here are some fun and effective exercises to encourage good reading habits. These activities are designed not only to keep them engaged but also to enhance their understanding and enjoyment of reading.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Establish a specific number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in the house just for reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and inviting space that can make reading a pleasure.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club where your child and their friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension through discussion and makes reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Schedule regular meetings and let the kids take turns choosing the books.

• Theme Days
  • What it is: Dedicate days to read books related to specific themes or topics.
  • How it helps: Broadens knowledge and keeps the reading material diverse and exciting.
  • Tips: Themes can be anything from science fiction day to history day, depending on what interests your child.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Spend time reading a book aloud together.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and makes reading a shared, bonding activity.
  • Tips: Try to make the sessions interactive by discussing the plot, characters, and setting as you go.

• Reading Challenge Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks the number of books read over a period.
  • How it helps: Motivates children to read more and lets them visually track their progress.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards for reaching certain milestones to keep the enthusiasm high.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Encourage your child to draw scenes or characters from the book they are reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the story and promotes creativity.
  • Tips: Provide a variety of art supplies and maybe even join in on the drawing fun!

Implementing these exercises can make reading a fun and habitual part of your child's daily routine. Not only will these activities keep them engaged, but they'll also foster a deeper love for books. Happy reading!