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.
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.
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.
In The Boys Who Challenged Hitler, Hoose interweaves his own narrative with recollections from Knud in this inspiring story of young war heroes.
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.
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.
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. 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. Johnson is currently working on a sequel to Goddess in the Machine. 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. 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. The story of Rebelwing continues in Renegade Flight (February 2021, Razorbill). Continue the dream with the astonishing and heart-stopping sequel Muse of Nightmares.
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.
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. 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. 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. 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. Need more books for 9th graders? Check out these hot Summer 2020 YA Books! 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. 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. 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.
