10+ Best Popular Books for 7-9-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for your young reader? Discovering the right book can spark a lifelong love of reading, so diving into the world of popular books for 7-9-year-olds is a great start! Whether your child is a budding bookworm or just getting started, our curated lists have something that will capture their imagination and keep those pages turning. Keep reading to explore our top picks of popular books for 7-9-year-olds that are sure to be a hit!

Fun Popular Books for 7-9-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows a young pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte crafts clever messages in her web to sway the farmer's decision.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life in a way that is accessible and touching for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers looking for a heartwarming story.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A little girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike his giant peers, refuses to eat boys and girls. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the other giants from eating children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its creative language and whimsical plot, encouraging a love for reading through fantastical storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young adventurers.

• The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Siblings Jack and Annie discover a magical tree house filled with books that transport them through time and space on various adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: Each book provides a fun, educational journey through different historical events and cultures, enhancing both reading skills and historical knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds and young explorers who enjoy series and learning about new places and times.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book is a journal of Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges and embarrassments of middle school life.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its humorous take on everyday school life and relatable characters make reading enjoyable and engaging for reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate humor and those who might be a bit hesitant about reading.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, but her talents are constantly belittled by her cruel parents and headmistress. She discovers she has the power of telekinesis and begins to defend her friends from the headmistress's tyranny.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, empowering young readers to believe in their own abilities and stand up against injustice.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or underappreciated, and those who enjoy stories of triumph over adversity.

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four siblings enter the magical world of Narnia through a wardrobe in an old house. They embark on a quest to defeat the evil White Witch with the help of Aslan, the noble lion.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a rich, imaginative world filled with profound themes like bravery, redemption, and the battle between good and evil.
  • Perfect for: Fans of epic adventures and magical tales.

Educational Popular Books for 7-9-Year-Olds

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Science, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Ada Twist is a very curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world around her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, problem-solving, curiosity about how things work
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity, perseverance, and the importance of science, making it both educational and inspiring.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and any child with a curious mind.

• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Multicultural
  • Synopsis: Unhei, a young Korean girl, moves to America and decides to choose a new name after her classmates have trouble pronouncing her real name. Throughout the story, she embraces her cultural identity and decides to keep her original name.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, self-acceptance, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable lessons about diversity and the importance of being true to oneself.
  • Perfect for: Children navigating cultural identity and any young reader learning about inclusivity and respect for others.

• The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Stories
  • Synopsis: Humphrey, a classroom hamster, shares his observations and adventures from the confines of his school cage.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Perspective-taking, empathy, understanding classroom dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging way for children to learn about compassion and the perspectives of others.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and students who enjoy school stories.

• I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912 by Lauren Tarshis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book tells the thrilling story of a young boy, George, who survives the sinking of the Titanic.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, resilience, survival skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines factual historical details with engaging storytelling to captivate young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young historians and thrill-seekers.

• Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows by Asia Citro, illustrated by Marion Lindsay
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science
  • Synopsis: Zoey discovers she can see magical creatures and uses science to help them with their problems.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific method, critical thinking, compassion
  • Why we recommend this book: It uniquely blends fantasy with science, encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking in fun and imaginative ways.
  • Perfect for: Budding scientists and lovers of magical creatures.

Challenging Popular Books for 7-9-Year-Olds

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This story follows Despereaux Tilling, a brave mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It explores his adventures as he navigates a world filled with dungeons, betrayal, and soup.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes of bravery, darkness, and redemption, interwoven with sophisticated language and narrative structure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that encourages empathy and courage, providing young readers with a rich literary experience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales with depth and moral challenges.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • 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: The plot involves complex puzzles and moral dilemmas that require critical thinking and advanced comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thrilling adventure filled with intellectual challenges that will keep readers engaged and thinking critically.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle solvers and young detectives who love a good challenge.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical quests.
  • Why this book is challenging: It plays with language and introduces philosophical ideas that challenge young readers to think about the world in new ways.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative journey that promotes creativity and critical thinking through its clever use of language and humor.
  • Perfect for: Young thinkers and lovers of language and wordplay.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a spoiled and sickly girl, discovers a secret, neglected garden at her uncle's house and, along with her cousin Colin, brings it back to life, healing herself and others in the process.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text includes themes of loss, rejuvenation, and the healing power of nature, wrapped in a narrative style from the early 20th century.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches about the transformative power of nature and caring for others, providing a touching story of friendship and renewal.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about personal growth and nature's magic.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This poetic tale features a young prince who travels the universe gaining wisdom. Through his journey, he encounters various adult characters, each teaching the prince different views on life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores complex themes like existentialism, loneliness, and love through allegorical content that provokes deeper thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers timeless lessons on life and human nature, wrapped in a simple yet profound narrative.
  • Perfect for: Deep thinkers and young philosophers, as well as those who appreciate allegorical stories.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-9-year-olds develop great reading habits, here are some fun and effective exercises tailored just for them. These activities are designed to make reading a delightful and habitual part of their daily routine.

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy spot at home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading by associating it with a comfortable and inviting space.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book Bingo
  • What it is: A bingo game where each square represents a different type of book or reading activity.
  • How it helps: Makes reading diverse genres and books fun and engaging.
  • Tips: Reward completing a row or full house with a small prize like extra bedtime stories or a trip to the bookstore.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Pause during reading to predict what might happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and analytical thinking skills.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions and whether they were right or wrong after finishing the chapter or book.

• Read Aloud Days
  • What it is: Dedicate specific days where you read a book aloud together.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and makes reading a shared, social activity.
  • Tips: Use different voices for different characters to make the reading more lively and entertaining.

• Reading Challenge Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks the number of books or pages read over a period.
  • How it helps: Encourages a sense of achievement and motivates continuous reading.
  • Tips: Offer a meaningful reward when certain milestones are reached, like choosing the next family movie or a favorite meal.

• Book Club for Kids
  • What it is: Organize a small book club with a few of your child’s friends who read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Builds communication skills and enhances understanding through discussion.
  • Tips: Keep the atmosphere light and fun; perhaps include snacks and a related activity like drawing a scene from the book.

These exercises are not just about reading more books; they're about building a lifelong love for reading. By integrating these fun activities, you're setting the stage for a lot of magical adventures in the pages of their favorite stories. Dive in and watch your little reader grow!