50 Best Books for 9-Year-Olds: 2024 Picks

Most nine-year-olds are up for a good adventure, making this sci-fi story a phenomenal choice. Friends Otto and Sheed prepare to kick back as school winds down for their summer, but things take a wild turn.

The two boys are thrust into a time-travel adventure when an eccentric man with a camera literally freezes time. Can they race to save their town before it’s too late? This story will keep your kids turning the pages.

This is the first in a trilogy about a Chinese-Caucasian girl who loves reading — and loves writing even more! The books follow Cilla’s adventures and sensitivities of being a mixed-race girl. They also explore her initial struggles with reading, as well as some healthy friend drama.

Cilla Lee is excellent for readers who still enjoy seeing pictures in their chapter books. The books are heavily illustrated and feature a readable font, ideal for readers still finding their footing. I chose this one for kids navigating identity and cultural complexities.

Does your child play basketball? Handing a sporty kid a book about sports may be an easy way to inspire them to read. This series focuses on Pakistani-American Zayd Saleem, who dreams of becoming a basketball legend.

Although Zayd is scrawny and his parents think practicing violin is more important than playing ball, he doesn’t let anything deter him. This pick is amazing for kids passionate about chasing dreams or just wanting to read about another kid doing so.

Stella Diaz moved to the US as a baby, and everyone in her family is bilingual. However, Stella is shy about speaking English because she sometimes mixes her English and Spanish words in class. But things start to improve when Stella joins an ESL class at school.

This book is perfect for kids who want to learn Spanish since the text is interspersed with Spanish words. Cautious kids will also see themselves in Stella; her story will inspire them to speak up because their voices matter too.

Your child is finally at an age where they are ready for the wonderful world of Harry Potter. This magical series inspired an entire generation of children to read.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone tells the story of an 11-year-old orphan boy who learns he’s a wizard. He’s whisked away to a hidden world of magic, where he’s a living legend due to his tragic past. With his friends, he must solve a mystery within the walls of his new school.

The Harry Potter series grows slightly darker with every book, but this one is charming and tame enough for 9-year-olds who want to explore magical worlds.

This book is not only well written, but it’s also beautifully designed too. Diversity in books is very important, and this fantasy is interwoven with Chinese folklore.

It tells the story of Minli, who resolves to find the Old Man on the Moon in a quest to change her family’s fortune. On her way, she meets a dragon who accompanies her on her mission.

It’s a warm-hearted tale of friendship, imagination, and determination that will introduce many children to a new kind of story.

Wish is a powerful story that may cause a few tears, but don’t let that put you off. Stories like this are important. They bring your child’s sense of compassion and emotional awareness to the forefront.

Charlie is a little girl who comes from a broken home. She expends almost all her energy wishing for the one thing she wants most in the world, but soon learns that what she wants and needs are two different things.

It’s a heart-warming, touching, and bittersweet book that gives us an inside look into the story of found family.

When I was a kid, I adored first-person stories. I’ll eat my socks if your 9-year-old doesn’t love this one.

Meet Chase Cooper, a 6th grader who also happens to be a ninja. He chronicles his adventures as a warning to other kids not to become ninjas. But before he can save the world, he has to survive his first day at a new school.

What’s not to love? This story is the ideal blend between old tropes and modern spins. It’s a highly entertaining read that’s part of a 12-part series.

Ten-year-old Isaiah’s dad died last year, and he’s trying to help his little sister maintain a sense of normalcy. His mom is grieving and depressed, but with the help of his friends and community, Isaiah tries to find his feet again.

This book is excellent for kids who enjoy poetry. Isaiah finds meaning in his father’s poetry, cultivating his love for the craft. Although the story is sometimes emotional, this book is a well-written portal to discussing tough topics like death and grief. It also highlights the value of community, warm sibling relationships, and wholesome male role models.

With millions of copies sold and a number one spot on the New York Times Best Sellers list, Wonder has inspired many people to be better.

It’s the story of Auggie, a boy with Treacher Collins syndrome, who tries his best to fit in despite his classmate’s bullying. Before long, his family and classmates come to see him in a different light. It’s definitely a book that warms the soul.

It wins points for diversity and shows different perspectives. I honestly believe everyone should read this book, whether you’re nine or 109! What struck me the most was that though most people who read it won’t have a facial difference, many readers will be able to relate to Auggie.

I had to include this six-book set because my nine-year-old nephew specifically requested them. As a beginner bookworm, he read one and desperately wants the rest. I think that says enough.

It’s a simple fantasy in which twins Alex and Connor are pulled into a magical world where all the mystical creatures and happenings they’ve read about are real. It’s reminiscent of the Neverending Story, the Pagemaster, and even the Chronicles of Narnia.

A family tree project in school leads Amara to ask her dad questions about his estranged family. After much persuasion, he caves and allows her to come with him to New York City to see his side of the family. Family secrets are revealed in time for a warm reunion.

This is a heartwarming gem of a book, and Renee Watson is one of our favorite children’s and teen writers. If your kid is eager to visit the Big Apple, start with this book! It’s packed with historical and touristy details about the city.

Kaia is sad to hear that her Tatang (great-grandfather) has decided to move back to the Philippines. She and her friends decide to submit a film they’re making about Filipino folktales this summer to a contest. She hopes that if they win, Tatang will stay.

This sweet book set on the beachy West Coast is full of warm family and friendship moments. It’s also packed with Filipino folklore and American history. Any Day With You makes for a perfect family read-aloud.

Katherine Applegate (author of Animorphs) has been a staple in children’s fiction for decades, and Wishtree doesn’t disappoint. The story is told from the perspective of a 200-year-old oak tree, Red, who only wants the best for his neighborhood. People use Red as a wishtree, you see, so he takes their dreams seriously.

Although this book is for children, its tone is much more serious than many other children’s books. It’s a good place to start if your child is ready for thought-provoking narratives.

When I think of being nine, I think of this book. Reading this book with my own mother is one of my core memories. As part of a 13-book series, this is an incredible start to a thrilling series about three orphans who go to live with their weird distant relative, Count Olaf.

What I love most about this book, despite the absurd and exciting plots, is the prose. Lemony Snicket has such a distinct narrative voice. He uses beautiful phrases and explains language to readers, educating them on syntax, idioms, and less common words.

If your child is already accustomed to books and enjoys a thrilling story that pulls on the heartstrings, introduce them to Refugee.

You meet three refugees. Josef is a Jewish boy in Nazi Germany, escaping the Holocaust with his family; Isabel is a Cuban girl in 1994, bound for America after her family flees riots and political unrest. Mahmoud is a Syrian boy in 2015 who becomes a refugee after his homeland is wartorn.

Although they each come from different corners of the world, their stories are connected. It’s a beautifully woven story of both suffering and hope. It’s educational too, and will give your child a better understanding of the global political climate.

In league with Watership Down and Tailchaser’s Song, this is the charming story of a clan of cats. A dark prophecy looms over their heads, bringing a mysterious danger that threatens their peace.

Six cats step up and resolve to protect their forest. They’re led on a magical, exciting adventure that puts their entire home at stake. This story appeals to many personalities, including cat lovers, fantasy geeks, and adventure fanatics.

Is your child looking for laughs? I’ve found the right book for them.

Jack and his friends live in a treehouse. They’re the last remaining humans after the Monster Apocalypse, and for them, life is like a video game. They battle monsters and run from zombies, all while running the world.

Jeff Kinney, the author of the acclaimed Diary of a Wimpy Kid, praised this book series, describing it as “terrifyingly fun”. It’s an excellent adventure that will give your kid lots of giggles along the way.

This collection of five books is highly acclaimed and could become the next best thing. Fans of Harry Potter or superheroes are sure to enjoy it.

Sophie is telepathic, and it’s up to her to save a world she never knew she was a part of. She’s led on a journey to a mystical world, where she learns her power is not the only thing that makes her different. Can she figure out why she was hidden with humans before it’s too late?

For fans of Judy Blume, I think kids will enjoy this sweet story of  Shiela. She isn’t the most confident; in fact, she has quite a lot of fears (spiders, swimming, and most of all, dogs). One summer, her family decides to vacation in the country where Shiela will have to face all of these fears.

Part of the Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing series, it’s a bit confusing that Fudge and his brother aren’t in this book. But it’s still a worthwhile read that gives an insightful look into what it’s like to be a young girl with anxiety.

Do you remember Choose Your Own Adventure books? This one is similar, except it involves a fresh storytelling method in which your child needs to solve a mystery at the end of every chapter.

Timmi follows clues in his family’s secret legacy to save a dear friend. Attempting to find a legendary pirate ship, he triggers an ancient, dark power. It stands in the way of his mission.

The story is excellent, beautifully illustrated, and the mysteries will leave your child feeling like a professional sleuth. How fun!

Many parents will have read this as a child, and you can finally introduce it to your child. This exciting mythological book is about young Percy Jackson, a good boy who has trouble focusing. When bizarre things happen at boarding school, his mother finally decides it’s time to introduce him to his heritage.

She sends him away to Camp Half Blood, where he learns he is a demigod. In this epic adventure, Percy and his friends must visit the Underworld and put a stop to a deadly war between the gods.

For fans of fantasy, botany, and exciting adventures, I introduce you to Greenwild. This is the breathtaking story of Daisy Thistletown, who is searching for her missing mother when she comes across a mysterious door that leads her to another world: Greenwild.

Readers are blown away by this incredible book that is praised for its delicate and gorgeous worldbuilding. If you want to share important messages with your child about loving the environment and vulnerable creatures, then this might be just the book to choose.

Dive headfirst into this inspiring tale about Bree, a girl forced to take a swimming elective even though she’s scared of the sport. With some help from a neighbor and a lot of hard work, can Bree help her team towards a state championship?

I love that this is in a graphic novel form, giving your child a break from dense chapter books. It’s also a fantastic book about important social issues and the history of Black folk’s relationship with water.

This book may have a gorgeous cover, but the content shares the important message that you shouldn’t judge a book by the way it looks. When Zoe turns 12, she receives a letter from her father, a man she has never met.

She discovers he’s spent years in prison for a crime he claims he didn’t commit. Zoe becomes preoccupied with her father’s conviction as she learns more about the criminal justice system and inequality.

This is a fantastic story to introduce your child to the ins and outs of the justice system while also providing a wholesome story about a young girl with a passion for baking.

Being the new kid is hard. Trust me, I’ve been there! But books like this can make children feel less alone.

Jordan Banks starts a new private school that focuses on academics rather than his passion: art. But the worst part is that he is one of the only kids of color in his grade, making him feel left out. In this graphic novel, can Jordan figure out how to find his place in school culture while being true to his identity?

Chase doesn’t remember falling off a roof, hitting his head, or anything else about his life except his name. When he returns to school, some children are excited to see him, and others are afraid. While battling with his extreme memory loss, Chase begins to question what happened in his past and how he will navigate his future.

Nine-year-olds will enjoy the unusual premise as well as the twists and turns this book takes. I love that it also opens up important conversations about bullying, empathy, and friendship.

If your child won’t have nightmares after reading horror stories, here’s one written for children. Young Coraline explores her new home and discovers a locked door that leads to a strange world. At first, this world seems better than her own, but soon she discovers a mother and father that want Coraline to stay.

Other children are trapped here, and Coraline is the only person who can rescue them and return to her old life. While this is aimed at children eight and up, it’s also a delightful autumnal read for grown-ups.

Interactive puzzles, fantastic characters, and mysteries to solve: what more can you ask from a book? This action-packed book begins with a strange ad in the newspaper, prompting children to enroll in a bunch of weird, mind-bending tests.

Only four children will succeed and must go undercover on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened. Can they pass the most important test, which puts their strong friendship at the stake?

If your child enjoys this story, there are four books in the series and a bonus book full of puzzles and enigmas.

Having braces isn’t easy. Based on the author’s true story of having braces, Raina has a bad fall after Girl Scouts and injures her front teeth. The graphic novel followers her dramatic story of having braces, headgear, surgery, and retainers.

Ringing true to the realities of being a tweenager, this book is a must-have for young girls who are dealing with their own dramas. Whether that’s with boys, friends, or even an earthquake, this book shows what it’s like to finally discover who you are and what it means to really smile.

To her surprise, Sunny has been sent off to spend summer vacation with her grandfather in Florida. It’s not at all like the movies: instead of spending all day at Disney World, she is surrounded by old people. Fun.

But then she meets Buzz, who is obsessed with comic books and fun adventures like battling alligators or disappearing neighbors. But will Sunny figure out why she was sent to Florida in the first place?

In this sweet yet serious graphic novel, you’ll go through an emotional journey through themes of humor, secrecy and addiction.

This Roald Dahl book is a classic for a reason. It was one of my favorite stories growing up. It follows Matilda, a five-year-old who is an absolute genius. When she starts school, she has to face treacherous characters and adventures, such as Miss Trunchbull, the hammer-throwing unempathetic principal.

I think most nine-year-olds will get a kick out of this wonderful and heartwarming story that follows a girl with a feisty attitude for revenge, as well as kindness.

Nick Allen is a bit of a troublemaker at school, but when he invents the word “frindle” (meaning pen), it catches on and soon becomes a nationwide word. This silly book will have you laughing from start to finish and may even cause a few tears toward the end.

This book highlights the power of words, which is important when cultivating a young bookworm. The moral is to be careful what you say because, soon enough, words spread.

What will happen when two siblings — with different strengths — come together to have a lemonade stand battle? Evan is good at talking to people and charming grownups, whereas his little sister, Jessie, is good with numbers.

Things get tense as they both try to sell the most lemonade within five days. Readers will be rooting for them both, especially as they try to end an ongoing fight. If your little one likes this book, there are more in the series to enjoy!

If your nine-year-old is trying to convince you to get a dog, you may want to skip this one because the wholesome relationship will have you running to your nearest rescue center.

Opal goes to the supermarket for groceries and returns with a dog: Winn-Dixie. It’s because of this dog that Opal is finally able to make friends and ask her father about her mother, who left when she was three. Kate DiCamillo captures what it means to have a canine friend in this heartwarming story about companionship.

Sixth grader, Miranda, begins recieving mysterious notes that give her instructions for a secret mission. She would ignore the messages, but whoever is sending them seems to be able to predict the future. When a message comes through telling her that someone is going to die, can Miranda help before it’s too late?

Children who are fans of mysteries, time travel, friendship and a page-turning story will devour this one. Keep in mind that this can be a bit of a confusing book at first, but if your child has a good imagination, I think they’ll fall in love.

If your child hasn’t yet met the BFG, now is the time to introduce them! To remind you, the BFG stands for “the big friendly giant”. Unlike other giants, he is kind and thoughtful. When young Sophie is stolen by him in the middle of the night, she is relieved that she hasn’t been taken by a flesh-eating giant like the Bloodbottler.

Together, Sophie and the BFG set out on a mission to stop the nasty giants from carrying on their crimes. I love this heartwarming, pleasant tale for children and adults to read.

When Ella is born, a fairy curses her with the “gift” of obedience. In a retelling of Cinderella, Ella is left with her awful stepmother and stepsisters after her parents die. Becaues of the curse, she is supposed to do everything she is told, but Ella is feisty enough to do everything she can to be free from her curse.

An absolute essential for any young girl’s bookshelf, this story challenges traditional feminine stereotypes and uses humor to create an exciting story from beginning to end.

Joe and Ravi are outsiders. Joe’s lonely after his best friend moved away, and Ravi has just moved to America from India and is struggling to fit in. Though they have nothing in common, they are both bullied by the same enemy.

Told over the course of one week, this fast-paced story is a great one for children who have ever felt like an outsider. With a fantastic lesson about getting an attitude check and being sensitive to others, it’s a great one to share with your nine-year-old.

Milo is bored to death when a mysterious tollbooth appears in his room. He travels through and ends up in a different kind of world. Fans of fantasy and magic will enjoy this wild yet delightful story.

Readers love it for its absurdity and clever humor. If your child loves making people laugh, this book might just help them covet an even wittier sense of humor.

If your nine-year-old is a fan of Disney characters, fairy tales, and exciting stories, this series will be right up their street. The first in this six-part series follows best friends, Sophie and Agatha, who are about to start the School for Good and Evil. There, they will be trained as heroes or villains.

Sophie is ready to be trained as a hero, and Agatha is excited for the School of Evil, but they find their fates reversed. Sophie ends up at the School of Evil, and Agatha starts her hero training. How did this mistake happen?

Find out in this one-of-a-kind fairy tale retelling!

Emotion, friendship, and adventures: that’s what fills the marvelous pages of this book. Complete with Jon Klassen’s lovely illustrations, this book follows Pax and Peter, who have been inseparable since Peter rescued Pax when he was just a baby fox.

But when Peter is forced to leave Pax’s side, he does everything he can to reunite with his furry friend. Told through a dual narrative, this is a heartwarming and heart-wrenching tale of friendship that I think most nine-year-olds (and parents) will adore.

In this retelling of the legend of King Midas, a young boy loves chocolate so much that everything he eats turns into the tasty treat! Published in 1952, this has been a classic for decades. I appreciate that it teaches a moral lesson that too much of a good thing is a bad thing. If you’re looking for a fun and engaging book that touches on themes of greed, this is a fantastic choice.

What are people for?: a strange question, I know. But that’s what this book is about. After a conversation with her awful parents, Leeva is trying to figure out what people’s purpose are.

Be aware that Leeva is neglected by her parents, but if your child can handle Matilda or A Series of Unfortunate Events, they can handle this. Leeva embarks on her adventure with the help of a timid boy, librarians, and a lonely badger, hoping to change her community for the better.

I absolutely love middle-grade literature for the way it diversifies and shares essential messages, and this title is no different. This is an exciting and page-turning story about a young girl who moves from China to the US to live with her family after being separated for five years.

Many children will relate to Lina Gao, who finds school difficult, is nervous about speaking English, and compares herself to her confident little sis. Even if your child has not experienced these challenges, sharing this story is valuable for teaching empathy and inclusion.

Whether your child loves poetry or hates it, this book is for them. Told in poems, this book is about Jack who despises poetry. His teacher, Miss Stretchberry, keeps assigning poetry to the class, so Jack has no choice but to engage.

But the more he writes, the more he realizes that poetry might not be so bad after all. I love this story for teaching kids a new format and reminding them that they can learn new things, even if they don’t love it at first.

If your child is a fan of cats and fantasy, then you can’t get a more apt book than Into the Wild. Part of a six-book series, the beginning story follows a housecat called Rusty, who must do what he can to protect the ThunderClan cats.

While far-fetched and a bit ridiculous, this is just the kind of novel a 4th grader needs to fall in love with reading. What is especially great about the books is that although the characters are cats, they are well-developed and fun to follow.

Get lost in this book about a magical book. If your child has ever imagined the stories they read about coming to life, I think they will devour this.

One night, Meggie and her father are reading a book called Inkheart when the evil ruler escapes from the pages and appears in their home. Suddenly, Meggie is reeled into a magical adventure, and only she can stop the nightmare from spiraling.

This is a great one for indepdent readers, but it’s an epic one to read aloud together. Plus, there are two more books in the series and even a film adaptation!

Princess Celie loves Tuesdays. On this particular day, the castle grows a new room or wing, making it a very exciting occasion! Being the only person in the castle who cares about the layout, it’s up to Celie to save the day when the Queen and King are ambushed. Can she protect the castle with her knowledge of its magic, nooks, and crannies?

If your child loves this story, there are a total of five books in the series to whizz through.