Good Books for Nine Year Olds

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  Dog Man

  by Dav Pilkey

  Part dog, part man, all hero—Dog Man fights crime with lots of laughs and heart. Bursting with energy and Pilkey's trademark absurdity.

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  Dragon Masters: Rise of the Earth Dragon

  by Tracey West, Graham Howells

  Young Drake discovers he's a Dragon Master in training. Magic, dragons, and short chapters make this series a beginner fantasy favorite.

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  The Stories Julian Tells

  by Ann Cameron

  Julian is a master storyteller—sometimes stretching the truth to magical heights. These short, gentle stories are full of wonder, warmth, and family life.

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  The Tale of Despereaux

  by Kate DiCamillo

  A brave little mouse sets off on an epic quest in a story of courage, forgiveness, and light. DiCamillo's prose is rich and poetic, making this an instant classic.

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  A to Z Mysteries: The Absent Author

  by Ron Roy

  Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose crack cases from A to Z, starting with the disappearance of a famous author. Short chapters, steady suspense, and clever kids make for perfect early mysteries.

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  Miss Nelson is Missing!

  by Harry Allard, James Marshall

  When sweet Miss Nelson disappears, the class gets stuck with terrifying Miss Viola Swamp. A clever and funny tale about appreciating kindness.

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  Charlie & Mouse

  by Laurel Snyder, Emily Hughes

  Two brothers share a series of small adventures in this delightful early reader. Short, sweet, and filled with sibling warmth and giggles.

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  Horrible Harry in Room 2B

  by Suzy Kline

  Harry is a lovable troublemaker whose classroom antics keep things lively. A fun, realistic school story with plenty of mischief.

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  The Infamous Ratsos

  by Kara LaReau, Matt Myers

  Two tough rat brothers try to act mean—but keep accidentally doing good. Short, funny, and packed with heart and humor.

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  Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark

  by Mary Pope Osborne

  Jack and Annie discover a magical treehouse that whisks them back to the age of dinosaurs. The first in a wildly popular series blending history, adventure, and imagination.