Starting a book series opens up a world of possibilities for readers of all ages, but especially for 9-year-olds who are ready for more challenging books and complex topics. The right series will not only keep your child engaged, but will also sharpen their reading comprehension, expand their imagination, and improve their vocabulary.
According to recent data from Scholastic's Kids & Family Reading Report based upon children ages 6-17, reading books for fun, as well as positive sentiment towards reading, has declined as kids have grown up up, with a marked decrease by age 9 that does not rebound. This age is an especially important moment to cement a child's love for books.
Perfect for independent reading time, these book series for your 9-year-old will give them the opportunity to explore different worlds, meet relatable characters, and dig into longer plotlines. Exposing your child to a variety of book genres also broadens their interests and love of books.
Check out some of our favorite series for 9-year-olds below!
The Best Series for 9-Year-Olds
The Bad Guys: This team of mischievous bad guys — Mr. Fox, Mr. Shark, Mr. Piranha, and Mr. Snake — might be known for their bad behavior, but when they decide to be good instead, hilarious situations arise in this graphic novel series by Aaron Blabey. It will have the whole family laughing out loud.
The Baby-Sitters Club Graphix: This graphic novel version of the classic series by Ann M. Martin presents the relatable adventures of Dawn, Claudia, Mary Ann, and Stacey with captivating illustrations. These stories about friendship and responsibility will have readers engaged until the last page.
Pokémon: If your child loves the wondrous world of Pokémon, this chapter book series will get them hooked. Readers join Ash and his devoted Pikachu on his quest to become a Pokémon Master.
Goosebumps: Readers will love immersing themselves in R.L. Stine’s stories of haunted masks, demon ventriloquist dummies, and other monsters. Full of plot twists and frights, this series is sure to become a favorite.
The Last Kids on Earth: This action-packed series follows Jack Sullivan and his group of friends as they evade zombies and battle frightful creatures after the Monster Apocalypse. Packed with adventure, these titles are perfect for kids who love lots of thrills and laughs.
Raina Telgemeier: With great humor and a ton of charm, Raina Telgemeier's graphic novels share funny, true tales about growing up, facing your fears, and telling your own story. These books are New York Times best sellers for a reason.
Hello Neighbor: Based on the hit video, Hello Neighbor follows Nicky Roth, a lonely kid who befriends his eccentric neighbor Aaron Peterson after moving to a new town. The boys become inseparable, but when Nicky's suspicions about Aaron turn to sleuthing, he uncovers a dark past that Aaron and the Peterson family can't seem to dispell.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: A modern-day spin on classic Greek legends, this adventure-filled series about a group of teenage demigods will cultivate and capture the imaginations of readers.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Follow Greg Heffley, a middle schooler who illustrates his life, family, and friendships in a diary. It's a series that highlights so many of the pains of school life and the challenges of being a kid, but it will introduce readers to a wonderful new kind of hero who will have everyone cheering.
Harry Potter: In this beloved series, readers join Harry and his friends at Hogwarts, the prestigious school of witchcraft and wizardry, and their exciting — and oftentimes, dangerous — adventures to overcome evil. September 2023, officially marks the 25th anniversary of the U.S. publication of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Even after all these years, the series is still casting a spell over readers of all ages.
Shop more series for 9-year-olds below. Plus, explore our Scholastic Parents book lists to discover the best children's books by age, interest, and more! You can find all books and activities at The Scholastic Store.
