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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect English books for 9-year-olds that will keep your young reader engaged and excited? Look no further! Whether you're aiming to spark their imagination or enhance their reading skills, we've got a fantastic selection lined up. Keep reading to discover our top picks of English books for 9-year-olds that are sure to captivate and inspire.

Fun English Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte spins words into her web to try to save her friend.
  • 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: Animal lovers and children who appreciate stories about friendship and teamwork.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Sophie befriends the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike his peers, refuses to eat boys and girls. The book follows their adventures as they plan to stop the other giants from eating children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its creative language and whimsical plot, making reading a delightful adventure.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories filled with humor, fantasy, and unconventional friendships.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: The book is a journal of Greg Heffley as he navigates his way through middle school, dealing with bullies, family dynamics, and friendships.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's highly relatable and laugh-out-loud funny, which makes it a great pick for engaging reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy humor and can relate to the trials and tribulations of school life.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a precocious child with neglectful parents and a cruel school principal. She discovers she has telekinetic powers and uses them to stand up to the adults in her life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, empowering young readers to believe in their own abilities.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about justice and using one's wits to overcome obstacles.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to a camp for demigods like him. He soon finds himself on a quest to prevent a war among the gods by finding the stolen lightning bolt of Zeus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling introduction to Greek mythology, wrapped in fast-paced adventure that keeps readers hooked.
  • Perfect for: Adventure seekers and mythology buffs who enjoy dynamic characters and epic quests.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who loves music and stories, and his quest to save a human princess.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written fairy tale that speaks to the heart with themes of bravery, forgiveness, and love.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate stories with heart and moral lessons, and those who enjoy tales of unlikely heroes.

Educational English Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers around Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial difference who attends a mainstream school for the first time. Auggie's journey deals with themes of acceptance, empathy, and the struggles of being different.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of diversity, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a powerful look at the challenges of being different and teaches kindness and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are looking to understand and appreciate diversity and the importance of kindness.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: An orphaned girl named Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle in a gloomy mansion. She discovers a locked, neglected garden and, along with her cousin Colin, brings it back to life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of emotional growth, nature's impact on health, and historical perspectives
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that explores themes of healing and friendship through the beauty of nature.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about discovery and transformation.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A bored young boy named Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Kingdom of Wisdom, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical insights.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, vocabulary, appreciation for language and mathematics
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor, adventure, and learning, making it an engaging way to explore complex ideas.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love clever wordplay and imaginative adventures.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: Inspired by true events, this story follows Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a mall and barely remembers his previous life in the jungle, as he finds a new perspective through friendship with an elephant named Ruby.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy for animals, understanding of animal welfare, creative expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartfelt story that teaches compassion and the importance of a promise.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in stories about friendship and justice.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, School Story
  • Synopsis: Fifth-grader Nick Allen invents a new word, "frindle," for a pen, sparking a series of unexpected events and a battle with his language arts teacher about the power of words.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, language arts, understanding of how language evolves
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and shows the impact one person can have on language and culture.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy school stories and are curious about words and their meanings.

Challenging English Books for 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 book features complex puzzles and codes, along with advanced vocabulary and intricate plot twists that challenge young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills through its engaging and intellectually stimulating mysteries.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and working through complex scenarios.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin are transported through time and space on a mission to save Meg's father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces concepts of physics, space, and time, blended with complex themes of good versus evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines science and fantasy in a way that encourages imagination and curiosity about the universe.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and fantasy, and those who enjoy stories about heroic quests and family bonds.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After the murder of his family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with dark themes and introduces a complex narrative structure that includes a series of adventures with a central plot running through them.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of life, death, and finding one's place in the world with a unique setting and memorable characters.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy thrilling and mysterious stories with a touch of the supernatural.

• The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Set in an alternative 19th-century England, two cousins, Bonnie and Sylvia, navigate a world filled with danger and deceit as they try to reclaim their home from an evil governess and a pack of wolves.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story presents a richly detailed alternative historical setting with complex language and a sophisticated plot.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping adventure that also explores resilience, courage, and the importance of family.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy historical settings and stories of adventure and bravery.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: As sixth-grader Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that predict the future, she must unravel the clues around her to prevent a tragic death.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel incorporates themes of time travel and existential questions, which require readers to think critically about the plot and its implications.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking puzzle that beautifully blends elements of mystery and science fiction.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love solving mysteries and exploring complex themes like time and fate.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 9-year-old develop great reading habits, here are some fun and effective exercises that can make reading more enjoyable and fruitful. These exercises are designed to engage young readers and help them improve their comprehension and love for books.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Establish a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistent reading and sets a clear target.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to keep motivation high.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in the house just for reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a comfortable and inviting environment that can make reading a special time.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a small book club with a few of your child’s friends who read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and makes reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Organize monthly meetings and let the kids take turns choosing the books.

• Illustrate a Scene
  • What it is: Draw or paint a favorite scene from a book they are currently reading.
  • How it helps: Boosts comprehension and recall by translating text into visuals.
  • Tips: Provide a variety of art supplies and encourage creativity without worrying about artistic skill.

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of a character in the book.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of characters and enhances empathy.
  • Tips: Choose a character your child is fascinated by to maintain interest.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a short summary of each chapter after reading.
  • How it helps: Improves retention and helps in grasping the plot’s progression.
  • Tips: Keep summaries brief and in their own words to develop personal interpretation.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next before reading the next part of the book.
  • How it helps: Stimulates imagination and analytical thinking.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions and see how close they were after reading further.

Remember, the key to developing good reading habits is consistency and enjoyment. These exercises aren't just tasks; they're stepping stones to a lifelong love of reading. Encourage your child to try different exercises and find out what they enjoy the most. Happy reading!