10+ Best Books for 9-Year-Old Girl w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for the perfect books for a 9-year-old girl? You're in the right place! Whether she's a voracious reader or just getting into the swing of chapter books, finding engaging and age-appropriate reading material can be a game-changer. In this blog, we've rounded up a diverse selection of books that are sure to capture her imagination and keep her hooked. Keep reading to discover our top picks for books for 9-year-old girls that promise to be instant favorites!

Fun Books for 9-Year-Old Girl

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of a brilliant and sensitive girl named Matilda, who uses her talents to manage life with her crude and distant parents, as well as a tyrannical school principal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, showing how they can be used to overcome obstacles and stand up for oneself.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of triumph and kids who feel misunderstood.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal story
  • Synopsis: This tender novel follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a clever spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur faces the possibility of being slaughtered, Charlotte crafts a plan to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and stories about friendship.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who loves music and reading, on a quest to save a human princess.
  • Why we recommend this book: The book encourages bravery and compassion, and it explores themes of forgiveness and redemption.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy tales of courage and unlikely heroes.

• Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Pippi Longstocking is an eccentric, super-strong girl who lives alone with her horse and monkey, having adventures and bucking the conventions of how children "should" behave.
  • Why we recommend this book: Pippi's independence and unorthodox approaches to problems celebrate individuality and the spirit of adventure.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate humor and stories of independence and adventure.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, finds a neglected garden and begins restoring it with the help of her cousin Colin and new friend Dickon, discovering joy and friendship in the process.
  • Why we recommend this book: It illustrates the healing power of nature and friendship, and shows how nurturing something can help heal one's own heart.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about transformation and the healing power of nature.

Educational Books for 9-Year-Old Girl

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: This enchanting book tells the story of a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally infused with moon magic as a baby and raised by a witch. As Luna grows, her magic becomes both a dangerous threat and a powerful gift.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding of narrative structure, and development of a moral compass
  • Why we recommend this book: It's beautifully written, with complex characters and a compelling plot that intertwines magic with emotional depth.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love magical stories and exploring complex characters and themes.

• 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: Problem-solving, teamwork, logical reasoning, and creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines brain-teasing puzzles with thrilling adventures, making it both educational and highly entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy puzzles, mysteries, and working as part of a team.

• Ivy + Bean by Annie Barrows, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Humor
  • Synopsis: This series follows two unlikely friends, Ivy and Bean, who are complete opposites but find common ground in their mischievous adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, friendship dynamics, and creative problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, easy read that captures the essence of childhood friendships and the adventures that come with them.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about friendship and playful mischief.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers around Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial deformity, as he attends a mainstream school for the first time. Readers experience his challenges and triumphs, as well as perspectives from those around him.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of diversity, social skills, and resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches kindness and the importance of accepting others, regardless of their appearance or differences.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are learning about empathy and the value of accepting everyone's unique qualities.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this beautifully illustrated novel follows Hugo, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station. He becomes wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, mechanical understanding, and problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: The novel's unique mix of text and illustration drives a compelling narrative that captures the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are interested in history, mysteries, and stories told through both words and art.

Challenging Books for 9-Year-Old Girl

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe as they embark on a journey through space and time to rescue Meg's father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel introduces complex concepts of physics and metaphysics, intertwined with sophisticated themes of good versus evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to think critically about complex subjects while enjoying a thrilling adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and fantasy, and those who love stories about courage and family bonds.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and disinterested in learning, 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 creatively plays with language and introduces philosophical ideas in an accessible way, making learning fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy clever humor and intellectual challenges.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This beloved novel tells the story of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is accidentally sent to live with siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert in the fictional town of Avonlea.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative uses rich, descriptive prose and explores complex themes of belonging, change, and growth.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's adventures and misadventures teach valuable life lessons about perseverance, friendship, and the importance of imagination.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love vivid storytelling and exploring emotional and personal development.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: This poetic tale features a young prince who travels the universe gaining insights into human nature through conversations with different inhabitants of the planets he visits.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with profound themes such as loneliness, love, loss, and the absurdity of adult behavior, presented through allegorical storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers deep reflections on life and human nature that can inspire important discussions about personal values and the complexities of life.
  • Perfect for: Thoughtful readers who appreciate deep stories that explore philosophical questions.

• From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Claudia Kincaid, a precocious girl, and her brother Jamie run away from home to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they become embroiled in a mystery involving a statue purchased by the museum.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story incorporates complex themes of family dynamics, personal growth, and self-discovery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with a cerebral mystery and encourages independence and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and adventurers who enjoy solving puzzles and exploring new environments.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 9-year-old girl develop strong reading habits, you're in the right place. Here are some engaging and fun exercises that can help foster a love for reading and improve her reading skills. Let's dive in!

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or minutes to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and builds a daily reading habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Cozy Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in the house just for reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and enjoyable activity.
  • Tips: Let her personalize the space with comfy cushions and her favorite books.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a small book club with her friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a social activity and encourages discussion.
  • Tips: Choose books that all members will enjoy and discuss them regularly.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Spend time reading a book aloud together.
  • How it helps: Improves her listening and comprehension skills.
  • Tips: Take turns reading and use different voices for different characters to make it fun.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize educational apps designed for young readers.
  • How it helps: Integrates technology with reading, making learning interactive.
  • Tips: Choose apps that are age-appropriate and have positive reviews.

• Visit the Library Regularly
  • What it is: Schedule regular visits to the local library.
  • How it helps: Exposes her to a wide variety of books and genres.
  • Tips: Let her choose books herself to increase her interest in reading.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart to track reading progress and reward achievements.
  • How it helps: Motivates her by recognizing her efforts and achievements.
  • Tips: Offer rewards that are meaningful to her, like extra playtime or a small treat.

Implementing these exercises can significantly enhance your little girl’s reading skills and make her reading journey exciting and enjoyable. Encourage her to try different exercises and find out which ones she enjoys the most. Happy reading!