Best Books for 9th Graders

This powerful book tells the story of two outsiders, George and Lennie, who are in search of work and a dream - a place to call their own. Set in California's Salinas Valley, they eventually find work but their hopes are quickly dashed. Full of universal themes such as friendship and giving voice to America's lonely and dispossessed, Of Mice and Men has become one of Steinbeck's most popular and successful works.

Embark on an epic journey with Homer's timeless tale of Odysseus and his struggle to return home after the Trojan War. In Robert Fagles' acclaimed translation, experience the poetic and mythic retelling of Odysseus' encounters with gods, monsters, and natural forces that test his wit and moral endurance. With a bold contemporary idiom, Fagles captures the energy and mastery of Homer's original work. Renowned classicist Bernard Knox's introduction and commentary offer new insights and background information that enrich the reading experience. A must-read for classicists and literature enthusiasts alike, this modern-verse translation is accessible and captivating for a new generation of readers.

This classic American novel tells the story of a young girl growing up in a sleepy Southern town and the moral crisis that shakes her community to its core. With universal themes of innocence and experience, love and hate, and kindness and cruelty, this Pulitzer Prize-winning book has sold over 18 million copies and been translated into forty languages. Harper Lee's simple love story is now regarded as a masterpiece of American literature.

A group of schoolboys are stranded on an uncharted island with no adult supervision in the midst of a world war. Excited by their newfound freedom, they attempt to create their own society but fail in the face of terror, sin, and evil. As order collapses and fear reigns, the hope of adventure and rescue becomes more distant. Labeled a parable and allegory of the darkness in man's heart, this unforgettable novel can be enjoyed by all.

Explore the dark side of adolescence during World War II in this American classic that has been a bestseller for over thirty years. Set at a boys' boarding school, the harrowing and luminous parable delves into the lives of Gene, a lonely intellectual, and Phineas, a handsome and daring athlete, and the events that forever change their friendship and the innocence of their world. A Separate Peace is a timeless and undisputed classic.

A coming-of-age story that tackles race, identity, and determination, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian follows Junior as he defies the odds to attend an all-white high school. Written by bestselling author Sherman Alexie and accompanied by poignant drawings, this heart-wrenching and humorous book is based on the author's own experiences and is a must-read for anyone looking to explore the complexities of growing up Native American.

March is a powerful memoir chronicling John Lewis’ lifelong fight for civil and human rights. The book reflects on his personal experiences and the broader civil rights movement, discussing the progress made since the days of Jim Crow and segregation. Book One follows Lewis’ youth in rural Alabama, his meeting with Martin Luther King Jr., and the Nashville Student Movement's battle against segregation through nonviolent sit-ins. These comics bring to life a critical moment in history, testifying to a movement whose echoes will be felt for generations to come.

Discover the heartwarming story of Darius, a boy struggling with his sense of identity in both America and Iran. As he navigates his first trip to Iran, dealing with clinical depression and a disapproving father, Darius finds unexpected friendship and belonging with Sohrab, the boy next door. Along the way, he learns about his family, culture, and most importantly, himself. This poignant tale of friendship and self-discovery will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

Experience the life of a Chinese farmer and his family in old agrarian China, where the humble Wang Lung finds glory in nurturing the land. Meanwhile, nearby nobles view themselves above the land and workers, leading to their downfall. With the arrival of hard times, Wang Lung and his family are forced to seek work in the city during a period of riots and social upheaval. Follow Wang Lung's journey as he rises in the world through mercy and kindness, even as the House of Hwang falls.