{"id":42210,"date":"2024-12-04T09:26:15","date_gmt":"2024-12-04T13:26:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/readingmiddlegrade.com\/?p=42210"},"modified":"2024-12-10T14:54:32","modified_gmt":"2024-12-10T18:54:32","slug":"books-for-9-year-old-boys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/readingmiddlegrade.com\/books-for-9-year-old-boys\/","title":{"rendered":"Great Books for 9 Year Old Boys"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether your 9-year-old boy is a big reader or not, it’s possible to get them somewhat interested in a good story. One way to get the ball rolling is by reading aloud to them. The stories on this list of books for 9 year old boys are great because they can be read independently by kids or as readalouds to kids. Whatever your choice, you’ll enjoy the variety of books we’ve curated. There are stories about video games<\/a>, adventure tales<\/a>, graphic novels<\/a>, sports books, science stories, and so much more.<\/p>\n\n\n

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20 Amazing Books for 9 Year Old Boys<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here 20 delightful books for 9 year old boys:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If They Like Funny Books<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Terrible Two<\/h2><\/div>
By By Mac Barnett and Jory John (Author), Kevin Cornell (Illustrator) <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: \u200eMarch 3, 2009<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Miles is devastated to be moving from his town to another one called Yawnee Valley. He loved his town, had good friends, and, most importantly, was well-known as the best prankster around. When he arrives in Yawnee Valley, he immediately discovers that there\u2019s already a superb prankster there \u2014 with a secret identity no less. When Miles gets out-pranked by the Yawnee Valley prankster, it starts a prank war between both kids until they decide to join forces. This is a riotous, animated middle grade book about pranks, unlikely friendships, and cows. I recommend this as a great bridge book for kids who like graphic novels and chapter books with wacky humor. It\u2019s super short, and the audiobook is fantastic for the entire family. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Popcorn <\/h2><\/div>
By Rob Harrell<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: September 3, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrew is having the WORST day. His shirt\u2019s been torn by his class bully, a basketball has slammed into his face, leaving him with a black eye, and his grandmother with dementia has gone missing \u2014 all on his class picture day. It doesn\u2019t help that Andrew has generalized anxiety. In his trademark humor, Harrell takes readers through Andrew\u2019s day with spot illustrations, relatable storytelling, and plenty of heart. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Real Pigeons Fight Crime<\/h2><\/div>
By Andrew McDonald (Author), Ben Wood (Illustrator)<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: January 7, 2020<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This funny, high-action series about crime-fighting pigeons in the city is wildly entertaining and so accessible, with tons of illustrations reminiscent of the Bad Guys<\/em> series. Hand to fans of wacky stories like Dog Man<\/em><\/a> looking to branch into more prose-heavy storytelling.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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For Fantasy & Sci-Fi Fans<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ratty<\/h2><\/div>
By Suzanne Selfors (Author), Lavanya Naidu (Illustrator)<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: June 18, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ratty Barclay turned into a rat minutes after he was born, causing his parents to run away from him, leaving him in the care of his Uncle Max. But now, Max is 13 and ready to undo the curse, so he convinces his uncle Max to take him back to Fairweather Island, the home of the Barclay family where Ratty is convinced he can reverse the curse. Unfortunately, Max and Ratty meet Edweena, the rat-obsessed daughter of their caretaker whose ancestor invented the rat catcher. Ratty and his uncle must hide Ratty from Edweena as Ratty learns about the Barclay family history and their curse and figures out how to fix things. This illustrated middle grade book gripped me from the beginning, and it felt strong, like a classic fairy tale. I was worried about Ratty the whole way through and was fully invested in the story. Grades 4+<\/strong><\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Stupendous Switcheroo<\/h2><\/div>
By Mary Winn Heider and Chad Sell<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published:  September 12, 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What if you woke up to new powers every day? Such is the fate of our protagonist in this graphic novel-prose hybrid. Daily, he develops and loses everything from potent superpowers like telekinesis and super speed to cute but not-so-useful ones like bubbles and speaking cat. He\u2019s even recruited by the city\u2019s superhero to help fight the villains popping up everywhere. The one thing he can\u2019t seem to figure out, though, is where his scientist mom is. As each day passes, readers follow Switcheroo one step closer to the mystery of his mom\u2019s whereabouts and why there are so many villains around all of a sudden. The Stupendous Switcheroo<\/em> is an appealing graphic-prose release about superheroes, finding an identity that fits, and seeing people beyond the surface.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Wild Robot<\/h2><\/div>
By Peter Brown<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: April 5, 2016<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This charming illustrated book about a robot who ends up in the wild and survives by building community and caring for others is heartwarming but also surprisingly suspenseful and full of adventure. Soon to be a major motion picture, this would make a delightful classroom readaloud for 3rd and 4th graders.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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If He Likes Graphic Novels or Illustrated Books<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Link + Hud<\/h2><\/div>
By Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey (Author)<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: March 7, 2023<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brothers Lincoln and Hudson Dupr\u00e9 are constantly pretending to be on one adventure or another\u2013and destroying their home in the process. Until their parents get an experienced babysitter who wrangles both boys using unconventional methods\u2013much to their dismay. Their plot to get rid of her yields unexpected results. This hilarious graphic novel-prose hybrid shows the brothers\u2019 imaginations in panels and the real story as plain text with illustrations.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Lucky Scramble<\/h2><\/div>
By Peter Raymundo<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: April 23, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tyler got into solving Rubik\u2019s cubes after his father\u2019s death and now has made it to the National competition. We follow him and four other contestants (an elderly record holder, a 17-year-old arrogant champion, twin contestants, and a prodigy who isn\u2019t what he seems) as they prepare for and compete in the finals. This is a unique SHORT illustrated prose-graphic novel that takes readers behind the scenes of a cubing contest while delving into important themes like grief, integrity, modesty, popularity, and individual identity. There\u2019s an element of mystery, and I read this in one sitting, eager to see how the contest turned out and also learn more about each contestant. It\u2019s truly different from anything I\u2019ve read, and I think kids who love cubing, contests, and graphic novels will enjoy this one.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Alterations <\/h2><\/div>
By Ray Xu (Author)
Published: January 30, 2024<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s June 1994, and Kevin Lee is having a rough go at life. His parents are recently divorced and his dad is essentially absent from their lives. They live with their mom in the apartment above her alterations shop. His mom is always busy and rarely present for the kids because she\u2019s trying to keep up with work as a single parent. Kevin\u2019s Popo is fresh off the boat from mainland China and is now sharing their cramped apartment along with his sister Betty, with whom he shares a room. Kevin\u2019s main escape is his imagination and his comics which he loves to read and draw. After a stinky incident with a centuries-old egg, his Popo makes him for lunch, and everyone at school starts teasing him and calling him egg boy, much to his dismay. Determined to change his image at their school field trip to Thrill Planet, he sneaks onto the most dangerous ride in the park with surprising results. Although slow at times this one has many funny scenes and will appeal to kids who love a good underdog story.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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If He’s a Sports Fan<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Peter Lee\u2019s Notes From the Field<\/h2><\/div>
By Angela Ahn (Author), Julie Kwon (Illustrator)<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: March 2, 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peter is obsessed with dinosaurs. He wants to be a paleontologist when he\u2019s older and is constantly digging in the sandpit at his grandparents\u2019 (Haji and Hammy) house. In the summer, the family takes a trip to Drumheller for a dinosaur expedition, which ends up being a bust for Peter. To cap it off, his Hammy is forgetful and seems dazed from time to time. Then, he discovers that his parents are planning to send Hammy to a care facility. Can Peter fix the situation? Peter Lee\u2019s Notes from the Field<\/em> is a sweet, adventurous middle grade novel set in Canada.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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For the Animal Lover<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Answers to Dog <\/h2><\/div>
By Pete Hautman<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: October 1, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although this story stars a middle schooler, it’s appropriate for upper elementary kids. It’s about Evan, a moody middle schooler whose days consist of trying to figure out why his mom is always grumpy, defending his besties from the school bully, and trying to bond with his artist father. Until he meets a dog, or rather, the dog finds him. Told from the perspectives of Evan and the dog, a clever border collie with a love for running, this soaring, heartwarming adventure about friendship, family, and the healing power of dogs is perfect for fans of Silvey\u2019s The Underdogs of Upson Downs<\/em>. Grades 4+<\/strong><\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Racc Pack<\/h2><\/div>
By Stephanie Cooke (Author), Whitney Gardner (Illustrator)<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: January 23, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meet the Bin family, a trio of raccoons in the risky business of dumpster diving for all their needs. With Dusty\u2019s brains, ReRe\u2019s muscle, and Scraps\u2019s gadgets (please don\u2019t tell him he\u2019s almost definitely an opossum), the Binses are determined to leave no garbage bin unturned in their pursuit of the tastiest, most delicious trash they can find. When the family discovers a new upscale grocery store that\u2019s throwing away their perfectly good food at the end of each day, the Binses hatch a heist so daring it\u2019ll have them rolling in garbage all winter long. But a critter-despising CEO, Jeff Beans, and the high-tech defense system he\u2019s installed means liberating that trash is going to take all the skills the Racc Pack have\u2026and maybe some help from a cat burglar with a mysterious past.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Animal Rescue Friends<\/h2><\/div>
By Gina Loveless and Meika Hashimoto (Author), Genevieve Kote (Illustrator)<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: June 15, 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This adorable graphic novel follows four kids on their journeys to find a beloved pet and the animal rescue center, where they converge as the pets bring joy to their lives. It’s a great mash-up of PAWS meets Allergic and is perfect for young (capable) readers as young as the second grade. Ages 7+<\/strong><\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Dogtown<\/h2><\/div>
By Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko (Author), Wallace West (Illustrator)<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

 Published: September 19, 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chance is a three-legged dog at the Dogtown shelter, where able-bodied and robot dogs compete for attention. Things start to change when a new robot dog, Metal Head, comes to the pound. First off, he\u2019s determined to run away (return home). So he hatches a plan with Chance and her mouse best friend to help an older dog get adopted in exchange for helping him escape. But things do not go to plan, and Chance, her mouse friend, and Metal Head spend a night on the streets on an emotional adventure. As someone who isn\u2019t into animal books, I\u2019m shocked by how much I liked this one. It\u2019s charming, beautifully plotted, and full of suspense, heartwarming characters, and plenty of heart. It also has sweet illustrations and concise chapters. Grades 3+<\/strong><\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Friendship Stories Boys Love<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Save Me a Seat<\/h2><\/div>
By Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: May 10, 2016<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

is the story of two seemingly different boys – one Indian, one American. When Ravi\u2019s family moves to America, he is shocked at how different things are. The things he liked about himself seem to neither impress nor be appreciated by his American classmates and teachers. Joe is a quiet, sensitive American who is regularly bullied by his classmates. The story follows both boys as they find a way to a solid friendship despite their differences. With a major focus on bullying, culture, food and respecting differences, SAVE ME A SEAT is delightful, funny and inspiring. A fantastic middle grade pick for teaching young boys and girls -everyone, really – empathy. Grades 4+<\/strong><\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Falling Short <\/h2><\/div>
By Ernesto Cisneros
Published: March 15, 2022<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In Falling Short<\/em>, we meet Marco and Isaac. They\u2019ve been besties for as long as they can remember and now they share one pain in common: both their dads aren\u2019t in their lives as they\u2019d like. Isaac\u2019s dad is attentive but currently struggling with alcoholism. Marco\u2019s dad wishes Marco were more athletic, instead of nerdy. At the start of middle school, both boys decide to help each other reach their goals. For Isaac, it\u2019s getting better at more than just basketball \u2014 getting better grades and being more responsible. And for Marco, it\u2019s learning a sport: basketball. Can they reach their goals? And will their friendship survive it? I loved this look at a warm friendship bond between boys. Grades 5+<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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For Your Next Family Readaloud<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A Place to Hang the Moon<\/h2><\/div>
By Kate Albus<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: February 2, 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orphans William, Edmund, and Anna (aged 12, 11, and 9) are evacuated after their (not nice) grandmother dies. The kids are instructed not to disclose how well off their family is until they\u2019re placed with a new family that feels like a forever family. In their new countryside dwelling, the kids are placed with several poorly matched families. Through it all, the children take solace in each other, stories from William about their parents, and their love of books and the town library. This is a heartwarming, immersive middle-grade debut. Ages 9+<\/strong><\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Carter Avery’s Tricky Fourth-Grade Year<\/h2><\/div>
By Rob Buyea
Published: September 3, 2024<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When hyperactive kid CJ gets into his fourth-grade class, he\u2019s terrified of Ms. Crane, his new teacher, thanks to all the rumors he\u2019s heard about her and the huge red mark on her face. But Ms. Crane turns out to be refreshingly different than he expected. She\u2019s nice to him and doesn\u2019t get frustrated when he interrupts, blurts answers, or can\u2019t sit still. So when he discovers that some teachers are trying to get Ms. Crane to leave the school, CJ decides to stand up for her.Carter Avery\u2019s Tricky Fourth Grade Year<\/em> is a heartwarming book about community and the power of a teacher who believes in you. Ages 9+<\/strong><\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero<\/h2><\/div>
By Kelly J. Baptist <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: August 18, 2020<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isaiah\u2019s father has died, leaving behind Isaiah, his mom, and his younger sister, Charlie. Isaiah\u2019s mom is so depressed she\u2019s lost her job \u2014 and started drinking too many bottles of wine. Isaiah realizes that they need money if they\u2019ll ever move out of the motel where they\u2019ve had to live since being unable to pay for their home. Thankfully, Isaiah has his father\u2019s books of poems (even if his own words won\u2019t come anymore), his best friend Sneaky, who sells candy at school (and lets Isaiah be his business partner), and the kind people who look out for him once they realize he\u2019s in need. In the end, will Isaiah be the hero of his story? Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero<\/em> is a moving, realistic portrayal of the poverty and housing insecurity <\/a>that can impact a family after the death of a parent. Grades 4+<\/strong><\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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More Book Lists <\/h2>\n\n\n\n