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

Diving into the enchanting world of mermaids can spark a wave of imagination for any child, especially when you find the perfect mermaid books for 9-year-olds. If you're on the hunt for stories that will keep your young reader hooked, you’ve come to the right place! Keep reading as we explore a treasure trove of captivating mermaid adventures tailor-made for nine-year-old readers. Whether your child dreams of underwater kingdoms or magical sea creatures, these picks are sure to make a splash!

Fun Mermaid Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler, illustrated by Sarah Gibb
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Emily Windsnap discovers she's a mermaid when she takes her first swimming lesson. Her adventures begin as she explores the underwater world, uncovering secrets about her family and herself.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging tale that combines the thrill of discovery with the joy of fantasy. It encourages imagination and the exploration of one's identity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magical adventures and stories about self-discovery.

• Lorelei and the Lost and Found Mermaids by Nancy Schumann
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Lorelei, a young mermaid, embarks on a quest to find her missing friends in the vast ocean, facing numerous challenges and making new allies along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book is great for building problem-solving skills and teaches the value of perseverance and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy mysteries and stories about teamwork and adventure.

• Mermaid School by Lucy Courtenay, illustrated by Sheena Dempsey
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, School Life
  • Synopsis: Marnie Blue attends her first day at Lady Sealia Foam's Mermaid School where she learns all about mermaid history, singing sea-shanties, and steering a shipwreck.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun look at school life with a magical twist, ideal for easing fears about school and encouraging social skills.
  • Perfect for: Youngsters who are new or nervous about school, and fans of magical creatures.

• Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings by Helene Boudreau
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
  • Synopsis: First zit. First crush. First… mermaid's tail? Middle schooler Jade feels out of place enough without discovering she's a mermaid.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends typical adolescent issues with fantastical elements, making it a relatable yet exciting read. It's humorous and light-hearted, perfect for engaging reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Tweens dealing with their own awkward phases and those who enjoy a good laugh with their fantasy.

• Aquamarine by Alice Hoffman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: Two friends discover a mermaid, Aquamarine, in a swimming pool at a club that's about to be closed. They embark on a mission to help her return to the sea before it's too late.
  • Why we recommend this book: This story captures the essence of friendship and the magic of first love. It's beautifully written, with enough mystery to keep readers hooked.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love tales of friendship and magical encounters.

Educational Mermaid Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Mermaid Tales: Trouble at Trident Academy by Debbie Dadey, illustrated by Tatevik Avakyan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Shelly Siren and her friends at Trident Academy face their first day of class. But when Shelly's new friend seems to be turning all the other mermaids against her, she has to find a way to win them back.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Friendship dynamics, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to dealing with school social dynamics and understanding the importance of communication and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Young readers navigating their own school friendships and social challenges.

• The Mermaid's Mirror by L.K. Madigan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Lena, a fifteen-year-old girl, finds herself drawn to the sea and discovers a family secret that involves a mysterious mermaid's mirror. Her quest for understanding takes her on a transformative journey.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-discovery, family heritage, bravery
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a compelling blend of mystery and self-exploration, ideal for young readers looking to understand more about themselves and their families.
  • Perfect for: Teens and pre-teens interested in stories about personal growth and mystical adventures.

• Mermaid Park by Beth Mayall
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Amy escapes her troubles at home when she gets a summer job at Mermaid Park, an amusement park with a mermaid show. There, she learns about love, friendship, and her own desire to be a mermaid.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional development, relationship building, personal responsibility
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story about finding where you belong and the transformative power of friendship and first loves.
  • Perfect for: Young adults looking for a summer adventure and a deeper understanding of personal relationships.

• The Secret Mermaid: Deep Trouble by Sue Mongredien
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Molly, a secret mermaid, is on a mission to rescue her mermaid friends from a dangerous situation in the underwater kingdom.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, courage, environmental awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling underwater adventures with lessons on bravery and caring for the environment.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy action-packed stories and are passionate about protecting nature.

• Mermaids in Paradise by Lydia Millet
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Satire
  • Synopsis: Newlyweds Deb and Chip, on their honeymoon in the Caribbean, encounter mermaids and a corporate conspiracy to exploit the mermaids' habitat.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, environmental activism, satire understanding
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel cleverly uses humor and fantasy to address real-world issues, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
  • Perfect for: Older kids and teens interested in environmental issues and those who appreciate a mix of humor and advocacy in their reading.

Challenging Mermaid Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Ingo by Helen Dunmore
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Sapphire's father disappears mysteriously in the sea, and she discovers a hidden underwater world called Ingo. As she delves deeper, she faces the challenges of balancing her life on land with her attractions to the sea.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores deep themes of loss, identity, and the conflict between two worlds, requiring readers to think critically about complex emotions and situations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a rich, immersive experience into a fantastical underwater world while tackling real-life issues, providing a meaningful reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy deep, thought-provoking stories and those fascinated by the mysteries of the sea.

• The Water Mirror by Kai Meyer, illustrated by Sean Moser-Smith
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In an alternate Venice filled with magic, mermaids, and danger, two orphaned sisters, Merle and Junipa, become entangled in a struggle against an empire.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book combines complex world-building with historical elements and magical realism, demanding a higher level of comprehension and imagination.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating blend of history and fantasy that encourages creative thinking and a deeper appreciation for storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who enjoy unique settings and magical adventures with a historical twist.

• The Forbidden Sea by Sheila A. Nielson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When Adrianne comes face-to-face with the mermaid of Windwaithe Island, she is convinced that the mermaid is seeking vengeance for the wrongs Adrianne's family has done to her people.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features intricate narrative layers and moral dilemmas, challenging readers to consider ethics and the complexities of human-nature relationships.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers suspense and moral questions, making it a gripping and reflective read.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a thrilling story that also makes them think about right and wrong.

• Mermaid Curse: The Rainbow Pool by Louise Cooper
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Lizzy is horrified to learn that she is connected to a curse involving a mermaid's promise and the powerful forces of the ocean.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative intertwines Celtic mythology with modern-day dilemmas, providing a layer of cultural education that requires understanding beyond simple plot progression.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fascinating mix of myth and reality, offering insights into folklore while delivering a compelling modern adventure.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in mythology and tales that blend the ancient with the contemporary.

• The Mermaid's Sister by Carrie Anne Noble
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Clara discovers that her sister Maren is turning into a mermaid, and together with their friend O'Neill, they embark on a journey to the sea, facing numerous fantastical and real dangers.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book combines elements of historical settings with magical realism, requiring readers to adapt to shifting realities and complex character developments.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a heartwarming exploration of family and identity wrapped in a beautifully told fantasy narrative.
  • Perfect for: Those who love stories about family bonds and personal transformation amidst magical elements.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If your 9-year-old is fascinated by the enchanting world of mermaids, here are some fun reading exercises that can help them dive deeper into their books while developing good reading habits. Let's make reading as magical as the underwater world!

• Create a Mermaid Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special reading area decorated with a mermaid theme.
  • How it helps: Creates a dedicated and inviting space that encourages regular reading.
  • Tips: Let your child help decorate with items like seashells, blue fabrics, and mermaid illustrations to make it exciting.

• Mermaid Book Club
  • What it is: Start a book club focused on mermaid stories or ocean adventures.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and deeper understanding of the reading material.
  • Tips: Schedule regular meetings with friends who share the same interest in mermaid tales.

• Draw the Scene
  • What it is: After reading a chapter, draw a scene or character from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and recall by visualizing the story elements.
  • Tips: Use bright colors and maybe even some glitter to mimic the magical mermaid environment.

• Mermaid Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Create a list of new or interesting words found in mermaid books.
  • How it helps: Expands vocabulary and enhances language skills.
  • Tips: Make it fun by using the new words in daily conversations or writing simple stories using them.

• Predict the Next Adventure
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next in the story before continuing to read.
  • How it helps: Stimulates imagination and critical thinking.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions with a parent or friend to explore different possibilities.

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of a favorite character in the book.
  • How it helps: Develops empathy and deeper connection with the characters.
  • Tips: Choose different characters to write about to understand various viewpoints.

These exercises aren't just about reading; they're about creating an immersive experience that celebrates the allure of mermaids while fostering a love for reading. Dive into these activities and watch your young reader's imagination and reading skills soar like a mermaid in the ocean!