Did you love reading as a nine-year-old, waking up early to catch the first light of day and reveling in the still, chilly air while curled up in your bed or your couch, reading? If you’d like to share your love of reading with your kids, we’ve got some books for your nine-year-old kid that they might enjoy.
Nine books for your nine-year-old
1. The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Cost: $6.29
The Chronicles of Narnia
This is one of those classic books for your nine-year-old kid that never goes out of style. It’s the second book in The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis, but was published first (the first book was a prequel).
It’s the story of the magical land of Narnia and its numerous visitors from our world, the most notable of them the Pevensie siblings. Even before the rise of young adult books in recent decades, none of them can quite hold a candle against the enduring tale of Narnia.
2. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Cost: SG$12.65
The Little Prince
The Little Prince (1943) is the most famous work of French aristocrat, writer, poet, and pioneering aviator, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. It’s one of the most-translated books in the world, as it was adapted into 300 languages and dialects across the globe. It sells almost two million copies annually and is one of the best-selling books every published.
The Little Prince is the enduring tale of an airplane pilot stranded in the desert. He wanders this desolate expanse until he meets a boy, The Little Prince, who has visited Earth from his home, a tiny asteroid. What happens during their journeys are full of deep introspection and touching moments of kindness and compassion.
3. Matilda by Roald Dahl
Cost: SG$10.62
Matilda
If you have one of those shy kids who would rather curl up in a corner with a book, away from other people, this book is for them. If your child wants to get lost in a book and escape, they can find a kindred spirit in the book’s titular character, Matilda, child-extraordinaire and lover of books.
4. Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Skottie Young
Cost: SG$6.65
Fortunately, The Milk
Written by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Skottie Young, this is one of the funniest books for your nine-year-old. Its quirky humour, coupled with whimsical illustrations, makes it an entertaining read.
It’s about what happens when some kids’ dad goes out to get more milk. He doesn’t get the milk, but he does run into pirates, aliens, and all manner of incredible people, events, and things.
5. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Cost: SG$9.56
Number the Stars
The Newberry Award-winning book is the story of one girl’s bravery in the face of danger during the war. It’s one of my all-time favourite children’s books growing up, and has taught me a lot about kindness, compassion, and bravery against all odds.
As the German troops begin their campaign to “relocate” all the Jews of Denmark, Annemarie Johansen’s family takes in Annemarie’s best friend, Ellen Rosen, and pretends she is their own.
Through the eyes of ten-year-old Annemarie, we watch as the Danish Resistance smuggles almost the entire Jewish population of Denmark, nearly seven thousand people, across the sea to Sweden. The heroism of an entire nation reminds us that there was pride and human decency in the world even during a time of war.
6. The Adventures of Tintin by Hergé
Cost: SG$12.28
The Adventures of Tintin
Growing up, The Adventures of Tintin was my gateway to adventuring around the world with confidence, panache, kindness, and humour.
It’s a series of 24 comic albums created by Belgian cartoonist Georges Remi, who wrote under the pen name Hergé. By 2007, a century after Hergé’s birth in 1907, Tintin had been published in more than 70 languages with sales of more than 200 million copies, and had been adapted for radio, television, theatre, and film.
The series is set during the 20th century. Its hero is Tintin, a courageous young Belgian reporter and adventurer. He is aided by his faithful dog Snowy along with other protagonists.
They include the brash and cynical Captain Haddock and the intelligent but hearing-impaired Professor Calculus. There’s also the incompetent detectives Thomson and Thompson and the opera singer Bianca Castafiore.
7. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster and illustrated by Jules Feiffer
Cost: SG$8.49
The Phantom Tollbooth
The book’s main character, Milo, thinks everything is boring. One day, a tollbooth mysteriously appears in his room, so he drives through because he’s got nothing better to do. But on the other side of the booth, everything is different.
Milo visits the Island of Conclusions (you get there by jumping), learns about time from a ticking watchdog named Tock, and even embarks on a quest to rescue Rhyme and Reason! Somewhere along the way, Milo realizes something astonishing. Life is far from dull. In fact, it’s exciting beyond his wildest dreams.
8. A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket and illustrated by Brett Helquist
Cost: SG$5.32 (per paperback)
A Series of Unfortunate Events
A Series of Unfortunate Events is a series of thirteen children’s novels by Lemony Snicket, the pen name of American author Daniel Handler.
The books follow the turbulent lives of Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire. After their parents’ death in a fire, the children are placed in the custody of a murderous relative, Count Olaf, who attempts to steal their inheritance and, later, orchestrates numerous disasters with the help of his accomplices as the children attempt to flee.
As the series progresses, it details the children’s struggles against each of Count Olaf’s schemes. They overcome Count Olaf by helping each other out and functioning as a team, driven by familial love and cementing their bond with each other.
9. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Cost: SG$14.14
Wonder
August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid — but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face.
Read these books for your nine-year-old with them!
As good as these books for your nine-year-old are, the experience of reading books shouldn’t have to be solitary the whole time. Being a parent means spending more time with your kids to create a stronger bond with them.
So as an activity with your child, try to read a book together. Or if your kid likes it (and if you perform well enough), read a book for them. You’ll find in yourself a creativity you perhaps didn’t know you had. But one thing is for sure: reading time with your kids is going to be a memory your child will treasure forever.
YOU CAN ALSO READ: The 24 best kids books we recommend (newborn to age 8+)