10+ Best Books for 7-9-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect books for 7-9-year-olds that will keep your young reader engaged and excited? Finding the right book can be a game-changer, sparking a lifelong love of reading. Whether you're looking for a birthday gift or just want to refresh their reading list, we've got you covered. Keep reading to discover our curated selections of books for 7-9-year-olds that are sure to captivate and inspire!

Fun Books for 7-9-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte uses her web to write messages praising Wilbur, aiming to save his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life in a manner that's accessible and engaging to 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 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's a magical story that sparks imagination with its creative language and whimsical plot, making reading a delightful experience.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and imaginative thinkers who enjoy tales of friendship and courage.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book is a journal of Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges and misadventures of middle school life, with its numerous humorous illustrations enhancing the story.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its relatable storyline and humorous approach keep readers entertained and can help develop a love for reading through laughter.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good laugh and those who might see themselves in the awkward stages of middle school.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a bright, young girl with terrible parents and an even worse school principal, Miss Trunchbull. Matilda discovers she has a special telekinetic power and uses it to defend her friends and punish the wicked adults in her life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, encouraging readers to believe in their own power to overcome obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or underappreciated and enjoy stories where children outsmart adults.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story tells the tale of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It explores his adventures as he seeks to save the princess from darkness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming adventure that teaches lessons about bravery, forgiveness, and the importance of being true to oneself.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and young romantics, as well as fans of classic fairy tales with a twist.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt. He must embark on a quest across the United States to find it and restore order to Olympus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines exciting adventures with Greek mythology, making it both educational and thrilling.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring heroes and any child interested in mythology or action-packed stories.

Educational Books for 7-9-Year-Olds

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: Ada Twist is a very curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to answer her many questions about the world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, scientific inquiry, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity and perseverance, especially in science, and shows that it's okay to not have all the answers right away.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and any curious child with a thirst for knowledge about how things work.

• The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Educational, Science
  • Synopsis: Ms. Frizzle takes her class on a wild ride in the Magic School Bus to explore the layers of the Earth, from crust to core.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Earth science, geology, observation skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning about Earth's structure exciting and accessible, encouraging an interest in science through adventure and fun.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love adventure and science, and those who enjoy learning in unconventional ways.

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon
  • Genre(s): Biography, Inspirational, Science
  • Synopsis: This book tells the true story of a boy from Malawi who builds a windmill from scraps to bring electricity and water to his village.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Innovation, engineering, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale of how ingenuity and determination can change communities and improve lives.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and environmentalists, and any child interested in stories of real-life heroes.

• What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This is a story about a child who has an idea, initially unsure what to do with it, but eventually realizes that it could be something great.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, confidence, individuality
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages kids to embrace their unique ideas and see the potential in their creative thoughts.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young dreamers, and any child learning to value their own ideas.

• National Geographic Kids Why?: Over 1,111 Answers to Everything by Crispin Boyer
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational, Science
  • Synopsis: This book is packed with answers to over a thousand questions kids might ask, covering a wide range of topics from science to history and beyond.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: General knowledge, curiosity, comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It satisfies curious minds and provides a lot of factual information in an engaging and accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Inquisitive kids who have endless questions about the world around them.

Challenging Books for 7-9-Year-Olds

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A bored young boy named Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Kingdom of Wisdom, where he embarks on a quest to rescue the princesses Rhyme and Reason.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story is rich with puns, wordplay, and complex themes about the importance of learning and thinking, which can be challenging for younger readers to fully grasp.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and creativity, offering a fun and imaginative way to explore the significance of knowledge and education.
  • Perfect for: Young thinkers and anyone who enjoys a story that plays with language and deeper meanings.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a spoiled and unhealthy child, is sent to live with her reclusive uncle in Yorkshire, where she discovers a neglected garden that she decides to restore.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel features themes of loss, rebirth, and the healing power of nature, which are profound and thought-provoking for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that explores themes of friendship, healing, and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about discovery and transformation, and those interested in nature.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • 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 stop a global crisis.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book involves complex puzzles, advanced vocabulary, and intricate plot twists that require careful reading and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence, teamwork, and the courage to face formidable challenges.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and problem solvers who love puzzles and strategic thinking.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Classic
  • Synopsis: Young Alice tumbles down a rabbit hole into Wonderland, a bizarre world of whimsical characters and nonsensical adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is filled with playful linguistic quirks, paradoxes, and a deep layer of symbolism that can be complex for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless classic that stretches the imagination and challenges perceptions of reality and logic.
  • Perfect for: Readers with a love for the absurd and whimsical, and those who enjoy stories that make them think differently about the world.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: A pilot stranded in the desert meets a young prince from another planet with stories of interstellar travel and encounters with various adults who embody human follies.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves profound philosophical questions about life, love, and human nature into its seemingly simple story.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers deep lessons on the simplicity of life and the importance of looking beneath the surface.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who ponder big questions and appreciate tales that carry deeper meanings.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-9-year-olds develop great reading habits, incorporating some fun and engaging exercises can make a world of difference. Here are a few exercises that not only make reading enjoyable but also enhance their skills:

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a comfortable and inviting space dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading by providing a special place to enjoy books.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book Bingo
  • What it is: A bingo game where each square represents a different type of book or reading activity.
  • How it helps: Makes reading diverse books fun and exciting.
  • Tips: Reward completing a row or full card with a small prize or extra storytime.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Before reading a new book, have your child predict the plot or the ending.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and analytical thinking.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions after finishing the book to compare with the actual story.

• Reading Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading a book aloud together with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves vocabulary and reading fluency.
  • Tips: Alternate who reads each page to keep it interactive and engaging.

• Character Role-Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from a book with your child taking on the role of a favorite character.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of the character and story.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more immersive fun.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about creating memorable experiences around books. By making reading a fun and integral part of your child's daily routine, you're setting them up for a lifetime of literary enjoyment and success. Happy reading!