Best Books for 9-Year-Olds

Fablehaven

Author: Brandon Mull

Year: 2006

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Age: 8 – 12

More info: New York Times Bestseller, Fablehaven #1

Plot

Animals all head to Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. It is a sanctuary of magic in a world that has stopped believing. Kendra and her brother Seth do not know that their grandfather is the caretaker of Fablehaven. On the festival night, a window to their bedroom gets left open and the monsters are let in. It is up to Kendra and Seth to save their family.

Why Jackie loves it

Parts of this middle-grade fantasy book are a bit scarier for younger children to read but if your child likes books like the later Harry Potters or Keeper of the Lost City, they should be ok with it.

Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Books Like KOTLC / Books with Magical Creatures / Books for 9-year-olds

A Tale of Magic

Author: Chris Colfer

Year: 2020

Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy

Age: 9+

More info: A Tale of Magic book 1 of 3
New York Times Bestseller

Plot

Brystal Evergreen finds out that she can perform magic when reading a book from her library. She discovers that she is a fairy but women aren’t supposed to read in the Southern Kingdom!

When she is sentenced to a correctional facility, she is quickly whisked away to an academy where she can learn magic! When the headmaster disappears, Brystal and her classmates must come together and save the world.

Why Kirsten loves it

My kids devoured this middle-grade fantasy as quickly as Chris Colfer’s last series. While no correctional facility could be as bad as Azkaban, this series is a perfect pick for books like Harry Potter. It also reminded me a little bit of Percy Jackson who found out he was a demigod. Either way, this series is another hit from Chris Colfer.

Find this book in: Books Like Harry Potter / Books Like Percy Jackson / Best Books for 9-year-olds

Mystery Books for 9-Year-Olds

Book Scavenger

Author: Jennifer Chambliss Bertman

Year: 2016

Genre: Middle Grade Mystery

Age: 9 – 11

More info: Book Scavenger #1

Plot

The first of three books in the Book Scavengers series, this story is all about Emily and James. They are on the hunt to uncover the latest game by Garrison Griswold. Griswold has recently entered a coma and it’s up to Emily and James to uncover who attacked him before they get attacked next.

Why Jackie loves it

This pick is filled with fun and adventure. What reader wouldn’t love a mystery series about books?

Find this book in: Mystery Books for Tweens / Best Books for 9-year-olds

The Great Shelby Holmes

Author: Elizabeth Eulberg

Year: 2017

Genre: Middle Grade Mystery

Age: 9 – 11

More info: Shelby Holmes #1

Plot

In this story, 6th grader Shelby is a detective in her Harlem neighborhood. She doesn’t have many friends until John Watson moves in downstairs. Soon the duo are working together to solve a dog napping case.

Why Kirsten loves it

If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan, you can get your kid started on their journey with this modern Sherlock Holmes retelling. It’s one of my family’s favorite children’s mystery book series.

Find this book in: Best Books for 9-year-olds / Sherlock Holmes Retellings

Murdle Jr.: Curious Crimes for Curious Minds: Solve Your Way Through 40 Puzzle Mysteries!

Author: G. T. Karber

Release Date: 2024

Genre: Middle Grade Mystery

Age: 8-12

Plot

Murdle Jr. is a word puzzle mystery story mixed with a logic game grid. You solve your way through the story in this epic mystery featuring a crew of aspiring detectives!

Why Kirsten loves it

I have Murdle for adults, so when I saw the Kids’ version, I knew it would be an immediate pre-order for my family. My kids love it and so do I! It’s really fun!

Find this book in: Best Books for 9-year-olds / Best Children’s Books of 2024

Family Books for 9-Year-Olds

The Penderwicks

Author: Jeanne Birdsall

Year: 2005

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction

Age: 9 – 12

More info: Penderwicks #1

Plot

An imperfect family, the Penderwick family (consisting of the father, 4 daughters, and their dog) go spend their three-week summer vacation at a cottage they rented. Mrs. Tifton, a grumpy, snooty woman, and her son Jeffry own the cottage that is part of the Arundel estate.

Why Jackie loves it

The first in a realistic fiction series of 5 books about sisters, this wonderful book is perfect to read aloud at night or listen to on audio for a family road trip. All of my children loved this entire series! It’s one of my favorites to gift to new parents.

Find this book in: Chapters Books to Read Aloud / Best Books for 9-year-olds / Books About Sisters / Best Realistic Fiction Books

The Holly Joliday

Author: Megan McDonald

Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds

Year: 2011

Genre: Beginning Reader

Age: 6 – 9

More info: Judy Moody & Stink #1

Plot

In the first Judy Moody and Stink crossover story, the sibling duo are making their wishes for the holidays. Stink wants it to snow and he’s convinced their new postman can help!

Why Kirsten loves it

Each of these series is great on its own, but I adore the duo together in the same story! What a fun holiday chapter book.

Find this book in: Best Books for 9-year-olds / Christmas Chapter Books

The Littles

Author: John Peterson

Year: 1967

Genre: Historical Fiction

Age: 6 – 9

More info: The Littles #1

Plot

A family of people with tails (the littles) live in the Bigg family house and always make sure that the house is well taken care of. When the family goes away for the summer and a new family moves in, trouble starts.

Why Jackie loves it

I always wished that the Littles were real and could help take care of my home. This book is a timeless classic that I loved as a child!

Find this book in: Best Books for 9-year-olds

Best Audiobooks for a 9-Year-Old

Daughter of the Deep

Author: Rick Riordan

Year: 20221

Genre: Fantasy / sci-fi

Age: 9+

More info: #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

Plot

This book is the one of newest in a series of fantasy/sci-fi books for tweens by Rick Riordan. Ana and her brother Dev are students at Harding Pencfoft Academy, a school that specializes in marine science. When Ana heads out on an expedition, the school is bombed and Ana believes everyone has died.

With only her brother left in her family, Ana is desperate to find out what happened and who bombed the school. The Professor who accompanied them on the trip informs them that Land Institute and H-P have been fighting in a war for over 150 years.

Trigger Warnings

Parental death

Why Jackie loves it

I love that Rick Riordan does something completely different in this book by veering from mythology and paying homage to Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea!

Find this book in: Books Like Percy Jackson / Order of Rick Riordan Books / Best Books for 9-year-olds

Ella Enchanted

Author: Gail Carson Levine

Year: 2012

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Age: 9 – 12

More info: Newberry Honor Winner

Plot

A fairy named Lucinda puts a curse on Ella that requires her to do whatever anyone tells her to do. Lucinda thought that she was helping Ella’s mother because, as a baby, she would not stop crying. As Ella gets older, she attends a boarding school where she tries to make friends. There, she realizes she needs to rid herself of this gift so that she can stop doing the horrible things that other people make her do.

Why Jackie loves it

This book is a fairy tale retelling of Cinderella that is more fun than the original inspiration. My daughter reads this story over and over and can’t get enough of the movie adaptation starring Anne Hathaway either.

Find this book in: Books Like Keeper of the Lost Cities / Newbery Award Winners / Fairy Tale Retellings / Best Books for 9-year-olds

The Liars Society

Author: Alyson Gerber

Year: 2024

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction

Age: 9 – 12

More info: The Liars Society #1

Plot

Weatherby has just started a new school, the same school her dad went to, and she is determined to walk in his footsteps. Jack is the latest in a long line of his family to be students at Boston School, and he can not let them down.

When both are tapped to be in the school’s secret society, they start to investigate a mystery that might open secrets to both of their pasts!

Why Kirsten loves it

As the first in a new middle grade mystery series, this book lays out all the groundwork for a fun set of mystery books. I really enjoyed the story, as did my kids, and I’m looking forward to uncovering more Boston School secrets in future books.

Find this book in: Best Books for 9-year-olds

Books for 9-Year-Olds Set at School

The Boy at the Back of the Class

Author: Onjali Q. Raúf

Year: 2020

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction

Age: 8 – 11

Plot

This is the story of Ahmet, a Syrian refugee, who ends up in Mrs. Khan’s 4th-grade class. At first, the students are wary of the strange new boy.

Soon, they learn that Ahmet has been separated from his family when he was trying to escape the war. Soon the kids were banding together to help Ahmet reunite with his family.

Trigger Warnings

Racism, Bullying

Why Kirsten loves it

My son cried while reading this book. The story touched his heart and evoked such compassion in him.

Find this book in: Best Books for 9-year-olds / Realistic Fiction / Middle Grade Books for Tweens

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl

Author: Stacy McAnulty

Year: 2019

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction

Age: 9 – 12

Plot

This story is all about a 12-year-old girl who was struck by lightning and became a math wiz. She’s been homeschooled her whole life, but now her grandmother wants her to try to go to school just for one year. She has to make one friend, join one activity, and read one book that isn’t math-related. Can she do it?

Why Kirsten loves it

My 3rd-grade math lover inhaled this tween book in 2 days. He quickly asked me to get more books by this author and gobbled those up too!

Find this book in: School Books / Best Books for 9-year-olds / Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Realistic Fiction Books

The Worst Witch

Author: Jill Murphy

Year: 2014

Genre: Early Reader Chapter Book

Age: 5-10

More info: Worst Witch #1

Plot

Mildred Hubble begins her magical adventures at Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches in the first book of the series. She is quite a mess as she mixes up spells, crashes her broomstick, and generally causes havoc around the school.

Why Kirsten loves it

Kids will love this series if they are fans of Harry Potter but are on the younger side. When you are done reading this one, try watching the Netflix adaptation. It’s a big hit in my house!

Find this book in: Halloween Movies Based on Books / Halloween Chapter Books / Witch Books for Kids / Best Books for 9-year-olds

Best Detective and Spy Books for 9-Year-Olds

Spy School

Author: Stuart Gibbs

Year: 2013

Genre: Middle Grade Mystery

Age: 9 – 12

More info: Spy School #1

Plot

The first book in Gibbs’s series is about Ben Ripley, a child CIA agent trying to defeat the evil organization Spyder. As he attends the secret junior CIA boarding school, he gets into loads of situations that put his espionage skills to good use.

Why Jackie loves it

In each book of the series, Ben and his fellow agents tackle a new problem. They take place at various new locations as the series progresses. It’s already 13 books deep and every pick from the series is a fun choice for a mystery-loving tween.

Find this book in: Best Books for 9-year-olds / Mystery Books for Tweens / School Books

Harriet The Spy

Author: Louise Fitzhugh

Year: 1964

Genre: Middle Grade Mystery

Age: 8 – 11

More info: Harriet the Spy #1

Plot

Harriet the Spy has been a classic children’s book for over 50 years. The 11-year-old is never without a notebook in which to write her observations. When the notebook falls into the hands of her friends, they all get very angry with Harriet. Will she be able to right her wrongs?

Why Jackie loves it

There is a reason this realistic fiction book for a 10-year-old has been adapted repeatedly for the screen. It’s got life lessons for every child.

Find this book in: Best Mystery Books for Tweens / Best Books for 9-year-olds / Realistic Fiction / Classic Books for Kids

Enola Holmes case of the missing marquess

Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess

Author: Nancy Springer

Year: 2006

Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction

Age: 9 – 13

More info: Enola Holmes #1

Plot

Now a hit Netflix movie, Enola Holmes has taken the world by storm. She is the youngest Holmes child and she’s trying to come into her own as a detective in Victorian England. In this debut mystery book for kids, Enlola steps out of her brother’s shadow and solves some mysteries of her own.

Why Jackie loves it

If your children have watched the movie adaptations of this series, they must read the original source material! The movies are great but the book is so much better!

Find this book in: Best Books for 9-year-olds / Sherlock Holmes Fiction Retellings

Royal Books for 9-Year-Olds

Tuesdays at the Castle

Author: Jessica Day George

Year: 2011

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Age: 8 – 11

More info: Tuesdays at the Castle #1

Plot

Princess Celie lives in an ever-changing castle that adds new rooms every Tuesday. She eagerly maps out each new addition that might just end up saving her family when danger heads to their home. This is one of the read-aloud books for kids that I read to my kids. We both loved it and it was a wonderful pick from bedtime stories for kids.

Why Kirsten loves it

If the changing staircases, room of requirement, and secrets passages are your child’s favorite parts about Hogwarts, this is the series for them!

Find this book in: Books like KOTLC / Books like Harry Potter for Kids / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Bedtime Books / Best Books for 9-year-olds

The School for Good and Evil

Author: Soman Chainani

Illustrator: Iacopo Bruno

Year: 2013

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Age: 9 – 13

More info: School for Good and Evil #1

Plot

Sophie thinks her history makes her a good fit for the School of Good like Cinderella and Snow White before her. Agatha thinks the School of Evil is a better fit for her. But when the opposite schools are assigned to each girl, they need to figure out who they are and where they belong.

Why Jackie loves it

Utterly addicting, this series has 6 stories and was recently made into a movie starring Kerry Washington.

Find this book in: Books Similar to Percy Jackson / Netflix Adaptations / Middle Grade Fantasy / Kids Audiobooks / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Best Books for a 9-year-old / Books like KOTLC / Family Halloween Movies Based on Books / Magic School Books

Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince)

Author: Antoine De Saint-Exupery

Year: 1943

Genre: Fantasy

More info: One of the most translated books of all time

Age Range: 10+

Plot

I read this book in both English and French. After all, I am from Canada. This is not a long book, it is easy to read. Yet, the full meaning is deep and poetic. When a plane crashes in the desert, the pilot finds a young boy who came from an asteroid with a single rose on it.

Why Jackie loves it

This is a beautiful book that explores the nature of our lives.

Find this book in: Classic Books / Best Books in Translation / Best Books for 9-year-olds

Picture Books for a 9-Year-Old

Room on our Rock

Author: Kate and Jol Temple

Illustrator: Terri Rose Baynron

Year: 2019

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 5 – 9

Plot

A story about exclusion that reverses to be a story about inclusion, this book should be on every teacher’s radar. The story is about two seals on a rock when another comes and asks for shelter.

Why Jackie loves it

This book is absolutely brilliant. The words, the reversal of the story, and the illustrations make for a moving story.

Trick or Treat, Crankenstein

Author: Samantha Berger

Illustrator: Dan Santat

Year: 2021

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 4 – 9

More info: Crankenstein #3

Plot

Crankenstein is back with a Halloween adventure. Crankenstein’s favorite holiday is ruined because of all kinds of pumpkin, costume, and candy-induced problems. Can Crankenstein get over his bad mood and turn this holiday around?

Why Kirsten loves it

Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite children’s books about Halloween. I think it’s the best of the Crankenstein series!

Find this book in: Halloween Books for Kids / Monster Books / Best Books for 9-year-olds

The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors

Author: Drew Daywalt

Illustrator: Adam Rex

Year: 2017

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 5 – 9

Plot

This book imagines how the game Rock, Paper, Scissors came to be. Each famed object, Rock, Paper, and Scissor, has defeated everyone in their home habitats, so they venture forth to find a real rival.

Why Kirsten loves it

Author Drew Daywalt is a hands-down favorite in our home. I’ve read this so often that I now make specific voices for each character. It’s HYSTERICAL. There is no moral to this story, just plain silliness. My kids guffaw with laughter every time we pick it up.

Animal Books for 9-Year-Olds

The One and Only Ivan

Author: Katherine Applegate

Year: 2012

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction

Age: 8 – 10

More info: One and Only Ivan #1

Plot

Based on the true story of Ivan, a gorilla trapped in a shopping mall, this feel-good story is one of the best family audiobooks for any road trip.

Stella, a young girl gets Ivan to start painting again and she realizes how lonely he is. Bob, a stray dog, works to help Ivan and Ruby, a baby elephant, garner the attention they need to be sent to a better home.

Trigger Warnings

Animal Cruelty

Why Jackie loves it

This book will touch your heart. Even though there are sad parts in this book, the ending will make it worthwhile. This is one of the best animal fiction books for middle grade and adults.

Find this book in: Books for 9-year-olds / Zoo Books / Family Audiobooks / Animal Novels / Audiobooks for Kids / Newbery Award Winners

Howliday Inn

Author: James Howe

Illustrator: Lynn Munsinger

Year: 2006

Genre: Middle Grade Mystery

Age: 8 – 10

More info: Bunnicula #2

Plot

Technically the sequel to Bunnicula, this read-aloud book can be read as a stand-alone. Chester and Harold are being boarded while their family is on vacation, but they are convinced they are staying in a haunted hotel!

Why Kirsten loves it

I remember laughing out loud as I read this middle grade mystery book as a child. I recently read it aloud again with my children and they had the exact same reaction I did! You will be busting at the seams with laughter. I highly recommend this one as a bedtime read-aloud during Halloween.

Find this book in: Halloween Chapter Books / Best Mystery Books for Tweens / Best Books for 9-year-olds / Best Bedtime Stories

Super Powered Animals

Author: Soledad Romero Mariño

Illustrator: Sonia Pulido

Year: 2023

Genre: Nonfiction

Age: 7 – 11

Plot

If you have an animal lover child, this book is for you! It is filled with beautiful illustrations that make it read like a fiction book. It’s filled with information about the strongest, smartest, and swiftest animals around.

Why Jackie loves it

My daughter read and loved this book which is filled with amazing information and facts about different animals. I love the way the information is presented in this book and kids can read about one animal at a time if you want a few minutes for a quick read.

Find this book in: Best Books for 9-year-olds

Classic Books for 9-Year-Olds

Bridge to Terabithia

Author: Katherine Paterson

Year: 1977

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction

Age: 9 – 12

More info: Newbery Medal Winner

Plot

Jess Aarons has been practicing all summer so he can be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. And he almost is, until the new girl in school, Leslie Burke outpaces him. The two become fast friends and spend most days in the woods behind Leslie’s house, where they invent an enchanted land called Terabithia.

One morning, Leslie goes to Terabithia without Jess and a tragedy occurs. It will take the love of his family and the strength that Leslie has given him for Jess to be able to deal with his grief.

Trigger Warnings

Child Death

Why Jackie loves it

I’m pretty sure this coming-of-age tween book is required reading for everyone! This realistic fiction book set in the 70s is an award-winner for a reason.

Find this book in: Realistic Fiction Books / Middle Grade Fiction / Newbery Award Winners / Books Set in the 70s / Best Books for 9-year-olds

The Chocolate Touch

Author: Patrick Skene Catling

Year: 1952

Genre: Middle Grade Sci-fi

Age: 6 – 9

More info: John Midas #1

Plot

I adore this story about a little boy who gets the magical power to turn everything he touches into chocolate. If you have not read it, you have to know it’s absolutely hilarious.

Why Kirsten loves it

This twist on the Midas Touch is adorable and the thought of turning parents into chocolate had my kids rolling with laughter.

Find this book in: Candy Books / Read Aloud Books / Audiobooks for Kids / Best Books for 9-year-olds

Where the Sidewalk Ends: Poems and Drawings

Author: Shel Silverstein

Illustrator: Shel Silverstein

Year: 1974

Genre: Poetry

Age: 4+

Plot

This book of poems, stories, and drawings is an iconic collection of Shel Silverstein. His humor is present in both the writings and illustrations.

Why Kirsten loves it

Shel Silverstein is the one who started it all, in my opinion. He paved the road for other poets to write poetry for children to enjoy. The drawing and the humor make this book a classic.

Find this book in: Rhyming Books / Best Books for 9-year-olds

Sports Books for a 9-Year-Old

Bea is for Blended

Author: Lindsey Stoddard

Year: 2021

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction

Age: 8 – 12

Plot

After Bea finds out her mom is marrying Wendell, she realizes she’s going from a 2-person family to a 5-person family plus pets! As she struggles to find her place within her new family, she’s also struggling to get her school a girl’s soccer team.

Trigger Warnings

Bullying

Why Kirsten loves it

This is a great story on a few different levels and is a particularly good story to give to children about to have their family blended with another. It’s also a wonderful look at equality in women’s sports.

Find this book in: Best Books for 9-year-olds

Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still

Author: Karlin Gray

Illustrator: Christine Davenier

Year: 2016

Genre: Nonfiction

Age: 6-9

Plot

Nadia Comaneci competed as a gymnast in the 1976 Olympics. This story tells about her journey from a small town in Romania to the winners’ podium, when she collected her gold-medal.

Why Kirsten loves it

Kids need to recognize the history of the Olympic games. While I love to show kids stories about current athletes, it’s important to highlight the trailblazers of the past.

Find this book in: Olympics Books for Kids / Best Books for 9-year-olds

The Wizenard Series

Author: Kobe Bryant and Wesley King

Year: 2019

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Age: 10+

More info: Wizenard #1

Plot

The Badgers are the worst team in the league until Professor Wizenard comes to be their new coach. With his magical tricks focusing on teamwork and morale, the Badgers players learn more than just playing good ball.

Why Kirsten loves it

My boys and I started this series shortly after their basketball season began and they were on a losing streak. I thought this series about a group of kids and their magical coach sounded like the perfect book to inspire them.

Find this book in: Best Books for 9-year-olds

Graphic Novels for a 9-Year-Old

Roller Girl

Author: Victoria Jamieson

Illustrator: Victoria Jamieson

Year: 2015

Genre: Middle Grade Graphic Novel

Age: 8 – 11

More info: Newbery Honor Medal

Plot

Astrid and Nicole have done everything together until now. Astrid wants to go to roller derby camp. And thus begins a summer of friendship, finding yourself, perseverance, and girl power. Astrid may be strong enough to endure middle school.

Why Jackie loves it

Snag this if you are looking for a book for 11-year-olds. It’s entertaining and the pictures will engage even the most reluctant of readers.

Find this book in: Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Best Books for 9-year-olds / Best Graphic Novels of All Time / Newbery Award Winners

Chunky

Author: Yehudi Mercado

Illustrator: Yehudi Mercado

Year: 2021

Genre: Graphic Novel Memoir

Age: 8 – 12

Plot

Hudi is trying to figure out what sport he likes to play because he needs to lose weight. He’s trying to be healthy because of a serious illness he had as a younger kid.

He invents an imaginary friend named Chunky to help cheer him on. As he goes through sport after sport, the laughs roll in. But It’s not all fun and games, his dad loses his job and we get flashbacks of the medical problem that started his journey.

Why Kirsten loves it

My son read this graphic novel in one sitting, while I listened to him giggling on the couch. I think it’s one of the perfect middle grade books for a 10-year-old reluctant reader!

Find this book in: Best Books for 9-year-olds / Middle Grade Books for Tweens

Becoming Brianna

Author: Terri Libenson

Illustrator: Terri Libenson

Year: 2020

Genre: Middle Grade Graphic Novel

Age: 9 – 12

More info: Emmie & Friends #4

Plot

Today’s book review comes straight from the mouth of my 2nd-grade son.⁣ “Brianna has to get ready for her bat mitzvah. She has a best friend and they get angry at each other in the middle of the book. She also is really nervous about the bat mitzvah. At the end it is all okay.⁣”

Why Kirsten’s son loves it

“The book was good. I liked the pictures (it’s a graphic novel FYI.) Girls and boys would both like it. It’s funny. I think it’s 4 stars.”⁣

Find this book in: Best Books for 9-year-olds

Poetry and Nonfiction Books for a 9-Year-Old

I’m Just No Good at Rhyming

Author: Chris Harris

Illustrator: Lane Smith

Year: 2017

Genre: Poetry

Age: 6 – 106

More info: Mischievous Nonsense #1

Plot

Chris Harris made his debut with this hysterical collection of poems reminiscent of Shel Silverstein or Dr. Seuss. Even better, Lane Smith added his charm to the illustrations creating a poetry book for the modern era.

Why Jackie loves it

Multiple children have requested this book for multiple years as the book to read in class when I am the guest reader. Not only do my kids love it, but the kids in the class ask my kids if I can bring this book to read. I absolutely love this book of poetry, and it is perfect for children from age 6 to 106.

Find this book in: Rhyming Books / Best Books for 9-year-olds

Kid Athletes: True Tales of Childhood from Sports Legends

Author: David Stabler

Illustrator: Doogie Horner

Year: 2015

Genre: Nonfiction

Age: 7 – 10

Plot

This book tells the story of famous athletes in short chapters, complete with illustrations. Kid Athletes has a mix of athletes from many different sports and includes legends like Babe Rith and Muhammed Ali as well as legends in the making like Gabby Douglas.

Why Kirsten loves it

This is the perfect book for kids who may not have the time or patience for longer books and any child who loves sports.

Find this book in: Best Books for 9-year-olds

Castles Magnified

Author: David Long

Illustrator: Harry Bloom

Year: 2019

Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book

Age: 6 – 10

Plot

This seek-and-find history book is filled with information and fun illustrations that will transport you back to the medieval era. Learn all about the fuedal system, castles, dungeons, and medicine at the time and finding hidden items on each page.

Why Kirsten loves it

I don’t know what it is about infographics, but kids seem to flock to them and this book is no exception. The magnifying glass and Where’s Waldo-type pages add to the entertainment factor in this book!

Historical Fiction Books for 9-year-olds

Winnie’s Great War

Author: Lindsay Mattick and Josh Greenhut

Illustrator: Sophie Blackall

Year: 2019

Genre: Historical Fiction

Age: 8 – 12

Plot

This book is based on the real story of the world’s most famous bear, Winnie the Pooh. From his beginnings in the forests of Canada to the London Zoo where he met the real Christopher Robin, this book mixes one part imagination and one part history to create Winnie’s first big adventure.

Why Jackie loves it

It’s the perfect chapter book for older readers, particularly those who love the Caldecott medal winner, Finding Winnie.

Find this book in: Animal Books / Books for 9-year-olds

The Dollmaker of Krakow

Author: R. M. Romero

Year: 2017

Genre: Historical Middle Grade Magical Realism

Age Range: 8 -12

Plot

Karolina is a living doll who finds herself lost from her own land and somehow in Poland right at the cusp of WWII. She finds herself befriending the Dollmaker and getting him to open his heart to those around him. Soon Karolina and the Dollmaker are trying to protect their new Jewish friends from the dangers of the Nazi regime.

Trigger Warnings

War, Antisemitism

Why Kirsten loves it

The magical realism of the book makes the content a bit easier to read for younger kids.

Find this book in: WWII Books for Kids / Best Books for 9-year-olds

The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine

Author: Mark Twain and Philip C. Stead

Illustrator: Erin Stead

Year: 2021

Genre: Chapter Book

Age: 8 – 12

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Plot

This is a previously unfinished children’s book by Mark Twain that Philip and Erin Stead, Caldecott Medal winners finished for him. In the story, Johnny is sad and lonely with just his chicken until he receives a magical seed that allows him to talk to animals. With his newfound skill, he’s sent on a mission to find a stolen prince, face a bullying king, and befriend a bevy of animals.

Why Kirsten loves it

I love that the story was created from the notes Twain made after telling a bedtime story to his children. It’s incredible to think that his kids had such a talented father telling him magical tales like this one. The Steads brought the story to life, making this century-apart collaboration a must-read.

Find this book in: Best Books for 9-year-olds