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

Are you on the hunt for exciting books for 9-year-olds that will keep your young reader hooked? Finding the perfect read that captures their imagination and holds their attention can be a game-changer. Whether they're into magical adventures, mysterious plots, or hilarious escapades, there's a book out there just waiting to be their new favorite. Keep reading to discover our top picks of exciting books for 9-year-olds that are sure to engage and entertain!

Fun Exciting 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 novel tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages praising Wilbur in her web to persuade the farmer to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that teaches lessons about friendship, love, and the cycle of life, helping young readers understand complex themes in an approachable way.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who appreciate stories about friendship and loyalty.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The first book in the Harry Potter series introduces Harry Potter, a young wizard who attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry discovers his magical heritage and faces various challenges, including confronting the dark wizard who killed his parents.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination and introduces children to a magical world filled with possibilities, encouraging them to believe in the power of good and the importance of friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and adventure.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This story follows Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It's about his adventures from being banished from his mouse community to saving the princess from a terrible fate.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches bravery and compassion through the adventures of its unlikely hero, encouraging readers to dream big and be courageous.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fairy tales and rooting for the underdog.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book is a journal of Greg Heffley as he navigates his way through middle school, detailing his attempts to fit in while dealing with the trials and tribulations of pre-adolescent life.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its humorous take on everyday middle school challenges makes reading fun and relatable, which can help motivate reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good laugh and can relate to the ups and downs of school life.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt. He must embark on a journey to find the real thief and prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines exciting adventures with Greek mythology, educating readers while keeping them thoroughly entertained.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and anyone interested in mythology and heroic tales.

Educational Exciting Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is based on the true story of Ivan, a gorilla who lived in a shopping mall for 27 years without seeing another of his kind. Through the story, Ivan grows from a resigned observer to an active participant in changing his own life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal rights awareness, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that blends real-life issues with a story of hope and transformation, all from the unique perspective of Ivan the gorilla.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in real-life stories with a strong emotional core.

• 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 the only rule is that there are no rules.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers complex puzzles and mysteries wrapped in an exciting narrative that challenges the mind and entertains.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and using their brains in adventurous ways.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, School Story
  • Synopsis: Nick Allen invents a new word, "frindle," for what is commonly known as a pen, sparking a series of events that captures the nation's attention.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, vocabulary building, understanding of language and its evolution
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and inventive story that encourages readers to think about words and language in entirely new ways.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy school stories and creative thinking.

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Roz the robot is stranded on a remote, wild island and must learn to survive and navigate the challenges of the natural environment while making friends with the island's wildlife.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Adaptability, problem-solving, environmental awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: Combining elements of technology with nature, this book offers a unique narrative that explores themes of survival and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Fans of technology and nature, and readers who love stories about unconventional friendships.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley is an avid gamer and fan of all things puzzles. He, along with other children, must solve their way out of the extraordinary, high-tech library created by the eccentric game-maker Luigi Lemoncello.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging and interactive adventure that promotes library use and problem-solving in a fun and dynamic way.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts and young detectives who love a good challenge and exciting, fast-paced stories.

Challenging Exciting Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, School Story
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the brilliant and precocious Matilda Wormwood, who uses her intelligence and telekinetic powers to overcome neglectful parents and a tyrannical school principal.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features rich vocabulary and complex character dynamics, challenging young readers to think critically about relationships and personal ethics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of reading and the resilience of children, inspiring readers to believe in their own abilities to overcome challenges.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about triumph over adversity and the magic of books.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, transforms into a kind-hearted girl as she discovers a neglected garden at her uncle's house and rejuvenates it with the help of new friends.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style and historical setting require a higher level of comprehension and vocabulary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of healing and friendship through nature, encouraging readers to find beauty and hope in the world around them.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about personal growth and the transformative power of nature.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Milo embarks on a thrilling journey through a magical tollbooth to the Lands Beyond, where he encounters various strange and fantastical characters, ultimately learning valuable lessons about life and himself.
  • Why this book is challenging: It is filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical ideas that require advanced reading skills and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages exploration and appreciation of language and mathematics in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Intellectual young readers who delight in puzzles and word games.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe travel through space and time to save their father from evil forces threatening the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex concepts such as quantum physics and the battle between good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines science and fantasy in a way that fuels the imagination while promoting courage and the importance of family.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and epic adventures.

• 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 wisdom through encounters with various inhabitants of different planets.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores profound themes like loneliness, love, and loss through symbolic storytelling that can be interpreted on many levels.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers deep reflections on life and human nature that can resonate with readers of all ages, encouraging empathy and introspection.
  • Perfect for: Thoughtful young readers who appreciate deep stories that make them think about the larger world.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you've got a curious 9-year-old at home who loves diving into new books, here are some fun exercises to help them develop great reading habits. These activities are not only enjoyable but also enhance their reading experience. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Designate a special place at home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a comfortable and inviting environment that encourages reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or posters.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Set specific, achievable reading goals, like number of books per month.
  • How it helps: Helps in developing a consistent reading habit and a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Keep the goals realistic and celebrate when they are achieved to motivate continued reading.

• Book Swap with Friends
  • What it is: Organize a book exchange with friends or classmates.
  • How it helps: Exposes them to a variety of books and makes reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Host a monthly book swap meet-up, perhaps with some fun discussion time.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Dedicate time to read stories aloud together.
  • How it helps: Improves listening and comprehension skills, and makes reading a shared joy.
  • Tips: Change your voice for different characters to make the sessions more engaging.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book after reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and recall of the story, and sparks creativity.
  • Tips: Use a variety of materials like crayons, markers, or paints to keep it exciting.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Before finishing the book, predict what will happen next.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and engagement with the storyline.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions and see how they match up as you read further.

• Reading Challenge
  • What it is: Participate in or create a reading challenge with different genres and authors.
  • How it helps: Broadens reading interests and introduces new authors and subjects.
  • Tips: Make a colorful chart to track progress and add a small reward for completing the challenge.

These exercises are designed to make reading a fun, regular part of your child's daily life. By integrating these activities, you're not only helping them develop strong reading habits but also providing them with tools to explore and understand the world around them. Happy reading!