10+ Best Books for 9-13-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect books for 9-13-year-olds? Whether you're looking to spark a tween's love of reading or keep their bookshelf fresh and exciting, finding the right books can be a game-changer. In this blog, we've rounded up a variety of top picks that are sure to capture the imagination of young readers. Keep reading to discover our carefully curated lists of books that will entertain and inspire your young reader!

Fun Books for 9-13-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book introduces Harry Potter, an eleven-year-old who discovers he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he makes friends, enemies, and uncovers the truth about his parents' mysterious deaths.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its magical world and relatable themes like friendship and courage.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and adventure.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: 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 embarks on a quest to find the real thief and prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventure with Greek mythology, making it both educational and exciting.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure and mythology, or anyone who enjoys action-packed stories.

• 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 in fifth grade and strives for acceptance and kindness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and the importance of accepting others, no matter their appearance.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy heartfelt stories and learning about the experiences of others.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After the mysterious murder of his family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where ghosts raise him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a captivating tale that mixes suspense with a coming-of-age story in a unique setting.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy spooky stories with a strong sense of adventure.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children’s Literature
  • Synopsis: This classic tale follows Wilbur, a pig who forms a friendship with a spider named Charlotte. Charlotte crafts words into her web to save Wilbur from being slaughtered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a story of friendship and sacrifice, filled with lessons about love and loss.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and stories about friendships.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by 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 we recommend this book: It challenges young readers with puzzles and mysteries, encouraging problem-solving and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and using their brains to solve challenges.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: The book is a journal of Greg Heffley’s daily adventures, challenges, and embarrassing moments, all told through drawings and simple text.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s extremely relatable and funny, making reading enjoyable and accessible.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy humor and stories about school life and growing up.

Educational Books for 9-13-Year-Olds

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic, Coming of Age
  • Synopsis: A story about a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As Luna grows, her magic begins to emerge with dangerous consequences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, empathy, understanding complex narratives
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully intertwines themes of love, growth, and the power of the unknown with magical storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy intricate fantasies and stories about witchcraft and magic.

• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
  • Genre(s): Biography, Poetry
  • Synopsis: This memoir in verse tells the story of the author’s childhood, spent in both the North and the South of the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, exploring her awareness of race and her development as a writer.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, historical context, poetic techniques
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant look at the African American experience through lyrical poetry and vivid memories.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history, poetry, and personal growth stories.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is told from the perspective of Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a mall and hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal rights awareness, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story that encourages compassion towards animals and reflection on the consequences of captivity.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who enjoy stories told from an animal’s perspective.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley is an avid gamer and fan of all games—board

Challenging Books for 9-13-Year-Olds

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: The story follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin as they embark on a journey through space and time to rescue Meg's father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex concepts such as quantum physics and the battle between good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and scientific curiosity while exploring deep themes of love and family.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science fiction and complex narrative structures.

• 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 book is rich in wordplay, puns, and abstract concepts that challenge comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and clever journey that promotes creativity and a deeper understanding of language and mathematics.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, word games, and thinking outside the box.

• His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Young Lyra Belacqua journeys to the Arctic in search of her kidnapped friend and uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex themes such as theology, philosophy, and physics within a multi-layered plot.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a richly imagined world with a strong, intelligent female protagonist and a story that encourages questioning and exploration.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy detailed world-building and thought-provoking themes.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this novel tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich who steals books and shares them with her neighbors and the Jewish man hiding in her basement.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with the horrors of the Holocaust and the power of words through a unique narrative voice—the Grim Reaper.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides historical insight while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit and the power of books.
  • Perfect for: Mature young readers interested in history and poignant, powerful storytelling.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: Sixteen heirs compete to solve the puzzle of Sam Westing's death, paired off and given clues to figure out who among them is the murderer.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is complex with intricate puzzles and a large cast of characters, each with their own secrets.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing mystery that encourages critical thinking and attention to detail.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and any reader who loves a good puzzle and a twisty plot.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! Are you looking for some fun ways to help your 9-13-year-olds develop awesome reading habits? Well, you're in the right place! Below are some exercises designed specifically for young readers. These will not only make reading more engaging but also improve their comprehension and enjoyment. Let’s dive in!

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Choose a number of pages or a set amount of time to read every day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and helps build a reading routine.
  • Tips: Start small and gradually increase the goal as reading becomes a more comfortable part of daily life.

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

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Start a book club where your child and their friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a social activity and enhances understanding through discussion.
  • Tips: They can take turns choosing the book to ensure that everyone's interests are catered to.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Incorporate technology by using an app that tracks reading progress or provides reading challenges.
  • How it helps: Adds a fun, digital twist to reading and can offer interactive story elements.
  • Tips: Choose apps that are age-appropriate and have educational value.

• Read Aloud Days
  • What it is: Dedicate specific days where you read a book aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and makes reading a family activity.
  • Tips: Alternate who reads each page to keep the activity engaging.

• Graphic Novel Exploration
  • What it is: Introduce a variety of graphic novels suitable for their age group.
  • How it helps: Visual storytelling can spark interest in reading and help with comprehension.
  • Tips: Encourage discussions about the artwork as well as the story.

• Follow Along with Audiobooks
  • What it is: Listen to audiobooks of the books your child is reading.
  • How it helps: Helps improve listening skills and can make reading less daunting.
  • Tips: Play the audiobook during a commute or quiet time at home.

Wrapping up, these exercises are not just about reading more books; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of your child’s life. By engaging in these activities, your young reader will develop a love for reading that could last a lifetime. So, why not start today? Happy reading!