Compelling reads for 9 year olds

(By Shel Silverstein) A whimsical and imaginative collection of poetry and illustrations that captures the joys, fears, and adventures of childhood. With humorous rhymes, heartfelt verses, and a touch of the absurd, Silverstein encourages children to think outside the box and embrace creativity.

(By E.L. Konigsburg) A clever, humorous mystery about Claudia and her younger brother, Jamie, who run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they unravel a secret involving an art masterpiece and a mysterious woman named Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.

(By J.K. Rowling) Harry faces his toughest year yet as he battles the oppressive rule of Dolores Umbridge, forms Dumbledore’s Army, and uncovers the truth about Voldemort’s return. A dark and powerful installment.

(By E.B. White) This classic children’s novel tells the story of Stuart, a tiny, adventurous mouse born to a human family. Despite his small size, Stuart embarks on a grand journey to find his lost friend, a bird named Margalo. The novel is a charming tale of resilience, curiosity, and the pursuit of adventure.

(By Beverly Cleary) Ramona faces new challenges as she navigates first grade, deals with a new house, and tries to prove that she is brave—even when she feels scared inside.

(By Laura Ingalls Wilder) This installment follows the Ingalls family as they move to a new home in Minnesota, facing hardships and joys while living in a sod house on the prairie.

(By Roald Dahl) This classic fantasy novel tells the story of Charlie Bucket, a poor boy who wins a golden ticket to visit Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory. Inside, he and four other children explore the factory’s wondrous rooms, each revealing life lessons about greed, kindness, and imagination. With quirky characters and vivid descriptions, it’s a timeless favorite.

(By Jeanne DuPrau) In a post-apocalyptic underground city, two children race against time to uncover the truth about their home and escape before the lights go out forever. A gripping dystopian tale.

(By Karen Pokras Toz) Nate Rockledge, an imaginative ten-year-old, escapes his everyday life through heroic doodles and wild daydreams, proving that adventure can be found anywhere—even in school and at home!

(By Brandon Mull) Siblings Kendra and Seth discover that their grandfather’s estate is a sanctuary for magical creatures, and they must navigate a world of enchantment and danger in this thrilling fantasy.

(By Andrew Clements) Twelve-year-old Natalie writes a novel and, with the help of her best friend, tries to get it published—without anyone knowing her age. A clever and inspiring tale about determination and writing.

(By Zilpha Keatley Snyder) A group of children become fascinated with ancient Egypt and create an imaginative role-playing game—until their make-believe adventures begin to intertwine with a real-life mystery.

(By Maud Hart Lovelace) A heartwarming tale of childhood friendship between Betsy and Tacy, two girls growing up in a small town in the early 1900s. A perfect book about imagination and adventure.

(By Johanna Spyri) Orphaned Heidi finds happiness living with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps, but when she is sent to the city, she must learn to balance her love for the mountains with her new life. A heartwarming classic.

(By Roald Dahl) Clever Mr. Fox outsmarts three mean farmers in a cunning battle of wits to protect his family. A fun and fast-paced animal adventure full of humor and mischief.

(By C.S. Lewis) A prequel to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, this book explores the origins of Narnia, following two children who travel between worlds using magical rings.

(By Carol Ryrie Brink) A beloved historical fiction novel about an adventurous young girl growing up on the Wisconsin frontier in the 1860s. Unlike other girls her age, Caddie prefers to run through the woods, play with her brothers, and experience the wild beauty of nature. Through her escapades, she learns about responsibility, bravery, and the complexities of growing up. Caddie Woodlawn is an inspiring story that celebrates independence and resilience.

(By Roald Dahl) The BFG tells the whimsical story of Sophie, an orphan who is whisked away by the Big Friendly Giant to a land of much larger, meaner giants. Unlike the others, the BFG refuses to eat humans, instead surviving on snozzcumbers and delivering dreams to children. Sophie and the BFG team up to stop the evil giants from terrorizing the world. Dahl’s tale is filled with imaginative language, humor, and heartwarming moments that showcase the power of friendship and kindness. With its unique storytelling and endearing characters, The BFG is a beloved classic that continues to enchant readers.

(By L. Frank Baum) Dorothy and her friends—Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion—embark on a journey to the Emerald City to seek help from the mysterious Wizard of Oz. A classic adventure filled with magic and friendship.

(By Roald Dahl) Matilda is the story of a brilliant young girl with neglectful parents and a cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Despite her tough home life, Matilda is a voracious reader and discovers she has telekinetic powers. With the help of her kind teacher, Miss Honey, she learns to harness her abilities and stand up to the injustices around her. Dahl weaves humor and whimsy into this empowering tale of intelligence and resilience. The novel celebrates the power of books and knowledge, proving that even the smallest person can create change. Matilda remains a favorite for young readers, inspiring them to embrace their own intelligence and creativity.

(By Roald Dahl) A young boy and his grandmother must stop a group of child-hating witches who are plotting to turn children into mice. A darkly funny and thrilling story with unexpected twists.

(By Laura Ingalls Wilder) A harsh winter threatens the survival of the Ingalls family, forcing them to rely on their resourcefulness, strength, and unwavering spirit to endure the cold and food shortages.

(By Laura Ingalls Wilder) The first book in the Little House series introduces readers to pioneer life through the experiences of young Laura Ingalls as she grows up in a log cabin in the Wisconsin woods.

(By R.J. Palacio) Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial difference, faces the challenges of middle school while teaching those around him the true meaning of kindness, friendship, and acceptance. An inspiring and heartwarming story.

(By Beverly Cleary) Ramona struggles with feeling left out as her mother balances work and home life. This relatable story explores family dynamics and growing up with Cleary’s signature warmth and humor.

(By Dr. Seuss) A powerful environmental fable by Dr. Seuss, The Lorax tells the story of the Once-ler, who destroys a lush forest to manufacture Thneeds, despite the warnings of the Lorax, who speaks for the trees. The book highlights the consequences of unchecked industrialization and serves as an early lesson in conservation and sustainability.

(By C.S. Lewis) Lucy, Edmund, and their cousin Eustace embark on a sea voyage with Prince Caspian to discover uncharted lands, encountering magical creatures and great adventures along the way.

(By Katherine Paterson) Katherine Paterson’s Bridge to Terabithia is a poignant novel about friendship, imagination, and loss. It follows Jesse Aarons, a lonely boy who befriends Leslie Burke, an imaginative and free-spirited girl. Together, they create the magical kingdom of Terabithia in the woods, where they escape from their everyday struggles. However, tragedy strikes, leaving Jesse to cope with grief and the realities of growing up. The book’s powerful themes and emotional depth make it a deeply moving story that resonates with readers of all ages.

(By Edward Eager) Four siblings discover a magical coin that grants only half of what they wish for, leading to humorous and unexpected adventures. A fun and imaginative classic.

(By Beverly Cleary) Ramona starts kindergarten and finds herself in all sorts of trouble, from pulling a classmate’s curls to struggling with school rules. A charming and relatable story about growing up.

(By Louisa May Alcott) Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women is a coming-of-age novel that follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate love, loss, and personal growth during the Civil War era. Each sister has a distinct personality and dreams, from Jo’s aspirations to be a writer to Amy’s artistic ambitions. The novel explores themes of family, duty, ambition, and gender roles, offering a timeless look at the struggles and triumphs of young women. Alcott’s deeply personal and heartfelt storytelling continues to resonate with readers worldwide.

(By J.K. Rowling) The first book in the Harry Potter series introduces readers to an orphaned boy who discovers he is a wizard on his eleventh birthday. Harry, who has lived a miserable life with his cruel relatives, is invited to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he makes friends like Ron and Hermione, learns magic, and unravels the mystery surrounding the Sorcerer’s Stone. Along the way, he discovers his connection to the dark wizard Voldemort. Full of adventure, magic, and a sense of wonder, Rowling’s novel captivates readers with its richly developed world and themes of friendship, bravery, and destiny. This book marks the beginning of an iconic series that has enchanted millions.

(By Beverly Cleary) When Ramona's father loses his job, she tries to find ways to help her family while navigating the ups and downs of childhood in this heartwarming and realistic story.

(By Beverly Cleary) Henry Huggins and his dog Ribsy get into all sorts of trouble, from finding stray animals to getting involved in neighborhood antics, making this a charming story about childhood adventures.

(By C.S. Lewis) Four siblings step through a magical wardrobe into Narnia, a land frozen in eternal winter. With the help of Aslan the lion, they battle the evil White Witch and discover their destiny in this beloved fantasy classic.

(By Beverly Cleary) Beezus struggles to deal with her mischievous younger sister, Ramona, whose antics always seem to cause trouble. A funny and relatable story about sibling relationships.

(By Frances Hodgson Burnett) This timeless classic follows Mary Lennox, a lonely and spoiled girl who moves to her uncle’s mansion in England. She discovers a hidden, neglected garden and, with the help of her sickly cousin and a kind local boy, works to bring it back to life. The novel beautifully explores themes of healing, transformation, and the power of nature.

(By Jonathan Auxier) A blind orphan thief named Peter discovers magical eyes that transport him to an adventure filled with danger, wonder, and destiny. A beautifully written fantasy novel.

(By J.K. Rowling) Harry returns to Hogwarts and uncovers a dark mystery involving a hidden chamber, a terrifying monster, and his ability to speak Parseltongue. A thrilling second installment in the Harry Potter series.

(By Frances Hodgson Burnett) A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a classic story of resilience and hope. The book follows Sara Crewe, a young girl who is sent to a boarding school while her father is away. When her father dies and she is left penniless, Sara is mistreated and forced to live in hardship. Despite this, she holds on to her belief that she is a princess in her heart. Through kindness and perseverance, Sara transforms her circumstances, making this a timeless story of inner strength and dignity.

(By J.R.R. Tolkien) Bilbo Baggins, a humble hobbit, is swept into an epic adventure with a band of dwarves to reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug. A timeless tale of bravery, friendship, and self-discovery.

(By P.L. Travers) The magical nanny Mary Poppins arrives at the Banks household, bringing adventure, wonder, and a little bit of discipline to the children in this whimsical and imaginative classic.

(By Anna Sewell) Told from the perspective of a horse, this timeless classic follows Black Beauty's journey through kindness and cruelty in Victorian England. A powerful story about empathy, animal welfare, and resilience.

(By Andrew Clements) When Nick Allen invents a new word, "frindle," for a pen, he unintentionally starts a revolution in language. A fun and thought-provoking book about creativity, words, and the power of ideas.

(By E.B. White) E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web is a touching story about friendship, love, and the cycle of life. It follows Wilbur, a runt pig who is saved from slaughter by a kind-hearted girl named Fern. However, Wilbur’s life remains at risk until he befriends Charlotte, a wise and compassionate spider who devises a plan to save him by spinning words like “Some Pig” into her web. As the story unfolds, Wilbur learns valuable lessons about friendship, kindness, and loss. The novel is deeply emotional, beautifully written, and filled with humor and wisdom. Themes of mortality and change are woven seamlessly into the narrative, making it a classic that resonates with both children and adults.

(By Laura Ingalls Wilder) The Ingalls family leaves their home in the Big Woods and settles in the vast Kansas prairie. This book details their adventures, struggles, and triumphs in building a new life on the frontier.

(By Judy Blume) Peter Hatcher’s life is turned upside down by his mischievous little brother, Fudge, who constantly steals the spotlight in hilarious ways. A laugh-out-loud book about the chaos of family life.

(By Laura Ingalls Wilder) A detailed look at farm life through the eyes of young Almanzo Wilder, who learns about responsibility, hard work, and family values while growing up in the 19th-century American frontier.

(By Jeff Kinney) Diary of a Wimpy Kid presents the hilarious and relatable misadventures of Greg Heffley, a middle schooler trying to navigate friendships, bullies, and family life. Written in a diary format with humorous doodles, the book captures Greg’s awkward experiences, from embarrassing school moments to failed attempts at popularity. Kinney perfectly portrays the struggles of adolescence with humor and authenticity, making the book a hit among young readers. The story highlights themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the ups and downs of growing up. With its unique format and laugh-out-loud moments, Diary of a Wimpy Kid has become a staple for reluctant readers and those who enjoy lighthearted, witty storytelling.

(By Rick Riordan) Percy Jackson discovers he is the son of Poseidon and embarks on a thrilling quest to prevent a war among the Greek gods. This action-packed adventure blends mythology, humor, and heart.