Do you have a 9-year-old reader that can’t get their hands on enough books? Or a 9-year-old with a goal to read more? If you said yes to either of those questions, you are in the right place! As an elementary teacher and book club leader, I put together a list of 25 personally approved books that I have found to be ideal for students at this age. I hope your readers enjoy these amazing books as much as mine do!
1. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
This a beautiful story that teaches students the importance of embracing differences. The main character of this book is born with a severe facial difference and has experienced many social challenges throughout his life.
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2. Firegirl by Tony Abbott
Firegirl is another book about embracing differences. The main character in this story suffered burns from a fire. Although her appearance has changed, she develops a friendship with a particular student that helps her find happiness.
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3. Belly Up by Stuart Gibbs
Belly Up is an interesting story about a mystery surrounding the death of a hippopotamus at the Fun Jungle Zoo. Children will investigate what really happened to Henry and the hippo that caused him to go “belly up”.
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4. Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
This is the first book in a bestselling series. Book Scavenger is about a girl named Emily who works to solve a mystery about Garrison Griswold. It makes an awesome read-aloud for collaborative classroom reading.
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5. Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
This award-winning book is about unexpected friendships. The themes explored in this beautiful story are bravery, embracing differences, and finding our internal hero.
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6. Rules by Cynthia Lord
This award-winning story follows what it’s like having a family member with autism. The main character struggles as she figures out a way to help her brother function in society by creating a set of rules for him.
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7. Barbed Wire Baseball by Marissa Moss
Barbed Wire Baseball is a true story set in a Japanese internment camp in the midst of World War II. This is a very inspiring story about the life and professional baseball career of Kenichi “Zeni” Zenimura.
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8. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
The Wild Robot is an adventure-driven story about a robot who does everything it can to survive in the wilderness. Both beginner and avid readers will appreciate this thrilling adventure about technology, animals, and nature.
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9. Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks
This is a great book to explore the topics of bullying, switching schools, and friendship. The main characters are two new students who become friends while standing up to the school bully. At first, they did not think that they had much in common, but they soon discover otherwise!
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10. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
This is a timeless classic you can read with students year after year. Grace Lin is a bestselling author that is featured on many recommended book lists. Children will be enamored by main character, Minli, as she sets off on a mission to meet the Old Man of the Moon.
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11. Smile: A Graphic Novel by Raina Telgemeier
Smile is a graphic novel that tops many lists for book recommendations. The story features a girl name Raina who is in 6th grade. She suffers an injury that damages her two front teeth and then endures surgery, braces, and embarrassment. All in all, Raina perseveres through her challenges.
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12. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
Edward Tulane is a fragile China rabbit that learns many hard lessons throughout this story. Children will learn that even a heart that is most breakable can experience love after loss. This story has won several awards and is recognized as a top novel across many platforms.
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13. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
This story is about the journey of three friends: Despereaux Tilling, Roscuro the rat, and Miggery Sow. They learn lessons about friendship, honesty, and kindness. This book is sure to please novice and advanced readers alike.
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14. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid and related series are appropriate books for 9-year-old children. In this hilarious book, Greg Heffley navigates life as a new middle schooler. Greg’s best friend joins the popular crowd which causes friendship problems. I highly recommend this beloved book!
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15. The BFG by Roald Dahl
This is no ordinary giant! The BFG, also known as the Big Friendly Giant, makes a friend named Sophie. They go on an adventure together to save others and in the process, teach us that we can be friends with those who seem different from us.
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16. Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Julia is a young girl who is short for her age. When she is asked to play the role of a munchkin in the school play, she finds out how big she is on the inside. I love this inspiring story about appreciating people for who they are.
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17. Front Desk by Kelly Yang
Mia Tang is the child of immigrant parents who all live and works in a motel together. Mia is learning English as her second language and aspires to be a writer. This is a great book about persistence, hard work, and kindness.
18. Space Case by Stuart Gibbs
Join the Moonies as they work to solve a mystery on the moon! This is a very funny story that is full of adventure and suspense. It’s an engaging story that is appropriate for 4th and 5th grade students.
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19. Wish by Barbara O’Connor
Charlie Reese is an 11-year-old girl that makes a wish and meets a dog named Wishbone. With the help of others, Charlie learns all about the true meaning of family.
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20. Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech
Saving Winslow is about a boy named Louie and a mini donkey named Winslow. Winslow is sick and Louie is determined to nurse him back to health. This is a very endearing novel about a boy and the bond with his animal.
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21. Click by Kayla Miller
Olive experiences the feeling of loneliness when she is left out of her school variety show. This story encompasses themes of friendship, family, and self-confidence.
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22. Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley
Micah is on a quest to save his grandfather. He decides to explore a magical circus to find the most powerful magician, called Lightbender. Will Micah find him? Does he really exist? You will have to read and find out!
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23. Ribsy by Beverly Cleary
Ribsy is a curious dog on an adventure! This comical story is sure to make your child laugh as Ribsy gets lost and faces a series of events while he finds his way back to his family.
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24. Stella Diaz Has Something to Say by Angela Dominguez
Stella Diaz has Something to Say is an empowering story about a young girl who is learning English as her second language. This is a relatable story for any child that has had to learn a second language.
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25. Flying the Dragon by Natalie Dias Lorenzi
This story explores the life of a young Japanese American girl named Skye that welcomes her cousin, Hiroshi, from Japan to live with her. This is a great book for multicultural students that may be adjusting to a different culture.
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