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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect reading adventure for your 9-year-old? Look no further! Our guide to the best box set books for 9-year-olds is packed with captivating series that promise to keep young readers hooked. From magical quests to thrilling mysteries, we’ve curated a diverse list of box sets that are perfect for both eager and reluctant readers. Keep reading to discover our top picks and find the ideal set that will transport your child to worlds of wonder and excitement!

Fun Box Set Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter Box Set (Books 1-7) by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Magic
  • Synopsis: Follow the journey of Harry Potter, a young wizard, as he attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, makes close friends, and faces the dark wizard who threatens the magical world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical series that boosts imagination and introduces themes of friendship, courage, and the importance of choices.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic and adventure, and anyone new to lengthy novels.

• Percy Jackson and the Olympians Boxed Set by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is thrust into a world of Greek mythology where he must fulfill prophecies and battle legendary monsters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventures with Greek mythology, making it educational and exciting, which is great for keeping kids engaged.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure stories and mythology, especially those who enjoy fast-paced, humorous narratives.

• The Chronicles of Narnia Box Set by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christian Allegory
  • Synopsis: This series takes readers through the magical world of Narnia, where children play crucial roles in shaping its history and battling the forces of evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a blend of adventure, fantasy, and moral lessons, ideal for young readers expanding their view of right and wrong.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy epic tales and allegorical stories, or anyone who loves exploring fantastical worlds.

• Roald Dahl Collection by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This collection features beloved stories like "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "Matilda," and "James and the Giant Peach," each filled with whimsical adventures and unique characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: Dahl's use of language is playful and inventive, which helps in developing a love for reading and creative thinking.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories with a mix of humor, whimsy, and moral lessons, and those who appreciate imaginative storytelling.

• A Series of Unfortunate Events Box: The Complete Wreck (Books 1-13) by Lemony Snicket
  • Genre(s): Gothic Fiction, Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Follow the tumultuous lives of the Baudelaire orphans as they face trials, misfortunes, and an evil uncle who is after their fortune.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its unique narrative style and vocabulary-building potential make it a smart choice for developing readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who like mystery and adventure, and those who can appreciate a bit of dark humor.

• The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Completely Fantastical Edition by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After moving into the dilapidated Spiderwick Estate, three siblings discover a secret world of faeries and other creatures hidden from the human eye.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with action and fantastical creatures, perfect for sparking imagination and encouraging exploration.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love discovering hidden worlds and unraveling mysteries.

Educational Box Set Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Magic Tree House Boxed Set by Mary Pope Osborne
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow siblings Jack and Annie as they travel through time and around the world with the help of a magical tree house, encountering dinosaurs, ancient empires, and thrilling adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: History, geography, problem-solving, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating series that combines fun with education, teaching history and geography through engaging stories.
  • Perfect for: Curious young readers who enjoy time travel and learning about different cultures and historical periods.

• The Boxcar Children Books 1-4 by Gertrude Chandler Warner
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four orphaned siblings make a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar and solve various mysteries that come their way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, family values, independence
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes values like resourcefulness and resilience through mysterious and engaging plots.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love mysteries and stories about sibling bonds and adventures.

• Amelia Bedelia Chapter Book 10-Book Box Set by Herman Parish, illustrated by Lynne Avril
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This series follows the hilariously literal-minded Amelia Bedelia as she navigates the complexities of everyday tasks, creating chaos and laughter at every turn.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Language arts, comprehension of figurative language, humor
  • Why we recommend this book: Amelia Bedelia's adventures are not only humorous but also a great tool for teaching the subtleties of language and idioms.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy comedy and learning language nuances through funny misunderstandings.

• The Never Girls Collection #1 (Books 1-4) by Kiki Thorpe, illustrated by Jana Christy
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four friends find themselves in the magical land of Never Land and embark on various adventures with the fairies they meet.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Friendship, imagination, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical series that encourages imagination and the value of friendships through fantastical adventures.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of fairies and magical encounters and enjoy tales of friendship and adventure.

• The Bad Guys Box Set: Books 1-5 by Aaron Blabey
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A group of notorious animal bad guys tries to become heroes by freeing other animals and fighting against bigger villains.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, moral reasoning, humor
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny and engaging series that flips the script on good vs. evil, encouraging readers to think about redemption and the nature of heroism.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a good laugh along with their action-packed adventures and stories about unlikely heroes.

Challenging Box Set Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Mysterious Benedict Society Collection 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 solve a series of puzzles and stop a global crisis.
  • Why this book is challenging: The puzzles and mysteries within the books require critical thinking and problem-solving, challenging advanced readers to think creatively and analytically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages teamwork, intelligence, and perseverance, all wrapped up in an exciting, suspenseful narrative.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and using their brains to solve complex challenges.

• The Inheritance Cycle Boxed Set (Books 1-4) by Christopher Paolini
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Epic
  • Synopsis: This series follows the journey of Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, as they struggle to overthrow a tyrant king and restore peace to their homeland.
  • Why this book is challenging: The series features a complex world with its own languages and a detailed magical system, which demands higher-level reading comprehension and engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a richly detailed narrative with complex characters and themes of heroism, duty, and the struggle between good and evil.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy epic tales and detailed fantasy worlds.

• The Wrinkle in Time Quintet Box Set by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures of Meg Murry and her friends as they travel across dimensions to battle against cosmic evil forces using science and love.
  • Why this book is is challenging: The series introduces concepts of theoretical physics, complex themes of good versus evil, and sophisticated vocabulary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines science fiction with deep philosophical questions, ideal for young readers to explore complex ideas in an accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in science and fantasy, and those who enjoy stories that challenge their perception of the universe.

• The Earthsea Cycle Boxed Set by Ursula K. Le Guin
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This series follows the tale of Ged, a young boy with innate magical powers, as he grows into a powerful wizard and travels through the islands of Earthsea facing various magical threats.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features intricate world-building, deep philosophical underpinnings, and themes that explore the balance of power and the nature of identity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thought-provoking series that encourages readers to think about personal responsibility and the consequences of one's actions in a richly crafted fantasy setting.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who appreciate deep stories with layers of meaning and a strong, evolving protagonist.

• His Dark Materials Boxed Set by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry travel through parallel universes meeting various beings and uncovering profound cosmic secrets.
  • Why this book is challenging: The series tackles complex themes such as theology, philosophy, and physics, blending them with high-stakes adventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thrilling adventure combined with intellectual stimulation, challenging readers to think critically about the nature of reality and human existence.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are not only looking for action but also deep, thought-provoking narratives.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

When diving into box set books, 9-year-olds can embark on exciting adventures and learn heaps along the way. To make the most of these reading experiences, here are some exercises that can help develop solid reading habits at this curious age. These exercises are not only fun but also educational, fostering a lifelong love for reading.

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Designate a special place at home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages a routine and provides a comfortable, distraction-free environment.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions or posters.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Set specific, achievable reading goals, like finishing a chapter each day.
  • How it helps: Helps maintain a consistent reading habit and gives a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Use a chart or stickers to visually track progress, making it more rewarding.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a small reading group with friends to discuss each book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and makes reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Host a monthly book club meeting where kids can discuss what they've read.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Dedicate time to read stories aloud with family or friends.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and listening skills.
  • Tips: Take turns reading to develop confidence and engage with the story.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Boosts comprehension and allows creative expression.
  • Tips: Share the drawings with family members or friends to discuss their thoughts about the story.

• Use a Reading Timer
  • What it is: Use a timer to set specific durations for reading without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Helps build focus and teaches time management.
  • Tips: Start with short intervals and gradually increase the time as concentration improves.

By incorporating these exercises into their daily routine, 9-year-olds can enhance their reading skills and enjoy their box set books even more. These activities not only improve literacy but also make reading an enjoyable and rewarding part of everyday life. So, grab that box set, pick an exercise, and let the adventures begin!