Fiction recommendations for a nine year old?
August 18, 2023 5:51 AM Subscribe
I usually read to my son at bedtime, but I'm running out of books. Does anyone have recommendations for authors that are not in either list below? He's into science, technology and survival stuff.
LIKES:
C.S. Lewis / Narnia
Diana Wynne Jones / Chrestomanci
Jack Meggitt-Phillips / The Beast and the Bethany
M.G. Leonard / Twitch
Enid Blyton / Famous Five
Lindsay Galvin / Darwin's Dragons
Gary Paulsen / Hatchet
TRIED BUT DIDN'T LIKE:
Katherine Rundell
Terry Pratchett
J.R.R. Tolkien / The Hobbit
Rick Riordan / Percy Jackson
Michael Morpurgo
Kenneth Grahame / The Wind In The Willows
LIKES:
C.S. Lewis / Narnia
Diana Wynne Jones / Chrestomanci
Jack Meggitt-Phillips / The Beast and the Bethany
M.G. Leonard / Twitch
Enid Blyton / Famous Five
Lindsay Galvin / Darwin's Dragons
Gary Paulsen / Hatchet
TRIED BUT DIDN'T LIKE:
Katherine Rundell
Terry Pratchett
J.R.R. Tolkien / The Hobbit
Rick Riordan / Percy Jackson
Michael Morpurgo
Kenneth Grahame / The Wind In The Willows
Best answer: If Enid Blyton works, then other 20thC children's authors might.
Leon Garfield writes about survival on the mean streets on 18thC England. Devil in the Fog (1966) and Smith (1967) have a Dickens vibe. A tad old for own-self-read but fine as a bed-time chapter book.
Also Rosemary Sutcliffe. The Eagle of the Ninth (1954) and Knight's Fee (1966) to start?
posted by BobTheScientist at 6:19 AM on August 18, 2023
Leon Garfield writes about survival on the mean streets on 18thC England. Devil in the Fog (1966) and Smith (1967) have a Dickens vibe. A tad old for own-self-read but fine as a bed-time chapter book.
Also Rosemary Sutcliffe. The Eagle of the Ninth (1954) and Knight's Fee (1966) to start?
posted by BobTheScientist at 6:19 AM on August 18, 2023
Has he read My Side of the Mountain? A lot of "middle grade" books are really well written and he should read those before moving on. Holes by Sachar is anothor one.
posted by BibiRose at 6:36 AM on August 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by BibiRose at 6:36 AM on August 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
Best answer: For science:
George's Secret Key to Universe is the first of several books by Lucy Hawking and her dad Stephen Hawking - yes, that one. The first few worked well for us as bedtime reading when my kid was around 9-10 because they combine a fictional story and non-fiction interludes. I haven't read the more recent ones because you turn your back and suddenly your third grader is in high school.
The Time and Space of Uncle Albert - our kid also enjoyed these, though we didn't do them as read-alouds.
For survival - I will third My Side of the Mountain.
His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman - both our kids enjoyed the His Dark Materials trilogy around 9/10. Also, just FYI, these books are very critical of organized religion and the follow-up Book of Dust trilogy (still in process) are heavier in ways that I think are best for older kids
Also, a note about A Wrinkle in Time and its sequels - I remember loving those books and we did read some of them to our older kid BUT they were way more religious than I remember. Since your family has enjoyed the Narnia books, I'm guessing that won't be in an issue, but just wanted to mention it.
posted by ElizaMain at 6:53 AM on August 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
George's Secret Key to Universe is the first of several books by Lucy Hawking and her dad Stephen Hawking - yes, that one. The first few worked well for us as bedtime reading when my kid was around 9-10 because they combine a fictional story and non-fiction interludes. I haven't read the more recent ones because you turn your back and suddenly your third grader is in high school.
The Time and Space of Uncle Albert - our kid also enjoyed these, though we didn't do them as read-alouds.
For survival - I will third My Side of the Mountain.
His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman - both our kids enjoyed the His Dark Materials trilogy around 9/10. Also, just FYI, these books are very critical of organized religion and the follow-up Book of Dust trilogy (still in process) are heavier in ways that I think are best for older kids
Also, a note about A Wrinkle in Time and its sequels - I remember loving those books and we did read some of them to our older kid BUT they were way more religious than I remember. Since your family has enjoyed the Narnia books, I'm guessing that won't be in an issue, but just wanted to mention it.
posted by ElizaMain at 6:53 AM on August 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
My kiddo with similar interests loved The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp by Kathi Appelt. Bonus if you have Audible - Lyle Lovett reads it.
posted by banjonaut at 7:04 AM on August 18, 2023
posted by banjonaut at 7:04 AM on August 18, 2023
That was just about the age that I (with fairly similar interests at the time) fell in love with Isaac Asimov. The "I, Robot" book of short stories is a great place to start.
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 7:34 AM on August 18, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 7:34 AM on August 18, 2023 [3 favorites]
Best answer: The Ranger's Apprentice is a great YA fantasy. The first two books I recommend without reservation. The third has an annoying plot line about enslavement and forced addiction that you may/probably want to avoid for now.
posted by SaltySalticid at 7:37 AM on August 18, 2023
posted by SaltySalticid at 7:37 AM on August 18, 2023
Best answer: The combo of Narnia and The Famous Five makes me think that your kid (like me) enjoys stories about groups of children adventuring together.
Seconding Madeleine L'Engle, my very favorite book of hers is Many Waters and reading and rereading it didn't stop me from growing up to be a witchy pagan adult so there's that.
Top three from me:
Five Children and It by E. Nesbit
Nicobobinus by Terry Jones
The very first book about The Boxcar Children
posted by RobinofFrocksley at 7:50 AM on August 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
Seconding Madeleine L'Engle, my very favorite book of hers is Many Waters and reading and rereading it didn't stop me from growing up to be a witchy pagan adult so there's that.
Top three from me:
Five Children and It by E. Nesbit
Nicobobinus by Terry Jones
The very first book about The Boxcar Children
posted by RobinofFrocksley at 7:50 AM on August 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
Best answer: Oh also last thing I was forever changed in all the good ways by The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper
posted by RobinofFrocksley at 7:57 AM on August 18, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by RobinofFrocksley at 7:57 AM on August 18, 2023 [4 favorites]
Best answer: Seconding Holes, though I’d preview the content and use your judgment.
I haven’t managed to get my kids to read The Tripods Trilogy but remember loving it—definitely a lot of “science, technology, and survival” in there.
In the fantasy vein, The Chronicles of Prydain is sort of Tolkein-lite and the prose is definitely more accessible.
groups of children adventuring together
The Mysterious Benedict Society fits this bill (the TV adaptation was actually better IMO, but people seem to love the books).
Percy Jackson may not have been a hit but Riordan’s recent Daughter of the Deep was pretty engaging and (pseudo-)sciency.
My younger son loved the Keeper of the Lost Cities series.
posted by staggernation at 8:18 AM on August 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
I haven’t managed to get my kids to read The Tripods Trilogy but remember loving it—definitely a lot of “science, technology, and survival” in there.
In the fantasy vein, The Chronicles of Prydain is sort of Tolkein-lite and the prose is definitely more accessible.
groups of children adventuring together
The Mysterious Benedict Society fits this bill (the TV adaptation was actually better IMO, but people seem to love the books).
Percy Jackson may not have been a hit but Riordan’s recent Daughter of the Deep was pretty engaging and (pseudo-)sciency.
My younger son loved the Keeper of the Lost Cities series.
posted by staggernation at 8:18 AM on August 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
Best answer: Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
Spy School series by Stuart Gibbs (or any of his series, lots of different genres)
posted by wsquared at 8:37 AM on August 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
Spy School series by Stuart Gibbs (or any of his series, lots of different genres)
posted by wsquared at 8:37 AM on August 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
our 8 year old is all about the "wings of fire" series by tui t. sutherland, a fantasy series about dragons.
there are both chapter books and graphic novel versions (the graphic novels are like 8 books behind though).
posted by noloveforned at 8:59 AM on August 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
there are both chapter books and graphic novel versions (the graphic novels are like 8 books behind though).
posted by noloveforned at 8:59 AM on August 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
Nthing His Dark Materials trilogy & The Dark is Rising sequence!
I read those around the age of 9 and loved loved loved them (though the last book of His Dark Materials didn't come out until I was older, and the content in that book was best suited for teens imo so that worked nicely) I've reread these frequently and think, other than that caveat, they're age appropriate.
Some of Diana Wynne Jones's other books might also be winners. I love them all, but Dark Lord of Derkholm is one I'd particularly recommend!
I started getting really into Arthur C. Clarke at that age. 2001: A Space Odyssey was a favorite! Also loved a compendium of his shorter stories.
Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book is very good.
I was a HUGE fan of Michael Crichton, maybe around the age of 12 though. Andromeda Strain for example is great, very explainy amidst the action. I've always loved explainy books but your son may not be as into it. Not Jurassic Park though. Velociraptors. shudder
Started loving Sherlock Holmes around 10 iirc.
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer has sciencey fairies. I found the first two or three books of the series really fun.
My really out-there recommendation, not for bedtime probably but about survival:
My pediatrician had a book in the waiting room called "Now I Know Better: Kids Tell Kids About Safety". It's 70 letters from kids ages 5 to 19, briefly describing a time they or someone close to them had been injured and what kind of treatment they needed, with commentary on safety from the Yale pediatric ER team who put the book together.
I was OBSESSED with this book (and a sequel iirc). It's long out of print now but there are $15 copies on the internet if your kid might like this.
posted by Baethan at 9:08 AM on August 18, 2023 [4 favorites]
I read those around the age of 9 and loved loved loved them (though the last book of His Dark Materials didn't come out until I was older, and the content in that book was best suited for teens imo so that worked nicely) I've reread these frequently and think, other than that caveat, they're age appropriate.
Some of Diana Wynne Jones's other books might also be winners. I love them all, but Dark Lord of Derkholm is one I'd particularly recommend!
I started getting really into Arthur C. Clarke at that age. 2001: A Space Odyssey was a favorite! Also loved a compendium of his shorter stories.
Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book is very good.
I was a HUGE fan of Michael Crichton, maybe around the age of 12 though. Andromeda Strain for example is great, very explainy amidst the action. I've always loved explainy books but your son may not be as into it. Not Jurassic Park though. Velociraptors. shudder
Started loving Sherlock Holmes around 10 iirc.
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer has sciencey fairies. I found the first two or three books of the series really fun.
My really out-there recommendation, not for bedtime probably but about survival:
My pediatrician had a book in the waiting room called "Now I Know Better: Kids Tell Kids About Safety". It's 70 letters from kids ages 5 to 19, briefly describing a time they or someone close to them had been injured and what kind of treatment they needed, with commentary on safety from the Yale pediatric ER team who put the book together.
I was OBSESSED with this book (and a sequel iirc). It's long out of print now but there are $15 copies on the internet if your kid might like this.
posted by Baethan at 9:08 AM on August 18, 2023 [4 favorites]
Best answer: Sounds a lot like my kids, just nine years ago...
Here are a couple of offbeat ones. First is The Boy at the End of the World, which is.. not good, but also great? So much so that they both still re-read it once a year or so.
Second is The Wild Robot, which is pretty good stuff at that age, and if your son likes it, there are a few sequels.
My guys are at school right now; will ask them for more suggestions when they get back.
posted by martin q blank at 9:58 AM on August 18, 2023
Here are a couple of offbeat ones. First is The Boy at the End of the World, which is.. not good, but also great? So much so that they both still re-read it once a year or so.
Second is The Wild Robot, which is pretty good stuff at that age, and if your son likes it, there are a few sequels.
My guys are at school right now; will ask them for more suggestions when they get back.
posted by martin q blank at 9:58 AM on August 18, 2023
I loved the Swiss Family Robinson sooo much at that age - plenty of survival but it did indeed have a lot of God (which I didn't notice much at the time, ymmv). Maybe also Treasure Island or Robinson Crusoe? Nine is also perfect for D'Aulaires' Greek Myths!
posted by nkknkk at 10:59 AM on August 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by nkknkk at 10:59 AM on August 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
Earthsea series by Ursula LeGuin.
(re: Terry Pratchett: I hated those first few Discworld novels featuring Rincewind. I started in the middle with Vimes stories.)
posted by ovvl at 11:13 AM on August 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
(re: Terry Pratchett: I hated those first few Discworld novels featuring Rincewind. I started in the middle with Vimes stories.)
posted by ovvl at 11:13 AM on August 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
We just read The Candymakers which includes how to make candy technology and is told from the perspective of the 4 main characters who are kids. It has multiple mysteries.
You may also enjoy The Heros Guide to Saving The Kingdom which are laugh out loud silly but do not go deep into detailed world building.
I also upvote anything by Stuart Gibbs, E Nesbitt, and Holes.
posted by mutt.cyberspace at 11:53 AM on August 18, 2023
You may also enjoy The Heros Guide to Saving The Kingdom which are laugh out loud silly but do not go deep into detailed world building.
I also upvote anything by Stuart Gibbs, E Nesbitt, and Holes.
posted by mutt.cyberspace at 11:53 AM on August 18, 2023
How about Never Cry Wolf. Great movie as well.
posted by BoscosMom at 1:17 PM on August 18, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by BoscosMom at 1:17 PM on August 18, 2023 [3 favorites]
Seconding Kate DiCamillo, especially Flora & Ulysses, which I love love love.
You could also try Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston. It's pretty frank about race and bullying (the protagonist is a young Black girl) and includes some monster fights, but is otherwise pretty light and engaging.
posted by that's candlepin at 1:25 PM on August 18, 2023
You could also try Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston. It's pretty frank about race and bullying (the protagonist is a young Black girl) and includes some monster fights, but is otherwise pretty light and engaging.
posted by that's candlepin at 1:25 PM on August 18, 2023
After picking my 43 year old kid's brain, here's a short list:
Jean Craighead George - My Side of the Mountain, On the Far Side of the Mountain, Frightful's Mountain
Natalie Babbitt - Tuck Everlasting
Walter Moers - Rumo and His Miraculous Adventures
Philip Pullman - The Book of Dust trilogy, His Dark Materials series
Francesca Lia Block - Weetzie Bat series
posted by Scout405 at 4:02 PM on August 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
Jean Craighead George - My Side of the Mountain, On the Far Side of the Mountain, Frightful's Mountain
Natalie Babbitt - Tuck Everlasting
Walter Moers - Rumo and His Miraculous Adventures
Philip Pullman - The Book of Dust trilogy, His Dark Materials series
Francesca Lia Block - Weetzie Bat series
posted by Scout405 at 4:02 PM on August 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
I read the hell out o fthe Dragonsong books at that age. Can't say how well they've aged. I wonder if it isn't a perfectly nice age to introduce Becky Chambers thought, perhaps the first robot and monk book.
posted by Iteki at 4:19 PM on August 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Iteki at 4:19 PM on August 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
Best answer: How about Never Cry Wolf. Great movie as well.
I'd recommend Lost in the Barrens. It's also by Farley Mowat, but with teenage protagonists. A great story of survival in the wilderness.
And if that's a hit, there's the sequel, Curse of the Viking Grave.
posted by Kabanos at 4:47 PM on August 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
I'd recommend Lost in the Barrens. It's also by Farley Mowat, but with teenage protagonists. A great story of survival in the wilderness.
And if that's a hit, there's the sequel, Curse of the Viking Grave.
posted by Kabanos at 4:47 PM on August 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder
My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell
Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat
The Zucchini Warriors by Gordon Korman
posted by nouvelle-personne at 6:46 PM on August 18, 2023
My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell
Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat
The Zucchini Warriors by Gordon Korman
posted by nouvelle-personne at 6:46 PM on August 18, 2023
In case you needed one more person to recommend My Side of the Mountain—I’ll add my voice. I have re-read it a few times as an adult and it really holds up.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 11:03 PM on August 18, 2023
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 11:03 PM on August 18, 2023
Best answer: How about the Borrowers books?
posted by inexorably_forward at 12:55 AM on August 19, 2023
posted by inexorably_forward at 12:55 AM on August 19, 2023
Response by poster: Thanks everyone! Some great answers here!
posted by TheophileEscargot at 3:36 AM on August 19, 2023
posted by TheophileEscargot at 3:36 AM on August 19, 2023
Maybe the swallows and amazons series would be suitable if he liked the famous five - it’s about a group of British children having summer vacation adventures. Written in the 1930s.
posted by colourlesssleep at 7:10 AM on August 19, 2023
posted by colourlesssleep at 7:10 AM on August 19, 2023
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posted by chesty_a_arthur at 5:55 AM on August 18, 2023 [3 favorites]