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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read to capture the imagination of your nine-year-old? Look no further! Our comprehensive guide to fiction books for 9-year-olds is packed with captivating stories that are just right for their age. From magical adventures to tales of everyday heroes, we've curated a variety of books that will keep them hooked. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to spark a love for reading in your young reader!

Fun Fiction Books for 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 pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte, who tries to save him from being slaughtered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the reality of life and death in a gentle and understanding way.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who appreciate stories about friendships and life lessons.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a young girl with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers who overcomes neglectful parents and a tyrannical school principal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of reading and the resilience of children, encouraging young readers to believe in themselves.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories about triumph over adversity, and anyone who enjoys a bit of magic and mischief.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young orphan girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) and together they embark on an adventure to stop the other giants from eating children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its creative language and whimsical plot, while teaching kindness and courage.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fantastical tales and learning about friendship and bravery.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book is a journal of Greg Heffley as he navigates his way through middle school with all its comedic mishaps and adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's relatable and funny, making reading enjoyable and accessible, especially for reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate humor and stories about school life and growing up.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and sets out on a quest across modern-day America to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines exciting adventures with Greek mythology, making it educational in a fun way.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy action-packed stories and learning about mythology.

Educational Fiction Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story follows Despereaux Tilling, a brave mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. Despereaux is banished from his mouse community for being too different and embarks on a heroic adventure.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, empathy, courage, and understanding of narrative structures
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that combines adventure with lessons about bravery, forgiveness, and the power of stories.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fairy tales and rooting for the underdog.

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Edward Tulane, a china rabbit, goes on an epic journey from the arms of a girl who adores him to the depths of the ocean, learning about love and loss through his experiences with different owners.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, resilience, understanding of diverse life situations
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a profound exploration of love, loss, and redemption through the eyes of an inanimate yet deeply feeling protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Children who are ready to explore deeper emotional themes through a gentle narrative.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Comedy
  • 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 development, understanding of language and social dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and inventive story that encourages creativity and shows the impact one person can have on language and culture.
  • Perfect for: Young innovators and any kid who's ever wondered about the power of words and ideas.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Animal Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: Based on a true story, this novel follows Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle—until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy for animals, understanding of animal welfare, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It tells a touching story from the perspective of an animal, fostering empathy and awareness about animal rights.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in animal welfare and conservation.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this illustrated novel follows Hugo, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station, as he tries to solve the mystery of his father's death and a mechanical man.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, historical knowledge, appreciation for art and mechanics
  • Why we recommend this book: Its unique combination of text and intricate illustrations provides a captivating reading experience, while the story itself is an engaging mystery with historical elements.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy puzzles, mysteries, and visually rich narratives.

Challenging Fiction 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 moral dilemmas that require advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages strategic thinking and teamwork, while providing a thrilling narrative that keeps readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and working as part of a team.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and disinterested in his everyday life, young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical insights.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in wordplay, puns, and abstract concepts that challenge readers to think creatively and critically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative journey that promotes a love of language and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy clever humor and linguistic playfulness.

• 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 embark on a journey through space and time to rescue Meg's father from the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces concepts of physics, space, and time, woven into the narrative in a way that requires abstract thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines science and adventure, encouraging readers to explore complex ideas and the power of love and courage.
  • Perfect for: Science enthusiasts and young explorers who are curious about the universe.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sour-faced and disagreeable child, transforms into a kind-hearted girl as she discovers a neglected garden on her uncle's estate and brings it back to life with the help of her cousin Colin and new friend Dickon.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style and themes of loss, rejuvenation, and transformation are explored in a nuanced manner that requires thoughtful engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story of healing and the transformative power of nature and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories about personal growth and the beauty of nature.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This poetic tale tells the story of a young prince who travels the universe, gaining insights into human nature through his encounters with various inhabitants of different planets.
  • Why this book is challenging: The allegorical and philosophical content presents abstract ideas about life and human connections in a subtle, layered narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound observations about life and love, encouraging readers to ponder big questions.
  • Perfect for: Deep thinkers and young philosophers, as well as those who enjoy whimsical stories with deeper meanings.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 9-year-old develop great reading habits while enjoying some fantastic fiction books, here are some engaging exercises that can make reading even more fun and beneficial. Each exercise is designed to be enjoyable and educational, perfect for young readers.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner or area in your home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and comfortable activity.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the nook with cushions, lights, and their favorite book accessories.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club where your child and their friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and provides motivation to read through social interaction.
  • Tips: Schedule regular meetings and prepare fun discussion questions.

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

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of a character in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances empathy and deeper understanding of the characters.
  • Tips: Choose a character your child finds interesting and write about key events from their viewpoint.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Schedule times when you read the book aloud together.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and makes reading a shared, social activity.
  • Tips: Take turns reading and use different voices for different characters to make it fun.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and helps visualize textual content.
  • Tips: Provide a variety of art supplies like colored pencils, markers, and paper.

Implementing these exercises can turn reading from a solitary task into an exciting and dynamic activity. Not only will these activities keep your child engaged, but they'll also build essential reading skills that are crucial at this developmental stage. So, grab some books, and let's make reading fun!