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

Are you on the hunt for timeless reads that captivate and inspire young minds? Dive into our curated selection of classic books for 9-10-year-olds, perfect for readers eager to embark on literary adventures that have enchanted generations. From tales of daring quests to stories of everyday wonder, these books promise to ignite the imagination of young readers. Keep reading to discover our diverse lists of classic books for 9-10-year-olds that are sure to become new favorites in your child’s reading repertoire!

Fun Classic Books for 9-10-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This heartwarming 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 way that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children who appreciate stories about friendship and survival.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: An orphaned girl named Mary Lennox moves to her uncle's remote country estate where she discovers a mysterious, neglected garden. She, along with her cousin Colin and new friend Dickon, brings the garden back to life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of healing and friendship through nature, encouraging readers to find beauty and joy in their surroundings.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of transformation and the healing power of nature.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is mistakenly sent to live with siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert at Green Gables. Her vibrant personality dramatically changes the lives of everyone around her.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's imaginative adventures and misadventures teach valuable lessons about friendship, love, and finding one's place in the world.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and anyone who enjoys stories about youthful exuberance and self-discovery.

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: The novel details the riverside adventures of Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger in Edwardian England. From Toad's wild escapades to the quieter moments of Mole and Rat's friendship, this tale combines humor with moral lessons.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of childhood adventures and friendships, wrapped in delightful storytelling that sparks imagination.
  • Perfect for: Children who love adventure stories and exploring the natural world.

• Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This series of American children's novels follows the life of the Ingalls family as they pioneer their way through the American Midwest in the late 19th century. The stories focus on the second daughter, Laura, and her experiences growing up in a settler family.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a look into the challenges and triumphs of American pioneers, fostering an appreciation for history and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and stories of pioneering spirit and family bonds.

Educational Classic Books for 9-10-Year-Olds

• The Railway Children by E. Nesbit
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure, Classic
  • Synopsis: After their father is mysteriously taken away, three children and their mother move to a house near the railway. They befriend the local station master and embark on various adventures, including saving a train from disaster.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, problem-solving, historical context
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with themes of justice and the impact of kindness, making it both exciting and morally instructive.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love trains and adventures, and those interested in stories about family and resilience.

• Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: This novel is narrated by the titular horse, Black Beauty, and follows his life from a young colt at a peaceful pasture to various owners, some kind and some cruel.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare, historical context
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches kindness and compassion towards animals and gives readers a vivid look at the Victorian era from an unusual perspective.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in a classic tale told from an animal’s point of view.

• Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story of Peter Pan, the boy who wouldn't grow up, and his adventures in the magical world of Neverland with Wendy, John, Michael, and the villainous Captain Hook.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, creativity, understanding of themes such as bravery and the spirit of adventure
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of childhood wonder and the bittersweet nature of growing up.
  • Perfect for: Children who love magical adventures and stories that spark imagination.

• Heidi by Johanna Spyri
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Heidi is an orphaned girl initially raised by her aunt in Switzerland, who then goes to live with her grumpy grandfather in the Alps. She quickly grows to love the mountains and forms close friendships, particularly with the goatherd Peter.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, adaptability, appreciation for nature
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a heartwarming story that emphasizes the importance of home, friendship, and the healing power of nature.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy uplifting stories about friendship and the beauty of nature.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Literature
  • Synopsis: This classic tale follows young Alice as she falls down a rabbit hole into a fantastical world full of peculiar creatures and surreal adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, critical thinking, literary analysis
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and thinking outside the box through whimsical narratives and engaging, nonsensical logic.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and anyone who enjoys whimsical, imaginative tales that challenge perception and reality.

Challenging Classic Books for 9-10-Year-Olds

• Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Pirate Fiction
  • Synopsis: This classic adventure novel tells the story of young Jim Hawkins who finds a map to a pirate's treasure and sets sail on the ship Hispaniola to find it. Along the way, he must deal with mutiny, treachery, and the cunning pirate Long John Silver.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses 19th-century English and includes complex vocabulary and nautical terms, which can be challenging for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that introduces readers to classic themes of bravery, betrayal, and the quest for buried treasure.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and anyone interested in pirates and thrilling sea stories.

• The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The novel follows the mischievous adventures of Tom Sawyer and his friends in the fictional town of St. Petersburg, Missouri. From treasure hunting to witnessing a murder, Tom's life is anything but dull.
  • Why this book is challenging: The dialects and period-specific language present an engaging challenge for advanced young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of youthful freedom and adventure, while also providing a window into American life in the 19th century.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of mischief and adventure, and those looking to understand historical American culture.

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug.
  • Why this book is challenging: The richly detailed world, complex language, and invented languages like Elvish provide a challenging read for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fantastic introduction to epic fantasy, with rich descriptions and complex characters that stimulate the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and are ready to step into a larger, more complex world.

• The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure, Fable
  • Synopsis: A collection of stories featuring Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves in the Indian jungle. Alongside tales of Mowgli are other stories featuring animals such as Rikki-Tikki-Tavi.
  • Why this book is challenging: The use of imperial language and complex moral themes make this collection thought-provoking for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of adventure, survival, and morality through engaging animal characters and vivid storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about animals and those interested in tales that blend human and animal perspectives.

• A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Sara Crewe, a wealthy girl attending a boarding school in London, faces a drastic reversal of fortunes and must rely on her imagination and kindness to survive.
  • Why this book is challenging: The intricate narrative and period-specific settings offer a rich, yet complex, reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a moving tale of resilience and the power of kindness, which teaches valuable life lessons about handling adversity with grace.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy heartfelt stories of transformation and the triumph of the human spirit.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 9-10-year-old dive into the world of classic books, it's a great idea to incorporate some fun and engaging exercises to enhance their reading experience. These activities can not only make reading more enjoyable but also develop strong reading habits. Here’s a list of exercises tailored for young readers:

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy spot dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a physical space that encourages and excites children to read.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book Themed Art Projects
  • What it is: Create art projects based on scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps in visualizing the story and enhances comprehension.
  • Tips: Use a variety of materials like clay, paint, or colored pencils to keep things interesting.

• Story Mapping
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of the events in the story.
  • How it helps: Aids in understanding the plot and sequence of events.
  • Tips: Start with major events and then fill in more details as they become more familiar with the story.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book as different characters.
  • How it helps: Improves empathy and deeper understanding of characters.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more engaging role-play.

• Reading Challenge
  • What it is: Set a goal to read a certain number of books or pages in a month.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading and helps in setting achievable goals.
  • Tips: Keep a progress chart and reward small achievements to keep motivation high.

• Discussion Groups
  • What it is: Organize small group discussions about the book with friends or family.
  • How it helps: Promotes critical thinking and verbal expression.
  • Tips: Prepare some open-ended questions in advance to guide the discussion.

• Book Review Blogging
  • What it is: Write short reviews of the books read and post them on a personal blog.
  • How it helps: Develops writing skills and helps articulate thoughts and opinions.
  • Tips: Encourage honesty in reviews and sharing what they liked or disliked about the book.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine can make their journey through classic literature not just educational but incredibly fun. Each activity is designed to build stronger reading skills and foster a lifelong love for books. Happy reading!