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

Looking for the perfect way to thrill your young reader? Dive into our exciting selection of Superhero Books for 9-Year-Olds that promise action-packed adventures and unforgettable characters. Whether your child dreams of flying high or battling villains, these books are sure to ignite their imagination and keep them hooked. Keep reading to discover our top picks of Superhero Books for 9-Year-Olds that are both engaging and fun!

Fun Superhero Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Captain Awesome to the Rescue! by Stan Kirby, illustrated by George O'Connor
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: This book introduces Eugene McGillicudy, a regular kid who transforms into his superhero alter ego, Captain Awesome. Eugene and his superhero team embark on missions to tackle the everyday problems of a third grader.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging read that combines humor with action-packed adventures, perfect for keeping young readers entertained while encouraging their imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young superhero fans and readers who love humorous adventures.

• The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Humor, Action
  • Synopsis: Two prankster kids, George and Harold, create a comic book superhero who unexpectedly comes to life as Captain Underpants. This unlikely hero faces off against various villains in a series of hilarious escapades.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its unique blend of comedy and action appeals directly to the sensibilities of 9-year-olds, making reading both enjoyable and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy laughter mixed with their action and those who might be reluctant readers.

• Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Zita finds herself thrust into the role of a hero when she's transported to a distant world where she must rescue her kidnapped friend. Along the journey, she encounters various alien species and robotic foes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling space adventure that promotes bravery and friendship, all while sparking interest in science fiction.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of outer space and enjoy stories about courage and camaraderie.

• Sidekicks by Dan Santat
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Captain Amazing, a superhero, feels he's getting too old to fight crime alone and seeks a sidekick. His pets have their own ideas and compete to be the chosen one, each discovering their own unique abilities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively explores themes of self-discovery and teamwork through a mix of humor and action.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and aspiring superheroes who appreciate stories about teamwork and self-worth.

• Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Princess Magnolia has a secret identity as the Princess in Black, a superhero who fights monsters. This series blends princess and superhero themes, showing that you can be both elegant and strong.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges traditional gender roles and offers a fun, engaging tale that empowers young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fairy tales and superheroes, and those looking for a strong female protagonist.

Educational Superhero Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Max and the Midknights by Lincoln Peirce
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Max dreams of becoming a knight, but in a kingdom where magic and brawn reign, it seems unlikely. However, when a wicked king takes control, Max and his friends, the Midknights, must rise to the challenge.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, historical knowledge, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and adventurous tale that encourages critical thinking and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love medieval settings and tales of knights and quests.

• Ellie Ultra: An Extra-Ordinary Girl by Gina Bellisario, illustrated by Jessika von Innerebner
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Ellie Ultra is a third-grader and a superhero. When her class gets a new student, Ellie is eager to make a new friend but soon discovers she has to save her school from a diabolical plot.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Friendship dynamics, problem-solving, confidence building
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines everyday school life with superhero antics, making it relatable and exciting for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young superhero enthusiasts who are also navigating school friendships and challenges.

• Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot by Dav Pilkey, illustrated by Dan Santat
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Ricky Ricotta, a small mouse, befriends a giant robot. Together, they protect the city from villainous threats, forming an unbreakable bond of friendship and courage.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading confidence, understanding of friendship and bravery
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging story that promotes the values of friendship and heroism through accessible text and vibrant illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy dynamic duos and thrilling heroic adventures.

• Superhero Joe by Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman, illustrated by Ron Barrett
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Joe receives a superhero costume for his birthday and decides it's time to use his powers to do good. His imagination takes him on incredible adventures where he learns the real meaning of being a hero.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, moral values, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires children to see the hero in themselves and to understand the impact of kindness and courage.
  • Perfect for: Creative kids who love dressing up and playing hero in their own backyard adventures.

• Kung Pow Chicken: Let's Get Cracking! by Cyndi Marko
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Gordon Blue was an ordinary second grader until he and his brother were zapped by a mysterious ray that turned them into superheroes. Now, as Kung Pow Chicken, he fights crime in the city of Fowladelphia.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading fluency, humor appreciation, understanding of responsibility
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with puns and silly situations that will keep kids laughing while they read about heroics and justice.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good laugh with their action-packed adventures.

Challenging Superhero Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Amulet: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: After moving to their great-grandfather's house, Emily and her brother Navin discover a magical amulet. They enter a world full of danger and mystery, where Emily must use the amulet's power to save their mother.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure and visual storytelling in graphic novel form require advanced comprehension and interpretation skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a rich, visually engaging story that enhances imagination and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fantasy adventures and visually driven storytelling.

• The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl: Squirrel Meets World by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
  • Genre(s): Superhero, Humor
  • Synopsis: Doreen Green, a teenage girl with the powers of a squirrel, moves to a new suburb with her family. She faces typical adolescent challenges while secretly fighting crime as Squirrel Girl.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features sophisticated humor and complex themes of identity and social adjustment.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous take on the superhero genre that promotes self-acceptance and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy quirky humor and unique superhero stories.

• The Zodiac Legacy: Convergence by Stan Lee and Stuart Moore, illustrated by Andie Tong
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When Steven Lee discovers he has powers connected to the Chinese Zodiac, he must team up with other gifted youths to stop an evil businessman from controlling the world.
  • Why this book is: challenging The plot involves complex concepts of mythology and astrology intertwined with fast-paced action.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines traditional superhero elements with cultural mythology, offering a diverse and thrilling experience.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in mythology and superheroes, looking for a diverse and action-packed story.

• Ms. Marvel Volume 1: No Normal by G. Willow Wilson, illustrated by Adrian Alphona
  • Genre(s): Superhero, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Kamala Khan, a Pakistani-American girl from Jersey City, gains extraordinary powers and takes on the mantle of Ms. Marvel, challenging societal expectations and villains alike.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses complex themes of cultural identity, religion, and societal expectations within a superhero framework.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's empowering and relatable, showing how a young girl navigates her identity and responsibilities as a superhero.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a superhero story that also explores personal and cultural identity.

• Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: In a dystopian future where individuals with superpowers known as Epics rule tyrannically, David seeks vengeance against Steelheart, the Epic who killed his father.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel introduces a complex world with a layered storyline and morally ambiguous characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping, high-stakes adventure that explores themes of power, revenge, and heroism.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who enjoy intense, thought-provoking narratives and exploring complex ethical dilemmas.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the exciting world of superhero books with your 9-year-old, you're in for a treat. Superhero stories are not just thrilling; they're packed with valuable lessons and inspiring characters. To make the most out of these reading adventures, here are some exercises that can help develop strong reading habits in young readers.

• Set a Daily Reading Time
  • What it is: Dedicate a specific time each day for reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a routine, making reading a regular part of the day.
  • Tips: Choose a quiet time, such as after dinner or before bedtime.

• Create a Superhero Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a special area in your home for reading superhero books.
  • How it helps: Enhances the reading experience by making it special and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Decorate the space with superhero posters or figures to make it inviting.

• Superhero Book Club
  • What it is: Start a book club focused on superhero stories.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and deeper understanding of the stories.
  • Tips: Schedule regular meetings to discuss a book or a specific number of chapters.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention by visualizing the story.
  • Tips: Use a variety of materials like crayons, markers, or digital tools for drawing.

• Character Journal
  • What it is: Keep a journal from the perspective of a favorite character.
  • How it helps: Develops empathy and deeper connection with the characters.
  • Tips: Write entries after each reading session, imagining the character's feelings and reactions.

• Summarize the Chapters
  • What it is: Write short summaries of each chapter after reading.
  • How it helps: Improves memory and understanding of the plot.
  • Tips: Keep the summaries brief and discuss them to reinforce memory.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next in the story before reading further.
  • How it helps: Stimulates critical thinking and engagement with the narrative.
  • Tips: Write down predictions and check their accuracy as you read along.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of your child's daily life. By incorporating these activities, you're not only enhancing their reading skills but also fueling their imagination and love for stories. So, grab those books, and let's give your young reader the superpower of great reading habits!