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9th grade reading books for teens aged 14-15

Grade 9 books – this recommended reading list has been curated and compiled by teachers and librarians for final year middle school / junior high and freshman high school students in the 9th Grade, aged 14-15. There is a range of exciting and thought-provoking books to suit all abilities, including easy readers and more difficult texts. This list of 9th grade reading recommendations contains titles by Jeff Zentner, Jason Reynolds, Liz Kessler, Adam Silvera, Victoria Aveyard, William Golding, Rick Yancey, Marjorie Rawlings, and more.

Books for Grade 9 – our recommendations

In the wild light by jeff zentner.

Cash’s world is about to change when his best friend Delaney gets them both full-ride scholarships to an elite school. He’ll be able to leave behind a life dominated by his father’s ill health and his late mother’s drug addiction. But can he bear to move away from his grandparents and hometown? This award-winning novel is an emotional engrossing read.

The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera

Does the Death Cast predict someone’s time of death, or is it all just fake news? Orion Pagan and Valentino Prince are two very different characters who are both about to find out after their lives unexpectedly intertwine. This dystopian page-turner prequel to ‘They Both Die at the End’ melds emotion, conflict, and cliffhangers. It’s a gripping read.

Ain’t Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds

This unique mixed media words and art mash-up explores the meaning of the very oxygen we breathe. Part poetry, part cut up, and part art project Ain’t Burned All the Bright takes a look at life for a black family during the COVID pandemic in America. It’s an exceptional and engaging book to spark discussion in book clubs and to inspire less confident teens to read critically.

Amos Fortune, Free Man by Elizabeth Yates

Based on a true story: a young African prince, Amos, was sold into slavery, aged 15. Transported to Massachusetts, he was auctioned and began 45 years as a slave. Courageous, and retaining his dignity, he never stopped dreaming of freedom – and finally, his hopes were realized.

Nothing by Janne Teller

A modern masterpiece that has won awards worldwide. Teen Pierre Anton decides that nothing matters in life and climbs into a tree. He will not move, in spite of all the efforts of his fellow students to prove him wrong. A challenging read that asks questions teens will relate to. Controversial, thought-provoking and at times disturbing.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

A group of boys is marooned on a deserted island and left to fend for themselves. What could possibly go wrong? An ideal book to study in 9th grade literature classes.

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

A reluctant airman in WW2 gets closer and closer to achieving enough flights to go home but is thwarted every time in this absurdist portrayal of power and bureaucracy. This book is excellent for studying time shifts and narrative plotting.

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

A highly rated and award-winning book. Written in hard-hitting and sharply crafted verse, it tells a cautionary tale of revenge. 15-year-old Will, gun at the ready and ready to kill, is forced to face the potential consequences of his actions as he descends the elevator of his building. This book is a harsh expose of the peer pressures felt by young men.

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

In a dystopian world where humans are bred and controlled, can one man bring normal life back to society? A challenging read for students in grade 9.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

In this classic Pulitzer Prize winning story of prejudice, a white lawyer represents a black man accused of the most heinous of crimes in the South. Voted the best novel of the 20th century by American librarians.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Disillusioned with school, 16-year-old Holden Caulfield escapes to New York for three days where the reader finds out more about Holden’s life and Holden finds out more about how ‘phony’ the people and the world are. A classic coming-of-age story.

Looking for Alaska by John Green

The gripping multi-award-winning debut novel by John Green follows teenage Miles Halter as he leaves boarding school in search of “The Great Perhaps”. A great coming-of-age story, and a good novel to study and compare with The Catcher in the Rye.

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

The first book in a quintet of science fiction stories about human survival after a devastating alien invasion. Gripping and fast-paced, this series of novels will appeal to reluctant readers.

Monster by Walter Dean Meyers

The intelligent and distinctive story of Steve Harmon, charged with being the lookout in a homicide drug store robbery gone wrong is presented as a strangely detached screenplay written by Steve as a way of coping with the system and situation he finds himself trapped inside.

The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

In a dystopian society divided by blood, regular people serve the rich and powerful and the silver-blooded rule with superpowers, Mare Barrow finds out she has a power, a power that changes her life forever. Dark and poignant, this is an epic thriller.

Taking Hold by Francisco Jiménez

A beautifully written autobiography that charts Franciso’s journey from growing up in California and moving to Columbia University in New York. A great story of resilience.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Two unlikely friends, George – small, quick-witted and sharp, and Lennie, large, and childlike find themselves enveloped in injustice and inevitable danger. Will they find a way to escape?

Every Day by David Levithan

A unique story about a teenager, A, who wakes up in a different life and different body each day. In many ways, A has come to terms with this – until A meets Rhiannon whom he wants to stay with every day. A great book for studying character and plot in the 9th grade. A great class reader for 9th grade students.

Under the Bridge by Michael Harman

When hotshot skateboarder Indy drops out of school after a family argument, his brother Tate tries everything to save him from a rapid descent into a life of crime. Gritty and powerful, this book will appeal to reluctant readers.

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

A clever and thought-provoking graphic novel about Jin Wang who struggles to fit in at his new High School. When a visiting cousin ruins his hard-earned reputation, where will he turn? A great story of isolation and rejection and an ideal format for reluctant readers.

March by John Lewis

This graphic novel masterpiece which features vivid artwork chronicles the life of Congressman John Lewis during the civil rights movement. Widely praised, this book is a Coretta Scott King Honor book.

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

When Dill’s father becomes the town pariah, he soon starts to feel the heat. Travis and Lydia are the only friends he has left, but can they help see him through to the end of school and graduation day? This book offers a harsh look at growing up in a small town in the Bible Belt and is useful to provoke discussion.

Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin

An intriguing story that blends science fiction, alternative realities, and superheroes into a gripping and pacey thriller. Yael, a death camp prisoner who can shapeshift, plans to impersonate a famous motorcycle racer to assassinate an ageing Hitler in a reimagined 1956. But can she escape the attention of Luka and Felix long enough to maintain her disguise? Ideal for reluctant readers, this novel features a stunning climax. A startling read for teens in the 9th grade.

I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

When Ed Kennedy inadvertently stops a bank robbery, he finds himself thrust into a strange and unpredictable world where he delivers messages and makes problems vanish. But who is sending him the messages and orchestrating everything he does and what is the bigger picture? A clever mystery, peppered with plot devices and clues and written in a less formal style – this book will appeal to the more reluctant reader in grade 9.

Shadowmancer by GP Taylor

Obadiah Demurral is the epitome of evil, trying to take over not just the world, but the universe with magic and spells. Raphah, Kate, and Thomas are perhaps the only ones who can stop him. Packed with atmospheric descriptions of smuggling and ancient magic – this is a gripping read for middle graders or reluctant teen readers in grade 9 who enjoy fantasy and magic.

This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki

When Rosie’s parents start arguing and yelling non-stop, she goes off with her friend Windy in search of excitement and escape. This summer, however, they find much more than they bargained for. This is a powerful graphic novel page-turner and coming-of-age story.

Haunt Me by Liz Kessler

A love story with a difference. Joe is a ghost who lives in his old house after his family moves on. When a new family arrives, Erin, a lonely and bullied teenager, shares Joe’s space. A relationship develops and complications abound.

Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle

A classic tale of mystery, murder, and bumps in the night. Sherlock Holmes investigates the curse of the Baskervilles and the legend of a gigantic hound that roams the bleak, marsh-infested moors. Full of peculiar suspects and strange phenomena. A gripping read for 9th grade teens who enjoy mysteries and adventures.

The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer

An award-winning science-fiction novel, set in Opium, a country between Mexico and the United States. A complex story of drugs, power, treachery, and cloning; this fast-moving text follows the adventures of Matt, his allies, and his foes. A good book to discuss in 9th grade literature classes.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

A powerful autobiography from Maya Angelou. Living with her grandmother, Maya and her brother feel abandoned and despised by the local community. Back with their mother in St. Louis, eight-year-old Maya is attacked by a man and is left traumatized. Many years later, kindness, her strength of character and her love of literature allow her to feel free.

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Regarded as one of the hundred best novels of all time, this classic book is an enduring anti-war polemic. Elements of science fiction and time travel combine with WW2 experiences. A must-read.

The Yearling by Marjorie Rawlings

Jody Baxter is a young boy who lives in the 1870s with his impoverished family in the Florida backwoods. The story revolves around a fawn called Flag which Jody adopts and grows up with. In this coming-of-age tale, Jody lives through hunger, fear, and loneliness; anger and rejection – but ultimately finds peace through the love of his family.

Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee by Dee Brown

A classic best-selling book that was described by The New York Times as ‘original, remarkable, and finally heartbreaking … impossible to put down.’ An account, in their own words, of the battles, broken treaties and massacres that left the American Indians landless and defeated.

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

In this complicated love story, Natasha has to fight deportation back to Jamaica, and Daniel is being pushed by his Korean parents to get on with his life. These two young people, with nothing in common and different ambitions, meet, and this sets off a sequence of events that will change their lives.

Revolutionary Summer by Joseph Ellis

A brilliant examination of the people, the politics and the military battles in the summer of 1776 in America. The actions of both sides are brought together into a single story explaining how British actions provoked an American response and vice versa. A more challenging read for 9th grade students.

Magisterium by Jeff Hirsch

The Magisterium draws the reader into an alternative world. Glenn and Kevin have lived next to The Rift for 16 years – but they have never been allowed to cross to the other side. Events conspire and when they are forced to leave home, there is only one way to go – across the Rift and into the unknown. A gripping and compelling read.

The Odyssey by Homer

The classic Greek poem about Odysseus and his ten-year journey home after the fall of Troy. The contemporary slant and lyricism capture the scale of Homer’s epic poetry in an absorbing retelling of the mythical legend.

A Separate Peace by John Knowles

A classic novel that has been a bestseller for over 30 years. Set in a New England boarding school for boys during WW2, the relationship between Gene and Phineas is tested, stretched and altered forever. Innocence is lost and the world changed. A great book for students in grade 9.

Merriam-Webster’s School Dictionary

With over 100,000 word definitions and 28,000 usage explanations this dictionary for students aged 14+ has been specifically designed for high school grades. It also includes synonyms, etymology, illustrations, and a Handbook of Style, making this an ideal resource for college preparation and personal statement writing.

Click the buttons below to purchase all of the books in this 9th grade book list, as well as classroom sets of any of these books and many more, from Bookshop.org. Or buy the 20 most popular titles from this list from Amazon – ideal for gifts or stocking your school library. If you are ordering from outside the US, have a look at our ‘worldwide orders’ page which makes this process easy.

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About Tom Tolkien

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The Best Books for 9th Graders

These best books for 9th graders are one last step before gritty YA (honestly, a lot of YA is really gritty these days). Ninth graders are typically between 14 and 15 years old and well in teen territory. Still, I have included some upper middle-grade and sweet YA on this list for more conservative readers and several for those who can handle more mature subject matter. Whether you’re looking for cute teen romances, YA dystopia, graphic novels, or a solid teen thriller, there’s something for you on this list.

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30 Engaging Books for 9th Graders

Here are 30 of the best books for 9th graders:

The Hate U Give

Starr navigates life after her best friend is shot by police officers. This is such a brilliantly written book! The audio is equally fantastic, and I listened to the whole thing in one sitting. Besides the main theme of activism, there’s such a powerful sense of family, togetherness, and good black humor in this! I laughed way more often than I cried during this. Thomas explores friendship, family ties, and the impact of community support, and those things are my favorite parts of this story. I enjoyed every single moment of this book. Totally gripping, engrossing, and un-putdownable! Heads up for lots of strong language.

Happily Ever Afters

Tessa Johnson and her family have moved into a new neighborhood, hoping for a fresh start. Tessa will be attending a high school for the arts where she can have dedicated writing classes and be surrounded by other creative kids. As Tessa starts at the new school, she reluctantly cultivates a relationship with Sam, the culinary arts kid who lives next door to her. But when Tessa attends her first creative writing workshop, she develops a crush on Nic, a guy in her class, as well as a major case of writer’s block mostly due to her severe anxiety around sharing her work with others. All of a sudden, the wonderful experience at her school (where she’s finally not the token Black person) is under strain — until Caroline encourages her to try  living out  a love story for some inspiration. This is a swoony love story for fans of Jenny Han.

You Bet Your Heart

Sasha Johnson-Sun and Ezra Davis-Goldberg became besties in third grade but lost their friendship after an explosive fight. Now they’re in the same high school and tied for valedictorian just months before their graduation. Sasha and Ezra decide to settle things by a best-of-three, winner-take-all academic bet. This book is a truly swoon-worthy romance with an enemies-to-lovers plot that is actually enjoyable. I loved all the family and friend connections in the story and the core theme about redefining what matters most. Hand these to teen overachievers who need a dash of fun in their lives. Heads up for infrequent profanity.

The Faint of Heart

The Faint of Heart is set in a dystopian world where no one but high schooler June has a heart. When a scientist (known simply as The Scientist) discovers that removing your heart takes away negative emotions like heartbreak, sadness, and anxiety, everyone undergoes the procedure. Unfortunately, the procedure also takes away the positive feelings. As June grapples with the loneliness of being the only one with a heart, she discovers a classmate whose heart is now growing back. Both teens work together to find the scientist and get her to reverse the procedure. The illustrations in this book are striking and haunting, and the concept is poignant and thought-provoking. Although the publisher says this is for teens, the content is totally appropriate for younger readers ages 10+ (only because the main theme of the story might fly over the heads of much younger readers).

Breathe and Count Back from Ten

 Peruvian-American teen Verónica finds solace in swimming — and not just because it alleviates some of the discomfort from her hip dysplasia. She feels free and nimble underwater, but she’s also practicing for a lifelong dream of performing at Mermaid Cove, an underwater sort-of-theme-park in her Florida town. The only problem is that her immigrant parents are overprotective and her father thinks performing as a mermaid is a waste of time when Verónica could be improving her grades ahead of college. But when the chance to audition falls in her lap, Verónica can’t resist. This is a poignant young adult novel about disability, Peruvian culture, body image, and identity. Some language, underage alcohol use, and discussions of sexual activity and sexuality.

Promise Boys

Published January 31, 2023

This book is FANTASTIC — and the audiobook is even better (a top-class full-cast audiobook that feels like a movie). When the principal of the Urban Promise Prep school is murdered in his office, three boys are high on the suspect list: J.B., Trey, and Ramon. They were either in the wrong place or have the wrong reputation or affiliation. Now they must join forces, along with their loved ones, to find the real killer. There’s some language in this one, so I’d hand this to readers ages 14 and up, especially if they loved One of Us Is Lying .

The Code for Love and Heartbreak

Emma Woodhouse, math genius and co-president of her school’s coding club is creating a dating app for her classmates. She genuinely believes that math and compatibility based on interests will help people find romantic partners. At first, the app is working well, and the entire coding club is on board to present their work at a competition later in the year. But then things start to go downhill. This is a sweet, unique young adult novel based on Jane Austen’s classic Emma . Featuring a female math genius with a penchant for algorithms, this book highlights that people aren’t quite as easy to figure out as science or numbers — but they can be even more rewarding.

Thieves’ Gambit

Ross Quest and her family are known for their stealing prowess. But when her mom is kidnapped on one of their missions, Ross is forced to enter the Thieves’ Gambit, a stealing contest, to pay the ransom. There, she encounters old frenemies, new first loves, and shocking revelations. This is a propulsive story that feels more like a thriller with just a touch of mystery but is enjoyable regardless. Good for ages 15 and up for some gun violence and mature content.

Good Enough

High school senior Patti Yoon is preparing to retake the SATs after failing to make her Korean proud with her 2010 score. It doesn’t help that she’s also lost her concertmaster position at the All-State Orchestra. Both “failures” are conversation fodder at her Korean church, where she also plays music. But, on a high note, she meets a cute trumpet player, Ben, at the audition and is excited to find out he goes to her school. Her toughest decision, however, is whether or not to apply to Julliard. See, although Patti has the violin chops to apply, her Korean parents see only “HAVARDYALEPRINCETON.” This is a funny, inspiring ode to music and Korean parents. Loosely based on the author’s life, this novel is very realistic about parental pressures and the stress of college applications.

No Place Like Here

Ashley Zanotti’s summer plans do a 180 when her dad is sentenced to jail time for tax evasion. Her mother is severely depressed and has to check herself into rehab. Ashley, on the other hand, can’t spend time at home with her best friend, Tatum. Instead, she’s shipped off to work at an outdoorsy retreat center with a cousin she barely knows. This is a refreshing young adult novel chock-full of summer vibes. Yet, this one is not an all-fluff pick. This novel features parental mental illness, parental incarceration, and mature female friendships.

Gloria Buenrostro Is Not My Girlfriend

Gary Vo is a Vietnamese-American soon-to-be junior high schooler. Gary and his friend Preston have been at the bottom of the social totem pole forever, and Preston is determined that this is the summer they rise up the ranks. So when they’re approached by two popular classmates with an offer to join their group, the boys are all ears! The task is to steal a bracelet from Gloria Buenrostro (a popular but mysterious A+ student) so the boys can add it to their collections of tokens from “the hottest girls” in school. Easy enough, no? That’s until Gary Vo befriends Gloria and realizes that there’s more to her than meets the eye. This is one of my favorite books of 2023 and there’s no profanity or sexual content!

All Alone with You

Eloise Deane is a sarcastic, unfriendly teenager who’s recently ditched her best friends and embraced the loner life after an incident the year before. Now she spends her time preparing for college and playing video games. But her escape plans develop a hitch when her school’s guidance counselor tells her she needs extracurricular activities on her application. Enter LifeCare, a volunteer agency that pairs teens with the elderly. Also, enter Austin Yang, the sunshine boy Eloise is paired with to visit a former rockstar, Marianne Landis. As Eloise reluctantly opens her heart to them both, she finds herself irrevocably changed. This book is totally absorbing, with a perfect teen voice and relatable depiction of anxiety and depression. There is a lot of language, though.

The Way You Make Me Feel

Clara Shin is a “cool kid” determined to be unbothered by caring too deeply about anything. But when a prank goes too far, she has to spend her summer working on her dad’s food truck with her nemesis, do-gooder overachieving Rose. I loved the character development in this one. The whole story and all the characters felt so authentic and enjoyable without being unbearably saccharine.

One of Us Is Lying

This is one of the best mysteries I’ve read in a long time! When four kids walk into detention with the school’s gossip monger, the last thing they expect is to witness his murder. Soon, the police are on their heels, convinced that one or all of them murdered their classmate who had many enemies. All four teens must band together to find the real killer before one of them is sent to jail for the crime. This is such a propulsive read, and the audiobook has four narrators that bring the story to life. 

Every Other Weekend

Adam and Jolene are two teens reeling from difficult life changes. Jolene’s parents have recently divorced, and she’s schlepped between houses every weekend. Adam’s brother has recently died, and his mom won’t stop crying. As Jolene spends every other weekend as Adam’s neighbor, the two build a heartwarming friendship and romance that helps them surmount hard times. As with all of Johnson’s books, this book is incredibly intense and compelling, and the romance is so moving. There’s infrequent profanity, and it’s on the very long side, but teens who love a deeply emotional love story with substance will adore this one.

I Wanna Be Where You Are

This is a heartwarming contemporary young adult novel about friendship, dance, the power of dreams, and redemption. I loved meeting Chloe and Eli, and while it took a while to warm up to Eli, he ended up being one of my favorite parts of the book. His character growth and determination (followed by action) to change certain parts of his life impressed me. I also enjoyed the entire road trip and all its associated hi-jinks. Teens looking for a book about road trips, parental pressures, or just one full of heart will enjoy this one. Heads up for frequent profanity.

Where the Rhythm Takes You

Seventeen-year-old Reyna is working at her family’s hotel, The Plumeria — as she has since her mother’s death two years before. Everyone around her seems to be moving forward with their lives. Her best friend, Olivia, is going to art school in England, her first love Aiden moved away to the US where he has become a Grammy-winning singer/songwriter. Even her father seems ready to move on. But Reyna is stuck, and now Aiden is back on a surprise trip to Tobago — where Reyna lives — to celebrate his birthday. This is an alluring, immersive, and swoony YA coming-of-age story with a heartwarming second-chance romance.

When Jarrett J. Krosoczka was in high school, he was part of a program that sent students to be counselors at a camp for seriously ill kids and their families. He documents this life-changing experience in this wonderful graphic memoir. This book is so moving and includes an author’s note with pictures of the kids mentioned in the story.

The Do-Over

After a horrific Valentine’s Day, Emilie Hornbie is ready for a do-over — or so she thinks. Her boyfriend is cheating on her, her dad is planning to move away without asking how she feels, and her car is totalled after an accident with a schoolmate. But she feels better after arriving at her grandma’s house that evening. Except… when she wakes up the next day, it’s Valentine’s Day again! Stuck in the time loop, Emilie tries to undo the calamities, but she keeps running into the same schoolmate, Nick — and falling for him too. This is a charming romance with substance that delves into grief,  family , and perfectionism. Strong language, so would recommend for mature 9th graders.

Where You See Yourself

Effie is an ambitious teen with cerebral palsy in her senior year of high school. For years, she and her mother have been researching accessible college options for her since she uses a wheelchair. Now it’s time for college visits, and Effie is starting to realize that the New York college she has her sights set on may not be the most accessible. Throughout the year, she has to advocate for herself to reach her dreams. This is a strong look at ableism and the way it affects teens like Effie. There’s also a romance subplot that didn’t do much for me. Good for ages 13 and up with infrequent profanity.

After popular teen DJ, Paris Secord is murdered, two of her friends (who are not on speaking terms) come under public suspicion. Both girls are forced to band together against a group of darkly fanatic supporters, uncooperative police staff, and other hindrances to their efforts. This novel is captivating, and I finished the 10-hour audiobook in two days. It addresses the use of social media, music fandom, and police response to Black homicide. No language at all — good for teens ages 13 and up.

Rollie is getting more interested in music and his love for drumming and is less enthusiastic about working for a drug lord. Simp, on the other hand is working to rise in rank. He’s especially interested because he loves playing for Tez’s basketball team and hopes to play for the NBA in the future. Unfortunately, basketball is now connected with drug dealing. The disconnect between the boys’ desires eventually begins to wear on their friendship. This is an emotion-charged middle-grade novel about two boys navigating their changing friendship while caught up with a local drug ring. This novel is insightful, authentic, and powerful in its realistic depiction of life in a housing project and the challenges some teens face.

Sam and her mom Priscilla just can’t seem to get on the same page about anything. But things escalate when her grandmother falls into a coma. After a heated argument, Sam books a ride via a ride-hailing app and ends up in 1995 — as her mother’s classmate! There’s so much to love in this story about a Gen Z girl navigating 90s high school life and getting to know her mom years before she becomes her mom. I loved the insight into mother-daughter relationships, Korean-American culture, first-gen immigrant perspectives, and so much more. I adored this FUN, heartwarming, and oh-so-poignant release.

Listen to Your Heart

Kasie West books are the perfect romance for this age group and this one is my favorite of the lot so far. It’s about a girl who becomes a podcast host and starts doling our relationship advice. When a boy who she thinks likes her best friend starts asking for advice, she’s invested in helping him out. Soon, though, her helpful feelings begin to feel more like attraction.

Beatrice Prior’s society is divided into five factions—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). Beatrice must choose between staying with her Abnegation family and transferring factions. Her choice will shock her community and herself. But the newly christened Tris also has a secret, one she’s determined to keep hidden, because in this world, what makes you different makes you dangerous.

When You Look Like Us

Published: January 5, 2021

Jay Murphy is just trying to do right by his grandmother, who’s been raising him and his older sister Nic since his father’s death and his mother’s imprisonment for a drug-related offense. But then Nic, who’s been hanging with the wrong crowd, goes missing. It’s up to Jay to follow the clues, question the right people, and find law enforcement officers who will listen to a kid like him — all to find Nic. I was hooked from the first word, and I loved Jay’s character, his friendship with Bowie, and the romance that blossoms between him and Alexis. Good for ages 13 and up.

Something More

Jessie is a fifteen-year-old Palestinian-Canadian who’s getting into high school soon after an autism diagnosis. She feels “abnormal,” especially as she doesn’t have a cellphone, but is determined to belong to a friend group and fall in love this school year. However, when she finds herself caught between two very different boys, she realizes that things don’t always go to plan. This is an original, relatable, and funny young adult novel about autism, family, and coming-of-age. With a memorable younger teen protagonist, a lovable Arab-Canadian family, and a unique Canadian high school setting, this YA novel is sure to win many readers — especially younger teens and older tweens!

The Queens of New York

Jia, Everett, and Ariel are high school besties whose summer plans could not be any more different. Jia is a Chinese-American helping out at her family’s restaurant in Chinatown while looking after her little sister and grandmother. Everett is a Vietnamese-American off to theater camp in Ohio, while Ariel, the genius Korean-American, is in pre-college grieving the death of her older sister months before. As the summer progresses, all three girls will need their friendship to anchor them through the waves of grief, first loves, and standing up for themselves. I LOVED the depiction of friendship in this book and the way the author brings cities and characters to life. If you loved The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and can’t get enough of emotional, fast-paced YA stories — this book is for you! Nearly no language and no sexual content.

If You’re Out There

When Zan’s best friend cuts all contact with her after moving to California, she’s convinced that something’s gone wrong and dives into an investigation to get to the bottom of the mystery. I enjoyed this YA mystery featuring smart girls + a sweet story of friendship, with just a dash of romance. Sometimes it felt like there was far too much narration than action, but overall, would recommend. Some language, but good for ages 14+

How to Live Without You

Emmy is looking for her big sister, who went missing weeks ago. The two girls were separated after their parents got divorced years ago. Although they’ve kept in touch since Emmy moved in with their mother and Rose stayed with their dad, Emmy starts to realize that there’s a lot she doesn’t know about her sister. First, she learns that Rose wasn’t friends with Levi (their childhood friend and neighbor anymore). Then she discovers that Rose had a boyfriend she never knew about, and she starts to find clues Rose left for her around the city. But will she find Rose, or has something more sinister happened? This is a brilliantly plotted, fast-paced story about sisterhood,  mental illness , and coming of age and out of a sibling’s shadow. Because of the subject matter: mental health, attempted suicide, and drug use, this is best for mature 9th and 10th graders and up.

There they are: 30 of the best books for ninth graders — whether you’re looking for diverse mystery, age-appropriate romance, or dystopian fiction! Hopefully, there’s something on this list for you.

Have you read any of these books for ninth graders? Which ones would you recommend? And which ones would you include? Let me know!

More Books for Teens

• Mystery books for teens
• High school romances for teens
• Good books for 14-16 year olds

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• About Afoma Umesi

Afoma Umesi is the founder and editor of Reading Middle Grade where she curates book lists and writes book reviews for kids of all ages. Her favorite genre to read is contemporary realistic fiction and she'll never say no to a graphic novel.

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What do you think leave a comment cancel reply.

January 25, 2021 at 3:13 pm

I often think about younger YA readers and how difficult it must be for them to find good books as they transition out of MG. I just read Piecing Me Together which I think is gentler than THUG but still shares some of the same themes. It would be perfect for young YA. A couple of cute romcoms for YA could be Tweet Cute and You Have a Match by Emma Lord. Of the two, I enjoyed Tweet Cute more.

January 30, 2021 at 3:17 am

These are excellent recommendations, Carol! Thank you! I loved PIECING ME TOGETHER and recommended it for 8th graders. It’s a very gentle book for teens and older middle schoolers who love to read.

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25 Must-Read Contemporary Books for 9th Graders

Katisha Smith

Katisha is a former military brat who studied engineering because she couldn’t hack it as a writer. You can find her on the internets talking books, movies, pop culture, beauty or whatever is floating her boat at the moment.

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Ninth grade may be the most important year of high school . Research suggests that what happens during a student’s freshman year essentially determines whether they stay in school or become dropouts. Therefore, it’s important for teens to find books that are entertaining as well as engaging to help keep them on the straight and narrow path toward a high school diploma. While many lists recommending books for 9th graders will be filled with “classics” written by dead white people (and mostly by men), a worthy list will contain plenty of contemporary books plus a few graphic novels that capture and hold the attention of today’s teens.

Speaking of lists of must-read books for 9th graders…The following list of books definitely fit the bill.

Memoirs and Nonfiction Books for 9th Graders

For new high schoolers who enjoy reading YA nonfiction , these are books by and about extraordinary teens doing extraordinary things from bravely fighting Nazis to living their most authentic truth.

Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen by Jazz Jennings

Jazz Jennings has been one of the youngest voices in the discussion about gender identity. Her many projects included launching a YouTube channel and starring in I Am Jazz . Jazz faced bullying, discrimination, and rejection, but continued to persevere and educate others about her life as a transgender teen.

With the support of her parents, Jazz began her transition at the age of 5. When the general public was less knowledgeable and even less accepting of the transgender community, she shared her story in an interview with Barbara Walters . Following this groundbreaking interview, Jazz became one of the most recognizable activists for transgender children and teens.

In this memoir, Jazz reflects on her experience in the public eye and how this experience helped shape mainstream attitudes toward the transgender community.

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The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club by Phillip M. Hoose

Fifteen-year-old Knud Pedersen is deeply ashamed of his home nation of Denmark for not resisting Germany occupation. If the adults won’t take action against the Nazis, Knud, his brothers, and their schoolmates are determined to resist them. Named after fiery British leader Winston Churchill, the members of the Churchill Club committed countless acts of sabotage against the Germans. Although the boys were eventually arrested, their exploits and imprisonment sparked nationwide Danish resistance. 

In The Boys Who Challenged Hitler , Hoose interweaves his own narrative with recollections from Knud in this inspiring story of young war heroes.

Glimmer of Hope: How Tragedy Sparked a Movement by The March for Our Lives Founders

On February 14, 2018, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, was the site of one of the worst mass shootings in American history. Seventeen students and teachers were killed. Seventeen more were seriously injured. In response to this senseless tragedy, a group of surviving students created March for Our Lives , one of the largest marches in American history and largest youth-led movements in the world to fight for sensible gun control legislation in the United States.

Founders of the movement share personal essays, speech excerpts, and social media posts in Glimmer of Hope that chronicle their lives from the day of shooting to their return to school two weeks later followed by the march in Washington, D.C.

I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Live s by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda

This is the true story of an American girl, a boy from Zimbabwe, and the letter that changed both of their lives forever. 

It started with Caitlin’s class assignment to write to a student living in another country. When Caitlin saw Zimbabwe written on the board, it sounded like the most exotic place she ever heard of, so she enthusiastically chose it. For Martin’s class of 40 kids, there are only 10 letters. Luckily, Martin is the top student, so he received the first pen pal letter, which started a six-year correspondence that forever changed two lives. 

Science Fiction and Fantasy Books for 9th Graders

Did someone say “ Hey YA! ” or “ SFF Yeah! ”? When it comes to these YA science fiction and fantasy books, the answer is “Yes!” Lucky for all the SFF-loving 9th graders, we are sharing book series because why enjoy an adventure in one book when you can enjoy it in two (or even more) books.

Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi

If you devoured Children of Blood and Bone , then its sequel Children of Virtue and Vengeance should be on the top of your TBR list. 

Zélie and Amari have succeeded in bringing magic back to the land of Orïsha, but their powerful ritual has not only reignited the powers of the maji but of the nobles as well. Now, Zélie struggles to unite the maji in an Orïsha where the enemy is just as powerful while protecting the new maji from the monarchy’s wrath. With civil war on the horizon, Zélie must find a way to bring the kingdom together or watch as Orïsha tears itself apart.

Goddess in the Machine by Lora Beth Johnson

When Andra wakes up in a hot, dirty cave, it’s the year 3102 and she’s drowning. When Andra went into a cryonic sleep, she expected to wake up a hundred years later. Instead, she wakes up after 1,000 years, and everyone keeps calling her Goddess. Andra knows she isn’t special, but she plays along in order to figure out why she was left in stasis and how to return to Earth.

Johnson is currently working on a sequel to Goddess in the Machine .

Legend by Marie Lu

Inspired by Les Misérables , Lu created a teenage version of the conflict between Valjean and Javert in Legend .

The western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Fifteen-year-old June comes from an elite family living in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts and is being groomed for the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, 15-year-old Day is one of the Republic’s most wanted criminal. 

June and Day are from different worlds and have no reason to cross paths until June’s brother Metias is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. From there, they are caught in a game of cat and mouse as June seeks revenge for Metias’s death. In a shocking turn of events, the truth of what really brought them together is revealed.

The Legend series continues with Prodigy , Champion , and Rebel .

First Test by Tamora Pierce

The Protector of the Small series begins with First Test followed by Page , Squire , and Lady Knight .

In the medieval realm of Tortall, Keladry of Mindelan (known as Kel) is the first girl to take advantage of the decree permitting women to train for knighthood. Not all of Tortall’s citizens believe a woman is up to such task, and Kel faces harsh criticism and discrimination. However, Kel is determined to achieve her goal and not even Lord Wyldon, the training master who is dead set against girls becoming knights, will deter Kel from succeeding.

Rebelwing by Andrea Tang

Business is booming for Prudence Wu, a black market-media smuggler. In between studying at the prestigious New Columbia Preparatory Academy, Pru spends her time selling banned media to the less fortunate citizens of the United Continental Confederacy (UCC). When a drop goes awry, Pru narrowly escapes capture from UCC enforcers with the help of a sentient cybernetic dragon. Soon Pru, along with friends Anabel, Alex, and Cat, are drawn into a revolution against the UCC.

The story of Rebelwing continues in Renegade Flight (February 2021, Razorbill).

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

The dream chooses the dreamer, and Lazlo Strange has always believed his dream chose poorly. Since he was 5 years old, Lazlo has been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep. What happened in Weep 200 years ago to cut it off from the rest of the world? What did the Godslayer slay that went by the name of god? The answers await in Weep, but so do more mysteries like the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazlo’s dreams. Lazlo must seize his chance or lose his dream forever.

Continue the dream with the astonishing and heart-stopping sequel Muse of Nightmares .

Books for 9th Grade Sports Fanatics

If your 9th grader is all about sports, then introduce them to these YA books about sports . They are sure to enjoy them in between playing the sports ball.

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

In the first book of the Hundred Oaks series, Catching Jordan , Jordan Woods is an athletic superstar. She is the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. Jordan’s teammates, including her BFF Sam, see her as their leader and as one of the guys. That is just fine with Jordan as long as she gets a scholarship to a powerhouse university, but everything Jordan has worked for is threatened when Ty Green joins the team. Not only is he an amazing quarterback, he is exceptionally cute. For the first time, Jordan feels vulnerable both on and off the field.

Game by Walter Dean Myers

Drew Lawson knows basketball is taking him places, namely becoming a big star in the NBA. He has to rely on his skills on the court because his grades in the classroom aren’t going to land him into great college. Unfortunately, his plan has run into a problem: Coach has been favoring Tomas, the new player from Europe, but Drew won’t let anyone disrespect his game or derail his prospects.

A Matter of Heart by Amy Fellner Dominy

Sixteen-year-old Abby Lipman is on track to win the state championships and qualify for the Olympic trials. Her dreams are derailed after a fainting incident at a swim meet, and Abby is diagnosed with a deadly heart condition. Now, Abby must discover who she is without swimming, the one thing that’s defined her entire life.

Running Full Tilt by Michael Currinder

Like most siblings, Leo and Caleb have a complicated relationship, but Caleb’s violent outbursts often send Leo running. When their family is forced to relocate due to Caleb’s uncontrollable behavior, Leo tries to embrace his new school by joining the cross-country team. Things begin to look up for Leo when he befriends fellow runner Curtis who teaches him strategy and introduces Leo to Mary. It doesn’t last long when Caleb becomes resentful of Leo’s success and new friends and escalates his attacks on Leo. He can’t keep running from his problems with Caleb, but maybe Leo can find a solution with help from Curtis and Mary.

A Short History of the Girl Next Door by Jared Reck

Even with his promising basketball skills, the only place where 15-year-old Matt Wainwright feels like himself is in English class where he can express his inner thoughts in quirky poems and essays. Matt also desperately hopes his lifelong best friend, Tabby, reciprocates his feelings until she starts dating Liam Branson, senior basketball star. Losing Tabby to Branson was bad enough, but Matt soon discovers he’s close to losing everything that matters most to him.

Romance Books for 9th Graders

For the 9th graders who love love, we have the following young adult romance books they won’t be able to put down.

Frankly in Love by David Yoon

Frank Li finds himself caught between the traditional expectations of his Korean parents and his American upbringing in Southern California. When it comes to romance, Frank’s parents have one rule, “Date Korean,” which complicates Frank’s love life. He’s fallen for Brit Means who is smart, beautiful, and white . Fellow Korean American friend, Joy Song, is in a similar predicament. Together, Frank and Joy make a pact: they’ll pretend to date each other. Frank thinks it’s the perfect plan, but pretending to date Joy may leave him wondering if he ever really understood love (or himself) at all.

Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan

Elouise (Lou) Parker is determined to have the best, most epic summer of her life, but there’s plenty standing in her way. She’s the giant dancing hot dog at Magic Castle Playland, which will be closing at the end of the summer unless Lou can find a way to keep the park open. To make matters worse, her best friend Seely, who is always up for anything, won’t help Lou win the heart of her crush, the dreamy Diving Pirate Nick. Seely doesn’t even want Lou to set her up with the perfect girl.

I Kissed Alice by Anna Birch (Author) and Victoria Ying (Illustrator)

Fans of Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda and Fangirl will find another must-read romantic comedy about lovers, enemies, and possible friends in I Kissed Alice . 

Rhodes and Iliana could not be more different, but that is not why they hate each other. As students at Alabama’s Conservatory of the Arts, highly-gifted Rhodes and hard-working Iliana are competing for the coveted Capstone scholarship. Both escape the pressure of the intense competition on a fanfic site where they are unknowingly collaborating on a graphic novel. In real life, Rhodes and Iliana are the worst of enemies, but online, I-Kissed-Alice and Curious-in-Cheshire are starting to really like each other. 

Love from A to Z by S.K. Ali

After getting suspended for confronting her teacher who won’t stop reminding the class how “bad” Muslims are, Zayneb heads to her aunt’s house in Qatar for an early start to spring break. She resolves to try the newer version of herself in a place where no one knows her.

Then Zayneb crosses paths with Adam.

Since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Adam has stopped going to class. Instead, he is intent on preserving the memory of his mom alive for his little sister and keeping his diagnosis a secret from his grieving father.

Adam and Zayneb are playing roles while keeping their real thoughts locked away in their journals.

Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds

When Jack and Kate meet at a party, they bond until sunrise over their love of Froot Loops and movies. Jack knows he’s falling hard. Soon, Kate is meeting Jack’s friends, Jillian and Franny, and easily wins them over, too. Then, Kate dies.

Their story should end there, but Kate’s death sends Jack back to the moment they first met. Kate is healthy, happy, and charming as ever. Jack thinks he’s losing his mind, but if he has a chance to prevent Kate’s death, he will take it. However, Jack will learn his actions have consequences. When one choice turns deadly for someone else close to him, he must decide what he’s willing to do to save the people he loves.

Must-Read Books About 9th Graders

What’s better than reading a book that mirrors your own life experience? Nothing…except maybe super fast wifi. The following books center high school freshmen and give the ups and downs of everyday life in high school.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Charlie is a shy, introverted, wise beyond his years, yet socially awkward freshman. Although he is not the biggest geek in school, Charlie is definitely not popular. Charlie is a wallflower caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it. Luckily, Charlie is rescued from the bleak loneliness of standing on the sidelines and fringes of life by a circle of friends who embrace him and his unique perspective.

Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie by David Lubar

Being a high school freshman is hard for Scott. Seniors take your lunch money. The girls he’s known forever are suddenly beautiful and unattainable; Scott is trying (and failing) to capture the attention of freshman goddess Julia. Above all else, Scott never seems to get enough sleep, and his mother just announced she’s pregnant.

Inspired by the upcoming arrival of his new sibling, Scott decides to write a manual with tips on how to survive high school. In the process, Scotts becomes involved in almost every activity high school has to offer. While he tries to find his place in the confusing world of high school, Scott is recording every detail for his younger sibling.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

“Speak up for yourself. We want to know what you have to say.”

From the first day of her freshman year at Merryweather High School, Melinda knows this is a lie. She is a friendless outcast because she called the cops to bust an end-of-summer party. Now, no one will talk (let alone listen) to Melinda.

As time passes, Melinda becomes increasingly isolated and practically stops talking. Her only solace is in art class. Through her art project, she is finally able to face what really happened at that party: Melinda was raped by an upperclassman who also attends Merryweather. When she has another violent encounter with him, Melinda fights back and refuses to be silent again.

Surviving High School by Lele Pons with Melissa de la Cruz

Lele Pons, one of the coolest girls on the web , teams up with bestselling YA author Melissa de la Cruz in this debut novel.

At her new school in Miami, Lele sits alone at lunch until her online fame catapults her from bullied loser to the most popular kid in school. Now, Lele faces a new set of challenges dealing with relentless drama, ruthless cliques, and unexpected celebrity all while trying to make her parents proud and keep her grades up.

Need more books for 9th graders? Check out these hot Summer 2020 YA Books !

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50 Must-Read​ Books for Ninth Graders

by AuthorAmy

Welcome to Amy’s Bookshelf! Here, teachers will find carefully curated book lists for each grade level from kindergarten to twelfth grade. Moving forward, new lists filled with book recommendations will be published weekly. Sometimes, these lists will be organized around a specific theme, like a holiday or seasonal event. Other times, they will feature rockstar books – books practically guaranteed to get your students reading. 

Before jumping into reading recommendations, a few words about how books are selected.

First, it is so important that teachers prioritize reading interest over reading level. Students will often choose to read well above or below their reading level if they are particularly interested in a book or topic. Teachers only hurt students by limiting them to a specific selection of titles grouped according to an arbitrary number or level. Think of the books on these lists as starting places for you and your students, but if a student wants to read up (or down), that is a-ok.

Also, please note that these lists lean heavily toward modern selections as opposed to the classics many teachers are familiar with. A true renaissance is happening in children’s literature today, and the books coming out are truly exciting. One of the factors that makes this such an exciting time for kid lit is how diverse the selections are in terms of genre, characters and subject matter. These lists will feature fiction and nonfiction selection as well as graphic novels, novels written in verse, and more.

Any book list or classroom library worth its salt includes books featuring LGBTQIA+ characters, racially diverse characters, characters with disabilities, characters in the foster care system, characters from a wide variety of socioeconomic and religious backgrounds, and so on. Importantly, the diversity of the characters doesn’t always need to be the focus of the literature – in other words, a book featuring a black character or gay character doesn’t need to be about those individuals exploring their blackness or their gayness; those characters can have kid problems that apply to all children regardless of their race or sexual orientation. Similarly, students should be encouraged to read stories featuring people of diversity all year long – not just during a month set aside to celebrate a specific heritage.

One final note: today’s children’s literature does not shy away from frank discussions of gender, race, sex, sexuality, abuse, mental illness, and more – nor should it. I will not censor books from these lists based on these controversial areas. What books you recommend will depend on the specific district you work in and your clientele. I encourage you and your students to read widely without fear.

Ninth Grade

Ninth grade is when many students enter high school, and is generally the division between middle grade and young adult literature. Young adult literature features teens in the midst of adolescence. Often, they are facing greater challenges and have greater independence than protagonists in middle grade books. You’ll see that the books on this list begin to treat heavier topics, and authors often write candidly and with truth. 

Just so you know, Bored Teachers may get a small share of the sales made through the Amazon affiliate links on this page.

by Laurie Halse Anderson

Get it HERE .

Melinda got invited to THE high school party of the summer but the party got out of hand and she called the cops to break up the party. Now, she’s starting ninth grade as a social pariah. No one knows why Melinda calls the cops, but readers figure out pretty quickly that something traumatic happened at the party. The rest of the novel is about Melinda finding her voice to speak up about what happened. 

2. Long Way Down

by Jason Reynolds

Long Way Down is as good as young adult literature gets, it’s an absolute must read. Will’s brother Shawn has been killed by gang violence, so Will grabs a gun to avenge his brother, gets on an elevator, and begins a 60-second elevator ride down that will change his life. At each floor, the elevator stops and the ghost of someone in Will’s life who has been killed by gun violence gets on and talks to Will. It’s a novel in verse, and it’s powerful. 

3. Every Day

by David Levithan

Narrator and genderless protagonist A wakes up every day in a different body. A lives a day in the life of that person, then wakes up the next day as someone else. A does everything A can to leave that day’s life unimpacted, until A meets Rhiannon, who A falls in love with. This is a remarkable exploration of the nature true love and how it exists outside of physical appearance and gender. 

4. Eleanor and Park

by Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor and Park could not be more different, but the two become friends and fall in love on the bus ride to and from school. But whereas Park comes from a loving, safe family home, Eleanor’s homelife contains dark secrets that haunt her and her ability to believe she is deserving of love. 

5. Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson

Jade is an aspiring artist, and she tries to take advantage of every opportunity that comes along to help her find success. She commutes to an elite private school every day and is especially looking forward to a chance to go on the school’s study abroad trip this year when she is suddenly enrolled in a mentoriship program called Women to Women. Jade is positive she’s selected for this only because she is poor and black, and as a result she resents the placement.  

6. The Highest Tide by Jim Lynch

Miles O’Malley is obsessed with Rachel Carson and aspires to be a naturalist just like her. One night he is exploring the Puget Sound low tide and stumbles across a giant squid. Suddenly, Miles finds himself at the center of a media firestorm. Miles is just navigating the pitfalls of growing up, including his crush on his much-older babysitter and watching his parents’ marriage fall apart. The sea, which once was home, now offers as many questions as it gives answers. 

7. The Whisper

by Pamela Zagarenski

In this picture book about imagination, a girl borrows a book from her teacher but the words leak out on the way home (a helpful fox catches the words as he follows along behind). When the girl sits down to read the now-wordless story, she hears a whisper telling her to imagine the story however she’d like. 

8. Hidden Figures Young Readers Edition

by Margot Lee Shetterly

Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were NASA’s human computers tasked with performing the difficult mathematical calculations needed to launch rockets into space. In spite of this intensely important work, the black women rarely received the respect they deserved. The civil rights movement and the gender equlity movement are both highlighted in this remarkable nonfiction work.

by Jennifer Mathieu

Vivian Carter’s mom was a Riot Girl in the 90s punk era, but Vivian finds herself hard-pressed to stand up for herself, especially in the face of the sexism she notices at her school. She decides to start an anonymous feminist magazine she distributes at school. Pretty quickly, the zine catches on and the school finds its has a revolution on its hands. 

10. The Crossover

by Kwame Alexander

Narrator Josh Bell and his twin brother Jordan are 12-year-old basketball superstars. Josh is also an aspiring rapper, so his story is told in verse. This is the story of their championship year, a year in their lives when basketball and relationships collide. A year of growing up.  

11. How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous

by Georgia Bragg and illustrated by Kevin O’ Malley

What could be a gross, gruesome book ends up being darkly humorous. As the title suggests, this is the nonfiction account of how 19 famous people met their demise, from Albert Einstein to King Tut. It’s morbid but entertaining. 

12. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, Young Reader’s Edition by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer

William Kamkwamba lives in Malawi, and when a drought strikes his village, his family’s crops fail and they are left without a livelihood. William, a budding scientist, turns to the library for a solution and ends up constructing a windmill to bring electricity back to the family farm. It’s an incredible true story.

13. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

In this memoir in verse, author Jacqueline Woodson shares how it felt to belong to two places growing up. Her time was split between New York and South Carolina, which were starkly different experiences during the civil rights movement. Brown Girl Dreaming won the National Book Award. 

14. American Born Chinese

by Gene Luen Yang

This graphic novel explores identity, nationality, and heritage as the central character, Jim Wang, just wants to be seen as an all-American boy, not as the Chinese-American student in his school. 

15. Boxers (and Saints)

by Gene Luen Yang 

Boxers and Saints is a two-volume graphic novel. The companion books explore the Chinese Boxer Rebellion from opposite sides of the violent conflict. In Boxers, Little Bao leads an army of “boxers” (or kung fu-fighting commoners) against the enemy. 

16. I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (Young Reader’s Edition)

by Malala Yousafza i with Patricia McCormick

Ten-year-old Malala Yousafzai watches her beloved Pakistan overtaken by the Taliban. She is suddenly told she is not allowed to go to school but defies this new order. She is shot point-blank in the head and, against all odds, survived. She is now a global advocate for education and women’s rights. 

17. Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card

by Sara Saedi

In this true account, Sara Saedi has lived in the United States since she was two years old, but it is only at age 13 that she discovers her family’s undocumented status. Now she has one more fear to add to her list of adolescent worries – being deported! This story grapples with big political issues like immigration and teen issues like acne and unibrows.

18. We Contain Multitudes

by Sarah Henstra

Jonathan Hopkirk and Adam “Kurl” Kurlansky are assigned to write letters to each other for an English class pen pal project. Their letter-writing turns into a secret love, which homophobia threatens to destroy.

19. Persepolis

by Marjane Satrapi

This is the author’s graphic novel memoir about growing up in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution. The author gives readers a glimpse into the day-to-day life in Iran as well as the political conflict the country is embroiled in. 

20. Atlantia

by Ally Condie

Environmental devastation has driven the human race to construct an underwater city called Atlantia. Only select people are allowed to repopulate Above. Rio dreams about seeing the world outside of Atlantia, but her twin sister robs her of the opportunity. 

21. Love and First Sight

by Josh Sundquist

Will is blind, and at 16, this means his life looks a bit different than others teenagers. When he is given the chance to undergo an experimental surgery to give him sight, he takes the chance but soon discovers the sighted world is more complicated than he expected. 

22. Caraval

by Stephanie Garber

Scarlett and Tella live under the cruel thumb of their father, but when an invitation to Caraval arrives just before Scarlett’s arranged marriage, she risks everything to see the performance she has dreamed of since she was a child. The world of Caraval turns out to be more than Scarlett bargained for, and soon she is tangled in a web of intrigue. This is the first in a trilogy. 

23. Talking Leaves by Joseph Bruchac

Uwohali’s father Sequoyah can talk of nothing but the strange markings he has invented, making villagers talk of witchcraft. But Sequoyah has invented an alphabet and wishes to share this new knowledge with his people. This is a really interesting foray into historical fiction and the origins of the Cherokee alphabet.

24. The Secret History of Us

by Jessi Kirby

After a horrific car accident, Olivia wakens with amnesia. She has no memory of anything that defines her, and this includes no memory of courtship with her boyfriend Matt. This is the story of Olivia trying to navigate through who she is now versus who everyone told her she was before the accident.  

25. Girl Rising: Changing the World One Girl at a Time

by Tanya Lee Stone

Girl Rising is a global campaign for girl’s education. The Girl Rising campaign has produced a film and now this book with the same name. Each looks at barriers to women’s education in the world today, from sex trafficking to poverty. Each works to get girls an education and change the world. 

26. Does My Head Look Big in This?

by Randa Abdel-Fattah

At 16, Amal decides to start wearing a hijab, the headdress of her Muslim faith, full time. With this decision comes hatred and prejudice. Amal is not trying to stand out and would prefer to be noticed for other things beyond her hijab. 

27. The Upside of Unrequited

by Becky Albertalli

Molly is a self-proclaimed fat girl who has never been kissed. Or, more accurately, she’s never let a boy kiss her for fear of rejection. Two new boys enter her orbit – one, the handsome hipster type, and the other a chubby Tolkein fan, and Molly learns a thing or two about attraction. 

28. Landscape with Invisible Hand

by M.T. Anderson

An alien race called the vuvv lands on earth and offers up advanced technology and medicine for free. Ironically, the new tech means a lot of people on earth are out of work, including Adam’s parents. Adam and his girlfriend Chloe hatch a scheme to give the vuvv what they love, which is vintage earth culture. Together, they produce a pay-per-view TV show featuring their dates. One problem – they are growing apart. 

29. Beastly

by Alex Flinn

The beast of Beauty and the Beast lore lives in modern day New York after a witch in his high school class cast a spell on him. Like the beast in the classic fairy tale, this beast must learn a few lessons before he can break the spell. This is the first book in the Kendra Chronicles. 

by Marissa Meyer

Cinder is a cyborg on a futuristic earth. A plague moves through the human population just as Cinder becomes involved with Prince Kai. This Cinderella retelling is classic fairy tale meets science fiction. It’s the first in a series of books known as the Lunar Chronicles. 

31. Girl, Stolen

by April Henry

Griffin steals a car, only to find 16-year-old Cheyenne Wilder sleeping in the backseat. While kidnapping hadn’t been on Griffin’s list of plans, when he finds out that Cheyenne’s parents are rich, his plans change. 

32. One of Us is Lying

by Karen M. McManus

Four students in after-school detention witness the death of their classmate, Simon. When the police rule Simon’s death a homicide, the four teenagers find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation, and thanks to Simon’s gossip blog, all four of them have a motive. This story is told in the perspectives of each of the four suspects. 

33. Dumplin’

by Julie Murphy

Willowdean, nicknamed Dumplin’ by her beauty queen mother, knows she’s a big girl, but she rocks her body with self-confidence. Until, that is, she starts crushing on Bo, who seems to like her back. Their budding relationship has Willowdean tangled up in self-doubt, so she decides to do something drastic to get her confidence back – she enters the local beauty pageant. 

34. Turbulent by T.L. Payne

An electromagnetic pulse wipes out communication devices across the nation. Maddie, an ultra-marathon runner, is in an airport when the EMP hits, and it’s a matter of time before chaos descends. She runs for her life along with a young orphaned girl. 

35. A Ring of Endless Light by Madeleine L’Engle

Vicky’s family is spending their summer taking care of her terminally ill grandfather on the small island he calls home. Meanwhile, she finds herself with three boys competing for her interest, and she’s not sure she’s ready for what any of them are offering. This is a complex story about living in the face of death. 

36. The Bean Trees

by Barbara Kingsolver

Taylor Greer’s main goal in life is to get out of Kentucky without getting pregnant. As soon as high school is over, she heads west and along the way acquires a Cherokee child who she might just end up mothering. At its heart, this is a novel about realizing that your plans don’t mean an awful lot in the face of the universe. 

37. The Chocolate War

by Robert Cormier

Jerry attends an all-boys prep school and makes the defiant decision to refuse to sell chocolate in the school fundraiser. This decision, this bucking of tradition, places Jerry squarely in front of a secret society, and it’s not long before an all-out war breaks lose. 

38. Anger is a Gift by Mark Oshiro

Moss’ father was killed by police, and now as a high school student, Moss finds that he and his friends are increasingly profiled by police and security guards at his school. The students decide to push back against police and profiling, and tensions rise to a breaking point. 

39. Spinning

by Tillie Walden

Spinning is the author’s memoir in graphic novel form. In it, she remembers her tumultuous adolescence. She grew up questioning her sexuality while trying to conform to the strict behavior and dress codes of the figure skating teams she belonged to. She may have been a good skater, but she hated it, instead desiring to pursue art.

40. The Hunger Games

by Suzanne Collins 

In a dystopian America, 12 districts each agree to send one boy and one girl to the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on national television. When Katniss Everdeen’s sister Prim is selected to compete, Katniss takes her place and, once at the Capitol, becomes an unstoppable force of rebellion. This is the first in a trilogy. 

by Marie Lu

In this dystopian novel, America has become the Republic. June, raised to be an elite military solider, soon finds herself hunting Day, the prime suspect in her brother’s murder. This is the first in a trilogy. 

42. Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith

by Deborah Heiligman

This biography of Charles Darwin explores the relationship between Darwin and his wife Emma. Emma was a woman of great Christian faith, and her husband’s theory of evolution by natural selection prompted much discussion in their marriage, just as it does in today’s public schools. 

43. A Northern Light

by Jennifer Donnelly

Mattie works at a hotel, where one night a guest urges her to take a bundle of letters and burn them. The guest is dead by morning and Mattie realizes the letters could hold the key to her murder. 

44. The Night Gardener

by Jonathan Auxier

Two orphaned children wind up as servants at an Irish manor, and they quickly realize something spooky is happening. The house is cursed by the Night Gardener, who may appear to grant wishes when really the price of those wishes is quite hight. 

45. Wonder Woman: Warbringer

by Leigh Bardugo

The DC Icons series takes DC superheroes and gives them teenaged backstories written by all-star young adult authors. The Wonder Woman installment features Diana Prince as an Amazon princess who breaks the rules and rescues a mortal from certain death. But supernatural interference is forbidden, and Diana has just made a huge mistake. 

46. The Afterlife of Holly Chase

by Cynthia Hand

A Christmas Carol gets updated for the young adult set. Holly Chase is a modern-day Scrooge, or at least a teenage girl version. She’s spoiled and bratty and most certainly does not bask in the magic of the Christmas season. The three ghosts try to save her, but she won’t be saved. So she dies. And finds herself working for Project Scrooge, a supernatural organization that tries to save Scrooges around the world every Christmas. 

by Scott Westerfield 

Tally lives in a futuristic world where everyone undergoes an extreme makeover when they reach their sixteenth birthday, turning them from an “ugly” into a “pretty.” Everyone wants to be pretty, except Tally’s friend Shay. When Shay runs away, Tally goes after and finds that a dark underbelly exists in her seemingly perfect world. 

48. For Every One

This slim book by Jason Reynolds is a poem he originally read for the unveiling of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. It’s an inspirational poem encouraging anyone who has dreams (all of us!) to keep pushing to achieve greatness. 

49. The Boy in Striped Pajamas

by John Boyne

Get ti HERE .

Bruno is the nine-year-old son of a man who runs a concentration camp. Bruno is never, ever to go near the fence surrounding the camp, but Bruno ignores these instructions because he plans to grow up to be an explorer. One day, he does approach the fence and soon begins developing a friendship with a young Jewish boy inside. This book is powerful and devastating. 

50. Undertow by Michael Buckley 

The Alpha, a strange, ocean-dwelling race of creatures, emerges from the ocean onto Coney Island. Lyric is called upon to help the Alpha prince, Fathom, adjust to land life and they begin to develop a relationship. 

Other book lists from Amy’s bookshelf you’ll love: 

• 50 Must-Read Books for Kindergarteners
• 50 Must-Read Books For First Graders
• 50 Must-Read Books for Second Graders
• 50 Must-Read Books For Third Graders
• 50 Must-Read Books for Fourth Graders
• 50 Must-Read Books For Fifth Graders
• 50 Must-Read Books For  Sixth Graders
• 50 Must-Read Books for Seventh Graders
• 50 Must-Read​ Books for Eighth Graders

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The Best Book-Report Books for Middle Schoolers

No need to dread a book report! When kids find titles that are engaging, interesting, and thought-provoking, they're hooked. If it's fiction, students can dissect plot, theme, and characters. If it's nonfiction, they can plunge into a subject that fascinates them or learn a lot about something they've never heard of before. Here's a list of surefire selections for students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. For even more ideas, check out 50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12 .

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl

Inspiring wartime journal reveals teen's inner life.

The Apothecary, Book 1

Cold War kids use magic to save world in brilliant novel.

Everything Sad Is Untrue: (A True Story)

Young refugee's story is told in memories, myths, fables.

Goodbye Stranger

Bittersweet, lovely story of friendship and social media.

Genesis Begins Again

Teen learns to love herself in uplifting tale of misfits.

Hold on tight for an intense tale of survival.

A Long Walk to Water

Touching take on Lost Boys of Sudan, based on true story.

One Crazy Summer

A gem, with strong girl characters, '60s black history.

Poverty, being unhoused explored in hopeful tale.

The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights

Little-known disaster gets overdue, in-depth treatment.

The Red Badge of Courage

Compelling Civil War novel questions morality of battle.

Uglies: Uglies Quartet, Book 1

Thoughtful sci-fi about the price of beauty.

Interned girl, Native boy find common ground in moving tale.

All-American Muslim Girl

Captivating coming-of-age tale explores identity, racism.

American Ace

Moving, fast-paced novel-in-verse; great for teen boys.

Bomb: The Race to Build -- and Steal -- the World's Most Dangerous Weapon

Complex, suspenseful story of developing The Bomb.

The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club

Thrilling true story of teenagers who stood up to the Nazis.

Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings

Poignant memoir-in-verse recalls Cuban American's childhood.

Long Way Down

Gripping, unnerving story of teen boy contemplating revenge.

My Name Is Not Easy

Fascinating story of Alaskan kids growing up in the 1960s.

Other great lists from our editors

• Coming-of-Age Books
• Books to Help Your Kid Survive Middle School
• How to Raise a Reader
• Help Your Kids Find Books with Diverse Characters
• How Comics Helped My Kid Love Reading

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Best Books for 9th Graders

Kickstart the high school reading journey with these acclaimed books for 9th graders, ranked by frequency of recommendation across trusted book blogs and articles..

Students from grades 9-12 engage in captivating stories with complex characters and strong plots. This list of best-selling books will prompt stimulating discussions. Themes like the refugee crisis and self-identity will teach your student about themselves and the world around them. 

Try Sunshine , a touching story of author and illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka, who attended a camp as a counselor for sick children and their families when he was in high school. Anticipating an emotionally challenging time, Jarrett instead discovers that Camp Sunshine is instead full of hope and determination, something that winds up rippling through Jarrett's own life. 

Meanwhile, The Library of Broken Worlds introduces a world full of magic to fantasy fans. As the daughter of a library god, Frieda has spent her whole life roaming its ever-shifting tunnels and communicating with gods. But when Frieda meets Joshua and Nergui, she is determined to help them save their people. But in order to do so, Frieda must venture deeper into the library than she'd ever imagined, all the while confronting atrocities from the past and the truth of her own origins. 

Use these unforgettable stories to guide classroom discussions about truth, history, human nature, and the power of friendship. These novels will help your students appreciate powerful stories with good messages. 

Shop best-selling books for grades 9-12 below! You can find all books and activities at The Teacher Store. 

Home / 6-12 Years Old / 140 Curated List Of 9th Grade Reading Books For Children Aged 14-15

140 Curated List Of 9th Grade Reading Books For Children Aged 14-15

In this post, discover engaging and age-appropriate reading materials for 9th-grade students aged 14-15. We’ll delve into a curated list of books that cater to their developmental needs and offer intriguing stories and themes that resonate with their age group. From classic literature to contemporary young adult novels, we’ll provide recommendations that foster a love for reading, stimulate critical thinking, and nurture their growing literary interests. Explore our guide on 9th Grade Reading Books for enriching literary experiences.

Welcome to our exclusive collection of 9th-grade reading books meticulously chosen to cater to the evolving minds of 14-15-year-olds.

At this pivotal stage in education, our selection aims to align with academic standards and spark curiosity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the world.

These books, ranging from timeless classics to contemporary masterpieces, are chosen for their ability to challenge perceptions and encourage critical thinking.

Each story is a gateway to different cultures, histories, and ideas, making reading an educational journey and a personal adventure. This collection serves as a bridge, preparing young adults for more complex concepts and narratives.

It’s more than just a reading list; it’s a tool for intellectual and emotional growth, ensuring that students excel in their studies and develop a lifelong passion for learning and exploration.

Did You Know? Did you know that reading can significantly improve memory and concentration? Engaging with complex narratives and characters enhances cognitive functions, making it an excellent brain exercise for teens, especially those preparing for the academic challenges of high school and beyond.

What Makes Reading Important For 9th Graders Aged 14-15?

Reading is vital for 9th graders aged 14-15 for several reasons

Cognitive Developments

At this age, students undergo significant cognitive growth. Reading complex texts enhances critical thinking, comprehension, and analytical skills.

Vocabulary Expansion

Exposure to diverse literature expands vocabulary and improves language skills, essential for academic success and effective communication.

Emotional Growth

Literature allows students to explore different emotions and situations, aiding in emotional maturity and empathy development.

Cultural Awareness

Reading books from various cultures and historical periods broadens understanding and appreciation of different perspectives and societies.

Preparation for Higher Education

Regular reading prepares students for the more demanding academic work in higher grades, including college..

Concentration and Focus

In an age of digital distractions, reading enhances the ability to concentrate and maintain focus over extended periods.

Lifelong Learning

Instilling a reading habit at this age sets the foundation for lifelong learning and curiosity.

How Can This List Of 120 Books Enhance A Teen’s Reading Experience?

This list of 120 books can enhance a teen’s reading experience in various ways:

• Diverse Genres: Offering a wide range of genres, from science fiction to historical fiction, ensures that every teen finds books that resonate with their interests and encourages consistent reading.
• Complex Themes: These books introduce complex themes and ideas, challenging teens to think critically and develop a deeper understanding.
• Character Development: The Rich, diverse characters in these stories help readers understand different perspectives, fostering empathy and social awareness.
• Language Skills: Exposure to varied writing styles and vocabularies enhances language proficiency, crucial for academic success.
• Cultural Exposure: The list includes books from different cultures, providing a window into diverse societies and traditions.
• Inspiration and Motivation: Inspirational stories can motivate teens to pursue their dreams and face challenges with resilience.
• Preparation for Advanced Studies: These books prepare teens for higher-level reading and analysis, essential for advanced studies.
• Enjoyment and Relaxation: Beyond educational value, reading is an essential source of enjoyment and relaxation for mental health.

What Are 20 Classic Novels Every 9th Grader Should Read?

1. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee: Explores themes of racial injustice and moral growth in the American South.

2. “1984” by George Orwell: A dystopian novel that delves into themes of totalitarianism, surveillance, and individuality.

3. “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger: Focuses on teenage alienation and loss of innocence.

4. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: A critique of the American Dream set in the Roaring Twenties.

5. “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen: Explores themes of love, class, and societal expectations in 19th-century England.

6. “Animal Farm” by George Orwell: A satirical allegory of totalitarianism, set in a farmyard.

7. “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding: A story about the descent into savagery of a group of stranded boys.

8. “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë: A coming-of-age story that highlights themes of morality, religion, and feminism.

9. “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury: A dystopian novel about the dangers of censorship and conformist society.

10. “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley: Explores the dark side of a technologically advanced society.

11. “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë: A complex tale of passion and revenge set in the Yorkshire moors.

12. “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville: An epic tale of obsession and revenge, exploring complex themes.

13. “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain: Highlights issues of race and identity in pre-Civil War America.

14. “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens: A story of personal growth and social mobility in Victorian England.

15. “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne: Explores themes of sin, guilt, and redemption in Puritan New England.

16. “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley: A gothic tale questioning the limits of scientific exploration and morality.

17. “The Odyssey” by Homer: An epic poem detailing Odysseus’ adventurous journey home from the Trojan War.

18. “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare: A tragic exploration of revenge, betrayal, and madness.

19. “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens: Set in London and Paris during the French Revolution, it explores themes of resurrection and transformation.

20. “Dracula” by Bram Stoker: A foundational work of the horror genre, exploring themes of sexuality, colonialism, and the supernatural.

Fun Fact Did you know that “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll was inspired by a real 10-year-old girl named Alice Liddell? Carroll crafted this imaginative world during a boat trip with Alice and her sisters in 1862.

What Are 20 Modern Novels Perfect For 9th Graders? 

21. “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins: A dystopian novel about survival and rebellion in a futuristic society.

22. “Harry Potter Series” by J.K. Rowling: A magical tale of friendship , courage, and the battle between good and evil.

23. “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green: A poignant story about love and coping with terminal illness.

24. “Percy Jackson Series” by Rick Riordan: A fantasy-adventure series blending modern life with Greek mythology.

25. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak: Set in Nazi Germany, it’s a powerful story about the impact of books and words.

26. “Divergent” by Veronica Roth: A thrilling dystopian novel exploring themes of identity and choice.

27. “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas: Addresses issues of racism and police violence in contemporary America.

28. “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio: A heartwarming tale about a boy with a facial difference, teaching kindness and acceptance.

29. “Looking for Alaska” by John Green: A coming-of-age story dealing with love, loss, and meaning themes.

30. “Eleanor & Park” by Rainbow Rowell: A story about two misfits falling in love over comic books and mixtapes.

31. “The Maze Runner” by James Dashner: A gripping dystopian novel about survival in a post-apocalyptic world.

32. “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel: A philosophical adventure story exploring themes of faith and survival.

33. “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” by Ransom Riggs: A mysterious tale blending fantasy with historical fiction.

34. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky: Explores adolescence, friendship, and the journey of self-discovery.

35. “Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher: A thought-provoking story about the impact of bullying and suicide.

36. “ City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments)” by Cassandra Clare: A fantasy series set in a world filled with angels and demons.

37. “I Am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai: The inspiring true story of a young girl’s fight for education.

38. “The Giver” by Lois Lowry: A dystopian novel questioning the price of societal conformity and perfection.

39. “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli: A heartwarming story about coming out and finding love.

40. “An Ember in the Ashes” by Sabaa Tahir: A gripping fantasy set in a brutal, Roman-inspired world.

Trivia/Fun Fact The famous dystopian novel “1984” by George Orwell, often a staple in high school reading lists, was actually written in 1948. Orwell simply reversed the last two digits of the year as a nod to the future he was imagining.

What Are 20 Science Fiction And Fantasy Books Suitable For Teens?

41. “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card: A gripping tale about a young boy trained to fight in an interstellar war.

42. “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien: A classic fantasy adventure involving a quest for treasure guarded by a dragon.

43. “Dune” by Frank Herbert: A complex saga of politics and power on a desert planet.

44. “Cinder” by Marissa Meyer: A futuristic retelling of Cinderella set in a world with cyborgs.

45. “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan: The first in a series that mixes modern-day with Greek mythology.

46. “The Golden Compass” by Philip Pullman: A blend of fantasy and science in a parallel universe.

47. “Red Queen” by Victoria Aveyard: A tale of power and rebellion in a world divided by blood.

48. “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline: A virtual reality adventure with 1980s pop culture references.

49. “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins: A dystopian story of survival in a harsh future society.

50. “Shadow and Bone” by Leigh Bardugo: A fantasy novel set in a world inspired by Russian folklore.

51. “The Maze Runner” by James Dashner: Teens must navigate a deadly maze in this dystopian novel.

52. “Legend” by Marie Lu: A thriller set in a dark, futuristic United States.

53. “Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo: A heist story set in a richly detailed fantasy world.

54. “Illuminae” by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff: A novel told through documents, emails, and interviews.

55. “Scythe” by Neal Shusterman: In a world without death, scythes are the only ones who can end life.

56. “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” by Ransom Riggs: A mysterious island, time loops, and peculiar children.

57. “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle: A classic tale of time travel and the battle between good and evil.

58. “The 5th Wave” by Rick Yancey: The human race faces extinction after multiple alien attacks.

59. “Steelheart” by Brandon Sanderson: One group seeks to resist in a world ruled by supervillains.

60. “The City of Ember” by Jeanne DuPrau: Teens discover secrets about the existence of their underground city.

Fun Fact The iconic “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling was initially rejected by multiple publishers. Rowling’s manuscript was finally accepted by Bloomsbury, a small British publishing house after the CEO’s eight-year-old daughter read the first chapter and loved it.

What Are 20 Mystery And Thriller Books That Will Engage 9th Graders?

61. “Sherlock Holmes Series” by Arthur Conan Doyle: Classic detective stories featuring the iconic Sherlock Holmes.

62. “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie: A suspenseful tale where guests on an island mysteriously disappear.

63. “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon: A mystery novel narrated by a boy with autism.

64. “The Westing Game” by Ellen Raskin: A gripping puzzle where heirs compete to solve a millionaire’s death mystery.

65. “One of Us Is Lying” by Karen M. McManus: A twisty story where five students enter detention, but only four leave alive.

66. “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” by Ransom Riggs: A blend of mystery and fantasy involving a secret world.

67. “Paper Towns” by John Green: A teen embarks on a journey to find a missing girl he loves.

68. “The Name of the Star” by Maureen Johnson: A thriller set in London with a Jack the Ripper copycat killer.

69. “We Were Liars” by E. Lockhart: A suspenseful story about a wealthy, seemingly perfect family.

70. “Holes” by Louis Sachar: A young boy unravels a mystery while digging holes at a detention center.

71. “I Am the Messenger” by Markus Zusak: A cab driver receives mysterious messages to help others.

72. “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson: A dark, modern mystery involving family secrets and a missing woman.

73. “The Maze Runner” by James Dashner: Teens must solve the mystery of the maze to survive.

74. “Lockwood & Co. Series” by Jonathan Stroud: Teenage ghost hunters solve deadly mysteries in a haunted London.

75. “The Secret of the Old Clock” by Carolyn Keene: The first in the Nancy Drew series, a classic mystery for young readers.

76. “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn: A psychological thriller about a woman’s disappearance and her husband’s quest to find her.

77. “Pretty Little Liars Series” by Sara Shepard: A series about friends with secrets, lies, and a mysterious stalker.

78. “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown: A fast-paced thriller involving a historical puzzle.

79. “The Lovely Bones” by Alice Sebold: A murder mystery narrated by the victim from the afterlife.

80. “A Study in Charlotte” by Brittany Cavallaro: A modern take on Sherlock Holmes, featuring descendants of the original characters.

Fun Fact Agatha Christie, the renowned mystery writer, once disappeared for 11 days in 1926, creating a real-life mystery. Her disappearance sparked a massive manhunt, and she was eventually found in a hotel, claiming to have amnesia.

What Are 20 Non-Fiction Books That Are Informative For Teens?

81. “I Am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai: The inspiring story of a young girl’s fight for education in Pakistan.

82. “A Brief History of Time” by Stephen Hawking: An accessible guide to understanding the universe.

83. “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank: A powerful memoir of a Jewish girl in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam.

84. “Educated” by Tara Westover: A memoir about the struggle for self-invention and education.

85. “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer: The story of a young man’s journey into the Alaskan wilderness.

86. “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot: Explores the story behind the first immortal human cells grown in culture.

87. “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson: A groundbreaking book that sparked the environmental movement.

88. “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba: The true story of a Malawian teenager who built a windmill to save his village.

89. “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand: The survival story of Olympian and war hero Louis Zamperini.

90. “Freakonomics” by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner: Explores the hidden side of everything using economics.

91. “Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterly: The untold story of the African American women who helped win the space race.

92. “Night” by Elie Wiesel: A memoir about survival in Nazi concentration camps.

93. “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote: A pioneering work of the true crime genre.

94. “Outliers: The Story of Success” by Malcolm Gladwell: Investigates the factors contributing to high success levels.

95. “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls: A memoir of resilience and redemption in a dysfunctional family.

96. “Fast Food Nation” by Eric Schlosser: Examines the local and global influence of the U.S. fast food industry.

97. “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari: Chronicles the history of the human species.

98. “Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers” by Mary Roach: An exploration of the scientific use of human cadavers.

99. “Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah: A memoir of growing up in apartheid South Africa.

100. “The Soul of an Octopus” by Sy Montgomery: Explores the emotional and physical world of octopuses.

Fun Fact Anne Frank’s “The Diary of a Young Girl” was not actually written as a diary. It was intended as a memoir, rewritten by Anne after she heard a radio broadcast encouraging people to document their experiences during the war.

What Are 20 Graphic Novels And Comics Appropriate For 9th Graders?

101. “Maus” by Art Spiegelman: A powerful portrayal of the Holocaust using cats and mice as characters.

102. “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi: An autobiographical graphic novel about growing up during the Iranian Revolution.

103. “American Born Chinese” by Gene Luen Yang: A story about identity and acceptance, blending myth and reality.

104. “Smile” by Raina Telgemeier: A coming-of-age autobiography about dental drama and navigating school life.

105. “Nimona” by Noelle Stevenson: A fantasy tale with humor about a young shapeshifter and a villain.

106. “Ghost World” by Daniel Clowes: A darkly comic story about the transition from teenage to adult life.

107. “March” by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell: A graphic memoir of the civil rights movement.

108. “Saga” by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples: An epic space opera/fantasy comic book series.

109. “Ms. Marvel” by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona: A story about a Muslim girl with superpowers in New Jersey.

110. “Batman: Year One” by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli: A reinvention of Batman’s origin story.

111. “The Sandman” by Neil Gaiman: A dark fantasy series blending mythology and history.

112. “Bone” by Jeff Smith: An adventurous and comical saga in a fantasy setting.

113. “Anya’s Ghost” by Vera Brosgol: A story about a girl who befriends a ghost, exploring identity and friendship.

114. “Squirrel Girl” by Ryan North and Erica Henderson: A light-hearted comic about a superhero with the powers of a squirrel.

115. “Lumberjanes” by Noelle Stevenson and others: A series about a group of girls at a summer camp encountering supernatural creatures.

116. “A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel” by Madeleine L’Engle, adapted by Hope Larson: A graphic adaptation of the classic science fiction novel.

117. “The Arrival” by Shaun Tan: A wordless narrative about an immigrant’s experience in an imaginary world.

118. “Through the Woods” by Emily Carroll: A collection of spooky and eerie short stories.

119. “Black Hole” by Charles Burns: A story about teenagers dealing with a strange plague.

120. “Y: The Last Man” by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra: A post-apocalyptic world where all men have died except one.

Fun Fact “Maus” by Art Spiegelman, a profound graphic novel about the Holocaust, made history as the first graphic novel to win a Pulitzer Prize in 1992. This groundbreaking achievement helped elevate the status of graphic novels in the literary world.

What Are 20 Biographies And Autobiographies That Inspire Teens?

121. “I Am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai: The powerful story of a young girl’s fight for education and survival against the Taliban.

122. “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank: A poignant account of a Jewish girl hiding from Nazis during WWII.

123. “Long Walk to Freedom” by Nelson Mandela: The inspiring autobiography of the South African leader’s journey from prisoner to president.

124. “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson: A comprehensive biography of the Apple co-founder’s professional and personal life.

125. “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand: The survival story of Olympian and war hero Louis Zamperini.

126. “Becoming” by Michelle Obama: The former First Lady’s personal account of her life and her journey to the White House.

127. “Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future” by Ashlee Vance: The story of the entrepreneur behind Tesla and SpaceX.

128. “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba: A teenager’s journey to build a windmill and save his village.

129. “Educated” by Tara Westover: A memoir of a girl who escaped her restrictive upbringing to pursue education.

130. “Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo” by Hayden Herrera: The life of the influential Mexican artist and her remarkable journey.

131. “Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterly: The untold story of the African American women mathematicians at NASA.

132. “Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah: The comedian’s account of growing up in apartheid South Africa.

133. “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer: The story of Christopher McCandless’s adventurous journey into the Alaskan wilderness.

134. “Night” by Elie Wiesel: A harrowing first-person account of survival in Nazi concentration camps.

135. “Alexander Hamilton” by Ron Chernow: The biography that inspired the hit Broadway musical, telling the story of the American Founding Father.

136. “A Beautiful Mind” by Sylvia Nasar: The life of John Nash, a mathematical genius who struggled with schizophrenia.

137. “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls: A memoir of resilience and redemption in a dysfunctional family.

138. “Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg” by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik: The life story of the influential Supreme Court Justice.

139. “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” as told to Alex Haley: The influential and controversial story of Malcolm X’s life and legacy.

140. “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou: The first in a series of autobiographies by the poet detailing her early years.

Fun Fact Did you know that “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank has been translated into over 70 languages? Since its first publication in Dutch in 1947, it has become one of the world’s most widely read books.

Key Takeaway

• Enhanced Critical Thinking: These books introduce complex themes, encouraging analytical skills and deeper understanding.
• Improved Language Proficiency: Exposure to varied vocabularies and writing styles sharpens language and communication skills.
• Cultural Awareness: Reading about diverse societies and histories broadens global perspectives.
• Emotional Intelligence: Engaging with different characters’ struggles fosters empathy and emotional maturity.
• Inspiration and Motivation: Stories of resilience and triumph ignite ambition and determination.
• Academic Preparedness: Exposure to various literature equips students for advanced studies and standardized tests.
• Creativity and Imagination: Diverse genres and narratives stimulate creative thinking.
• Lifelong Learning Habit: Cultivating a reading habit lays the foundation for continuous personal and educational development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of books are best for 9th graders.

9th graders benefit from a mix of classic literature, modern novels, non-fiction, graphic novels, and biographies. This variety ensures exposure to different writing styles, themes, and perspectives, aiding their development.

How Can Reading Improve Academic Performance?

Regular reading enhances vocabulary, improves comprehension and writing skills, and fosters critical thinking. It also prepares students for more complex texts and topics in higher education.

Are Graphic Novels And Comics Beneficial for Teen Readers?

Absolutely. Graphic novels and comics can improve visual literacy, engage reluctant readers, and discuss complex themes in an accessible way. They’re a legitimate and valuable part of a teen’s reading diet.

Why Include Non-Fiction Books in a Teen’s Reading List?

Non-fiction books expose teens to real-world issues, historical events, and diverse perspectives, enhancing their knowledge and understanding of the world around them.

How Does Reading Fiction Benefit Teenagers Emotionally?

Fiction allows teens to experience various emotions and situations vicariously. It helps develop empathy, emotional intelligence, and a better understanding of human experiences and relationships.

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9th Grade Summer Reading List - Books for 14-15 Year Olds

It's fair to say teenagers prefer to chose their own books. This is understandable. When I was headed off to high school as a freshman, I wouldn't have wanted my mom to hand me a 9th grade summer reading list! Nevertheless, I compiled one anyway, ha ha ha!

If you've already been looking for a list of good books for 9th graders you've probably noticed that high school summer reading lists focus either on classics or dystopian fiction. These recommended summer reading books for 14-15 year olds are different than the usual fare!

You might find that during the teen years, kids spend a less time with a book and a little more time hanging out with their friends, or looking at their phone. Nevertheless, reading continues to be associated with academic benefits, an increase in curiosity about the world, compassion for others, not to mention, stress relief!

That's why it's especially important for teens to have access to a wide variety of books so they can continue to expand their horizons and feed their imaginations.

(Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn from qualifying purchases.)

Table of contents

Contemporary fiction and nonfiction, historical fiction and nonfiction, graphic novels: fiction & nonfiction.

MORE: Check out all our summer reading resources , like reading bingo, the great library challenge and more.

Would you like a printable 9th grade summer reading list? You can grab one at the end of the post!

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME by Mark Haddon

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

My oldest son and his friend both read and enjoyed this book about an autistic boy who struggles to understand human emotions and sets out to solve the mystery of what happened to a neighborhood dog. This unique and intriguing book, written for and adult audience, will also be enjoyed by high schoolers.

THE HATE U GIVE by Angie Thomas

You've most likely heard of this fantastic best-selling and highly-acclaimed novel and the great movie adaptation (I watched it with my teen and he loved it). Starr, the 16 year old protagonist navigates life between her poor neighborhood and her upscale prep school but things become even more tense when her friend, Khalil, is fatally shot by the police. Starr's first person narrative is riveting; this is a must-read book.

MORE: Movies based on books you can watch with your teenager

PROUD: LIVING MY AMERICAN DREAM by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Find it: Amazon

In her autobiography, Muhammad narrates her journey from childhood to the 2016 Olympics, where she became the first woman to compete in fencing wearing the hijab, and the first female American Muslim to medal. Muhammad's story of perseverance will inspire your young teen. Note: this is the Young Readers Edition; advanced readers may prefer Muhammad's original autobiography .

WE ARE DISPLACED by Malala Yousafzai 

In this powerful and incredibly moving collection, Yousafzai has gathered together first person narratives from refugee girls. The stories are not easy to read, but they are important and urgent. Your teen will gain insight into the refugees' struggles and heartbreak, as well as their hope.

DARIUS THE GREAT IS NOT OKAY (series) by Adib Khorram

As mentioned earlier, my teen likes to pick his own books, but this is one I got for him and he loved it! ( Score one for mom! ) Darius's father is white, his mother is from Iran. At school, he is bullied and struggles with depression. When he goes on a trip to Iran to visit his ill grandfather he doesn't think he will fit in there either. This is a powerful book about finding your place, learning the meaning of true friendship and having confidence in yourself.

Obviously, having a successful book pick, gave me the confidence to give my son the sequel, Darius the Great Deserves Better .

MORE: Teen Approved Book List

THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak

My older son read this book for school and loved it. He kept telling me how great it was and wanted to make sure I read it, too! Set in 1939 Germany it tells the tale of Liesel Meminger, who has lost her family and comes to Munich to live with a foster family. The story is narrated by Death. A tale set during the horrors of war can't help but be dark, but this novel is a page turner that will have your kids up all night, like it did mine.

THE HIRED GIRL by Laura Amy Schlitz

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

14-year-old Joan escapes her abusive father and gets a job as a maid in a Jewish household in early 20th century Baltimore. Schlitz tells the story through Joan's diary. Joan dreams of all that she can become if she can get away from farm life and work hard cooking and cleaning. She immerses herself in doing excellent work for her employers but her determined, naive, and optimistic nature sometimes gets her into difficulty. Nevertheless, she befriends the daughter, falls in love with the son, and is educated by the father, all as she explores religion, feminism, art, wealth and a myriad of other profound and mundane topics. Joan's voice is amusing, intelligent and entertaining.

MORE: Books for 11-15 year olds

SAMURAI RISING: THE EPIC LIFE OF MINAMOTO YOSHITSUNE by Pamela S. Turner, illustrated by Gareth Hinds

This is a gripping biography, but I won't lie, there are A LOT of people who die unnatural deaths. Minamoto Yoshitsune was a 12th century samurai warrior who, after the murder of his father, grows up amongst the monks at Kurama Temple. With stunning grit and daring ingenuity Yoshitsune eventually becomes a warrior who is both admired and feared. Yes, there are a lot of gruesome details in this book, so perhaps it is not for sensitive souls. However, if you have a teen who loves Japanese or military history, this is a stirring narrative.

THE FAITHFUL SPY by John Hendrix

What I love about this book is that it is so visually appealing that even young teens who think they don't like history will be sucked into the story. The mix of informative graphics, illustrations, lots of empty space, and the limited color palette blend perfectly with the engaging text and biography of a fascinating individual during a harrowing and suspenseful time. In fact, I bet parents will want to read this book themselves!

UNDEFEATED: JIM THORPE AND THE CARLISLE INDIAN FOOTBALL TEAM by Steve Sheinkin

This is a nonfiction book about one of America's great athletes. Many teens may not yet be familiar with some of America's more shameful policies of the past, such as the forced "reeducation" of Native Americans into white schools. Sheinkin's book introduces kids to Jim Thorpe's fascinating life and career without sugar coating the governments attempt to erase Indigenous culture. Highly recommended, especially for teens headed into high school with the intention of playing on a sports team!

THE DOWNSTAIRS GIRL by Stacey Lee

I could not put this book down! When Jo Kuan is fired from her job at a milliner's she gets work as a lady's maid to a cruel mistress. It's late 19th century Atlanta and folks' opinions of race, gender and class are not exactly enlightened. But when Jo writes an anonymous advice column titled "Dear Miss Sweetie," she challenges the prejudiced views of society. Society is not ready for her, however, and there is a backlash which sends her on a new journey of discovery about her past. Excellent!

MORE: YA Adaptations of Jane Austen

MARCH (series) by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin

Lewis, a congressman from Georgia, is one of the greatest heroes of the Civil Rights Era. This graphic novel trilogy is Lewis' first hand account of his experiences during the civil rights movement. Lewis provides many personal details and focuses on the non-violent philosophy of the movement. Superb.

THE ILIAD adapted by Gareth Hinds

My son LOVED this book and I wish I had this graphic novel adaptation instead of the terrible translation I read in 9th grade English class. Most likely your high schooler will encounter Homer's works in the next few years, give them a head start by showing them how enjoyable the stories actually are. Follow up with Hinds' The Odyssey .

MORE: Graphic Novel Adaptations of Classic Books

PIRATE QUEEN: THE LEGEND OF GRACE O'MALLEY by Tony Lee

Here's a fun, rousing tale of a 16th century heroine who wanted to keep the English from invading Ireland. Better than any action movie by far, this book takes readers on a high-stakes adventure in which Grace skillfully wields a sword and sails the high seas as she battles against enemies.

HEY, KIDDO by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

This is a sensitive and urgent graphic novel memoir about the author's experience growing up. His mother is an addict, his father is unknown and so he lives with his grandparents. Krosoczka draws a picture of a childhood that is both chaotic and warm. Through the experience, Krosoczka learns how to find his way and express himself through his art. Readers will be intrigued reading the memoir of the author who wrote such books as Lunch Lady and Jedi Academy.

• Books for 13 Year Olds
• Chapter Books Written in Verse
• 8th Grade Reading List

Reader Interactions

May 14, 2019 at 3:39 pm

This is a great list! I just put a few books on hold for me (my oldest is six 🙂 ). I've loved this summer reading series. Thank you for your hard work!

Clara Lauber says

May 20, 2019 at 7:35 pm

I love your lists. I too sing your praises. You did an incredible amount of work. I know because I have read some of these books with students. I look at book reviews from many places.

May 28, 2019 at 12:52 pm

March 29, 2022 at 10:28 am

Megan Buhler says

May 23, 2022 at 11:26 am

Thank you for this list! My rising 9th grade definitely doesn't want lists or even suggestions, but I find if I check out a book or two and just casually mention they are there that she will sometimes pick one up when she's finished the ones she chose or if it looks interesting. One of my best book strategies with my kids is just having interesting things available if and when they are looking for something and your book lists are such a huge help with that!

May 26, 2022 at 12:52 pm

I think leaving books lying around is one of the best tactics!

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How to Write a Book Report

Use the links below to jump directly to any section of this guide:

Book Report Fundamentals

Preparing to write, an overview of the book report format, how to write the main body of a book report, how to write a conclusion to a book report, reading comprehension and book reports, book report resources for teachers .

Book reports remain a key educational assessment tool from elementary school through college. Sitting down to close read and critique texts for their content and form is a lifelong skill, one that benefits all of us well beyond our school years. With the help of this guide, you’ll develop your reading comprehension and note-taking skills. You’ll also find resources to guide you through the process of writing a book report, step-by-step, from choosing a book and reading actively to revising your work. Resources for teachers are also included, from creative assignment ideas to sample rubrics.

Book reports follow general rules for composition, yet are distinct from other types of writing assignments. Central to book reports are plot summaries, analyses of characters and themes, and concluding opinions. This format differs from an argumentative essay or critical research paper, in which impartiality and objectivity is encouraged. Differences also exist between book reports and book reviews, who do not share the same intent and audience. Here, you’ll learn the basics of what a book report is and is not.

What Is a Book Report?

"Book Report" ( ThoughtCo )

This article, written by a professor emeritus of rhetoric and English, describes the defining characteristics of book reports and offers observations on how they are composed.

"Writing a Book Report" (Purdue OWL)

Purdue’s Online Writing Lab outlines the steps in writing a book report, from keeping track of major characters as you read to providing adequate summary material.

"How to Write a Book Report" ( Your Dictionary )

This article provides another helpful guide to writing a book report, offering suggestions on taking notes and writing an outline before drafting. 

"How to Write a Successful Book Report" ( ThoughtCo )

Another post from ThoughtCo., this article highlights the ten steps for book report success. It was written by an academic advisor and college enrollment counselor.

What’s the Difference Between a Book Report and an Essay?

"Differences Between a Book Report & Essay Writing" ( Classroom)

In this article from the education resource Classroom,  you'll learn the differences and similarities between book reports and essay writing.

"Differences Between a Book Report and Essay Writing" (SeattlePi.com)

In this post from a Seattle newspaper's website, memoirist Christopher Cascio highlights how book report and essay writing differ.

"The Difference Between Essays and Reports" (Solent Online Learning)

This PDF from Southampton Solent University includes a chart demonstrating the differences between essays and reports. Though it is geared toward university students, it will help students of all levels understand the differing purposes of reports and analytical essays.

What’s the Difference Between a Book Report and a Book Review?

"How to Write a Book Review and a Book Report" (Concordia Univ.)

The library at Concordia University offers this helpful guide to writing book report and book reviews. It defines differences between the two, then presents components that both forms share.

"Book Reviews" (Univ. of North Carolina)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s writing guide shows the step-by-step process of writing book reviews, offering a contrast to the composition of book reports.

Active reading and thoughtful preparation before you begin your book report are necessary components of crafting a successful piece of writing. Here, you’ll find tips and resources to help you learn how to select the right book, decide which format is best for your report, and outline your main points.

Selecting and Finding a Book

"30 Best Books for Elementary Readers" (Education.com)

This article from Education.com lists 30 engaging books for students from kindergarten through fifth grade. It was written by Esme Raji Codell, a teacher, author, and children's literature specialist.

"How to Choose a Good Book for a Report (Middle School)" (WikiHow)

This WikiHow article offers suggestions for middle schoolers on how to choose the right book for a report, from getting started early on the search process to making sure you understand the assignment's requirements.

"Best Book-Report Books for Middle Schoolers" (Common Sense Media)

Common Sense Media has compiled this list of 25 of the best books for middle school book reports. For younger students, the article suggests you check out the site's "50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12."

"50 Books to Read in High School" (Lexington Public Library)

The Lexington, Kentucky Public Library has prepared this list to inspire high school students to choose the right book. It includes both classics and more modern favorites.

The Online Computer Library Center's catalogue helps you locate books in libraries near you, having itemized the collections of 72,000 libraries in 170 countries.

Formats of Book Reports

"Format for Writing a Book Report" ( Your Dictionary )

Here, Your Dictionary supplies guidelines for the basic book report format. It describes what you'll want to include in the heading, and what information to include in the introductory paragraph. Be sure to check these guidelines against your teacher's requirements.

"The Good Old Book Report" (Scholastic)

Nancy Barile’s blog post for Scholastic lists the questions students from middle through high school should address in their book reports.

How to Write an Outline

"Writer’s Web: Creating Outlines" (Univ. of Richmond)

The University of Richmond’s Writing Center shows how you can make use of micro and macro outlines to organize your argument.

"Why and How to Create a Useful Outline" (Purdue OWL)

Purdue’s Online Writing Lab demonstrates how outlines can help you organize your report, then teaches you how to create outlines.

"Creating an Outline" (EasyBib)

EasyBib, a website that generates bibliographies, offers sample outlines and tips for creating your own. The article encourages you to think about transitions and grouping your notes.

"How to Write an Outline: 4 Ways to Organize Your Thoughts" (Grammarly)

This blog post from a professional writer explains the advantages of using an outline, and presents different ways to gather your thoughts before writing.

In this section, you’ll find resources that offer an overview of how to write a book report, including first steps in preparing the introduction. A good book report's introduction hooks the reader with strong opening sentences and provides a preview of where the report is going.

"Step-by-Step Outline for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This article from Classroom furnishes students with a guide to the stages of writing a book report, from writing the rough draft to revising.

"Your Roadmap to a Better Book Report" ( Time4Writing )

Time4Writing offers tips for outlining your book report, and describes all of the information that the introduction, body, and conclusion should include.

"How to Start a Book Report" ( ThoughtCo)

This ThoughtCo. post, another by academic advisor and college enrollment counselor Grace Fleming, demonstrates how to write a pithy introduction to your book report.

"How to Write an Introduction for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This brief but helpful post from Classroom  details what makes a good book report introduction, down to the level of individual sentences.

The body paragraphs of your book report accomplish several goals: they describe the plot, delve more deeply into the characters and themes that make the book unique, and include quotations and examples from the book. Below are some resources to help you succeed in summarizing and analyzing your chosen text.

Plot Summary and Description

"How Do You Write a Plot Summary?" ( Reference )

This short article presents the goals of writing a plot summary, and suggests a word limit. It emphasizes that you should stick to the main points and avoid including too many specific details, such as what a particular character wears.

"How to Write a Plot for a Book Report" ( The Pen & The Pad )

In this article from a resource website for writers, Patricia Harrelson outlines what information to include in a plot summary for a book report. 

"How to Write a Book Summary" (WikiHow)

Using Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone as an example, this WikiHow article demonstrates how to write a plot summary one step at a time.

Analyzing Characters and Themes

"How to Write a Character Analysis Book Report" ( The Pen & The Pad )

Kristine Tucker shows how to write a book report focusing on character. You can take her suggestions as they are, or consider  incorporating them into the more traditional book report format.

"How to Write a Character Analysis" (YouTube)

The SixMinuteScholar Channel utilizes analysis of the film  Finding Nemo to show you how to delve deeply into character, prioritizing inference over judgment.

"How to Define Theme" ( The Editor's Blog )

Fiction editor Beth Hill contributes an extended definition of theme. She also provides examples of common themes, such as "life is fragile."

"How to Find the Theme of a Book or Short Story" ( ThoughtCo )

This blog post from ThoughtCo. clarifies the definition of theme in relation to symbolism, plot, and moral. It also offers examples of themes in literature, such as love, death, and good vs. evil.

Selecting and Integrating Quotations

"How to Choose and Use Quotations" (Santa Barbara City College)

This guide from a college writing center will help you choose which quotations to use in your book report, and how to blend quotations with your own words.

"Guidelines for Incorporating Quotes" (Ashford Univ.)

This PDF from Ashford University's Writing Center introduces the ICE method for incorporating quotations: introduce, cite, explain.

"Quote Integration" (YouTube)

This video from The Write Way YouTube channel illustrates how to integrate quotations into writing, and also explains how to cite those quotations.

"Using Literary Quotations" (Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison)

This guide from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Writing Center helps you emphasize your analysis of a quotation, and explains how to incorporate quotations into your text.

Conclusions to any type of paper are notoriously tricky to write. Here, you’ll learn some creative ways to tie up loose ends in your report and express your own opinion of the book you read. This open space for sharing opinions that are not grounded in critical research is an element that often distinguishes book reports from other types of writing.

"How to Write a Conclusion for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This brief article from the education resource  Classroom illustrates the essential points you should make in a book report conclusion.

"Conclusions" (Univ. of North Carolina)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Writing Center lays out strategies for writing effective conclusions. Though the article is geared toward analytical essay conclusions, the tips offered here will also help you write a strong book report.

"Ending the Essay: Conclusions" (Harvard College Writing Center)

Pat Bellanca’s article for Harvard University’s Writing Center presents ways to conclude essays, along with tips. Again, these are suggestions for concluding analytical essays that can also be used to tie up a book report's loose ends.

Reading closely and in an engaged manner is the strong foundation upon which all good book reports are built. The resources below will give you a picture of what active reading looks like, and offer strategies to assess and improve your reading comprehension. Further, you’ll learn how to take notes—or “annotate” your text—making it easier to find important information as you write.

How to Be an Active Reader

"Active Reading Strategies: Remember and Analyze What You Read" (Princeton Univ.)

Princeton University’s McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning recommends ten strategies for active reading, and includes sample diagrams.

"Active Reading" (Open Univ.)

The Open University offers these techniques for reading actively alongside video examples. The author emphasizes that you should read for comprehension—not simply to finish the book as quickly as possible.

"7 Active Reading Strategies for Students" ( ThoughtCo )

In this post, Grace Fleming outlines seven methods for active reading. Her suggestions include identifying unfamiliar words and finding the main idea. 

"5 Active Reading Strategies for Textbook Assignments" (YouTube)

Thomas Frank’s seven-minute video demonstrates how you can retain the most important information from long and dense reading material.

Assessing Your Reading Comprehension

"Macmillan Readers Level Test" (MacMillan)

Take this online, interactive test from a publishing company to find out your reading level. You'll be asked a number of questions related to grammar and vocabulary.

"Reading Comprehension Practice Test" (ACCUPLACER)

ACCUPLACER is a placement test from The College Board. This 20-question practice test will help you see what information you retain after reading short passages.

"Reading Comprehension" ( English Maven )

The English Maven site has aggregated exercises and tests at various reading levels so you can quiz your reading comprehension skills.

How to Improve Your Reading Comprehension

"5 Tips for Improving Reading Comprehension" ( ThoughtCo )

ThoughtCo. recommends five tips to increase your reading comprehension ability, including reading with tools such as highlighters, and developing new vocabulary.

"How to Improve Reading Comprehension: 8 Expert Tips" (PrepScholar)

This blog post from PrepScholar provides ideas for improving your reading comprehension, from expanding your vocabulary to discussing texts with friends.

CrashCourse video: "Reading Assignments" (YouTube)

This CrashCourse video equips you with tools to read more effectively. It will help you determine how much material you need to read, and what strategies you can use to absorb what you read.

"Improving Reading Comprehension" ( Education Corner )

From a pre-reading survey through post-reading review, Education Corner  walks you through steps to improve reading comprehension.

Methods of In-text Annotation

"The Writing Process: Annotating a Text" (Hunter College)

This article from Hunter College’s Rockowitz Writing Center outlines how to take notes on a text and provides samples of annotation.

"How To Annotate Text While Reading" (YouTube)

This video from the SchoolHabits YouTube channel presents eleven annotation techniques you can use for better reading comprehension.

"5 Ways To Annotate Your Books" ( Book Riot )

This article from the Book Riot  blog highlights five efficient annotation methods that will save you time and protect your books from becoming cluttered with unnecessary markings.

"How Do You Annotate Your Books?" ( Epic Reads )

This post from Epic Reads highlights how different annotation methods work for different people, and showcases classic methods from sticky notes to keeping a reading notebook.

Students at every grade level can benefit from writing book reports, which sharpen critical reading skills. Here, we've aggregated sources to help you plan book report assignments and develop rubrics for written and oral book reports. You’ll also find alternative book report assessment ideas that move beyond the traditional formats.

Teaching Elementary School Students How to Write Book Reports

"Book Reports" ( Unique Teaching Resources )

These reading templates courtesy of Unique Teaching Resources make great visual aids for elementary school students writing their first book reports.

"Elementary Level Book Report Template" ( Teach Beside Me )

This   printable book report template from a teacher-turned-homeschooler is simple, classic, and effective. It asks basic questions, such as "who are the main characters?" and "how did you feel about the main characters?"

"Book Reports" ( ABC Teach )

ABC Teach ’s resource directory includes printables for book reports on various subjects at different grade levels, such as a middle school biography book report form and a "retelling a story" elementary book report template.

"Reading Worksheets" ( Busy Teacher's Cafe )

This page from Busy Teachers’ Cafe contains book report templates alongside reading comprehension and other language arts worksheets.

Teaching Middle School and High School Students How to Write Book Reports

"How to Write a Book Report: Middle and High School Level" ( Fact Monster)

Fact Monster ’s Homework Center discusses each section of a book report, and explains how to evaluate and analyze books based on genre for students in middle and high school.

"Middle School Outline Template for Book Report" (Trinity Catholic School)

This PDF outline template breaks the book report down into manageable sections for seventh and eighth graders by asking for specific information in each paragraph.

"Forms for Writing a Book Report for High School" ( Classroom )

In this article for Classroom,  Elizabeth Thomas describes what content high schoolers should focus on when writing their book reports.

"Forms for Writing a Book Report for High School" ( The Pen & The Pad )

Kori Morgan outlines techniques for adapting the book report assignment to the high school level in this post for The Pen & The Pad .

"High School Book Lists and Report Guidelines" (Highland Hall Waldorf School)

These sample report formats, grading paradigms, and tips are collected by Highland Hall Waldorf School. Attached are book lists by high school grade level.

Sample Rubrics

"Book Review Rubric Editable" (Teachers Pay Teachers)

This free resource from Teachers Pay Teachers allows you to edit your book report rubric to the specifications of your assignment and the grade level you teach.

"Book Review Rubric" (Winton Woods)

This PDF rubric from a city school district includes directions to take the assignment long-term, with follow-up exercises through school quarters.

"Multimedia Book Report Rubric" ( Midlink Magazine )

Perfect for oral book reports, this PDF rubric from North Carolina State University's Midlink Magazine  will help you evaluate your students’ spoken presentations.

Creative Book Report Assignments

"25 Book Report Alternatives" (Scholastic)

This article from the Scholastic website lists creative alternatives to the standard book report for pre-kindergarteners through high schoolers.

"Fresh Ideas for Creative Book Reports" ( Education World )

Education World offers nearly 50 alternative book report ideas in this article, from a book report sandwich to a character trait diagram.

"A Dozen Ways to Make Amazingly Creative Book Reports" ( We Are Teachers )

This post from We Are Teachers puts the spotlight on integrating visual arts into literary study through multimedia book report ideas.

"More Ideas Than You’ll Ever Use for Book Reports" (Teachnet.com)

This list from Teachnet.com includes over 300 ideas for book report assignments, from "interviewing" a character to preparing a travel brochure to the location in which the book is set.

"Fifty Alternatives to the Book Report" (National Council of Teachers of English)

In this PDF resource from the NCTE's  English Journal,  Diana Mitchell offers assignment ideas ranging from character astrology signs to a character alphabet.

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Classic Works of Literature for a 9th Grade Reading List

20 enduring works that will whet young readers' appetites

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Although there has been debate over the past few decades about requiring high school students to read the classics , these works still appear on many 9th grade reading lists. Written at a level appropriate for most freshmen, they will nonetheless challenge students to develop stronger reading, writing, and analytical skills, and they also encourage discussion about many aspects of the human condition . 

'All Quiet on the Western Front' by Erich Maria Remarque

This frankly told tale of the horrors of war was written by someone who lived it while fighting as a German soldier in World War I. The book is narrated by 20-year-old Paul Bäumer, whose experiences of the extreme mental and physical stress of soldiering—and the emotional detachment from civilian life once back home—spin a cautionary tale humanity has yet to heed.

'Animal Farm' by George Orwell

Orwell 's devastating satire of the move from tyranny to revolution and back to tyranny remains as relevant a tale of totalitarianism masquerading as equality today as it was when it was published in 1945, targeting the abuses of Soviet Russia.  

'Black Like Me' by John Howard Griffin

In 1961, Griffin, a White journalist, set out to journey through the American South in the guise of a Black man (he had his skin temporarily darkened) to report on the realities of life under segregation. Along the way, he confronts his own prejudices and bursts the myth that racism is more paranoia than reality.​

'The Good Earth' by Pearl S. Buck

This novel is the first in Buck’s famous trilogy of life in China before World War I, some of it based on her own experiences. It won the Pulitzer Prize in 1932, was instrumental in Buck’s winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1938, and was turned into a successful film. The book topped the bestseller lists once again in 2004 when it was chosen as the main selection of Oprah’s Book Club.

'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens

A novel at once comedic and tragic, "Great Expectations" centers on a poor young man by the name of Pip, who is given the chance to make himself a gentleman by a mysterious benefactor. Dickens ' classic presents a fascinating overview of class, money, and corruption during the Victorian Era.

'Great Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe' by Edgar Allan Poe

He gave us some of the most memorable lines in all of American literature, some of them downright chilling, yet Poe was more than just a writer of horror. He was also a master of mystery, adventure, and often humor, all written with the same lyrical command of the English language. 

'The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter' by Carson McCullers

When McCullers published this, her first novel, at only 23 years of age, it became an instant sensation. Much about the book’s young heroine, Mick Kelly, will resonate with teenagers today, who may experience the same yearning for independence and self-expression.  

'Hound of the Baskervilles' by Arthur Conan Doyle

The third of the famed mystery writer’s crime novels to feature Sherlock Holmes, Conan Doyle 's book has long been a favorite of high school English teachers. Not only is it one of the reference texts for almost all detective fiction to follow, but it is also a model of how to craft character, build suspense, and bring action to a satisfying conclusion.

'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' by Maya Angelou

The first in a series of seven autobiographical books written by Angelou , this book was first published in 1969. A searing portrait of Angelou’s transformation from a victim of rape and racism into a self-possessed, dignified young woman is a heartening example for anyone seeking to overcome oppression.

'The Iliad' by Homer

" The Iliad " is an epic poem attributed to Homer and the oldest extant piece of European literature. Divided into 24 books, it's an adventure story set in the final years of the Trojan War  that introduces readers to some of the most famous conflicts and characters in all of classic literature.

'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Brontë

"Jane Eyre" is on the surface a romance novel (one that no doubt established many conventions of the genre), but it is also a great piece of literature. In its heroine, Brontë 's readers discover a remarkably resourceful and intelligent young woman who comes of age thanks to her inner strength and the redemptive power of love.

'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott

It has been called a proto-feminist novel for the way in which the March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—are written as fully rounded women with ideas, ambitions, and passions. Readers are likely to find inspiration in one or more of the sisters as they carve out lives for themselves despite the hardships of growing up in New England during the Civil War.

'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding

The Guardian 's breakdown of the 100 best novels of all time calls "Lord of the Flies "a brilliantly observed study of adolescents untethered from rules and conventions." Far from creating paradise on the island in which this group of English schoolboys has been stranded, they create a dystopian nightmare in which the impulse of savagery far outweighs that of civility.

'The Odyssey' by Homer

This sequel to "The Iliad" tells of the 10-year journey back home taken by Odysseus (Ulysses in Roman mythology) after the fall of Troy. Like its predecessor, "The Odyssey" is an epic poem that imbues its main character with the experiences and qualities that we have come to identify with the heroic.

'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck

Steinbeck packs quite a punch in this novella of two migrant workers, George and his friend Lennie, a man of imposing physicality but the mind of a child. The story takes place during the Great Depression and deals with themes of racism, sexism, and economic disparity.

'The Old Man and the Sea' by Ernest Hemingway

More than just a simple tale of an old Cuban fisherman who catches an enormous fish only to lose it, Hemingway 's story is a tale of bravery, heroism, and one man's battle with challenges both external and internal.

'A Separate Peace' by John Knowles

Set at a boys' boarding school in New England during the early years of World War II, the novel centers on the friendship between introverted, intellectual Gene and handsome, athletic Finny. The friendship becomes in Gene's mind a tangle of supposed slights and possible treachery and how what results will reverberate through both of their lives.

'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn' by Betty Smith

Another coming-of-age story, this one chronicles the life of Francie Nolan, age 11 when the book begins, from 1902 to 1919. Big things blossom in Francie's small sphere in Williamsburg, Brooklyn: love, loss, betrayal, shame, and, ultimately, hope.

'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee

Lee's book on racial inequality in the American South of the 1930s is probably the most-read book in American literature, and for good reason. The Pulitzer Prize-winner deals with heavy issues, yet as seen through the eyes of 6-year-old Scout Finch, it is a poignant reminder of the power of kindness and the quest for justice.

'The Yearling' by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

An instant success when it was published in 1938, this tale of the care a young boy gives to a wild animal is as uplifting as it is heart-wrenching. The ultimate lesson is that within the harsh realities of life there is also beauty and purpose.

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Home » Articles & Blogs » 9th Grade Reading List - Best Books for 9th Graders

9th Grade Reading List - Best Books for 9th Graders

These are the acclaimed books we suggest your student should be reading during the 9th grade of high school. This is a unique and curated reading list. It has not  been ripped from a public school or common core book list. Each book is listed with a short explanation of its importance and is linked to an Amazon product listing where it can be easily purchased in print or ebook (Kindle) format.

Classifying this book is difficult because it fits into so many genres. The Hobbit can be classified as a novel, a fairy tale, a fable, a romance, or an epic. This 1937 novel is impossible to read without diving into discussions about the challenges faced by the characters. Price Check

The Odyssey

The Giver by Lois Lowry.

The dystopian novel is one of the best works of youth fiction. This book teaches us to never take our humanity and freedom for granted.

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Romeo & Juliet

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare.

The Red Badge of Courage

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

The Princess Bride

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A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

The old man and the sea, all quiet on the western front, to kill a mockingbird, lord of the flies, slaughterhouse-five.

Possibly the world's greatest anti-war book.

Great Expectations

Adventures of huckleberry finn.

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Recommended Reading for grade 9.

Here is a list of books our teacher editors suggest for students in grade 9. Our selections include titles for both girls and boys who have a variety of interests. These selections include both "academic" and "recreational" reading suggestions. Check the synopsis for the book that might interest your student.

If you want to buy the book, click on the book cover to order from Amazon.com. TeachersFirst receives a small portion of the proceeds to support our free service for teachers.

The biography of Renaissance sculptor and artist Michelangelo, this book does just what its title promises-showing the torment and triumph of this gifted genius. It is a book you will never forget.

A romantic story about a young girl who escapes the marital discord and tension in her own home by retreating to a mansion. Little does she know that the mansion will transport her back in time to the 1890's.

Meet Franny and Zooey Glass-siblings in the famous Glass family of geniuses. The book-a series of short stories-presents characters you will never forget.

The amazing true story of a high school football team. See how the Permian Panthers of Odessa, Texas transformed their community.

Set in China in the early twentieth century, this story chronicles the life of a peasant family. Told in simple and realistic style, it is an unforgettable story .

A young man survives a small plane crash and must make his way through the wilderness armed only with a hatchet.

Enter the world of magic and mystery created in this classic tale of good vs. evil.

This New York Times bestseller is the chilling story of survival and adventure on board the Essex. It recounts the true events that inspired Moby Dick.

Shakespeare tackles politics and betrayal in this classic tragedy.

Hemingway's story of a fisherman and the fish he catches is far more than a fish story.

Jill Ker Conway's event-filled memoir of growing up on the wild Australian outback.

A romantic tragedy about teen romance and feuding families.

This classic story of friendship and emotion is set in a boarding school during WW II.

Winner of the 2000 Christopher Award, the book tells the story of the courage an conviction of Cassie Bernall , one of the young victims of the Columbine shooting.

The classic coming-of-age novella traces the journey of a young man as he attempts to discover the meaning of life through prayer, sacrifice and mystical experience.

This classic tale of the French Revolution has it all-scenes of bravery and of horror, scenes of love and of despair, scenes of compassion.

Learn about the Daoist philosophy from that most reflective of bears, Winnie the Pooh!

A young man's memories of what growing up is really like.

A fast-paced thriller that makes history and physics fun - by the author of Jurassic Park.

A wonderful book about a girl growing up. Although set in the early 1900's, the tribulations faced by the young heroine will ring true with readers of the new millennium.

First published in 1898, Wells classic "pseudo-scientific" tale tells of an invasion from Mars.

It is 1963 and an African American family from Michigan heads for Birmingham for a family visit. There they find hatred and more.

The first hand account of the Iditarod - the 1150 mile dog sled race between Anchorage and Nome Alaska.

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Free Book Report Templates: Printables for Grades 3-5 for Fiction or Nonfiction Books

Take a new spin on your book report assignment. 📚😍

The Nocturnals are fun-filled animal adventure books with companion nonfiction for elementary school classrooms. Check out The Nocturnals World , a resource hub with free turnkey printable activities and educator guides, and browse The Nocturnals bookstore!

Building lifelong readers is one of the most important things we can do in our classrooms. The benefits of reading are wide-ranging, from improving vocabulary skills to boosting cognitive development, concentration skills, and curiosity for learning. So, how do we get young learners excited about reading and sharing what they’ve learned? Check out our free book report template printables .

Four different activities are ready to print to help you take a new spin on your next book report assignment for fiction or nonfiction books. Students will love filling in their mini book report one-pagers or making their selections from the choice board to share details about what they read.

Worksheets Included:

My mini book report—fiction and nonfiction.

These book report one-pagers are a great way for students to reflect on their readings as they complete different sections of the worksheet. There’s a version for both fiction and nonfiction.

Book Report Choice Board

Give students choices on how they want to complete their book report assignment. This choice board offers eight fun options, from designing a comic to creating a playlist or writing interview questions, so students can let their creativity guide them.

Designing Water Bottle Stickers

Students are obsessed with stickers. In this unique activity, students will design water bottle stickers that the main character of the book would love to have, along with a short description of their choices.

Give students fun-filled books to choose from

Animal adventure books from The Nocturnals are the perfect way to get your upper elementary students excited about reading. Paired with nonfiction companion texts that explore nocturnal animal facts, this series is great for hi-lo readers. Visit The Nocturnals World for more free printable activities and educator guides.

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18 Great Children’s Geography Books for Kids

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It’s so important to read good children’s geography books so that our children understand concepts such as communities and a global perspective . Read the picture books aloud with your growing readers and share the nonfiction titles with your middle grade readers.

Children will learn about maps, travel, and more with these books and atlases. The Geography Standards from the Common Core are so important to know for a citizen and growing child.

Common Core 6 Essential Elements of Geographic Knowledge

• The World in Spatial Terms
• Places and Regions
• Physical Systems
• Human Systems
• Environment and Society
• The Uses of Geography

Beneath these six elements there are 18 specific geographic standards that include using maps, characteristics of places, regions of the Earth, and more.

As a 5th grade teacher, I was so committed to making sure my kids knew geography that the first big test that they had to retake until 100% was the continents and oceans of the world. (To me, it was inexcusable NOT to know this by 5th grade.) We got that out of the way and build the foundation for lots of other history and geographic curriculum. Kids must know that their city, state, and country is not the only one in the world!

Geography Books for Kids

Geography books, picture books ages 4 to 8.

Walk This Underground World   by Sam Brewster Take a walk in different parts of the world, starting with a busy Canadian city and continuing to Egypt and Poland’s salt-rock mines.  With over 80 flaps, you’ll lift flaps to see what’s under the ground and read more about it.  Under the Flaming Cliffs, for example, discover the dinosaur fossils that paleontologists carefully dig out. Kids will spend hours pouring over this little book. Seemingly random, I like that the back map ties it all together by plotting each location.

Barefoot Books Amazing Places  by Miralda Colombo, Beatrice Cerocchi Discover 15 impressive places in the world. Each place gets four pages. The first two-page spread introduces the landmark. The next 2-page spread gives you facts and information about the landmark. If your kids want to learn more about the world, they’ll love this geography resource.

Tiny Travelers France Treasure Quest   by Steven Wolfe Pereira and Susie Jaramillo Welcome to France. Learn all about Paris, French food, festivals, famous places, activities, animals, and more. After you read each two-page spread’s information, search for the hidden treasures and read the “Did you know” facts. You might learn that The Louvre is home to the Mona Lisa and get to search for the Louvre Pyramids. Fun!

Tiny Travelers Haiti Treasure Quest  by Steven Wolfe Pereira and Susie Jaramillo Not meant for babies even though it’s a board book, this is a sturdy board book introduces preschool children to the country of Haiti’s culture, language, food, and more. Read about Port-au-Prince and find the Neg Mawon statue. Learn about Independence Day and Soup Jaoumou — see if you can find the soup on the page, too. Each page gives children information about Haiti and a colorful illustration they can use to find the hidden treasures.

Primary Geography Books, Ages 6 – 9

Middle Grade Geography Books for Ages 9 – 12

Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide for The World’s Most Adventurous Kid  by Dylan Thuras and Rosemary Mosco, illustrated by Joy Ang Beautifully illustrated and written, this guide is filled with interesting and unique spots all over the world.  Some are things “Hidden in Plain Sight” like the Eiffel Tower Apartment in France or the Dinosaur of Ta Prohm in Cambodia or “DIY Transportation” like the Homemade Zip Lines in Columbia. Explore weird weather, sweet and salty treats, catacombs, caves, and more — this will be one book that your adventurous kids will enjoy reading cover to cover multiple times.

Africa, Amazing Africa Country by Country  by Atinuke, illustrated by Mouni Dddag Filled with colorful illustrations and interesting information, this is an essential guide to the geography, culture, and language of Africa.  Atinuke highlights the important things for each country then gives some footnotes for more context. It’s one of the geography books that belong on classroom and school library shelves; kids will pour over the pages of digestible information and appealing illustrations.

National Geographic Kids Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas Another great, eye-catching atlas from the beloved National Geographic! Each state includes a map, slogan, roadside attractions and lots of impressive attractions and facts. This could inspire your family’s next road trip and teach your kids about geography.

Manhattan: Mapping the Story of an Island by Jennifer Therme Read about  history of the island of Manhattan , starting with the Lenape people and continuing to the present day with subways and bridges and 1.6 million people. This book is packed with information about the city including the ecosystem, fires, and slavery. Gorgeous illustrations and readable informative writing, this oversized picture book will interest all readers, especially those who like American history or live in the New York area. Highly recommended.

KEEP READING:

Japan Picture Books

Children’s Historical Fiction

Read Aloud Books for Kids

Kindle for Kids

Best Geography and History YouTube Channels for Kids U.S. Geography Games and Puzzles for Kids

Melissa Taylor, MA, is the creator of Imagination Soup. She's a mother, former teacher & literacy trainer, and freelance education writer. She writes Imagination Soup and freelances for publications online and in print, including Penguin Random House's Brightly website, USA Today Health, Adobe Education, Colorado Parent, and Parenting. She is passionate about matching kids with books that they'll love.

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32 Wholesome Chapter Books for Girls Ages 6 - 9 (No Sassiness)

I just wrote an easy chapter book list for boys with NO potty humor or sassiness. Many of you asked me for a similar list for girls. Because often, girls and boys are interested in different topics and types stories, I’m making this new list of wholesome chapter books for girls.

If you’re looking for wholesome easy chapter books for girls about polite kids who aren’t sassy or rude, you’re going to want to know about these books.

Please comment with any other title suggestions! I always learn so much from you, too.

You might also like this wholesome easy chapter book list written specifically for boys .

If you’re looking for  wholesome middle-grade chapter books for ages 9 – 12 , that list is  here .

Wholesome Chapter Books for Girls Ages 6 – 9

Barkus by Patricia Maclachlan, illustrated by Marc Boutavant EASIEST CHAPTER BOOK

Nicky’s uncle gives Barkus, a very smart, big brown dog, when he leaves on a trip. Barkus joins her at school, has a (dog) birthday party, and finds a new kitty friend named Baby. These are stories that will make everyone want a dog like Barkus.

BUY THIS BOOK ON

Wallace and Grace and the Lost Puppy by Heather Alexander, illustrated by Laura Zarrin

Owl friends, Wallace and Grace, are on a scavenger hunt when they find a lost puppy named Jasper in the woods. The friends who also run a detective agency ask Jasper to tell them anything he can remember. The detectives put together the clues, ask for help from other forest friends, and return Jasper safely home. Easy to read and charming, this story looks just right for 6- and 7- year- old readers who are just starting chapter books.

Owl Diaries Eva’s Treetop Festival by Rebecca Elliott

Eva writes in diary form all about getting the Bloomtastic Festival put together and how she eventually learns to ask friends for help.

Squirlish: The Girl in the Tree  by Ellen Potter, illustrations by Sara Cristofori

FAMILY / FRIENDSHIP

When a squirrel named Shakespeare finds baby Cordelia, he raises her in his Central Park tree.  Now, at age 8, Cordelia leaves the safety of their park home to chase a nut-thieving squirrel…and gets lost! Sweet Cordelia’s attempts to make friends go drastically wrong when she behaves like a squirrel–chasing and chittering. Soon, Cordelia knows it’s time to go home. But can the city squirrels show her how to get there? And could she ever make a friend with another human?

Love Puppies: Best Friends Furever  by JaNay Brown Wood

The magical Crystal Bone calls the pups to help a lonely girl named Meiko.  The Love Puppies plan turns to disaster. How will the puppies accomplish their mission? Warmhearted and sweet, you’ll love these caring puppies and the kids they help. I am positive this  book series  will be a hit with 2nd and 3rd graders!

Our Principal is a Frog  by Stephanie Calmenson, illustration Aaron Blecha 

The beloved school principal is accidentally turned into a frog by a bumbling magician. But since he’s a dedicated principal, he finds a way to keep running the school — even as an amphibian.

Lulu and the Rabbit Next Door by Hilary McKay

This is one of my favorite easy chapter books! Lulu and her cousin help their neighbor Arthur learn to love and care for his (neglected) rabbit. She doesn’t want her neighbor to feel bad so she writes the rabbit little notes with helpful gifts signed from her own pet rabbit named Thumper. It’s a kind way to show Arthur how to take care of his new pet.

Mouse Scouts: Make a Difference  by Sarah Dillard

Six new Mouse Scouts and friends share adventures as they seek new merit badges. In this story, the girls must work together to rescue a . . . CAT! Yikes. What a sweet new illustrated series for beginning chapter book readers. See also Mouse Scouts #1 .

Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqui, illustrated by Hatem Aly

Yasmin is an exuberant girl who is interested in everything from exploring to building to fashion. This book tells four short stories from Yasmin’s life, all in chapters with lively, full-color illustrations showing Yasmin as a creative problem solver even when things get hard. Her Pakistani American culture is embedded throughout the story. I LOVE the diversity, the gutsy main character, and the beautiful design of the entire book.

Good Dog by Cam Higgins, illustrated by Ariel Landy

What a sweet beginning illustrated chapter book written from Bo the dog’s point of view! Enthusiastic and full of personality, Bo adores his loving family and his life on the farm. But he worries when his dog tag goes missing. He searches the farm with the help of all the farm animals and his spider friends help him find it. Your readers will love this new series with a darling doggie narrator! Get the first 4 books in 1 !

Daisy Dawson Is on Her Way by Steve Voake, illustrated by Jessica Messerve

Daisy can talk to animals. You’ll love this spunky girl’s free spirit personality and her kindness toward others as she has nostalgic sorts of childhood adventures.

Dig to Disaster: A Miss Mallard Mystery  by Robert Quackenbush 

Another QUIX book, this one is an exciting mystery adventure. Miss Mallard is on an archaeological expedition in jungles of South American but someone is trying to scare the group off. Not to worry. Miss Mallard is the duck for the job. She follows the clues in order to capture the sneaky treasure hunter.

Cornbread & Poppy by Matthew Cordell

Poppy and Cornbread are mice friends who like different things and have different personalities but love each other and love doing things together. (Yes, this sweet book of friendship stories feels reminiscent of Frog and Toad.) So even when Poppy doesn’t prepare for winter like Cornbread does (and reminds her), Cornbread joins her to search for food. In desperation, they bravely venture up the dangerous Hollar Mountain where they find a warm welcome and a new friend.

The Year of the Book  by Andrea Chang

Growing up is challenging and in the first novel, The Year of the Book , Anna turns to books for company while she learns how to make friendships in real life. The subsequent books in the series are just as realistic and well-written.

Zoey and Sassafras Dragons and Marshmallows #1 by Asia Citro, illustrated by Marion Lindsay

This is an entertaining and well-written story with the coolest mix of science and magic, a diverse main character, and fantastic illustrations that will get kids reading and learning. Zoey, like her mom, can see magical creatures and is tasked to care for any injured creatures that might need help. In this story, she uses her science skills (including research and the scientific method) to figure out how to care for a sick baby dragon. Highly recommended.

The Magic Tree House  by Mary Pope Osborne

A MUST-READ series for all kids! These combine mystery, history, magic, and adventure as siblings Jack and Annie adventure through time, solving mysteries and learning history. GREAT on audiobook, too!

Ivy Lost and Found  by Cynthia Lord, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin

A heartwarming story about the life of an old doll who gets a new life as a book buddy!  Ivy’s been in the attic for years until her girl, now an adult, donates Ivy to the Book Buddy’s shelf at the library. That’s when a lonely girl named Fern borrows Ivy. Fern is visiting her dad and his new family and she needs a listening friend like Ivy. Then, when Ivy gets left outside in the rain, she has a surprise adventure of her own and makes friends with two other Book Buddies.

Rainbow Street Shelter: A Dog Called Bear by Wendy Orr

Rainbow Street Shelter books are fantastic stories of mystery and compassion toward animals, great for any animal lover. In this story, Logan’s beloved dog named Bear runs away. Logan will eventually find Bear after Bear finds Hannah first then ends up at the Rainbow Street Shelter.

Bark Park by Brandi Dougherty, illustrated by Paige Pooler

Scout’s life is filled with mystery and adventure as she helps her dog friends. Charming characters and gentle story lines.

Rainbow Magic Fairies by Daisy Meadows

These are very predictable but so many girls (mine included) ADORE these books — they are some of the most checked out books at our library. They’re about two caring human girls who help the magical fairies to get back something Jack Frost’s goblins stole.

Heartwood Hotel: a True Home by Kallie George, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin

Lost in a storm, with no home or destination, Mona the Mouse discovers a beautiful hotel for forest animals. There she works as a maid to earn her room and board. But more than that, she helps solve problems and learns about her family connection to the lovely hotel where she’s invited to stay as long as she wants. This is a sweet, warm-hearted (and wholesome) adventure of resiliency and friendship.

The Adventures of Sophie Mouse A New Friend by Poppy Green, illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell

A new student arrives at Sophie’s school and it’s a SNAKE named Owen! (Yikes!) All the mice students are scared. When Sophie tells her parents, they explain that they knew a really nice snake that moved away, which makes Sophie think about giving Owen a chance. Owen rescues Sophie from a dangerous situation and they become good friends. This is an enjoyable story with a lovely message of not judging others based on outward appearances.

White Fur Flying by Patricia MacLachlan

Zoe’s family rescues dogs in need. A new family has moved in across the street and Phillip, the boy, has stopped speaking. He doesn’t even want to try. But Zoe’s new rescue dog might just help the boy heal and speak. (Also on: Best Chapter Books About Dogs )

Mango and Bambang The Not-a-Pig by Clara Vulliamy

Mango rescues Bambang, an Asian tapir, from a busy street and the two become best friends. Together they find adventures, learn more about each other, and teach people that Bambang Is. Not. A. Pig. Four sweet stories of friendship and fun.

The Haunted Library by Dori Hillestad Butler

My daughter and I loved this entertaining new easy chapter book series about a boy ghost, Kaz, who is blown away from his family and into a new haunt — a library. But who is the library ghost? Kaz knows that it’s not him. He and his new friend, Claire, decide to be detectives and discover the secret of the mysterious library ghost.

The Storm (The Lighthouse Family)   by Cynthia Rylant

Pandora is a kindhearted cat who lives in a lighthouse all alone. Seabold lives on a boat all alone. Until one day a storm shipwrecks him at the lighthouse. Soon, a friendship develops and the lighthouse isn’t lonely anymore, especially after the friends rescue a family of orphaned mice. Kind characters and a cozy family theme with a gentle adventure make this a wholesome reading choice.

Amelia Bedelia Means Business  by Herman Parish, illustrated by Lynne Avril

I’ve been enjoying these updated Amelia chapter books by the original author’s son. In this story, Amelia tries to make money for a new bike. Great for 2nd graders (second graders) who love goofy humor and wordplay.

Amy and the Missing Puppy (Critter Club)   by Callie Barkley

This series about animal-loving friends gives growing readers an entertaining chapter book they can read by themselves. My daughter loved this series so much!

A to Z Mysteries Detective Camp by Rob Roy

This addictive mystery series will keep your kids reading for hours and days and months. My kids read them all more than once – we highly recommend this series, especially for around age 7.

Dragon Kindom of Wrenly: The Coldfire Curse  by Jordan Quinn

When Cinder’s father crashes, it’s clear he’s sick from the dreaded “cold curse,” so Cinder must ask the king for help.  Cinder flies to the castle of the human king and meets a red  dragon  named Ruskin, the pet of the human king. Cinder, Ruskin, and Groth travel to the fairies in order to get the ingredients to cure the curse. But the witch-dragon is NOT pleased with their success. A fast-paced and excellent story with a hook that will keep you reading the series!

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The post 32 Wholesome Chapter Books for Girls Ages 6 – 9 (No Sassiness) appeared first on Imagination Soup .

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