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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

Summer Reading Challenge
8th grade reading books for children aged 13-14
1st grade reading books for children aged 6-7
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This booklist was last updated on February 9th, 2024 and first published in 2017 .

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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.

two of the best books for 9th graders: throwback and the queens of new york

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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
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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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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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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.

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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..

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 Book Cover

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 !

10 of the Best Spy Novels to Keep You Turning the Pages

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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A teenage girl smiles as she reads a novel at the kitchen table. A Literati box is nearby.

The Best Books for Ninth Graders

By the time your reader hits ninth grade, their literary journey is really in their own hands—the best way to support a healthy reading habit is to help make sure really good books are within reach.

Finding books with the right mix of intrigue, character development, and fast-paced action to keep your ninth grader engaged can be quite the challenge. Luckily, the experts at Literati have done the research for you. Here are Literati’s top picks for ninth grade readers.

The Inheritance Games

By Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to suddenly inherit a giant fortune? For Avery Grambs, it’s not exactly a smooth transition into billionaire-status. Instead, she must face a series of riddling challenges to receive an even more mysterious sum of money. This unputdownable mystery is packed with riddles, deadly stakes, and a mansion’s worth of secret passageways. Readers will enjoy solving the puzzle along with Avery, while tons of twists, turns, and interpersonal drama provide a solid introduction to more complicated narratives.

Blood Metal Bone

By Lindsay Cummings

After being wrongly accused of her brother’s murder, Sonara gets a second chance at uncovering the truth. This YA thrillride blends sci-fi and fantasy while keeping readers on the edge of their seats—a perfect read for ninth graders with a budding interest in either genre. With adrenaline-pumping pages and a fearless female lead at its center, Blood Metal Bone is an immersive story that remains a favorite among teens.

By Jarod Shusterman and Neal Shusterman

In this captivating survival story, one teen must make crucial decisions for her family in order to survive a devastating drought. Readers won’t be able to take their eyes off of this vivid, near-future dystopia as they’re challenged to understand the reasoning and motivation behind certain characters’ reactions. Full of tension and pulse-pounding suspense, Dry is a distressing reminder of our current climate reality and a gripping “what if” exercise for your eighth grader.

I Have a Bad Feeling About This

By Jeff Strand

A mix of horror and humor set in survival camp? Sign us up! This hilarious, genre-blending story is sure to get—and hold—your ninth grader’s attention with its quick, action-packed chapters and laugh-out-loud storytelling approach. The bizarre survival story at the center of this book dials up the entertainment factor, while presenting readers with a funny, relatable main character. Even the most reluctant of readers will find something to love in I Have a Bad Feeling About This .

I Killed Zoe Spanos

By Kit Frick

If your teen is yet to be impressed by the thriller genre—or YA fiction in general—you’re going to want to hand them this rollercoaster of a mystery. In I Killed Zoe Spanos , two teens’ lives become linked: one has confessed to a murder, while the other believes there are secrets to uncover. As three different perspectives unravel, readers can put together their own theories. Their inability to see these twists coming might just get them hooked on YA mysteries.

Empower a Lifelong Learner with Literati

Helping your child fall in love—and stay in love—with books is all about making sure stories are readily available, true to their interests, and appropriate to their reading level. Literati book clubs are designed to match readers with the best books for them. Curated book boxes are personalized on an individual basis, and are tailored to your reader’s interests and level as they grow. Your highschooler might have a sense of what’s popular, but what about that just-right book? The one that makes them discover, rediscover, or solidify a real passion for cozying up with a thrilling read? Literati is here to help them find it. Start with Literati’s personalization quiz and watch your reader take into the wide world of literary possibilities.

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36 Books For 9th Graders: Recommendations And Their Amazon Links

December 11, 2023 // by Natalie Willet

Spanning the genres of science fiction, fantasy, romance, adventure, and more, these 36 books feature characters that are diverse, relatable, and sure to resonate with 9th graders ages fourteen and up.

1. Together, Apart by Erin A.Craig, Brittney Morris, and more

2. straight punch by monique polak.

A timely collection of short stories about young people finding love and romance -- in all its forms -- during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tessa's late-night graffiti habit has landed her at New Directions, a last-chance school in a rough neighborhood. The school's boxing program teaches her how to fight in and out of the ring.

3. Fresh Ink by Jason Reynolds, Nicola Yoon, and more.

A best friend moves away; a young woman introduces her girlfriend to her family, and a friendship grows at a cosplay convention in this collection of short stories.

4. Jackpot by Nic Stone

Rico has a lot on her plate: her gas station cashier job, taking care of her little brother and helping out her mom. A missing lottery ticket may hold the key to changing her life.

5. The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

Twin brothers Josh and JB live and breathe basketball. Readers follow their journey as they navigate challenges and heartbreaks, both on and off the court.

6. Miles Morales: Spider-Man by Jason Reynolds

Aside from being Spider-Man, Miles Morales is a typical teenager. He gets suspended from school and begins to question not only himself but the world around him. Can he get himself together in time to save his community?

7. They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera

On the last day of their lives, strangers Marcus and Rufus meet on the app Last Friend, determined to find someone with whom to have one last adventure.

8. How I Magically Messed Up My Life in Four Freakin' Days (The Tale of Bryant Adams) by Megan O'Russell

When Devon finds a magical cell phone, it takes him on a series of misadventures. Along the way, he meets wizards and mythical creatures and manages to drag his longtime crush into the titular mess.

9. The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

In a post-apocalyptic world destroyed by global warming, North American Indigenous people possess special qualities, for which they are hunted. 16-year-old Frenchie fights to save himself, and his family.

10. Fast Pitch by Nic Stone

Shenice is determined to lead her softball team to victory in the regional championships. When old family secrets are unearthed, Shenice must discover the truth before her team's chance at victory is ruined.

11. Starry-Eyed: 16 Stories That Steal The Spotlight, by Ted Michael and Josh Pultz

16 short stories about the glamour, glitz, and grit of performing in front of live audiences.

12. The Eye of Minds by James Dashner

In a world taken over by extreme virtual reality, a dangerous hacker runs wild. Only another hacker can catch him - will Michael be able to infiltrate the darkest corners of virtual reality to stop him?

13. The Box In The Woods by Maureen Johnson

Amateur sleuth Stevie Bell is invited to Camp Wonder Falls to help solve the case of four murdered camp counselors but quickly learns she may be in over her head.

14. What if It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

Ben and Arthur first meet at a New York City post office and wonder if their budding relationships will lead to friendship, romance, or disappointment.

15. Bronxwood by Coe Booth

Tyrell's got adult problems. His father has just been released from prison, his brother is in foster care, and he's living with drug dealers. Can he help his family without getting into serious trouble?

16. Instructions For Dancing by Nicola Yoon

Evie Thomas doesn't believe in love. Then she meets an open-hearted boy named X at a dance studio. As they waltz and tango together, Evie questions everything she thought she believed about love.

17. The Storyteller by Kathryn Williams

Jess Morgan discovers she might be related to a famous, (supposedly) assassinated princess. With the help of a cute college student, she digs into a mystery that's both historical and deeply personal.

18. Darius The Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram

Darius is not sure he'll ever fit in -- whether it's in America or Iran. Visiting family in Iran for the first time, Darius makes a new friend named Sohrab, who shows him that, actually, he may be more than okay.

19. Dancing At The Pity Party by Tyler Feder

Tyler Feder tells the story of losing her mother to cancer in this poignant, candid, and gently funny graphic novel .

20. Heartbreakers and Fakers by Cameron Lund

Penny Harris makes a mistake that costs her both her best friend and boyfriend. Determined to win them back, she befriends a boy who makes her wonder if she really wants her old life back.

21. Unbroken: An Olympian's Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive, by Laura Hillenbrand

In 1943 during World War II, Lieutenant Louis Zamperini's plane crashes into the Pacific Ocean. Floating alone on a rickety raft, he must battle sharks, hunger, thirst, and enemy aircraft to survive.

22. Guys Write For Guys Read: Boys' Favorite Authors Write About Being Boys by Jon Scieszka

Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, and Simpsons creator Matt Groening are all contributors in this collection of stories on what it means to be a young man growing up today.

23. Otherworld by Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller

Otherworld is a virtual reality game so immersive and visceral that players quickly become addicted. A young gamer named Simon discovers how far some people are willing to go to feed their addiction.

24. Black Wings Beating (The Skybound Saga, Book 1 of 3), by Alex London

The world of Black Wings Beating is one in which survival depends on falconry. Twins Brysen -- a great falconer, and Kylee -- who has rejected the family gift, must journey into the mountains to trap the Ghost Eagle.

25. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Determined to get his Latinx family to accept him, trans teenager Yadriel tries to summon the ghost of his murdered cousin so that he may set him free.

26. Something Like Gravity by Amber Smith

A transgender boy recovering from a frightening assault meets a girl in grief. Neither of them is ready to fall in love, but it may be just what they need.

27. Crown Chasers by Rebecca Coffindaffer

A fantasy-action story in which a girl is reluctantly thrust into a quest to find a hidden seal that will determine the next ruler of the empire.

28. Not So Pure And Simple by Lamar Giles

A light-hearted story about a boy trying to win the attention and affection of his crush. It explores the themes of teenage sexuality, religion, and masculinity.

29. How To Pack For The End Of The World by Michelle Falkoff

Amina joins forces with other young activists to learn survival skills for the end of the world, but typical teenage problems soon become the focus.

30. Over The Woodward Wall by A. Deborah Baker

Two exceptional children climb over a stone wall one morning and are pulled into a world of strange creatures, mystery, and danger. They only have each other if they want to make it back home.

31. Punching The Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam

A wrongfully incarcerated 16-year old boy tries to maintain hope and dignity in prison.

32. Watch Over Me by Nina Lacour

After she ages out of foster care, Mila accepts a teaching job in the forests of northern California. She hopes for a fresh start but is haunted by ghosts new and old.

33. I Killed Zoe Spanos by Kit Frick

The lives of two teenage girls become intertwined when one is convicted of murder and the other decides to investigate the mysterious case.

34. Turtle Under Ice by Juleah del Rosario

A grieving teenage girl tries to understand her sister's mysterious disappearance and realizes she may be part of the reason her sister is gone.

35. Patron Saints Of Nothing by Randy Ribay

When his cousin is killed in the Philippines, Jay's family won't talk about what happened. He decides to fly there on his own to discover the truth.

36. Wicked Fox by Kat Cho

18-year old Gu Miyoung is secretly a gumiho, a multi-tailed fox who must devour the energy of others to survive. When she meets Jihoon, their relationship could destroy both of them.

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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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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Classic Works of Literature for a 9th Grade Reading List

20 enduring works that will whet young readers' appetites

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M.A., English Literature, California State University - Sacramento
B.A., English, California State University - Sacramento

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.

Recommended Reads for High School Freshmen
Top 10 Books for High School Seniors
The Top Coming-of-Age Novels
The Most Commonly Read Books in High School
The 10 Most-Banned Classic Novels
Romantic Period Fiction - American Literature
An Introduction to Metafiction
Gothic Literature
Great Books from High School Summer Reading Lists
Controversial and Banned Books
Ulysses (Odysseus)
Understanding Mystery Writing
10th (or 11th) Grade Reading List
Best Books for Kids and Adults Interested in Greek Mythology
9 Books From the 1930s That Resonate Today
Notable Authors of the 19th Century

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How to Write a Book Report (+ Book Report Example)

Download for free, specific tips for writing effective book reports..

Write better book reports using the tips, examples, and outlines presented here. This resource covers three types of effective book reports: plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. It also features a specific book report example for students.

How to write a book report (+ book report example)

Whether you're a student looking to show your comprehension of a novel, or simply a book lover wanting to share your thoughts, writing a book report can be a rewarding experience. This guide, filled with tips, tricks, and a book report example, will help you craft a report that effectively communicates your understanding and analysis of your chosen book.

Looking for a printable resource on book reports? See our Printable Book Report Outlines and Examples

What is a book report?

Book reports can take on many different forms. Writing a book review helps you practice giving your opinion about different aspects of a book, such as an author's use of description or dialogue.

You can write book reports of any type, from fiction to non-fiction research papers, or essay writing; however, there are a few basic elements you need to include to convey why the book you read was interesting when writing a good book report.

Close up shot of student writing a book report in class. Book report example.

Types of book reports

Three types of effective book reports are plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. Each type focuses on different aspects of the book and requires a unique approach. These three types of book reports will help you demonstrate your understanding of the book in different ways.

Plot summary

When you are writing a plot summary for your book report you don't want to simply summarize the story. You need to explain what your opinion is of the story and why you feel the plot is so compelling, unrealistic, or sappy. It is the way you analyze the plot that will make this a good report. Make sure that you use plenty of examples from the book to support your opinions.

Try starting the report with a sentence similar to the following:

The plot of I Married a Sea Captain , by Monica Hubbard, is interesting because it gives the reader a realistic sense of what it was like to be the wife of a whaling captain and live on Nantucket during the 19th century.

Character analysis

If you choose to write a character analysis, you can explore the physical and personality traits of different characters and the way their actions affect the plot of the book.

Explore the way a character dresses and what impression that leaves with the reader.
What positive characteristics does the character possess?
Does the character have a "fatal flaw" that gets him/her into trouble frequently?
Try taking examples of dialogue and analyzing the way a character speaks. Discuss the words he/she chooses and the way his/her words affect other characters.
Finally, tie all of your observations together by explaining the way the characters make the plot move forward.

In the novel Charlotte's Web , by E. B. White, Templeton the rat may seem like an unnecessary character but his constant quest for food moves the plot forward in many ways.

Theme analyses

Exploring the themes (or big ideas that run throughout the story) in a book can be a great way to write a book report because picking a theme that you care about can make the report easier to write. Try bringing some of your thoughts and feelings as a reader into the report as a way to show the power of a theme. Before you discuss your own thoughts, however, be sure to establish what the theme is and how it appears in the story.

Explain exactly what theme you will be exploring in your book report.
Use as many examples and quotations from the book as possible to prove that the theme is important to the story.
Make sure that you talk about each example or quotation you've included. Make a direct connection between the theme and the example from the book.
After you have established the theme and thoroughly examined the way it affects the book, include a few sentences about the impact the theme had upon you and why it made the book more or less enjoyable to read.

In the novel Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry , by Mildred Taylor, the theme of racial prejudice is a major catalyst in the story.

How to write a book report

Close up shot of male student writing a book report in journal. Book report example.

1. Thoroughly read the book

Immerse yourself in the book, taking the time to read it in its entirety. As you read, jot down notes on important aspects such as key points, themes, and character developments.

2. Identify the main elements of the book

Scrutinize the book's primary components, including its main themes, characters, setting, and plot. These elements will form the basis of your report.

3. Formulate a thesis statement

Compose a thesis statement that encapsulates your personal perspective about the book. This should be a concise statement that will guide your analysis and give your report a clear focus.

4. Create a detailed outline

Plan the structure of your book report. This outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs each focusing on a different aspect of the book, and a conclusion.

5. Craft the introduction

The introduction should provide basic information such as the book's title and author, and present your thesis statement. It should engage the reader and make them interested in your analysis.

6. Write the body of the report

In the body of your report, discuss in detail the book's main elements that you identified in step 3. Use specific examples from the text to support your analysis and to prove your thesis statement.

7. Write a strong conclusion

Your conclusion should summarize your analysis, reaffirm your thesis, and provide a closing thought or reflection on the overall book.

8. Review and edit your report

After writing, take the time to revise your report for clarity and coherence. Check for and correct any grammar or spelling errors. Ensure that your report clearly communicates your understanding and analysis of the book.

9. Include citations

If you have used direct quotes or specific ideas from the book, make sure to include proper citations . This is crucial in academic writing and helps avoid plagiarism.

10. Proofread

Finally, proofread your work. Look for any missed errors and make sure that the report is the best it can be before submitting it.

Book report example

Below is a book report example on the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

In To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee presents a thoughtful exploration of racial prejudice, morality, and the loss of innocence. Set in the small, fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression, the book centers around the Finch family - young Scout, her older brother Jem, and their widowed father, Atticus. Scout's character provides a fresh perspective as she narrates her experiences and observations of the unjust racial prejudice in her town. Her honesty and curiosity, coupled with her father's teachings, allow her to grow from innocence to a more profound understanding of her society's inequalities. The plot revolves around Atticus Finch, a respected lawyer, defending a black man, Tom Robinson, unjustly accused of raping a white woman. As the trial progresses, it becomes clear that Robinson is innocent, and the accusation was a product of racial prejudice. Despite compelling evidence in Robinson's favor, he is convicted, symbolizing the power of bias over truth. The theme of racial prejudice is a significant part of the book. Lee uses the trial and its unjust outcome to critique the racial prejudice prevalent in society. For example, despite Atticus's solid defense, the jury's racial bias leads them to find Robinson guilty. This instance highlights how deeply ingrained prejudice can subvert justice. The book also explores the theme of the loss of innocence. Scout and Jem's experiences with prejudice and injustice lead to their loss of innocence and a better understanding of the world's complexities. For example, Scout's realization of her town's unfair treatment of Robinson demonstrates her loss of innocence and her understanding of societal biases. Overall, To Kill a Mockingbird is a compelling exploration of the harsh realities of prejudice and the loss of innocence. Harper Lee's intricate characters and vivid storytelling have made this book a classic.

The above is an excellent book report example for several reasons. First, it provides a clear, concise summary of the plot without giving away the entire story. Second, it analyzes the main characters, their roles, and their impacts on the story. Third, it discusses the major themes of the book - racial prejudice and loss of innocence - and supports these themes with evidence from the text. Finally, it presents a personal perspective on the book's impact and overall message, demonstrating a deep understanding of the book's significance.

Book report checklist

Always include the following elements in any book report:

The type of book report you are writing
The book's title
The author of the book
The time when the story takes place
The location where the story takes place
The names and a brief description of each of the characters you will be discussing
Many quotations and examples from the book to support your opinions
A thesis statement
The point of view of the narrator
Summary of the book
The main points or themes discussed in the work of fiction or non-fiction
The first paragraph (introductory paragraph), body paragraphs, and final paragraph
The writing styles of the author
A critical analysis of the fiction or non-fiction book

Don't forget!

No matter what type of book report you decide to write, ensure it includes basic information about the main characters, and make sure that your writing is clear and expressive so that it’s easy for audiences in middle school, high school, college-level, or any grade level to understand. Also, include examples from the book to support your opinions. Afterward, conduct thorough proofreading to complete the writing process. Book reports may seem disconnected from your other schoolwork, but they help you learn to summarize, compare and contrast, make predictions and connections, and consider different perspectives & skills you'll need throughout your life.

Looking for more writing resources? You can find them in our creative writing center .

Featured Middle School Resources

Test Prep Strategies and Practice for Students

Related Resources

Book reports may be a staple of elementary and middle school education, but they are far less frequently assigned in the higher grades. High school ELA teacher Nancy Barile thinks that should change. Students in 6th grade and above can learn a lot when they are challenged to use higher order thinking skills to understand and interpret the literature they read via a good old-fashioned high school book report template.

To start, Barile recommends that students choose the books they want to write about themselves—with teacher approval, of course. See the book list at the end of this article for engaging young adult titles and book report ideas, including books with thematic elements that are particularly appealing to older readers.

Writing the Report

To structure the book reports, Barile recommends eight sections of analysis that will “require students to provide evidence of their choices and reasoning, which helps them think more deeply about what they have read.” For each section, students should give examples from the book to back up their analysis. The below book report template can help.

If your students need to review the elements of fiction before beginning this assignment, Teaching Powerful Writing is a great resource. This collection of personal narratives and writing activities highlights different writing techniques and covers literary elements such as voice, using flashback, and point of view.

Book Report Breakdown

Students should identify the setting of the novel and explain why the setting is important.

How are the time and place significant to the events of the story?
How does the setting contribute to the overall meaning of the novel?

2. CHARACTERIZATION

Beginning with the protagonist and then moving on to the supporting characters, students should discuss the characterizations in their novel.

Is the character well-developed, or are they a stock or stereotypical character?
Is the character static (unchanging throughout the story) or dynamic (changes by the end of the novel)?
What personality traits does the character possess, and how does this affect the outcome of the novel?
Do the character's inner thoughts and feelings reflect their outward actions? Explain.

3. POINT OF VIEW

Students should identify the novel’s point of view and why it is significant.

What advantages does telling the story in (first person/second person/third person) have? Why?
Why do you think the author chose this point of view?

4. CONFLICT

What is the primary conflict in the novel? Is it human vs. human, human vs. nature, human vs. society, or human vs. themselves? Your students should delve into conflict much more deeply than they may have in the past. If their story has more than one major conflict, they should detail the additional conflicts as well.

Explain the conflict and how the protagonist deals with it.
Does the protagonist overcome the conflict? Or do they succumb to it?

Students should identify the theme of the novel and the specific meaning of the book they chose. They should avoid stock themes such as “Don’t judge a book by its cover” and think more critically on their author’s message.

What was the author’s purpose in writing the book?

What are the symbols in the novel and how are they significant?

How do the symbols help develop the story and contribute to the overall meaning of the book?

7. FORESHADOWING

Students should identify the foreshadowing in their novel and give examples from the text.

Did you know what was going to come? Why?
Were there any hints as to what might occur?
Why do you think the author chose to use or not use foreshadowing?

Finally, students should evaluate the ending of the book.

Was the ending justified? (Was the ending viable and believable?)
Was it a satisfactory ending that fit the rest of the novel?
Was there a catharsis of some kind? Explain.

If your students follow this structure in their book report, it will help them explore each of the elements of fiction in a very specific way. As Barile discovered in her decades of teaching: “Students who explain, interpret, and synthesize what they have read gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of literature.”

Shop great classroom titles for book reports below! You can find all books and activities at The Teacher Store .

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42 Creative Book Report Ideas for Students

Inspire your students to share their love of books.

Responding to what you read is an important literacy skill. Reading about other people’s experiences and perspectives helps kids learn about the world. And although students don’t need to dive deeply into every single book they read, occasionally digging into characters, settings, and themes can help them learn to look beyond the prose. Here are 42 creative book report ideas designed to make reading more meaningful.

1. Concrete Found Poem

A student sample of a concrete found poem

This clever activity is basically a shape poem made up of words, phrases, and whole sentences found in the books students read. The words come together to create an image that represents something from the story.

2. Graphic Novel

Have students rewrite the book they are reading, or a chapter of their book, as a graphic novel. Set parameters for the assignment such as including six scenes from the story, three characters, details about the setting, etc. And, of course, include detailed illustrations to accompany the story.

3. Book Snaps

A picture of a piece of text with comments and visuals added as commentary as an example of creative book report ideas

Book Snaps are a way for students to visually show how they are reacting to, processing, and/or connecting with a text. First, students snap a picture of a page in the book they are reading. Then, they add comments, images, highlights, and more.

4. Diary Entry

Have your students place themselves in the shoes of one of the characters from their book and write a first-person diary entry of a critical moment from the story. Ask them to choose a moment in the story where the character has plenty of interaction and emotion to share in a diary entry.

5. Character To-Do List

This fun activity is an off-the-beaten-path way to dive deep into character analysis. Get inside the head of the main character in a book and write a to-do list that they might write. Use actual information from the text, but also make inferences into what that character may wish to accomplish.

6. Mint Tin Book Report

A mint tin is converted to a book report with an illustration on the inside lid and cards telling about different parts of the book inside as an example of creative book report ideas

There are so many super-creative, open-ended projects you can use mint tins for. This teacher blogger describes the process of creating book reports using them. There’s even a free template for cards that fit inside.

7. Fictional Yearbook Entries

Ask your students to create a yearbook based on the characters and setting in the book. What do they look like? Cut out magazine pictures to give a good visual image for their school picture. What kind of superlative might they get? Best looking? Class clown? What clubs would they be in or lead? Did they win any awards? It should be obvious from their small yearbooks whether your students dug deep into the characters in their books. They may also learn that who we are as individuals is reflected in what we choose to do with our lives.

8. Book Report Cake

A purple cake made from paper cut into slices

This project would be perfect for a book tasting in your classroom! Each student presents their book report in the shape of food. See the sandwich and pizza options above and check out this blog for more delicious ideas.

9. Current Events Comparison

Have students locate three to five current events articles a character in their book might be interested in. After they’ve found the articles, have them explain why the character would find them interesting and how they relate to the book. Learning about how current events affect time, place, and people is critical to helping develop opinions about what we read and experience in life.

10. Sandwich Book Report

A book report made from different sheets of paper assembled to look like a sandwich as an example of creative book report ideas

Yum! You’ll notice a lot of our creative book report ideas revolve around food. In this oldie but goodie, each layer of this book report sandwich covers a different element of the book—characters, setting, conflict, etc. A fun adaptation of this project is the book report cheeseburger.

11. Book Alphabet

Choose 15 to 20 alphabet books to help give your students examples of how they work around themes. Then ask your students to create their own Book Alphabet based on the book they read. What artifacts, vocabulary words, and names reflect the important parts of the book? After they find a word to represent each letter, have them write one sentence that explains where the word fits in.

12. Peekaboo Book Report

A tri-fold science board decorated with a paper head and hands peeking over the top with different pages about the book affixed

Using cardboard lap books (or small science report boards), students include details about their book’s main characters, plot, setting, conflict, resolution, etc. Then they draw a head and arms on card stock and attach them to the board from behind to make it look like the main character is peeking over the report.

13. T-Shirt Book Report

A child wears a t-shirt decorated as a book report as an example of creative book report ideas

Another fun and creative idea: Create a wearable book report with a plain white tee. Come up with your own using Sharpie pens and acrylic paint. Get step-by-step directions .

14. Book Jacket

Have students create a new book jacket for their story. Include an attractive illustrated cover, a summary, a short biography of the author, and a few reviews from readers.

15. Watercolor Rainbow Book Report

This is great for biography research projects. Students cut out a photocopied image of their subject and glue it in the middle. Then, they draw lines from the image to the edges of the paper, like rays of sunshine, and fill in each section with information about the person. As a book report template, the center image could be a copy of the book cover, and each section expands on key information such as character names, theme(s), conflict, resolution, etc.

16. Act the Part

Have students dress up as their favorite character from the book and present an oral book report. If their favorite character is not the main character, retell the story from their point of view.

17. Pizza Box Book Report

A pizza box decorated with a book cover and a paper pizza with book report details as an example of creative book report ideas

If you’re looking for creative book report ideas that use upcycled materials, try this one using a pizza box. It works well for both nonfiction and fiction book reports. The top lid provides a picture of the book cover. Each wedge of the pizza pie tells part of the story.

18. Bookmark

Have students create a custom illustrated bookmark that includes drawings and words from either their favorite chapter or the entire book.

19. Book Reports in a Bag

A group of students pose with their paper bag book reports

Looking for book report ideas that really encourage creative thinking? With book reports in a bag, students read a book and write a summary. Then, they decorate a paper grocery bag with a scene from the book, place five items that represent something from the book inside the bag, and present the bag to the class.

20. Reading Lists for Characters

Ask your students to think about a character in their book. What kinds of books might that character like to read? Take them to the library to choose five books the character might have on their to-be-read list. Have them list the books and explain what each book might mean to the character. Post the to-be-read lists for others to see and choose from—there’s nothing like trying out a book character’s style when developing your own identity.

21. File Folder Book Report

A manilla file folder decorated with elements of a book report as an example of creative book report ideas

Also called a lap book, this easy-to-make book report hits on all the major elements of a book study and gives students a chance to show what they know in a colorful way.

22. Collage

Create a collage using pictures and words that represent different parts of the book. Use old magazines or print pictures from the Internet.

23. Book Report Triorama

A pyradimal shaped 3D book report with illustrations and words written on all sides

Who doesn’t love a multidimensional book report? This image shows a 3D model, but Elisha Ann provides a lesson to show students how to glue four triangles together to make a 4D model.

24. Timeline

Have students create a timeline of the main events from their book. Be sure to include character names and details for each event. Use 8 x 11 sheets of paper taped together or a long portion of bulletin board paper.

25. Clothes Hanger Book Report Mobile

A girl stands next to a book report mobile made from a wire hanger and index cards as an example of creative book report ideas

This creative project doesn’t require a fancy or expensive supply list. Students just need an ordinary clothes hanger, strings, and paper. The body of the hanger is used to identify the book, and the cards on the strings dangling below are filled with key elements of the book, like characters, setting, and a summary.

26. Public Service Announcement

If a student has read a book about a cause that affects people, animals, or the environment, teach them about public service announcements . Once they understand what a PSA is, have them research the issue or cause that stood out in the book. Then give them a template for a storyboard so they can create their own PSA. Some students might want to take it a step further and create a video based on their storyboard. Consider sharing their storyboard or video with an organization that supports the cause or issue.

27. Dodecahedron Book Report

A dodecahedrom 3D sphere made into a book report

Creative book report ideas think outside the box. In this case, it’s a ball! SO much information can be covered on the 12 panels , and it allows students to take a deep dive in a creative way.

28. Character Cards

Make trading cards (like baseball cards) for a few characters from the book. On the front side, draw the character. On the back side, make a list of their character traits and include a quote or two.

29. Book Report Booklets

A book made from folded grocery bags is the template for a student book report as an example of creative book report ideas

This clever book report is made from ordinary paper bags. Stack the paper bags on top of each other, fold them in half, and staple the closed-off ends of the bags together. Students can write, draw, and decorate on the paper bag pages. They can also record information on writing or drawing paper and glue the paper onto the pages. The open ends of the bags can be used as pockets to insert photos, cut-outs, postcards, or other flat items that help them tell their story.

30. Letter to the Author

Write a letter to the author of the book. Tell them three things you really liked about the story. Ask three questions about the plot, characters, or anything else you’re curious about.

31. Book Report Charm Bracelet

A decorated paper hand with paper charms hanging off of it

What a “charming” way to write a book report! Each illustrated bracelet charm captures a character, an event in the plot, setting, or other detail.

32. Fact Sheet

Have students create a list of 10 facts that they learned from reading the book. Have them write the facts in complete sentences, and be sure that each fact is something that they didn’t know before they read the book.

33. Cereal Box TV Book Report

A book report made from cardboard made to resemble a tv set as an example of creative book report ideas

This book report project is a low-tech version of a television made from a cereal box and two paper towel rolls. Students create the viewing screen cut-out at the top, then insert a scroll of paper with writing and illustrations inside the box. When the cardboard roll is rotated, the story unfolds.

34. Be a Character Therapist

Therapists work to uncover their clients’ fears based on their words and actions. When we read books, we must learn to use a character’s actions and dialogue to infer their fears. Many plots revolve around a character’s fear and the work it takes to overcome that fear. Ask students to identify a character’s fear and find 8 to 10 scenes that prove this fear exists. Then have them write about ways the character overcame the fear (or didn’t) in the story. What might the character have done differently?

35. Mind Maps

Mind maps can be a great way to synthesize what students have learned from reading a book. Plus, there are so many ways to approach them. Begin by writing a central idea in the middle of the page. For example, general information, characters, plot, etc. Then branch out from the center with ideas, thoughts, and connections to material from the book.

36. Foldables

A book report made from a paper background and attached flaps as an example of creative book report ideas

From Rainbows Within Reach , this clever idea would be a great introduction to writing book reports. Adapt the flap categories for students at different levels. Adjust the number of categories (or flaps) per the needs of your students.

37. Board games

This is a great project if you want your students to develop a little more insight into what they’re reading. Have them think about the elements of their favorite board games and how they can be adapted to fit this assignment. For more, here are step-by-step directions .

38. Comic strips

A girl stands holding a comic strip book report as an example of creative book report ideas

If you’re looking for creative book report ideas for students who like graphic novels, try comic strips. Include an illustrated cover with the title and author. The pages of the book should retell the story using dialogue and descriptions of the setting and characters. Of course, no comic book would be complete without copious illustrations and thought bubbles.

39. Timeline

Create a timeline using a long roll of butcher paper, a poster board, or index cards taped together. For each event on the timeline, write a brief description of what happens. Add pictures, clip art, word art, and symbols to make the timeline more lively and colorful.

40. Cereal Box

Recycle a cereal box and create a book report Wheaties-style. Decorate all sides of the box with information about the book’s characters, setting, plot, summary, etc.

41. Wanted Poster

Make a “wanted” poster for one of the book’s main characters. Indicate whether they are wanted dead or alive. Include a picture of the character and a description of what the character is “wanted” for, three examples of the character showing this trait, and a detailed account of where the character was last seen.

42. Movie Version

If the book your students have read has been made into a movie, have them write a report about how the versions are alike and different. If the book has not been made into a movie, have them write a report telling how they would make it into a movie, using specific details from the book.

What creative book report ideas did we miss? Come share in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, check out the most popular kids’ books in every grade..

Book reports don't have to be boring. Help your students make the books come alive with these 42 creative book report ideas.

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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.

Price Check

Romeo & Juliet

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare.

The Red Badge of Courage

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

The Princess Bride

Price Check Kindle

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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Not Lost in a Book

Why the “decline by 9” in kids pleasure reading is getting more pronounced, year after year..

Those of us who believe in the power of books worry all the time that reading, as a pursuit, is collapsing, eclipsed by (depending on the era) streaming video, the internet, the television, or the hula hoop. Yet, somehow, reading persists; more books are sold today than were sold before the pandemic. Though print book sales were down 2.6 percent in 2023, they were still 10 percent greater than in 2019 , and some genres—adult fiction, memoirs—rose in sales last year.

But right now, there’s one sector of publishing that is in free fall. At least among one audience, books are dying. Alarmingly, it’s the exact audience whose departure from reading might actually presage a catastrophe for the publishing industry—and for the entire concept of pleasure reading as a common pursuit.

Ask anyone who works with elementary-school children about the state of reading among their kids and you’ll get some dire reports. Sales of “middle-grade” books—the classification covering ages 8 through 12—were down 10 percent in the first three quarters of 2023 , after falling 16 percent in 2022 . It’s the only sector of the industry that’s underperforming compared to 2019. There hasn’t been a middle-grade phenomenon since Dav Pilkey’s Captain Underpants spinoff Dog Man hit the scene in 2016. New middle-grade titles are vanishing from Barnes and Noble shelves, agents and publishers say, due to a new corporate policy focusing on books the company can guarantee will be bestsellers.

Most alarmingly, kids in third and fourth grade are beginning to stop reading for fun. It’s called the “Decline by 9, ” and it’s reaching a crisis point for publishers and educators. According to research by the children’s publishers Scholastic, at age 8, 57 percent of kids say they read books for fun most days; at age 9, only 35 percent do . This trend started before the pandemic, experts say, but the pandemic accelerated things. “I don’t think it’s possible to overstate how disruptive the pandemic was on middle grade readers,” one industry analyst told Publishers Weekly . And everyone I talked to agreed that the sudden drop-off in reading for fun is happening at a crucial age—the very age when, according to publishing lore, lifetime readers are made. “If you can keep them interested in books at that age, it will foster an interest in books the rest of their life,” said Brenna Connor, an industry analyst at Circana, the market research company that runs Bookscan. “If you don’t, they don’t want to read books as an adult.”

What’s causing the Decline by 9? It might be screens, but it’s not only screens. It’s not like kids are suddenly getting their own phones at age 9; recent survey data from Common Sense Media reveals that phone ownership holds steady, at around 30 percent, among kids aged 8 and 9. (It isn’t until they reach 11 or 12 that the majority of American kids have their own phone.) Indeed, several people I spoke to mentioned that middle-graders’ lack of phones created a marketing problem in an era when no one at any publishing house has any idea how to make a book a bestseller other than to hope it blows up on TikTok. “BookTok is imperfect,” said Karen Jensen, a youth librarian and a blogger for School Library Journal, “but in teen publishing it’s generating huge bestsellers, bringing back things from the backlist. There’s not anything like that right now for the middle-grade age group.”

“It’s not like we want these kids to have phones, that’s not the solution,” one executive in children’s books told me ruefully. “But without phones, we’re really struggling to market to them.”

Traditionally, middle-grade book discovery happens via parents, librarians, and—most crucially—peers. At recess, your best friend tells you that you have got to read the Baby-Sitters Club , and boom, you’re hooked. That avenue for discovery evaporated during the pandemic, and it hasn’t come back. “The lag in peer-to-peer recommendations seems to be lingering,” said Joanne O’Sullivan, a children’s book author and PW reporter. “Kids are back in school, so why aren’t they sharing recommendations with each other? Why aren’t they as enthusiastic about books as they were prepandemic?”

Experts I spoke to pointed to any number of causes for middle-graders’ lost love of reading. Yes, screen time is an issue: “We know that screen time increased for many kids during that initial phase of the pandemic,” said Circana’s Connor. “Some of that increased screen time still remains, even though the pandemic is mostly behind us.” Or, as O’Sullivan asked, “Is this generation just iPad babies?”

But others also pointed to the way reading is being taught to young children in an educational environment that gets more and more test-focused all the time. “I do not blame teachers for this,” said O’Sullivan, but the transformation of the reading curriculum means “there’s not a lot of time for discovery and enjoyment in reading.” She noted a change I, too, had noticed: Reading in the classroom has moved away from encouraging students to dive into a whole book and moved toward students reading excerpts and responding to them. “Even in elementary school, you read, you take a quiz, you get the points. You do a reading log, and you have to read so many minutes a day. It’s really taking a lot of the joy out of reading.”

Of course, even many teachers and librarians who buck the curricular pressure—who dream of fostering a love of aimless, testless reading in their young charges—are finding that substantially more difficult in 2024. “Libraries are getting defunded,” said O’Sullivan. “Librarians are being let go. In some states, teachers can’t even keep a classroom library because they have to protect themselves from book bans.” As Jensen wrote in a recent blog post , it sure doesn’t help the children’s book industry when “chat rooms and library board meetings fill up with a small handful of people calling librarians Marxist communist groomers.”

It all adds up to an environment where kids are less passionate about reading and, even if they somehow do get excited, they’re less likely to discover the book that will keep them excited. What are publishers trying to do about it? They’re doubling down on the kinds of books that have been hits for middle-grade readers over the past few years: graphic novels and illustrated novels. Graphic novels, comics published in trade-book form, are a sales bright spot; last year they made up a quarter of all middle-grade sales. And “illustrated novels” have only become more and more popular since the birth of Jeff Kinney’s Wimpy Kid in 2007. Pilkey’s Captain Underpants and Dog Man books live somewhere in that graphic novel/illustrated-book mode—blocks of simple text followed by pages of drawings—and more and more, publishers are looking for light, funny stories-with-pictures that can help uncertain readers make the leap from picture books to big-kid books.

It’s great that the kids who love these books—or Spider-Man comics, or manga, or for that matter off-putting kid-lit “histories” about tragedies that happened in my lifetime —are reading something . For sure! Yet I can’t help but be worried that the kinds of books that changed my life between ages 8 and 12 are falling by the wayside. Is there room for the thoughtful, serious, beautiful young-person’s novel in 2024? Can you publish Bridge to Terabithia in the age of Captain Underpants?

It does seem to be just a little harder to sell that kind of novel these days. “Editors are looking for highly illustrated projects, shorter word counts, a bit more humor and adventure,” said Chelsea Eberly, director of the children’s book agency Greenhouse Literary . Connor was more blunt: “Maybe you think a book about a school shooting is really important,” she said, “but kids want to read a fun book. That’s what kids want today—they want to have fun.”

“If you’re an established author and you have an established reputation” for serious, heartfelt books, said O’Sullivan, you’ll be fine. But if you’re a new author who’s written a quiet, issue-oriented debut, “you might have to think about adapting, in a way.” A publisher might, for example, suggest bringing an illustrator aboard.

One side effect: Those established authors with established reputations tend to be white. The younger, newer authors who are being dissuaded by the market from writing unillustrated non-comedies? They’re increasingly people of color, thanks to the industry’s notably successful attempts at diversification over the past five to 10 years. The result may be a two-tiered system of awards-worthy book publishing, as older, whiter writers continue to publish moving, sensitive novels, while younger, Blacker authors are shut out of that particular market. “When you make it harder for new writers to break through, you’re perpetuating the problems that children’s publishing has been trying to address,” said Jensen.

For her part, Eberly, the book agent, doesn’t think the supply of serious, “award-winning” books will dry up. “Knowing the editors that I sell to, those are the types of books they want to shepherd into the world.” The danger, she says, isn’t that publishers will stop publishing such books; it’s that children won’t be able to find them due to book bans and pressure on librarians and teachers. Which books face the most challenges from book banners? Books by Black and queer authors.

What nearly everyone I spoke to in children’s publishing agrees would solve the problem in a snap is a new blockbuster, the kind of Harry Potter –style success that raises all boats. The industry can’t depend on Captain Underpants forever, even though, as Connor noted, “The devil works hard, but Dav Pilkey works harder.” While more than one person I spoke to expressed an existential fear—what if that next blockbuster never comes? What if we’re in the post-children’s-blockbuster era?—Eberly was more sanguine. “I don’t worry that we’re not going to have another blockbuster,” she said. “I’m hoping that the tent expands. I’ve always kind of hated it when there’s only one tentpole, like Harry Potter or whatever. I want there to be more tentpoles with room for more people underneath.”

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My Name Is Not Easy. age 12+. Fascinating story of Alaskan kids growing up in the 1960s. By: Debby Dahl Edwardson (2011) See full review. Common Sense Media editors help you choose The Best Book-Report Books for Middle Schoolers. Find fiction, nonfiction, and memoirs perfect for engaging kids.
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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.
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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. A Scholastic book list of the year's best-selling fiction and nonfiction books for grades 9-12, featuring classic, contemporary, and award-winning titles.
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By the time your reader hits ninth grade, their literary journey is really in their own hands—the best way to support a healthy reading habit is to help make sure really good books are within reach.. Finding books with the right mix of intrigue, character development, and fast-paced action to keep your ninth grader engaged can be quite the challenge.
36 Books For 9th Graders: Recommendations And Their Amazon Links
Spanning the genres of science fiction, fantasy, romance, adventure, and more, these 36 books feature characters that are diverse, relatable, and sure to resonate with 9th graders ages fourteen and up. 1. Together, Apart by Erin A.Craig, Brittney Morris, and more. Shop Now on Amazon. 2.
How to Write a Book Report
"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." ... Students at every grade level can benefit from writing ...
50 Must-Read Books for Ninth Graders
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'.
Classic Books for a 9th Grade Reading List
Classic Works of Literature for a 9th Grade Reading List. 20 enduring works that will whet young readers' appetites. 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 ...
How to Write a Book Report (+ Book Report Example)
2. Identify the main elements of the book. Scrutinize the book's primary components, including its main themes, characters, setting, and plot. These elements will form the basis of your report. 3. Formulate a thesis statement. Compose a thesis statement that encapsulates your personal perspective about the book.
9th Grade Books
avg rating 3.94 — 1,629,240 ratings — published 2001. Books shelved as 9th-grade: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, The Odyssey by Homer, Of Mice and Men by John S...
Engaging High School Book Report Templates
Students in 6th grade and above can learn a lot when they are challenged to use higher order thinking skills to understand and interpret the literature they read via a good old-fashioned high school book report template. ... See the book list at the end of this article for engaging young adult titles and book report ideas, including books with ...
Recommended 9th Grade Independent Reading Books (18 books)
Recommended 9th Grade Independent Reading Books These are books that previous freshmen have highly enjoyed. flag All ... Rate this book. Clear rating. 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars. 3: It by. Stephen King (Goodreads Author) 4.24 avg rating — 1,115,418 ratings.
42 Creative Book Report Ideas for Every Grade and Subject
15. Watercolor Rainbow Book Report. This is great for biography research projects. Students cut out a photocopied image of their subject and glue it in the middle. Then, they draw lines from the image to the edges of the paper, like rays of sunshine, and fill in each section with information about the person.
The best books for 9th graders (picked by 8,000+ authors)
Meet our 1,370 experts. Cassiopeia Fletcher Author. Caryn Lix Author. Tom Dell'aringa Author. Elizabeth Lowham Author. Raea Gragg Author. Jennie Liu Author. +1,364. 1,370 authors created a book list with books for 9th graders, and here are their favorite books.
9th Grade Reading List
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 Read More »
9th Grade Reading Books
avg rating 4.14 — 5,160,265 ratings — published 2012. Books shelved as 9th-grade-reading: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, The Odyssey by Homer, Night by Elie Wiesel, Animal Farm by George Orwell, an...
9th Grade Book Report Online Classes
Explore engaging 9th grade book report online classes for teens. Deepen reading comprehension, enhance writing skills, and enjoy literature discussions. Search. Browse . ... 9th Grade Fiction Books. 9th Grade Leadership. 9th Grade Fish. 9th Grade Articulation & Dictation. 9th Grade Latin. 9th Grade Swimming. 9th Grade Debate. 9th Grade Trains.
How to get kids to read for fun: People who work on middle-grade books
Sales of "middle-grade" books—the classification covering ages 8 through 12—were down 10 percent in the first three quarters of 2023, after falling 16 percent in 2022. It's the only ...