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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect manga books for 9-year-olds? You've come to the right place! Whether your young reader is just diving into the world of manga or looking to expand their collection, we've curated a variety of captivating titles that are sure to spark their imagination. Keep reading to discover our top picks of manga books tailored specifically for 9-year-old enthusiasts!

Fun Manga Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Yotsuba&! by Kiyohiko Azuma
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Slice of Life
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around Yotsuba Koiwai, a young and energetic girl who explores the world with childlike wonder and curiosity, making everyday adventures extraordinary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with humor and heartwarming moments that capture the innocence and joy of childhood, making it a delightful read that encourages a love for reading through its light-hearted content.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy playful stories and exploring the world through the eyes of a child.

• Chi's Sweet Home by Kanata Konami
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Slice of Life
  • Synopsis: This charming series follows the adventures of Chi, a sweet and mischievous kitten, as she settles into her new home with the Yamada family.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers gentle humor and touching moments that can help young readers develop empathy and a deeper understanding of pet care.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who are perhaps reading their first manga.

• Pokémon Adventures by Hidenori Kusaka, illustrated by Mato and later Satoshi Yamamoto
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This series dives into the exciting world of Pokémon as various trainers embark on adventures, battling and befriending Pokémon along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the thrilling aspects of exploration and friendship, mirroring the excitement of the Pokémon games, which can be very engaging for children.
  • Perfect for: Fans of Pokémon and young adventurers who love exploring new worlds and making new friends.

• Doraemon by Fujiko F. Fujio
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Comedy
  • Synopsis: Doraemon, a robotic cat from the future, uses his futuristic gadgets to help Nobita Nobi navigate the challenges of everyday life and prevent misfortunes.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its creative stories and imaginative gadgets inspire creativity and problem-solving skills, while providing plenty of laughs.
  • Perfect for: Inventive kids who love gadgets and stories about friendship and overcoming challenges.

• Hikaru no Go by Yumi Hotta, illustrated by Takeshi Obata
  • Genre(s): Sports, Drama, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: Hikaru Shindo, a young boy, discovers an old Go board haunted by the spirit of a Go master from the Heian era, Fujiwara-no-Sai, who teaches him to play the game.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to the strategic game of Go through an engaging and mysterious narrative, fostering an interest in both the game and reading.
  • Perfect for: Young strategists and anyone interested in games or ghostly historical figures.

Educational Manga Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Science Ninja Team Gatchaman: The Manga by Yoshitaka Amano
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This manga follows a group of five young superheroes who use their skills to fight against the technologically advanced villains threatening Earth.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, problem-solving, environmental science
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines action-packed scenes with lessons on cooperation and the importance of protecting the environment.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science fiction and superheroes.

• Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva by Naoki Sakura
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Based on the popular video game series, this manga follows Professor Layton and his young apprentice, Luke, as they solve intriguing puzzles to uncover the secrets behind a mysterious ancient civilization.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logical thinking, problem-solving, history
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and deduction skills through engaging puzzles and mysteries.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle enthusiasts.

• Zoo in Winter by Jiro Taniguchi
  • Genre(s): Drama, Slice of Life
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated manga tells the story of a young aspiring manga artist who finds inspiration and friendship in a small zoo during the winter.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Artistic inspiration, understanding of wildlife, personal growth
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a reflective and inspiring look at pursuing one's dreams and the importance of connecting with nature.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring artists and animal lovers.

• Nonnonba by Shigeru Mizuki
  • Genre(s): Cultural, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: Set in pre-war Japan, this manga explores the childhood of Shigeru Mizuki, growing up with stories of folklore and supernatural beings, told by an elderly neighbor, Nonnonba.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, folklore, emotional intelligence
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a deep dive into Japanese culture and folklore, enriching the reader's understanding of global histories and stories.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in cultural stories and supernatural tales.

• Leave it to PET! by Kenji Sonishi
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: This humorous manga features a recycled can that transforms into a robotic pet, PET, who tries to protect and serve his creator with often comical results.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental consciousness, creativity, humor
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches about recycling and caring for the environment in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Eco-conscious kids and fans of quirky humor.

Challenging Manga Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Cardcaptor Sakura by CLAMP
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Sakura Kinomoto accidentally releases a set of magical cards into the world and must retrieve them to prevent catastrophe.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates themes of responsibility and self-growth alongside complex magical elements.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes courage and perseverance through beautifully illustrated magical adventures.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy magical stories and strong female protagonists.

• Kemono Friends: Welcome to Japari Park! by Furai
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: In a vast zoo inhabited by humanoid animals, a lost child embarks on a journey to find her way home with the help of her new animal friends.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story introduces ecological concepts and biodiversity in an engaging way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun adventures with educational content about wildlife conservation.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young explorers interested in nature and conservation.

• Little Witch Academia by Yoh Yoshinari, illustrated by Keisuke Sato
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A determined girl enrolls in an academy for witches, where she faces various magical challenges and adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with themes of perseverance and self-discovery in a complex magical world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles with determination and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Fans of magic and stories about personal growth and friendship.

• Nichijou by Keiichi Arawi
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Slice of Life
  • Synopsis: This manga portrays the ordinary lives of several students, blending everyday situations with surreal, comedic events.
  • Why this book is challenging: The humor is often based on absurdity and surrealism, which requires a sophisticated level of comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of humor and a fresh perspective on the mundane aspects of daily life.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy quirky humor and exploring the extraordinary in the ordinary.

• Flying Witch by Chihiro Ishizuka
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Slice of Life
  • Synopsis: A young witch moves to rural Japan to train and live with her cousins, blending everyday life with magical occurrences.
  • Why this book is challenging: It subtly introduces themes of cultural traditions and the natural world intertwined with witchcraft.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a soothing, gentle introduction to fantasy elements grounded in real-world settings.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a calm, charming exploration of magic in a realistic context.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 9-year-old get the most out of their manga reading experience, here are some fun and effective exercises to develop good reading habits. Manga can be a great way to engage young readers, and these exercises are designed to enhance their understanding and enjoyment of the stories.

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

• Character Connection Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that maps out the relationships between different characters.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and helps keep track of complex storylines.
  • Tips: Use a large poster board and colored markers to make it more engaging.

• Manga Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Keep a notebook for new or interesting words found in the manga.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Look up definitions together and try to use the new words in conversation.

• Story Prediction Pad
  • What it is: Before reading, write down predictions about the story or characters.
  • How it helps: Stimulates critical thinking and engagement with the plot.
  • Tips: Revisit the predictions after reading to see which ones were right.

• Illustration Inspiration
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters based on the manga's description.
  • How it helps: Enhances creative expression and helps with visual comprehension.
  • Tips: Share the drawings with family or friends to discuss the manga.

• Reading Reflections
  • What it is: After finishing a manga, write a short reflection on the story.
  • How it helps: Encourages deeper thinking and understanding of the themes.
  • Tips: Use guiding questions like "What was your favorite part?" or "What did you learn?"

• Discuss and Debate
  • What it is: Have discussions or friendly debates about the story's events or characters.
  • How it helps: Improves verbal expression and ability to argue a point.
  • Tips: Take turns choosing the topic to keep it fair and interesting.

By incorporating these exercises into your child’s manga reading routine, you're not just helping them become better readers, but also enhancing their critical thinking and creative skills. Manga is more than just entertainment; it's a gateway to a richer understanding of storytelling and art. Enjoy the journey together!