Reading is a crucial part of child development. By creating real world scenarios, authors can convey life lessons in a compelling way, that children can understand. Fiction books aid in the growth of cognitive development as the narrative gives crucial context, but in a digestible way.
Best Books for 9 Year Olds
There are hundreds of books suitable for 9-year-olds, so there is a book that will resonate with every child. The best books for 9-year-olds could be humorous, compelling, or even thrilling. No child is the same, and therefore it is critical to find a story that grips them.
‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ by Jeff Kinney
Children mature at different rates, and it is mostly out of their control. Diary of a Wimpy Kid is one of the best books for 9-year-olds as it follows a year in the life of Greg Heffley, who is comparatively smaller and less developed than other kids in his school. This book uses humour and illustrations while making the broader points on conformity, friendship, and the everyday conflicts we face.
‘Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief’ by Rick Riordan
A more fantastical story, Percy Jackson is the son of the Greek God Poseidon, and at the age of 12, must locate the entrance to the Underworld to prevent a war between gods. At its core, this is a coming-of-age story, where the titular character must learn about himself, and the people around him. A journey of acceptance and overcoming adversity.
The Best Books for 11 Year Olds
Transitioning towards middle-grade novels that tackle more complex themes, the best books for 11-year-olds can take on more mature themes. The topics become more nuanced, focusing on more cerebral themes such as loss, and our place in society.
‘Virtual Kombat: Gamer’ by Chris Bradford
Scott takes the chance to become a Virtual Kombat gamer, climbing the rankings to earn a prize, to escape his current situation. His friend Kate goes missing whilst in the arena and he now needs to find her. The author has also made the book more inclusive, as it is produced to be dyslexia friendly, helping more children get into reading.
‘Tom’s Midnight Garden’ by Phillippa Pearce
When Tom is sent to his aunt and uncles home whole his brother recovers from the measles, he stumbles across a reprieve from everyday life. He finds a Victorian garden and befriends a young girl named Hatty. The garden offers a place where he and Hatty can play together, but each time he visits, Hatty has grown older. This is one of the best books for 11-year-olds who want to confront their own biases and attitudes towards people older and younger than them.
Why are These Books the Best?
These books are considered the best because they are tailored to the interests, cognitive abilities, and emotional maturity of 9-year-olds and 11-year-olds. They offer a mix of fantastical elements and realistic issues, helping children to expand their imagination and empathy. They’re often written in a relatable language that challenges young readers without overwhelming them.
Best history books for age 9 and 11
‘HerStory: 50 Women and Girls Who Shook the World’ by Katherine Halligan
This book tells the true stories of 50 women and girls who made the World a different place. Across different cultures with varying degrees of influence, this book offers a platform for people who are usually overlooked throughout history.
‘The Diary of a Young Girl’ by Anne Frank
Possibly the most famous first-person account of WW2, Anne Frank was a teenager in hiding with her family between 1942 and 1944. It is a raw account of life hiding under Nazi rule, which has an abrupt ending, due to being found.
Are these books recommended in education?
Many of these books come highly recommended in educational settings for several reasons. They are often used to complement the curriculum, enhance reading skills, and encourage critical thinking. introducing children to diverse cultures, historical periods, and geographical settings, broadening their knowledge and challenging their understanding of the world.
Why Choose Books for Topics?
Choosing books to explore specific topics like history and geography allows children to learn in a contextual and engaging manner. It transforms learning from a mere acquisition of facts to an immersive experience that can inspire further exploration and curiosity. Books also offer a safe way for children to explore complex emotions and situations, helping them navigate their own lives with greater understanding and empathy.
