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

Looking for a way to make reading more engaging for your young reader? Interactive books for 9-year-olds are a fantastic choice! These books are not just about reading; they're about participating, solving, and experiencing the story. Whether your child loves puzzles, adventures, or mysteries, there's something in the world of interactive books that will capture their imagination and keep their hands as busy as their minds. Keep reading to discover our top picks of interactive books for 9-year-olds that are sure to entertain and educate!

Fun Interactive Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Choose Your Own Adventure: Journey Under the Sea by R.A. Montgomery
  • Illustrator: Jason Millet
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Dive into an underwater adventure where you control the story! Decide your path as you explore the mysterious depths of the ocean, encountering fascinating creatures and hidden treasures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It boosts decision-making skills and imagination by allowing readers to choose different paths that lead to various outcomes.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers who love adventure and enjoy having control over the story's direction.

• Wreck This Journal by Keri Smith
  • Genre(s): Activity Book, Creative
  • Synopsis: This interactive book encourages creativity through a series of seemingly destructive but creatively liberating tasks that engage the reader in art-making and imaginative play.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, helping children to express themselves freely and without fear of making mistakes.
  • Perfect for: Artistic kids and those who need a creative outlet to express their emotions and ideas.

• The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 fact-filled maps! by Gabrielle Balkan
  • Illustrator: Sol Linero
  • Genre(s): Educational, Geography
  • Synopsis: An informative and interactive atlas that takes readers on a state-by-state tour of the U.S., filled with educational facts, trivia, and engaging maps.
  • Why we recommend this book: It enhances geographical knowledge and cultural understanding of the United States through engaging and interactive learning.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who are curious about different states and those who enjoy learning through visuals and activities.

• The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Interactive
  • Synopsis: Follow the Jolly Postman as he delivers letters to various fairy-tale characters. Each page features an actual envelope with real, readable letters that tie into the story.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages reading and comprehension skills through the fun mechanism of reading letters meant for fairy tale characters.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love fairy tales and enjoy the novelty of discovering and reading personal letters.

• You Are the Hero: A History of Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks by Jonathan Green
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Gamebook
  • Synopsis: This book dives into the history of Fighting Fantasy gamebooks, giving readers a chance to engage in adventures where their choices determine the outcome of the story.
  • Why we recommend this book: It fosters critical thinking and strategic planning as readers make choices that affect the narrative's direction.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fantasy and games, and those who like to have an active role in the storytelling process.

Educational Interactive Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Math Quest: The Planet of Puzzles by David Glover
  • Illustrator: Tim Hutchinson
  • Genre(s): Math, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Embark on a thrilling journey across a puzzling planet where every decision leads to challenging math puzzles that need solving to proceed.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, basic arithmetic, logic
  • Why we recommend this book: It turns math into an exciting adventure, making it fun and engaging for young learners.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy solving puzzles and want to improve their math skills in a playful way.

• The Magic School Bus Explores the Senses by Joanna Cole
  • Illustrator: Bruce Degen
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: Join Ms. Frizzle and her class as they take a wild ride through the human body to learn about the five senses.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Science, human biology, observation skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a hands-on learning experience about human biology that is both informative and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and any kid curious about how their body works.

• Atlas of Adventures: A collection of natural wonders, exciting experiences and fun festivities from the four corners of the globe by Rachel Williams
  • Illustrator: Lucy Letherland
  • Genre(s): Geography, Culture, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Explore the world with this book filled with activities and challenges set across various global destinations, showcasing exciting cultural events and natural wonders.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, geographical knowledge, curiosity about the world
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages exploration and learning about diverse cultures and places around the world.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who dream of traveling and learning about new places.

• Professor Astro Cat's Frontiers of Space by Dr. Dominic Walliman
  • Illustrator: Ben Newman
  • Genre(s): Science, Space Exploration
  • Synopsis: Dive into the wonders of the universe with Professor Astro Cat and discover planets, stars, and galaxies, along with scientific concepts related to space.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Astronomy, critical thinking, scientific curiosity
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes complex scientific concepts accessible and fun for children.
  • Perfect for: Young astronomers and any child fascinated by space and the universe.

• My Book of Rocks and Minerals: Things to Find, Collect, and Treasure by Devin Dennie
  • Genre(s): Science, Nature
  • Synopsis: A hands-on guide to discovering, collecting, and learning about rocks and minerals, filled with fun facts and engaging activities.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Earth science, observation skills, collecting
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a practical introduction to geology, encouraging outdoor activities and learning through discovery.
  • Perfect for: Young geologists and collectors who love nature and exploring the outdoors.

Challenging Interactive Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Maze of Games by Mike Selinker
  • Illustrator: Pete Venters
  • Genre(s): Puzzle, Adventure
  • Synopsis: An interactive puzzle book that combines narrative and games, where readers solve riddles and puzzles to progress through a fantastical storyline.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex puzzles that require advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It merges storytelling with brain-teasing puzzles, enhancing both literary and mathematical skills.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts and young readers who love challenges.

• The Black Book of Secrets by F.E. Higgins
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: A young boy, Ludlow Fitch, escapes to a remote village where he becomes an apprentice to a mysterious pawnbroker who trades secrets for cash.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is rich with intricate plot twists and complex characters that require careful reading and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping, darkly atmospheric plot that encourages deep engagement and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy thrilling mysteries and dark fantasies.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, stumble upon a mysterious box and get caught up in a thrilling adventure involving a magician's diary and a secret society.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book employs a unique narrative style and cryptic puzzles that require readers to think creatively and analytically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with humor, suspense, and secrets that keep readers engaged while developing their problem-solving abilities.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love solving mysteries and decoding secrets.

• The Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery by Graeme Base
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: An elegantly illustrated book where Horace the Elephant hosts a birthday party that turns into a mystery when someone steals the feast, and readers must solve various puzzles to find the thief.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book contains detailed illustrations and hidden clues that require careful analysis and attention to detail.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines captivating artwork with a fun detective story, enhancing visual perception and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and art lovers who enjoy visually driven narratives and puzzles.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Illustrator: Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • 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: It features complex riddles and logic puzzles embedded in the plot, requiring readers to think critically and creatively.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes teamwork, perseverance, and intellectual curiosity in the face of challenges.
  • Perfect for: Bright young minds who thrive on solving puzzles and cracking codes.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Interactive books are a fantastic way for kids to dive into reading while having fun. For 9-year-olds, who are at a crucial stage of developing reading skills and habits, interactive books can be especially engaging. Here are some exercises that can help enhance their reading experience and foster good reading habits:

• Create a Story Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that outlines the story's setting, plot, and characters.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps visualize the story's structure.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to differentiate between elements like characters and settings.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book as one of the characters.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding of character motivations and emotions.
  • Tips: Try to think and speak like the character would, based on the story.

• Question Corners
  • What it is: Write down questions about the story before, during, and after reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and curiosity.
  • Tips: Review the questions after finishing the book to see which ones were answered.

• Book Review Blog
  • What it is: Write a short blog post reviewing the book after reading it.
  • How it helps: Helps articulate thoughts and opinions about the book.
  • Tips: Include both what you liked and didn’t like about the book.

• Reading Buddy System
  • What it is: Pair up with a friend to read the same book, then discuss it.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and deeper understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Choose specific chapters to discuss to keep the conversations focused.

These exercises not only make reading more interactive but also enhance comprehension and retention, making the journey through new books exciting and educational. Encourage your child to try out these exercises with their next interactive book and watch their love for reading grow!