As a 9th grader, you have the exciting opportunity to explore new books and learn more about the world around you. Whether you’re a voracious reader or someone who just loves to curl up with a good book, there are plenty of excellent books for 9th graders available today. From classic literature to contemporary bestsellers, this list of the top books for 9th graders will help you find the perfect story to satisfy your literary cravings.
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel is a must-read for all 9th graders. Set in the roaring twenties, the novel follows the story of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire who hosts lavish parties in an attempt to win back the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan. Through Gatsby’s story, readers are exposed to the decadence of the Jazz Age and the corruption of the American Dream. The novel is a complex exploration of the human condition, and its themes of love, ambition, and class are as relevant today as they were in the 1920s.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a classic of American literature. Set in the 1930s, the novel follows the story of Scout Finch and her brother Jem, two children living in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama. Through the eyes of Scout, readers are exposed to the complexities of race relations and the importance of standing up for justice. The novel also features Atticus Finch, Scout’s lawyer father, who serves as a moral compass for his children and the reader. To Kill a Mockingbird is an inspiring and thought-provoking read for any 9th grader.
The Catcher in the Rye
J.D. Salinger’s timeless novel is a classic coming-of-age story. Set in the 1950s, the novel follows the story of Holden Caulfield, a teenage misfit who is struggling to make sense of the world around him. Through his adventures in New York City, Holden comes to terms with the struggles of growing up and the importance of finding one’s place in the world. The Catcher in the Rye is a must-read for all 9th graders, and its themes of alienation and identity are as relevant today as they were in the 1950s.
The Outsiders
S.E. Hinton’s classic novel is a must-read for all 9th graders. Set in the 1960s, the novel follows the story of Ponyboy Curtis, a young member of the Greasers, a gang of working-class teens in Oklahoma. Through Ponyboy’s story, readers are exposed to the struggles of growing up in a world of poverty and violence. The novel is an inspiring look at the power of friendship and the importance of standing up for yourself.
The Hunger Games
Suzanne Collins’s bestselling trilogy is an exciting and thought-provoking read for any 9th grader. Set in a futuristic society, the novels follow the story of Katniss Everdeen, a teenage girl who volunteers to take her sister’s place in a deadly game of survival. Through Katniss’s story, readers are exposed to the dangers of a dystopian society and the importance of standing up for what’s right. The Hunger Games is an engrossing read for any 9th grader.
The Fault in Our Stars
John Green’s bestselling novel is an inspiring and heartbreaking story of young love. Set in present-day America, the novel follows the story of Hazel Grace Lancaster, a teenage girl with cancer who falls in love with Augustus Waters, a fellow cancer patient. Through their story, readers are exposed to the beauty and tragedy of life and the power of love. The Fault in Our Stars is an emotional and thought-provoking read for any 9th grader.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Stephen Chbosky’s coming-of-age novel is a must-read for all 9th graders. Set in the 1990s, the novel follows the story of Charlie, an introverted high school student who is struggling to make sense of the world around him. Through Charlie’s story, readers are exposed to the struggles of growing up and the importance of finding one’s place in the world. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is an inspiring and thought-provoking read for any 9th grader.
The Giver
Lois Lowry’s classic novel is an inspiring and thought-provoking read for any 9th grader. Set in a futuristic society, the novel follows the story of Jonas, a young boy who is chosen to be the Receiver of Memory. Through Jonas’s story, readers are exposed to the importance of freedom and the power of choice. The Giver is an engrossing read for any 9th grader.
