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

Looking for a way to spark a love for reading in your young ones? Dive into our curated selection of inspirational books for 9-year-olds that are perfect for encouraging imagination, building character, and instilling a sense of adventure. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply a book lover, keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to captivate and inspire the young reader in your life.

Fun Inspirational Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers around August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Through his experiences, readers explore themes of kindness, acceptance, and friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that encourages empathy and understanding, showing how different is not less.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are facing their own challenges of fitting in and those looking to understand how kindness can make a difference.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a clever spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages in her web to persuade the farmer to spare his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life, wrapped up in a beautifully written story.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who appreciate stories about friendship and survival.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Milo is bored with life until a magic tollbooth appears in his room. Driving through it, he finds himself in a fantastical world filled with peculiar characters and absurd situations that challenge his perspective on learning and life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative adventure that celebrates the joys of learning and the wonder of discovery.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who enjoy puzzles and wordplay, and any child who might need a reminder of the excitement that knowledge can bring.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, unappreciated by her crude family. She develops telekinetic powers, which she uses to overcome obstacles and deal with the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why we recommend this book: It champions the power of reading and the resilience of children in the face of adversity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or underappreciated, and anyone who loves stories where kids triumph over unfair adults.

• 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) who, unlike his giant peers, refuses to eat boys and girls. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the man-eating giants.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical story that mixes humor and warmth, showing that courage and friendship come in all sizes.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy fantastical tales with gentle giants and spirited heroines.

Educational Inspirational Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Biography, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This true story follows William Kamkwamba, a boy from Malawi, who builds a windmill from scraps to save his village from famine.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Science, engineering, perseverance, creative problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale of innovation and determination that shows how creativity can change lives.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and anyone interested in stories of extraordinary achievement against the odds.

• The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca, illustrated by Daniel Rieley
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book is about Temple Grandin, an autistic woman who became one of the most powerful voices in modern science and livestock handling.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of autism, animal science, empathy, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the importance of thinking differently and using one's strengths to make a positive impact.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in science and animal welfare, and those who learn or think differently.

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: A little girl and her canine assistant set out to make the most magnificent thing, but the task is harder than it looks.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, engineering, problem-solving, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches persistence and the value of iteration through trial and error.
  • Perfect for: Young creators and inventors, and any child who needs encouragement in facing challenging tasks.

• I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (Young Readers Edition) by Malala Yousafzai with Patricia McCormick
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Memoir, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This memoir tells the story of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani girl who fought for her right to education despite extreme dangers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Awareness of global issues, advocacy, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful example of how one person's voice can inspire global change.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring activists and students interested in human rights and education.

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Rosie Revere dreams of becoming an engineer. In pursuit of her goal, she learns that failure is a stepping stone to success.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Engineering, creativity, learning from failure
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages kids to experiment, embrace failures as learning opportunities, and pursue their dreams.
  • Perfect for: Budding engineers and any child who needs to learn the value of perseverance.

Challenging Inspirational 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 enchanting tale follows Despereaux Tilling, a brave mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. Despereaux must navigate a world filled with dungeons, betrayal, and a quest for redemption.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, featuring multiple perspectives and a sophisticated vocabulary that challenges young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written story that encourages bravery and compassion, while also exploring themes of forgiveness and redemption.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales and stories of unlikely heroes.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sour-faced and troubled child, discovers a neglected garden on her uncle's estate and begins restoring it. Through her care for the garden, she transforms her own life and that of her sickly cousin, Colin.
  • Why this book is challenging: The language and themes are more reflective of the early 20th century, requiring a higher level of comprehension and historical context.
  • Why we recommend this book: This classic novel offers a rich exploration of themes like healing, friendship, and the connection between nature and wellbeing.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are drawn to stories of transformation and the healing power of nature.

• 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 disaster.
  • Why this book is challenging: The intricate puzzles and riddles within the story require critical thinking and advanced problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that promotes teamwork, intelligence, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and young detectives who enjoy cracking codes and solving mysteries.

• Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Jess Aarons befriends new girl Leslie Burke, and together they create the imaginary kingdom of Terabithia, a magical place to escape the difficulties of their everyday lives. However, tragedy strikes, and Jess must cope with loss and grief.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as friendship, imagination, and the experience of loss, requiring emotional maturity from its readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: This poignant story teaches about the power of friendship and the importance of facing one's fears and hardships.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate emotionally rich narratives and the exploration of deep, personal themes.

• From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Claudia Kincaid, feeling unappreciated at home, convinces her brother Jamie to run away with her to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. There, they become entangled in a mystery involving a statue that may be the work of Michelangelo.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot involves complex themes of independence, family dynamics, and self-discovery, coupled with a sophisticated narrative style.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating adventure that also offers insights into art history and the complexities of growing up.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and budding art historians who love a good mystery and learning about the world of art.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to inspire a 9-year-old to dive into the world of books, here are some fun and engaging exercises that can help develop solid reading habits. These exercises are designed not just to encourage reading but to make it a delightful part of their daily life.

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or a set time to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and helps build a reading routine.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase as they get more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in the house as a reading area.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and inviting space dedicated to reading.
  • 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: Makes reading a social activity and enhances comprehension through discussion.
  • Tips: Schedule regular meetings and encourage the kids to come up with questions about the book.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks books read and rewards achievements.
  • How it helps: Motivates children by giving them a visual representation of their accomplishments.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards like extra playtime or a choice of the next book to read.

• Themed Reading Days
  • What it is: Dedicate a day to read books related to a specific theme or topic.
  • How it helps: Keeps reading exciting and introduces new subjects and genres.
  • Tips: Allow your child to choose the theme, which can range from adventure, science, to mystery.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading a book aloud together.
  • How it helps: Strengthens listening skills and enhances vocabulary.
  • Tips: Take turns reading and use different voices for different characters to make it more fun.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book after reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and helps with comprehension by visualizing the story.
  • Tips: Provide a variety of art supplies and let their imagination run wild.

Incorporating these exercises into a 9-year-old's reading routine can transform their reading journey into an adventure that goes beyond just words on a page. Not only will these activities make reading more enjoyable, but they'll also instill lifelong habits that foster a love for books. Happy reading!