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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect nonfiction books for 9-year-olds that will both educate and entertain? You've come to the right place! Whether your young reader is curious about the world or eager to explore new ideas, we've curated a variety of captivating books just for them. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to spark their imagination and thirst for knowledge!

Fun Nonfiction Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
  • Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This book tells the true story of a boy from Malawi who builds a windmill from scraps to save his village from drought and famine.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale of ingenuity and determination that shows young readers how creativity can solve real-world problems.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and science enthusiasts.

• National Geographic Kids Why? by Crispin Boyer
  • Genre(s): Science, Reference, Curiosities & Wonders
  • Synopsis: This book answers a wide array of questions on topics ranging from animals to geography, satisfying the curiosity of young minds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It feeds the natural curiosity of children with fun facts and engaging explanations, making learning enjoyable.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who love to ask "Why?"

• Fly High! The Story of Bessie Coleman by Louise Borden and Mary Kay Kroeger
  • Illustrator: Teresa Flavin
  • Genre(s): Biography, History
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Bessie Coleman, the first African-American woman to earn a pilot's license.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a powerful message about overcoming obstacles and achieving one's dreams, regardless of societal barriers.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young aviators and history buffs.

• The Dinosaur Book by DK
  • Genre(s): Science, Dinosaurs, Reference
  • Synopsis: A comprehensive guide to dinosaurs, detailing their history, characteristics, and the science behind their extinction.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with fascinating illustrations and facts that make the prehistoric world come alive for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Dinosaur enthusiasts and young paleontologists.

• Time For Kids: Big Book of Science Experiments by Editors of TIME for Kids Magazine
  • Genre(s): Science, Experiments, Educational
  • Synopsis: A step-by-step guide to easy and exciting science experiments that can be done at home or in the classroom.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages practical learning and scientific inquiry through hands-on activities.
  • Perfect for: Budding scientists and kids who love to learn by doing.

Educational Nonfiction Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating
  • Illustrator: Marta Álvarez Miguéns
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science, Marine Biology
  • Synopsis: This book explores the life and achievements of Eugenie Clark, a pioneering marine biologist who dedicated her life to studying shark behavior and advocating for shark conservation.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of marine biology, animal behavior, scientific research methods
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that combines adventure with science, highlighting the impact of perseverance and passion in pursuing one's career goals.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in marine life and those inspired by trailblazing scientists.

• The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca
  • Illustrator: Daniel Rieley
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science, Education
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Temple Grandin, an influential scientist and advocate for autistic populations, who revolutionized practices for the humane handling of livestock.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of autism, animal science
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to different ways of thinking and shows how a unique perspective can lead to innovations in science and beyond.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in animal science and stories of personal achievement.

• The Street Beneath My Feet by Charlotte Guillain
  • Illustrator: Yuval Zommer
  • Genre(s): Science, Geography, Environment
  • Synopsis: This unique fold-out book takes readers on a journey deep beneath the earth's surface, exploring the hidden layers of our planet.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Geological science, environmental awareness, spatial thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a visually engaging and informative exploration of geology, encouraging curiosity about the natural world.
  • Perfect for: Young geologists and environmentalists eager to learn about what lies beneath their feet.

• How We Got to Now: Six Innovations That Made the Modern World by Steven Johnson
  • Genre(s): Technology, History, Science
  • Synopsis: This book explores six innovations—glass, cold, sound, clean, time, and light—and how they shaped the modern world in surprising ways.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, understanding of innovation, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It connects historical events with modern technology in a way that is accessible and intriguing for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Budding historians and young inventors interested in the origins of modern technology.

• What If You Had Animal Teeth!? by Sandra Markle
  • Illustrator: Howard McWilliam
  • Genre(s): Science, Biology, Humor
  • Synopsis: This engaging book explores the fascinating world of animal teeth by imagining how different life would be if humans had teeth like various animals.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Biological science, creative thinking, comparative analysis
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and humorous way to learn about biology and the animal kingdom, making science accessible and enjoyable.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy science with a twist of humor and creativity.

Challenging Nonfiction Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe by Theodore Gray
  • Genre(s): Science, Chemistry, Reference
  • Synopsis: This visually stunning book provides detailed information and fascinating facts about every element in the periodic table.
  • Why this book is challenging: The content includes complex scientific concepts and detailed data about chemical elements, which are typically introduced at higher educational levels.
  • Why we recommend this book: It turns the abstract concepts of chemistry into a visually engaging and tangible experience that can captivate young minds.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and those with a keen interest in chemistry and the building blocks of the universe.

• Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science, History
  • Synopsis: This book highlights the contributions of fifty notable women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from the ancient to the modern world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a range of complex scientific principles and historical contexts that are generally explored in more advanced education.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides inspiring stories of female scientists and innovators, encouraging both girls and boys to pursue their interests in STEM fields.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and the untold stories of women's contributions to science and technology.

• Maps by Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski
  • Genre(s): Geography, Culture, Reference
  • Synopsis: This book features detailed and artistically drawn maps of 52 countries and various interesting facts about their cultures, landmarks, and wildlife.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book offers a wealth of information on cultural and geographical diversity that requires careful reading and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It broadens young readers' global awareness and enhances their understanding of different cultures and places around the world.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers and travelers who dream of visiting new places and learning about the world.

• The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay
  • Genre(s): Technology, Science, How Things Work
  • Synopsis: This updated classic explains the inner workings of machines and technology, from simple levers to the latest technological innovations.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into mechanical and technological concepts that are intricate and often complex to understand.
  • Why we recommend this book: It demystifies how everyday objects and advanced technologies function, fostering a better understanding and curiosity about the engineered world.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds fascinated by mechanics, engineering, and understanding how things work.

• Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
  • Illustrator: Laura Freeman
  • Genre(s): Biography, History, Science
  • Synopsis: This book tells the inspiring true story of four African-American women who played a crucial role in NASA during the space race.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses complex themes of racial and gender inequality, as well as mathematical and scientific concepts related to space exploration.
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the significant contributions of these women to science and technology, promoting diversity and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history, space exploration, and inspiring stories of overcoming adversity.

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 nonfiction books, here are some fantastic exercises that can boost their reading habits and comprehension skills. These are not only fun but also incredibly beneficial for young readers. Let’s dive in!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistent reading and helps build a daily reading habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to keep motivation high.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: After reading a chapter, summarize its main points in a few sentences.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Use a notebook specifically for summaries to track progress.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who have read it or are interested in the topic.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and analytical thinking.
  • Tips: Try to articulate not just what the book is about, but what you learned from it.

• Create Visual Aids
  • What it is: Draw diagrams or charts that help explain the information read.
  • How it helps: Visual aids can simplify complex information and make learning more engaging.
  • Tips: Use colored pens or markers to make the visual aids more appealing.

• Ask Questions
  • What it is: Write down questions about the book before, during, and after reading.
  • How it helps: Stimulates curiosity and deeper understanding of the subject.
  • Tips: Review these questions with a parent or teacher who can provide insights or additional information.

• Link to Personal Experiences
  • What it is: Relate the content of the book to personal life or familiar situations.
  • How it helps: Makes the information more relatable and easier to remember.
  • Tips: Keep a separate section in the reading journal for personal reflections.

These exercises are designed to make reading nonfiction more interactive and enjoyable for your 9-year-old. By incorporating these activities into their reading routine, they'll not only enhance their comprehension skills but also develop a lifelong love for learning. So, grab those books, get set, and read on!