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

Ahoy there! Are you on the hunt for the perfect swashbuckling adventure to captivate your 9-year-old? Look no further! Our treasure trove of Pirate Books for 9-Year-Olds is packed with tales of high seas adventures that are just right for young readers. Keep reading to discover our carefully curated lists of pirate-themed books that promise to spark imagination and thrill young minds. Let's set sail into the world of stories where X marks the spot!

Fun Pirate Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Magic Marks the Spot by Caroline Carlson
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Hilary Westfield has always dreamed of being a pirate. She escapes from a finishing school and sets off with a ragtag crew on a ship bound for high-seas adventure, where treasure and magical mysteries await.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of humor and wit, making it an enjoyable read that encourages imagination and problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and fantasy lovers who dream of treasure maps and magical encounters.

• Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, illustrated by Greg Call
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This prequel to Peter Pan tells the story of an orphan boy named Peter and his friends who encounter a mysterious trunk and pirates on the high seas.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thrilling adventure that expands creativity and introduces the themes of friendship and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Fans of classic tales with a twist and young readers who enjoy stories about friendship and magic.

• The Pirates Next Door by Jonny Duddle
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Humor
  • Synopsis: The Jolley-Rogers, a pirate family, move to a small coastal town, shaking up the neighborhood with their unconventional lifestyle.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging story with lively illustrations that promote acceptance and the value of being open to differences.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy humorous stories and learning about acceptance and friendship through lively characters.

• Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Classic
  • Synopsis: Young Jim Hawkins embarks on a perilous voyage to a remote island in search of buried treasure, encountering fearsome pirates like the infamous Long John Silver.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless adventure that helps build vocabulary and introduces classic literary themes in an accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring adventurers and young readers who are ready to dive into a more challenging classic tale.

• Pirateology: The Pirate Hunter's Companion by Captain William Lubber, Dugald A. Steer, illustrator
  • Genre(s): Interactive, Educational
  • Synopsis: This detailed guidebook features a fictional pirate hunter's notes, providing insights into the world of pirates through maps, charts, and intricate illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun with learning, offering interactive elements that engage young readers and stimulate their interest in history and geography.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who thrive on interactive learning and have a keen interest in pirates and historical adventures.

Educational Pirate Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Charlotte Jane Battles Bedtime by Myra Wolfe, illustrated by Maria Monescillo
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Charlotte Jane the pirate gains the ultimate treasure—energy from a good night's sleep—after realizing how much more piratical fun she can have when she's well-rested.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding the importance of sleep, building routine, self-regulation
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a playful pirate theme with a valuable life lesson about the benefits of rest, presented in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young pirates who resist bedtime and parents who want to encourage good sleeping habits.

• Pirate Bob by Kathryn Lasky, illustrated by David Clark
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Pirate Bob and his parrot embark on adventures on the high seas, learning about friendship and sharing through their swashbuckling escapades.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Friendship skills, sharing, moral values
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful story that teaches about cooperation and the value of friends, all set against an exciting pirate backdrop.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories of adventure and parents who appreciate tales with moral lessons.

• How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long, illustrated by David Shannon
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Humor
  • Synopsis: Young Jeremy Jacob joins a band of pirates for a day, learning about pirate customs and the value of home and family.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Family values, imaginative play, vocabulary
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a humorous look at pirate life, encouraging imagination while subtly reinforcing the importance of family.
  • Perfect for: Children with a sense of adventure and a love for stories that mix reality with fantasy.

• Pirate School by Cathy East Dubowski and Mark Dubowski
  • Genre(s): Early Reader, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Pete attends Pirate School but struggles with passing his pirate tests until he learns the true meaning of teamwork and perseverance.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, perseverance, early reading skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging read for young learners that promotes important social and personal skills through an entertaining pirate-themed story.
  • Perfect for: Early readers who enjoy fun stories with educational themes and young pirates learning to navigate the challenges of school.

Challenging Pirate Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Join Edmund and Lucy Pevensie, along with their cousin Eustace Scrubb, as they are whisked away to the ocean-bound world of Narnia aboard the ship, The Dawn Treader. Their mission is to assist King Caspian in finding the seven lost lords of Narnia.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text incorporates rich, descriptive language and complex themes such as redemption and courage.
  • Why we recommend this book: It allows readers to explore fantastical lands and complex narratives that enhance their imagination and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love epic adventures and exploring magical worlds.

• The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In 1832, thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle embarks on a transatlantic voyage and finds herself caught between a ruthless captain and a mutinous crew. Choosing sides could be deadly.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features sophisticated themes of justice and personal growth, and the historical setting requires understanding of the context.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping tale that offers a strong female protagonist and a detailed look into maritime history.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who appreciate historical settings and stories of personal empowerment.

• Castaways of the Flying Dutchman by Brian Jacques
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy, Ben, and his dog, Ned, are the lone survivors of the legendary ghost ship, the Flying Dutchman. Cursed to wander the earth forever, they set out on a series of fantastical adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves complex language with dense plot elements and mythical lore.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines historical pirate legends with thrilling adventures, ideal for readers who enjoy complex plots and mythical tales.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love animal companions and timeless wanderings through historical and fantastical realms.

• The Pirate's Son by Geraldine McCaughrean
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Nathan Gull and his sister, Maud, are taken under the wing of Tamo White, a swashbuckling buccaneer, who leads them on a dangerous journey from the shores of Africa to the pirate-infested waters of Madagascar.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story presents intricate character developments and moral dilemmas, set against a rich historical backdrop.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep dive into the complexities of moral choices and loyalty, wrapped in the thrill of pirate adventures.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in deep, thought-provoking narratives and historical adventures.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there, young swashbucklers and budding bookworms! If you're diving into the adventurous world of pirate books, it's a great opportunity to develop some fantastic reading habits that'll serve you well on all your literary voyages. Here are some fun exercises to help you navigate through the pages like a seasoned pirate captain!

• Create a Pirate Reading Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that tracks your journey through the book.
  • How it helps: Visualizing your progress can make reading more engaging and fun.
  • Tips: Use symbols or drawings to mark key events or chapters as you read through the book.

• Design a Pirate Flag
  • What it is: Create a flag that represents your reading goals.
  • How it helps: This serves as a personal symbol of your commitment to reading.
  • Tips: Hang the flag in your reading area to remind you of your goals and inspire you to keep reading.

• Talk Like a Pirate
  • What it is: Summarize chapters or explain the plot to someone else using pirate lingo.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention by rephrasing the story in your own words.
  • Tips: Use a pirate voice and terms like 'ahoy', 'matey', and 'treasure' to make it more fun.

• Treasure Hunt for Words
  • What it is: Look for new or interesting words in the book and write them down.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and makes you more attentive while reading.
  • Tips: Keep a special notebook for all the 'treasure' words you discover.

• Set Sail with a Reading Buddy
  • What it is: Pair up with a friend or family member to read the book together.
  • How it helps: Reading with someone else can make the experience more enjoyable and interactive.
  • Tips: Discuss each chapter with your buddy to share insights and predictions.

So, grab your compass and set sail into the exciting world of pirate tales, equipped with these handy exercises. Not only will they make your reading adventure more thrilling, but they'll also help you build strong reading skills. Happy reading, mateys!