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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect chapter books for 7-9-year-olds? Finding age-appropriate and engaging books can be a game-changer for young readers, sparking a lifelong love of reading. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or simply a book enthusiast, you've come to the right place. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of chapter books that are sure to captivate and inspire 7-to-9-year-old readers. Let's dive into the world of adventure and imagination!

Fun Chapter Books for 7-9-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows a young pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte crafts clever messages in her web to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life in a gentle, accessible way that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and heartwarming stories.

• The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This series features siblings Jack and Annie who discover a tree house filled with books that can transport them through time and space on various adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces history and science through engaging, magical adventures that spark curiosity and a love for learning.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and budding history buffs.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A little girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike his peers, refuses to eat boys and girls. Together, they embark on a mission to stop the other giants from eating children.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its imaginative plot and creative language make reading fun and engaging, encouraging a lifelong love of books.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and anyone who enjoys whimsical, fantastical stories.

• 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 triumphs of middle school life, with all its embarrassing and hilarious moments.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its relatable humor and unique format (a mix of text and cartoons) make it especially appealing to reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy comedy and stories about school life.

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christian Allegory
  • Synopsis: Four siblings enter the magical world of Narnia through a wardrobe to find a land cursed to eternal winter by an evil witch. They join forces with Aslan, a noble lion, to break the curse.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventures with profound themes like courage, sacrifice, and redemption.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love epic tales and fantasy worlds.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This story follows Despereaux Tilling, a brave mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It intertwines his tale with that of a servant girl and a rat with their own missions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that celebrates bravery and the power of storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and anyone who loves an underdog story.

• Judy Moody by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Judy Moody navigates the ups and downs of third grade with a unique flair as she experiences moods that spark adventures and form friendships.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of fun, relatable scenarios that help young readers navigate their own emotions and social situations.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy realistic stories with humorous reflections on everyday life.

Educational Chapter Books for 7-9-Year-Olds

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story is narrated by Ivan, a silverback gorilla who lives in a cage at a mall. Ivan rarely misses his life in the jungle, instead focusing on his friends, the elephant Stella and the stray dog Bob, until a baby elephant named Ruby arrives and changes everything.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare awareness, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that blends humor and poignancy to explore themes of friendship, art, and the importance of a nurturing environment.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in stories about resilience and compassion.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, School Story
  • Synopsis: Fifth-grader Nick Allen knows how to make school more interesting. When he decides to call his pen a "frindle," it sets off a chain reaction that changes everything, sparking a battle with his language arts teacher and making waves beyond his school.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary building, creativity, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the power of words and ideas, encouraging readers to think about language and innovation in new ways.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young innovators.

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Edward Tulane, a porcelain rabbit, loves only himself until he's lost by the little girl who adores him. His long journey home teaches him about love, loss, and the courage to open his heart.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, empathy, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully crafted tale that teaches valuable life lessons through the adventures of its unlikely hero.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy heartfelt stories and emotional growth.

• Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows by Asia Citro, illustrated by Marion Lindsay
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Zoey discovers she can see magical creatures and must use her science skills to help a sick baby dragon. Each book in the series presents a new magical animal problem solved through scientific method and critical thinking.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, problem-solving, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fantasy with science in a way that makes learning fun and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Budding scientists and lovers of magical creatures.

• Leroy Ninker Saddles Up: Tales from Deckawoo Drive by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Leroy Ninker dreams of being a cowboy, but he's missing one important thing: a horse. His quest to find one leads him to Maybelline, a horse who likes compliments and spaghetti, sparking a friendship full of adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Friendship dynamics, imaginative play, vocabulary
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and heartwarming story that encourages readers to follow their dreams, no matter how quirky they may be.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring cowboys and cowgirls and anyone who enjoys humorous tales.

Challenging Chapter Books for 7-9-Year-Olds

• 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 solve a series of puzzles and stop a global crisis.
  • Why this book is challenging: The complex puzzles and riddles integrated into the plot require advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages strategic thinking and teamwork while delivering a thrilling, intellectually engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle enthusiasts who thrive on challenges.

• 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, a surreal region where he embarks on a quest to rescue the princesses of Rhyme and Reason.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical ideas that challenge young readers to think about the world in new ways.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative journey that celebrates the joys of learning and the power of curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love word games and creative problem-solving.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this illustrated novel follows young orphan Hugo as he tries to solve the mystery of a broken automaton and a hidden message from his late father, intertwining with the history of cinema.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's intricate narrative structure and detailed illustrations require careful reading and interpretation skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully merges visual and textual storytelling to create a captivating mystery that also educates about the history of movies.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and young historians with a penchant for mystery.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magical Realism
  • Synopsis: In a town that sacrifices a baby each year to the witch in the forest, one child, Luna, is raised by the witch herself, who feeds her moonlight and unlocks magical powers within her.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves complex themes of power, love, and sacrifice with rich, poetic language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a profound and beautifully told story that explores deep themes through the lens of a magical fantasy.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy deep, thought-provoking stories filled with magic and emotion.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a spoiled and sickly child, transforms into a spirited and compassionate girl as she discovers a neglected garden on her uncle's gloomy estate and decides to restore it.
  • Why this book is challenging: The sophisticated themes of loss, healing, and transformation are interlaced with descriptive, early 20th-century prose.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless tale that teaches the values of care, friendship, and the healing power of nature.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate nature and stories of personal growth and rejuvenation.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you've got a young reader at home or are looking to help a 7-9-year-old dive deeper into the world of chapter books, here are some fun and effective exercises to develop good reading habits. These activities are designed not just to improve reading skills but also to make reading a more engaging and enjoyable experience.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, comfortable space dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading by creating a pleasant, inviting environment.
  • 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 genres and books fun and exciting.
  • Tips: Reward a completed row or full house with a small prize or extra reading time.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading a chapter book aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and comprehension, and models fluent reading.
  • Tips: Change your tone and voice for different characters to keep it lively and engaging.

• Character Diary
  • What it is: Maintain a diary written from the perspective of a favorite character.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of character development and perspective.
  • Tips: Encourage creativity by including drawings or dialogues that the character might say.

• Reading Timer Challenge
  • What it is: Set a timer and challenge your child to read until the timer goes off.
  • How it helps: Builds stamina for reading longer passages or chapters.
  • Tips: Start with short, manageable times and gradually increase as your child's endurance improves.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw or write out a map of the story’s events.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding the sequence of events and plot structure.
  • Tips: Use different colors or symbols for different types of events or characters.

• Book Club for Kids
  • What it is: Organize a small book club with a few of your child’s friends or classmates.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and critical thinking about what they’ve read.
  • Tips: Keep the group small and manage it with fun activities related to the book.

These exercises are not just about reading more but about making reading a multifaceted and enriching experience. By incorporating these activities into their routine, children can develop a lifelong love for reading and learning. Dive in, get creative, and watch your young reader flourish!