Something about September…

in more than meets the eye

So, yeah.  This is a purposely disjointed post because it’s too heavy and triggering to stand alone so I’m going to add something light and (somewhat) lovely at the end.  For once, my disorganized posting is actually non-accidental.  This is cause for celebration, although the comment section might be incredibly confusing.

So here’s the first subject, and it’s not fun but it’s fucking important, so listen.

This week is Suicide Prevention Week.  I always appreciate that it comes in September because there’s something about September that wants to eat you.  I don’t know why.  I just know that depression lies and it lies the loudest and most convincingly in September.  That’s why today I’m reminding you that suicide hotlines are amazing and have saved me from self-harm on numerous occasions.  If you need someone to talk to, or if you’re someone who knows a person who needs help and you need advice on what to say or do, call.  That’s what they’re there for.

Also, because so many of us are online, this page about safety teams on social media sites can be crazy helpful.  (Not sure if there’s a non-American version of this.)

Here are some good numbers to have:

Suicide Prevention Lifeline (US)

Canadian Mental Health Association (Canada)

Befrienders Worldwide (International)

Also, To Write Love on Her Arms is doing a fabulous thing where they’re asking you to share why you can’t be replaced.  It’s a perfect reminder of why you’re important and it’s a bad-ass way to flip it around and tell other people why you think they can’t be replaced.  If you can’t think of anything to write on yours then ask your friends or family to fill it out for you.  You cannot be replaced.  Trust me on this one.

Here’s mine.

.

Okay.  That was a little dark, but sometimes you have to visit the dark to appreciate the light.  And now for the light…

This month Hailey turns 9 and I wanted to bring cupcakes to her class but there are some severely allergic kids in there and I don’t want to accidentally kill them.  Instead I was considering just bringing all the kids a book.  Around age 9 was when I realized that books were slightly better than cupcakes, so I think it might go over vaguely well but now I can’t pick a book.  I wanted to do Magic Trixie or Coraline, but I’m afraid there are some uber-religious kids in the class who might not be allowed to read anything magical (and that made my heart hurt just writing it) and so now I’m not sure what to get since almost all of the books that Hailey and I read are a bit dark or objectionable-in-the-best-possible-way.  What was your favorite book when you were 9?  Any recommendations? (Ideally under $10 and good for any gender.)  I’m leaning toward Hank the Cowdog but is that one of those books that everyone already owns by age 9?  Help.

Updated (9-16): Holy crap, you people have some amazing suggestions and I’ve started a whole reading list for Hailey just based on these comments.  In the end I took your suggestions to talk to the teacher about ordering from Scholastic and she was crazy helpful and I was able to get about 100 fantastic books to give out to the kids and to be used as an impromptu lending library.  They had Bunnicula for a dollar so I bought dozens of those and I plan on buying more and handing them out on Halloween for All Hallow’s Read.  Also, I’ve never read A Wrinkle in Time, but so many of you suggested it that I bought it on Saturday and Hailey and I are already halfway through it.  It is spectacular.  Thank you.

1,473 thoughts on “Something about September…”

Read comments below or add one.

  4. Sideways Stories from Wayside School! My friends and I thought that was the goofiest book in the whole world. The chapters are short, there’s a weird character everyone can relate to, and it makes you appreciate your own school just a little bit more.

    What a fabulous idea to give a book for a birthday treat.

  11. My birthday was on Saturday and it was a horrible day. It was better than most birthdays because I have a loving family who visited the weekend before and a loving boyfriend who spent the day with me but it never fails that the beginning of my winter depression and anxiety spiral starts near my birthday. September sucks but depression lies and in a few more weeks, September will be over and I will be the same kickass person I am right now.

  15. How about “Fortunately the Milk” by Neil Gaiman? It’s out Sept. 17, and Amazon has it for pre-order at $8.99.

  16. I loved the Little House on the Praire series (for obvious reasons) and Jack London’s “White Fang”

  17. My local Target has copies of “The Wizard of Oz” on sale in their dollar bins for only $.50 each–might be an idea?

  18. Why are kids SO complicated these days?! Bring them peanut butter cookies, Matilda, and tell them to toughen up! JK.

  23. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente.

  24. Agreed – September sucks. The last two times I’ve had to go back on anti-depressants was in September. I think it’s the crappy weather combined with your kids’ going to school (aka not needing you anymore, at least that’s what it feels like).

    I love the Lorax.

  27. At 9, they might be ready for Louis Sachar’s Holes, or anything else by him. I particularly loved, “Someday, Angeline.”

  29. The Hobbit was my fav when I was nine, closely followed by the Anne of Green Gables books. I was a strange little kid who read pretty much anything I could get my hands on, and rarely was it age appropriate. By the time I was almost 11, I was into Peter Straub and then Stephen King, and my favorite of all time, Edgar Allen Poe.

    Being that you want to appeal to the entire class, I’d go with Hank the Cowdog. It’s one that we’ve read so many times around here, we’ve already replaced it. Gaby now reads it to her niece over Skype. I have a feeling we’ll be replacing it again as her current copy is going to be making a flight to the UK where it will stay forever and ever.

  30. I’m trying to remember how old I was when I discovered that books were something necessary for me. My teacher read us Charlotte’s Web, and I realized I really needed to have this book.

    Is Charlotte’s Web too young for 9? Pretty sure it was my 2nd grade teacher who read it to us, which means I was 7.

  31. PEANUTS!!!! Who wouldn’t love a Snoopy book! 🙂

    I can not be replaced because: I’m unique… there will never be another me!

  32. Is 9 too old for Shel Silverstein? I still read Shel Silverstein. Pretty much all his books are between $10-15 on Amazon. I’d give them either The Giving Tree or The Missing Piece or Where the Sidewalk Ends.

  33. “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein. It’s a great book that taught me not to be such a selfish little kid, as many are, and that it’s important to think of others and what they give for/to you.

  34. The Freddy the Pig books are HYSTERICAL. And I don’t think anyone could object to them, and they’re in the perfect age bracket. Freddy the Detective is the best (and also the easiest to find). However, just writing “easier to find” reminded me that they’re out of print, so that might make it tricky for finding enough for the entire class …

  35. Does her school participate in Scholastic Reading Clubs? You could give them each a gift certificate for a book and let them each pick their own. Also, 31 years ago last week, we lost my cousin to suicide. It still hurts. I still miss him. He mattered. Our family never fully recovered. He missed meeting his siblings spouses. He missed meeting his nieces and nephews. He missed my wedding and never got to meet my kids. So, yes. YOU ALL MATTER.

  36. I love “From the mixed up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler” I love that they run away…fare on their own but eventually come home of their own accord. Plus there is the whole solving the mystery part too!

  39. How about “From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler “? Loved that book at age 9. My teacher read it to us.

    September is the month I finally break out of depression because it means there is an end in sight to the long, uber hot days and fall is coming.

  40. I admitted to the first person ever that I have been suicidal in the past this weekend and its why I got my dogs – so something depended on me. I have never told anyone that and I’m still pretty much a mess about it. The crazy thing is he said “I need you, you can’t be gone.” Its been a rough few days but its ringing in my head and just that will keep me going.

    fuck September.

  41. Hank the Cowdog is a great option. If they already have it, they can share the love with someone else. What a great idea

  42. I loved Encyclopedia Brown and The Great Brain, but I am old, so I don’t know kids these days. If you give Encyclopedia Brown, you can give out the various books to different kids so that they can pass around and share when they are done.

  44. Island of the Blue Dolphins or Swallows and Amazons? I loved the idea of being on my own at that age. Both books are about kids surviving on their own in a fantastic way…although Island of the Blue Dolphins is a bit dark…

  45. “Love You Forever” or “Five Minutes Peace” [although I’m pretty sure the moms of Hailey’s classmates would appreciate that one more]. Doesn’t matter how old they are — both have important lessons.

  46. Charlotte’s Web was my favorite book when I was around that age, though now the thought of a spider writing things with her web kind of terrifies me a little.

  47. Or The Bongleweed, or Trillions, or the Wombles, or Professor Branestawm, or Stig of the Dump, or Tom’s Midnight Garden, or Fattypuffs and Thinifers, or the Borrowers. All of these are brilliant books! I hope one of them might work for you all.

  52. Hank The Cowdog is great. I didn’t own it at 9. In fact, I never owned. I had to check them out at the library. My mother was absolutely NO fun. However, I still love The Polar Express. Not under $10… Anyway… OH! James And The Giant Peach!!

  53. First: You entertain me unlike any other person I’ve read (and briefly met). 🙂

    Second: Any one of the Ramona Quimby series. For reals.

  57. Roald Dahl’s “The BFG” totally changed my world at about that age. Would highly recommend anything by him. All his books are licksquishy. 😀

  58. I read the second of this series and just loved the kookieness of it. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599904357/ref=s9_simp_gw_s0_p14_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0PGZQHSG63FVGSN5Y45W&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846 It might pass the test. It’s super cool because it brings in science and math stuff in such a way that I didn’t even notice it. Which is great to support kids going into STEM paths. Anyway. I loved the second one, and I imagine all 3 are great.

    These books also cracked me up as a kid. http://www.amazon.com/Howliday-Bunnicula-Friends-James-Howe/dp/1416928154/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378754552&sr=1-2 A little “scary,” but totally awesome!

  60. Thank you for sharing this, I really appreciate it. I have had a lot of friends that have attempted and I shared this post with my twitter. You are amazing Jenny Lawson!

  62. My Teacher is an Alien was a favorite of mine in 3rd grade. Granted my mother was my third grade teacher. Life was a little weird.

  63. I have to agree with SaraBeth, I’m also 35 and freaked out by Coraline. Hank the Cowdog is always a win. I would keep it light and simple since (sadly) there are a lot of kids out there who don’t like to read at all.

  65. I think I was about 10 when I read Maniac Magee, and it was so good I remember it being the first book I read in one sitting.

  68. I wanna say that’s the age I discovered The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton and everything by Judy Blume. I’m interested to see what others come up with since my son turns 8 in six months. He’s just finished Sir Fartsalot Hunts The Booger, lots of vocabulary building text and quite a bit of inappropriate humor I’m guessing 9 years would lilke

  71. Kids (and adults for that matter) book suggestion: The One and Only Ivan. I think nine is the right age for this. Mine are 4 and 5, and still too young to sit through a chapter book without pictures.

  72. Give them all a composition book and a nice pencil and encourage them to write their own story. Probably a little less expensive as well.

  74. My birthday is in September too! September babies rock! – My two favorite books (which sadly I do not have in my possession…yet) are “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” and “The Giving Tree”. – OK, admittedly, 9 may be too old for these books. But I’m (almost) 29 and I still love them!

  75. Because I still like reading kids books 😛
    I love Measle & Wrathmonk series by Ian Ogilvy.. I dont know if thats available in USA but theyre awesome.. (like harry potter ISH but only in terms of the kid being an orphan n having to get out of horrible crap that happens to him)

  77. I loved anything by Ronald Dahl! The BFG was probably my favorite. Magical, and sometimes a little dark, but not enough to twist the panties of “those” parents. I know, because I had “those” parents. (The kind who removed me from class when a PG-13 movie was being shown. Yep.)

  78. I just asked my thirteen year old son what he liked when he was 9 and he said he loved the Captain Underpants books. Those might be a little more geared toward boys. He also loved Roald Dahl. He said Boy, James and the Giant Peach, and George’s Marvelous Medicine were his favorites. My 10 year old daughter loves the Ramona books but again a little more geared toward girls.

  79. Fortunately the milk by Neil Gaiman is out this month, maybe they’d like that? Alice in Wonderland is always a classic as well as Peter Pan. Or maybe The Frog Prince Continued.

  80. I began my love for Madelien L’Engle books at that age. There is the Wrinkle in Time trilogy, An Acceptable Time, The Young Unicorns (no unicorns actually involved), etc. The great thing about starting out with Wrinkle, is that L’Engle has a large body of work that only gets more mature from there, so you can grow up reading her.

  81. I would highly recommend the Humphrey books by Betty G Birney – the first one is less than 10$ for sure – probably more like 6$. They’re gender free and cute as heck.

    Also, I can’t stress enough the depression lies thing. And how awesome the helplines can be. And Jenny, another reason you’re irreplaceable is because you’ve made this awesome, unbelieveable internet community that gives hope when there isn’t any.

  82. Because of Winn Dixie? Freckle Juice? Tales of a 4th grade nothing? The Best School Year Ever? All are popular here and I have kids that age of both sexes.

  83. “James and the Giant Peach” or “Tales of a Fourth-Grade Nothing.” Love those two 30+ years later. Introduced to both in my classroom readers then DEVOURED the entire books from the school library. Dahl & Blume changed my life.

  85. Mr Stink by David Walliums is a treat, about a little girl that adopts a homeless man, very like Dahl, very amusing and I’m sure the ‘good people’ will find a message in there somewhere 😀

  86. Hi Jenny,

    That suicide hotlines by state website is crazy out of date. I know because I run one of the hotlines listed on it and I can’t get them to update our information that has been wrong for almost 10 years. There is information on other hotlines for my state that I know is wrong as well. Your post has inspired me to try again to update my hotline’s information on this site, but in the meantime the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number will route you to the closest certified member hotline in your state (800-273-8255).

    Thanks for all you do. You CANNOT be replaced.

    (You rock. I’ll take down the other one. There’s nothing more depressing than reaching out for help and not finding it. ~ Jenny)

  87. Two of my favorite books when I was that age were Charlotte’s Web and How to eat fried worms. I’d go with Charlotte’s Web. Not many girls I knew liked How to eat fried worms.

  89. Why not get a selection? And anything except The Girl from Yamhill by Beverley Cleary are great. (Girl from Yamhill is her autobiography and while it gets put with kids’ stuff, it is not a kids’ book.)

  90. ferdinand the bull!! A wrinkle in time. The blueberry pie elf. Stuart Little. The Stinky Cheese Man! Pumpernickle tickle and mean green cheese!

  91. James and the Giant Peach…anything Roald Dahl.
    Calvin & Hobbes would be fun and reach across reading levels though. Sorry, ahem, the teacher in me snuck out.

  92. Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing by Judy Blume. It’s a classic, with no objectionable material. And if you haven’t read it, put it on your list!

  95. My 10 year old was breezing thru Harry Potter when she was 9… (as my 8 year old is now). You don’t want to bring them anything too easy! How about Lemony Snicket? 🙂

  96. I really loved Beverly Cleary when I was that age. Ramona transcends gender boundaries. I’m bad with age appropriateness and my childhood seems to glob together in my brain, so those might be too young and not hip for the 9 year old crowd. Oh maybe Captain Underpants? I bought those for my nephew once. He seemed amused.

  98. I LOVE this post. Not only are you reaching out to those who need to be lifted up and know they are important, but you are sharing something dear to my heart…reading. I had a tough childhood and had some hard times growing up (around the age that Hailey is now), but the one thing that helped me escape and gave me something to look forward to was reading. Maybe the book you choose will reach out to one of the kids in Hailey’s class too. 🙂

  101. Some favorites when I was that age:

    The Black Stallion books
    All of Marguerite Henry’s “Misty” books
    The My Friend Flicka series
    Little House on the Prairie series
    Mr. Popper’s Penguins
    The Chronicles of Narnia
    Black Beauty
    Island of the Blue Dolphins
    Shel Silverstein’s books are always classics!

  102. The Little Prince – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

    and thank you, as always, for your honesty and truth and humor.

  103. How about a selection of books and then let the kids choose the ones they want… the books that don’t get chosen get added to your library or added to the school’s. Maybe the kids will be tempted to swap books as they finish! There’s so much good stuff out there that it’s hard to pick a favorite.

  105. I vote for Walter the Farting dog. Seriously. It’s a book.

    If not, My Father’s Dragon gets my vote. Both my kids couldn’t stop reading it.

  106. Ack…this made me cry 🙁 my daughter was adopted away from me against my will so yanno…I only wish I was her only mother. But she was my inspiration for getting and staying clean so when she comes to find me (she knows who I am and has met me a few times though her adopted mother won’t let me talk to her now and hasn’t for the last 3 years) she won’t find a drug addled crazy lady.

    On the plus side, I got my daughter a signed copy of Lois Lowry’s “The Giver” when she was 9, the last time I got to see her, since it was my favorite book at her age. Just a suggestion 🙂

  107. At that age my daughter absolutely loved Because of Winn Dixie.
    Thanks for all you do – I absolutely adore you.

  108. I’d forgotten about Sideways Stories from a Wayside School! I loved that book!!

  109. If you can’t decide you could always brings gift certificates to your local book store. Books & shopping, how awesome is that??!!

  111. When I was that age, I was in love with Beverly Cleary’s Ramona series. The first book in the series is BEEZUS AND RAMONA.

    Good for you for wanting to give books instead of junk food. 🙂

  112. Maybe, instead of a specific book (you never know who will already have the book you pick), you could give each child a $10 gift certificate to a bookstore. That way, you’re promoting reading (bookstore), but allowing the parents to guide their child’s choice of book.

  113. I think giving a book is an awesome idea! Maybe you could ask the teachers? I bet they would have some great ideas of books that would be appropriate/interesting for the kids. (And they’d probably think it’s an amazingly cool idea, too!)

  114. I still like reading kids books 😛
    I love Measle & Wrathmonk series by Ian Ogilvy.. I dont know if thats available in USA but theyre awesome.. (like harry potter ISH but only in terms of the kid being an orphan n having to get out of horrible crap that happens to him) might be more a boy book..but Im a girl!.. and I discovered it when I was 14 (Im 23 now..and I would still proudly stand by these books :P)

  115. Thanks for this, Jenny! An important reminder. And while I LOVE September, and fall in general, February is my September, so I get it. (Incidentally, I think this is the first time I have commented on your site. I usually read and laugh and love.)

    Let’s see, books at age 9. I was WAY into science fiction before I knew that’s what it was. So, I was reading books like “The Secret of Nimh”, “The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe”, and “Bunnicular”. (sigh.)

    And, of course, “How to Eat Fried Worms”, and “The Girl With The Silver Eyes”. Probably not very helpful here, am I?

    You could do rice krispy treats. They are relatively allergy safe. OR! I could send you some of my lollipops! :] Totally gluten, nut, chocolate and basically everything free.

  116. Yeah… I was always an advanced reader… In fourth grade I did a book report on Agatha Christie’s “Cat Among the Pigeons” and got in trouble with my teachers because they thought I was lying or something because apparently… So probably not Adult Murder Mysteries, but mysteries are always so much fun, especially when you’re a kid…
    So how about going to the used book store and buying a variety of Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books and letting the kids pick the one that suits their fancy?

  117. Sadly, says this librarian, many kids don’t have books at home. September 22 is also Banned Book Week, and Shel Silverstein is frequently mentioned, so I say use the banned book list as your guide when choosing…and of course I mean choose from the list. I get tired of trying to make sure my snack/gift/movie choice will work for everyone. If you don’t want your kids to read/watch it…deal with it at home. If you’re that worked up that you haven’t raised them to make healthy independent choices and be secure enough in your belief system, then bah upon you.

    On a sort of related note, my fave Seuss is “My Many Colored Days”. When I’m in a low spot I like to remind myself that there will be other colors in the future :-).

  118. I second Sideways Stories from Wayside School or The BFG. Those are both on my childhood favorites list. I also like Hank the Cowdog, but since it is more popular there is more of a chance that the kids already have that one.

  119. Chris Colfer (Finn on ‘Glee’) wrote a fabulous book called ‘Land of Stories’ that my daughter couldn’t put down. It was really a great book and he just put out the second one a couple of weeks ago and that one is just as good!
    Happy birthday to your girl.

  120. I’m with you on the September thing. I always think it’s because of my birthday which really got fucked a few years back on 9/11! And although I don’t sit in front of the tv the entire day bawling anymore, I get pretty bummed out. This one is my 50th and even typing that made me throw up in my mouth a little. I’m a suicide survivor numerous times over, but life is better. No meds for a few years now. Sorry I can’t recommend a book. My 18 year old just read East of Eden. Whores and such. Probably not a good choice. Thanks for what you do!

  122. I also loved the Pippi Longstocking books. I don’t remember how old I was but 9 seems about right? I don’t know. My kid just started kindergarten.

  123. Mine was the Bunnicula series. Who could object to a bunny that sucks the juice out of veggies? Oh wait, it’s Texas (where i grew up…but it was way different then) so, maybe not.

  125. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

    Stewart Little is still one of my son’s (now 12) favorites, and he’s passed his copy around to several friends

    The Gregor the Overlander books are fabulous, but you’d run into the same problems with “magic,” although they aren’t as creepy as Coraline

    But one of the ALL TIME FAVEs that speaks a wonderful message about love in general is The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. My son’s teacher read this to them in 4th grade, and he’s read it several times since. It’s very appropriate for 9 year-olds, and is such a fabulous, incredible little book. Also, it’s one of those books that’s just beautiful to look at too. The paperback is less than $10 on Amazon, I think.

  126. October used to be the bad one for me. It was so bad that my husband declared it renamed as “Unicorn.” It actually helped. Over a couple of years of celebrating the month of Unicorn, I was able to conquer the “-ness” of October.

  127. Go with Hank the Cowdog!! They prob already own it but you should sign it too! I bet they don’t have a signed copy by Jenny Lawson.. lol is it wrong to sign someone else’s book?? eerrr maybe..

    I actually always tell my son, “I’m the only Mother you have,” it’s funny and semi-dark at the same time. Whatever it takes for us to realize we make a difference! Not only to others but to ourselves 🙂

  128. What did I read at 9? Hmmm…I remember bringing Stephen King’s “It” to school in 4th grade and reading it in my down time. Seriously. Today that would get parents called and a counselor brought in to talk to the kid. My teacher just picked it up, looked at it, and asked what I thought of it. I told her Stephen King was my favorite author (he was at the time) and that so far it was really good. She gave it back to me and smiled and that was the end of it. It’s occurred to me that this is part of the reason that I’m a creative, yet somewhat screwed up, adult. 🙂 Also, depression lies. Both my mother and I concur on that. And you keep us both laughing. *hugs*

  129. My favorite books from when I was nine (and I’m borderline ancient, so maybe they would not appeal to kids today…)

    Any and all of the Henry Huggins books by Beverly Cleary (she seriously rocks)
    Miss Hickory (cuz who doesn’t love a woman made of twigs)

    And, yeah, books are waaaay better than cupcakes.

  131. I have to admit that I haven’t read any of her children’s books, but Ursula Vernon (artist, children’s books author, and creator of Hugo award-winning webcomic, Digger) is an awesomely quirky person who creates awesomely quirky things that are probably generally safe for children of that age and different backgrounds. http://www.amazon.com/Ursula-Vernon/e/B001JRWD2G

  135. I loved “The Mad Scientists’ Club” by Bertrand R. Brinley. Sadly, the paperback editions of the four books are out of print. Fortunately, “Purple House Press” has a “Bargain Basement” section where they sell blemished and returned copies of the hardcover editions for under ten bucks a book.

    Another of my favorites were the James Herriot books, about being a Vet in rural Yorkshire England. I’m reminded of this series because “All Creatures Great and Small” starts off with Dr. James Herriot with his arm stuck in a cow’s vagina. He has a number of notable stories about having his arm stuck in the vaginas of various farm animals.

  137. The Chronicles of Narnia, A Wrinkle in Time, James and the Giant Peach, A Series of Unfortunate Events

  138. Redwall. For grades 3-7, and even with the fantasy premise of animals that are like people, it’s based in an Abbey which I appreciated as a young Catholic reader. I also remember learning a lot about the hierarchy of medieval times, a bit of knowledge that I still like having to this day. And, quests!

  139. My daughter just turned nine in July! Some of her favorites are Charlotte’s Web, the Ramona series (but not really gender neutral) or Ralph S. Mouse series, any of The Boxcar Children Books, Bedknobs and Broomsticks umm, she keeps just naming books at me and now I can’t get her to stop..

  140. Hahha! Cris! You wrote while I was posting. Another Bunnicular fan! I bet we were responsible for all two copies sold. heh

  142. How to Steal A Dog…Barbara O’Connor. Funny and touching and my girl really dug that book!!!

  143. Where the Sidewalk Ends would be good. So would Phantom Tollbooth or many of the other suggestions you are getting. In fact, I don’t think you’ll be able to decide on one, so you can do a “Hailey’s Lending Library” and give out a selection with the idea that they be traded around among the kids as time goes by. As a “published author” I think you get leeway on these kinds of things . . . .

  144. Garbage Delight
    Jacob two two
    Arn’t all books that age about magic?
    I like The Giver

  145. Send copies of “Let’s Pretend This Never Happened,” with a note explaining that you thought you’d let them know life isn’t perfect, and their kids’s allergies are the reason they have to learn that so young.

  146. Perfect age for The Hobbit! Which is also a great read aloud book for families.

    I think September swamps parents, new schedules, big back to school bills, making lunches etc. and then we feel like big failures when we forget to buy their favorite snack.

    Depression and anxiety lies! We’re doing okay.

  147. Thank you for sharing the links! Also handy to have around.
    Also…books = a good idea. Although so many have e-readers, they’ll be confounded as to how to open it! 😀

  149. what about Ramona and Beazus? It’s a great read.

    other option is Animal Farm? ……….It’s about animals…….ok maybe not. wait until her 10th birthday for that one. lol

  152. I second Maniac Magee… it would be good for both boys and girls. But just get them Coraline and make the world a better place 🙂

  153. I loved Matilda and Island of the Blue Dolphins.
    I also loved Number the Stars but the Holocaust may not be what you’re going for….

  157. Maybe the first book in the 39 Clues series? You could pitch it to the parents as something that uses fun storytelling to teach history, geography and culture. Unless those are things that their kids shouldn’t know about either. In that case, you’re screwed.

  158. I would suggest:

    “The Phantom Tollbooth”
    “Frindle”
    “Hank the Cowdog” (I never got to read the whole series…)
    Shel Silverstein poetry books (I got “A Light in the Attic” for 25¢ from a used bookstore once)
    “The BFG” (it’s a little scary at parts, but I still read it at least once a year)

    I think the Junie B. books would be too young for fourth graders.
    And “The Outsiders” is kind of…dark. Dark for fourth graders ;-; Although I was reading everything I could find about the Holocaust at that time, so I can’t exactly judge…

    I wish I could look at my bookshelves while I write this…but alas, I’m sitting in my dorm instead of in my room, and all my bookshelves are too far away.

  159. The Egypt Game! My absolute fave at that age. Made me want to be an Egyptologist until my mother pointed out that the bugs are REALLY big there.

  160. Island of the Blue Dolphins was my favorite book around that age but I might have been older. Still an awesome book. After that I was on to Stephen King and The Stand… probably too dark.

  162. How about a collection of books – so a few copies of a few different books and encourage the kids to swap the books once they’ve read them.

    My fav books from when I was that old are very local to my region – Kes, A Pair of Jesus Boots, The Old Powder Line. I doubt they’re still in print these days.

    But how about something like ‘The Saga of Erik the Viking’

  164. I’m going to agree with anything by Roald Dahl. My teacher read us the BFG at that age, and it was awesome.

  167. I loved the Secret of Nimh. I also loved A Wrinkle in Time. I read those over and over.

  168. The Phantom Tollbooth!!! I discovered that book in 3rd grade (and I read a bit ahead of the curve), and it has been my favorite ever since. It’s more than 50 years old, and still has a great lesson about not relying on technology to entertain yourself – it also has awesome illustrations and wonderful wordplay.

    My hub’s depression always seems worse in August and September. I call his worst times “Big Black Holes” because it seems like his interest in everything just vanishes. We haven’t had a Big Black Hole event so far this year, and I’m hoping his meds are helping (finally). I don’t suffer from depression, but I desperately love someone who does, so I thank you 10,000X for being brave enough to talk about it.

  169. I still have my copy of The Mouse and the Motorcycle. I got it from Scholastic when I was in grade school.

  173. I 100% agree with Calvin and Hobbes! Everything else I read at that age was magic and fantasy. The only other one I could think of was one I read called “Judge Benjamin: Superdog” by Judith Whitelock McInerney. Think Lassie, but a giant St. Bernard. I read that one til it fell to pieces.
    And thank you for posting about prevention week. My problems ususally hit in November and February, but this year… With my last pregnancy, I felt better than ever in my life- no incidents from the time I conceived until I weaned off breastfeeding. But this time- it’s like bizarro world pregnancy where everything about me is just… wrong. I keep pretending it’s just that I’m tired and it will go away because I don’t want to medicate while pregnant. But… well, we’ll all just hang in there, right!?

  174. My favorite books were all about magic so I’m no help. Maybe the Secret Garden? Goodreads has great lists by ages too: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1635

    And a note – suicide prevention hotlines are for more than suicide prevention. They will talk with you when you are having a panic attack or your anxiety’s ramping up or you get that feeling in your head that feels like the flu but it’s really a depression starting even if you aren’t feeling the need to self-harm. Travel can be an anxiety trigger for me – I always keep a hotline number in my phone when I travel so if I wake up freaked out at 3am alone in a hotel room, I can call and they will be a friendly and helpful voice in the dark hours. September can be a tough month. Hang in there.

    Oh, and I can’t be replaced because I am the only one who knows how to make the right voice for my son’s stuffed owls. They each have their own voice and their own story – I’m the only human who can tell them.

  176. Funny that this post comes today… I keep a dry erase marker in my bathroom because that’s when I remember the random shit I need to buy so I write it on the mirror to remind me. This morning after fixing my daughter’s hair and convincing my son that putting his sippy cup in the toilet was a bad idea I wrote “You’re a good mother” across my mirror. Every morning I am going to write an affirmation to myself.

    Also, i agree with the Hank the Cowdog books…

  177. Sideways Stories from Wayside School. Chapter 19 is the most ingenious chapter ever written in any book ever. But you have to read the whole book to get it, so don’t just skip to chapter 19. Also, I’m just remembering as I write this that I wrote a snarky blog post regarding Wayside School and the way our state government is killing education with budget cuts a couple of years ago, so… what the heck. Here it is. Warning though: It will spoil the beauty of chapter 19. http://theblackcatdiaries.blogspot.com/2011/07/dwindling-funds-leave-wayside-wobbling.html

  179. We just started reading the Guardians of Childhood series with my son and all I can say is OH. My. God. I love these books! they are imaginative and beautifully written and illustrated and they really are about helping kids not be afraid of the boogeyman (Pitch, the King of Nightmares who could also be a veiled reference to sadness).

    So, even though the first 2 books in the series are a bit younger, I would say the novel-length books would make great gifts for nine year olds.

    Also, you could do a set of barettes, ponytail holders or other wonderful home-made thing (and by home made I mean purchased from Etsy) that is non-edible. Thanks for being you. I appreciate it.

  180. You might get her teacher’s suggestion for a book. It might be scary to call the teacher…it was for me last week, boy howdy was I shaking…but it’s for a good reason…a happy reason… and the phone call shouldn’t have to last too long. You can write down what you want to say, sometimes that helps.

    I understand about September. I’m glad you mentioned it, because I hadn’t thought about it and damn it sure explains the way I feel right now.

  181. 1. I am writing under an assumed name. ( I just feel like I need to admit that right off the bat.)
    2. September is a killer.
    3. When I was 9 I was reading Anne of Green Gables and Little House on the Prairie. Shortly after that I moved on to Christopher Pike and R.L. Stine.

  182. What grade is nine? Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing? Or is that too soon? SuperFudge?

    Thank you for this. You rock. Also? I just bought the t-shirt in your shop about how Depression is a Lying Bastard. I wish I could buy it for everyone I know. With all my heart.

  183. Jenny! What a GREAT idea about the book (and ‘I am her only mother’ hit me right in the feels). When I was a little girl around Hailey’s age, my very favorite book was Roald Dahl’s, ‘The Twits.’ I’m sure some parents won’t like it, but those parents can be damned! It is a delightful, hilarious read.

  184. My 9 YO is pretty adventurous in his reading, but ‘Coraline’ still gives him nightmares (it’s the buttons as eyes thing). One of my favorite books that my son really likes is called ‘Gila Monsters Meet You At The Airport’, which is about a kid who moves from New York City, to Texas, and all his preconceived ideas about it. While in the airport, he meets a Texan kid who is moving to New York City, and he spouts all of his crazy notions about gators in the sewers and everyone being a gangster. It’s a cute way to remind kids not to judge. And it was on ‘Reading Rainbow’ (who’s theme song will now be stuck in your head for the rest of the day).

  186. I loved the book Ginger Pye by Eleanor Estes! Its perfect for younger kids. Its about a brother and sister who save up to buy a pet dog, but when the dog Ginger goes missing they have to figure out what happened to her. It has just enough mystery to make it a good read, but its not a “mystery” book.

  188. I was going to say Tales if a fourth grade nothing too. I also like the idea of a book gift certificate from scholastic. As a fourth grader I think it would be so near I’d I got to pick a book for someone else’s birthday!!

  189. You could get an assortment of the books mentioned and donate them to the class library so that each kid gets a chance to read a bunch of great books. That said, I love My Father’s Dragon.

  190. When I was 9 Superfudge and Fantastic Mr. Fox were my absolute favorite books.

    Spring starts in September here in Chile, so to all of you northerners with the seasonal sadness, know that in another part of the world life is coming back, just like it will for you, just like it always does.

  193. I loved all the Trixie Belden and Nancy Drew books, and read them fanatically, does that make me really old? Also how about the Madeline L’Engle ones? A Wrinkle In Time, etc, can’t remember what age range those are, but they are awesomesauce.

  194. The Missing Piece Meets the Big O.

    Totally not dirty (unless you intend to read it that way) but a good message for young and old. I give it as high school graduation gifts. Everyone needs a reminder that you don’t need someone to complete you– roll on your own merits.

  195. “There is something about September that wants to eat you…” ~ TRUTH!!!
    And try The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman. I haven’t re-read it in adult years, but my 4th grade self was obsessed.

  196. ” I always appreciate that it comes in September because there’s something about September that wants to eat you. ”
    September is always hard for me because my birthday is this month. Every year my family somehow manages to make me feel as bad as possible on my birthday and so I’m not particularly happy when it rolls around. In addition, the weather is changing, we get the last of the dreary monsoon rains, school just started and has a whole 9 months left to go before summer break, retailers start putting out a confusing mish-mash of Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations (though this year, we have Christmas sales already out as well) that make me sick of the holiday weeks before it even arrives, we get the first of the fall colds, and even the earth looks depressed as leaves start changing color and falling and animals start preparing for hibernation.

  197. Sideways Stories from Wayside School are the kind of ridiculously awesome stories that makes no sense whatsoever, but are also wildly entertaining and kind of stick with you and warps you a bit in their own special way for years to come. It’s actually not entirely unlike the grade school version of your blog – only with less cursing. (That’s meant as a compliment, I’m not sure it came out right.)

    Also, I now want a ethically taxidermied rat in a zillion different raincoats, just in honour of you and this book. How am I going to explain that one to Mother who still believes I am somewhat not crazy??

  198. Wow, I was reading Stephen King at age nine so I’m not sure where to go with that. A cool science book? No, I’m just a dork – but I would have been all over a cool science book about dinosaurs or mummies back then. I almost suggested mermaids and then realized that even thought the Discovery Channel played a cruel trick on me, they are not real. Or so they say.

  200. Here’s to making it through September!
    And for books … Any Mrs. Piggle Wiggle (although they are somewhat magical) or Stuart Little. Awesome gift for a class!

  201. A Wrinkle in Time, From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, Sarah, Plain and Tall, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, Island of the Blue Dolphins, Bridge to Terabithia, Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry or Holes. All excellent books!!!

  202. I also vote for Shel’s “where the sidewalk ends” It’s a wonderful read even as an adult. Please keep being you. You are loved and appreciated.

  204. Anything by Roald Dahl, esp “The BFG.” Magical books (without actual *magic*) and get to read the word “queer” in a British way.

  207. How about: How to Eat Fried Worms? I forgot about Hank the Cow Dog! 🙂 That made my day!

  208. When in doubt, ask a librarian. 9 is a great age for books because most kids read well enough to get into the story instead of getting stuck in the mechanics. Here are some of my favorites for this age:

    Frindle by Andrew Clements
    The Tale of Desperaux by Kate DiCamillo
    Rapunzel’s Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale
    Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
    Stuart Little by E.B. White
    Riding Freedom by Pam Muñoz Ryan
    My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett

  209. A Wrinkle In Time was my favorite book back then– but IDK if that would go over well.

    THANK YOU for continuing to talk about suicide prevention. Don’t you ever stop!

  210. oh! My Father’s Dragon. I hadn’t thought about that in years. I loved that book (and many others). I even remember making a papier mache dragon in school in 4th or so grade. I have to get myself a copy!

  211. It’s one of those things that I’m kinda glad that my birthday’s in the middle of February, because it’s just starting to head into spring. I’m also glad that my SAD doesn’t hit me until after Halloween’s over (srsly, it’s my favorite holiday).

    Books…Bunnicula. Where The Red Fern Grows. Superfudge. Anything Roald Dahl. Any of the other ones mentioned above me.

  212. My 8 year old just read Wayside Stories from Wayside School for the first time 2 weeks ago. He’s read it 3 more times since then. 🙂

  214. Hank the Cowdog and Coraline are both exquisite. However, I only knew about (and deeply adored) Hank when I was 9. I say go with that, because who can object to a hilarious crime-fighting farm dog duo? Especially in Texas!

  216. Oh yeah … and Where The Sidewalk Ends. My 32-year-old son memorized several verses from that book as a youngster and can still perform them!

  217. I loved “The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids,” I had a bunch of them. I went to look them up and could only remember “Leprechauns Don’t Play Basketball.” All the titles are something like that, they might fall into to magical category though :/

    My birthday is on the 29th. I usually love September, but October is my favorite. Except for when it rains on Halloween, but that’s Kansas.

  218. What about some oldies but goodies? The Vampire Bunny (Bunnicula) by James Howe or My Teacher Is an Alien by Bruce Coville? Those were some of my faves.

  219. What about Shel Silverstein? I loved ‘Where the sidewalk ends’ when I was a kid. And my friend who had the uber religious parents who would let her read/watch certain things had it as a kid too and loved it. Except that might be a little too pricey…

  220. “How to Eat Fried Worms” is a great book for both girls and boys.
    http://www.amazon.com/How-Fried-Worms-Thomas-Rockwell/dp/0440445450

    February is my September. Every February, I have to convince myself that March will finally come, and the heavy weight on my chest will lift. February is a cold, dark month that lies, lies, lies. I finally reached out to one of my sisters during a a particularly dark February and she confided that she has the same problem. Now we help each other count down to spring and coming out of the darkness.

  222. “Walk Two Moons” by Sharon Creech! It was my most favorite book as a child and I still think about it to this day (I am now 28). Even if you don’t use it for your daughter’s class, you should read it together!! Such an amazing message – “never judge a person until you have walked two moons in their moccasins.”

  223. Thank you. I know people who this holds true for. I’m eternally grateful that they failed at their attempts.

    Now for something completely different…

    I recommend a book of poems by Shel Silverstein, not sure if it will hold to your $10, but I haven’t shopped around.

  224. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – fun for all ages and also fun to compare to the two films.

  225. I agree – I think classics are good. Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, Treasure Island, The Secret Garden, Doctor Doolittle, Call of the Wild, Peter Pan, The Jungle Book, A Little Princess, etc.

    And then you should hide a copy of Grimm’s Fairy Tales or Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark inside each one.

  228. Oh shut up. Just saw somebody suggest Mrs. PiggleWiggle, and now my day is beyond amazing. COMPLETELY FORGOT ABOUT THAT!!!! I always wanted her upside-down house when I grew up…

  229. Abel’s Island by William Steig, it’s a great romance story about a mouse that gets stranded on an island and separated from his wife. I love this story and have reread it hundreds of times. Even though the writing is simple it manages to convey a deep sense of feelings across to its audience.

  230. My daughter (age 9goingon27) is addicted to all things Harry Potter, but since you’re in Texas and don’t even get me started…. I just bought her the Judy Blume Fudge books. Freckle juice may be a good one. She loved the clementine books.

    Or, for next year, no pressure… You could write a short story for them. Bound to be funny and awesome.(sorry, no pressure, just sayin’ I’d move my kid to Texas to be in your kids class for that!) please don’t hate me or ban me from your site.

  231. Wow – the ‘I’M HER ONLY MOTHER’ part got me. (Though I have had numerous times where I think mine would be better off with no mother than the hot mess they got dealt, but….perhaps you can relate.) Anyway, I was OBSESSED with Helen Keller when I was a kid and I just recently read my kids a short biography of hers written for kids and I would think a lot of kids that age might find her as inspiring as I did (and do). It’s not ‘fun’ reading, but it’s AMAZING.

  232. I was always a bit ahead of the curve in my reading. I’m pretty sure when I was nine, I was reading the Vampire Diaries and other YA Paranormal Romances. The way I see it, choose a book that Hailey loves and that she wants to share with her classmates. If a kid doesn’t want to read it, then they don’t have to. You can’t please everyone.

    Plus, even if kid (or more likely, his/her parent) is overly religious and doesn’t want to read anything magical, this may be the best way to expose them to something they wouldn’t normally choose for themselves. If the child understands that this is a book that Hailey chose, then they will be more willing to give it a chance.

    Anyway, tell your kiddo “Happy Birthday” from a fellow September baby (This coming Sunday for me!!!). Hug that kid tight and remember that September has given you her.

    I adore you, and you’re right: only you can tell your story! 🙂

  233. The Shades by Betty Brock. It is out of print but is on Amazon and ebay. It was written by a child psychologist and I cannot tell you how much it affected me at your daughters age. It is magical, gothic and amazingly written. I own several copies since I snipe them when I find them on ebay. I think you and your daughter would enjoy it a lot. It is just one of those stories glues itself to you. I give it to every child I love when they reach your daughters age.

    http://www.amazon.com/shades-Betty-Brock/dp/0060206446/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378755271&sr=1-1&keywords=the+shades+betty+brock

    My father committed suicide and my brother made an attempt last year that left him with a permanent brain injury. I commend you for bringing this cause to light on such a public forum.

  235. I agree with the Calvin and Hobbes suggestions. My son loved those books at that age. Barnes and Noble usually has some of them in their bargain book section.

  238. Yay for books!

    Shel Silverstein, Harriet the Spy, Narnia, Wrinkle in Time, Phantom Tollbooth, A Little Princess, Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates, The Ballad of Lucy Whipple (Cushman), Under the Lilacs (Alcott), Ballet Shoes (Noel Streetfield), 101 Dalmations (Dodie Smith)…

  239. Eloise books. I only ever had one, “Eloise in Moscow,” but I *loved* it and read it over and over for years and I still have it. The only book I still have from childhood. I am 54 now and I still love it. It makes me smile every time I read it. I always wished I had more of the Eloise books. I’m going to give it to my granddaughter when she is old enough to read.

    http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_3_6?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=eloise+books&sprefix=eloise%2Cstripbooks%2C308

  242. Ok, I think I was around 9 the first time I read Podkayne of Mars by Robert Heinlein. I read it over and over, into my teens, it was my favorite book as a youngster. Of course, I guess was not your average kid, so this book may not be QUITE what you’re looking for… but you asked, so there it is, anyway.

    And now I want to read it again….

  243. Why don’t you just give them copies of your book? You can even hold a book signing and everything. And, just think of the responses you will get from the other parents when they find out!

    🙂

    Cheers,
    ~EdT.

  245. A Light in the Attic or Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
    From the Mixed Up Files of Ms. Basil E. Frankweiler (adventure and rebellion without magic!)
    Half-Magic (like the title says, it’s only half-magic, so it might work?).

  246. Oohhhh book! That’s so hard! Kids like such a huge variety of books. My daughter is eight and ALL of her favorites are objectionable in some way I think. Maybe the lion, the witch, and the wardrobe? It has religious subtext so a lot of crazy religious folks like it, but it’s also magical. I maybe that’s too long to hold a non-reader’s interest though. My daughter really likes the “challengers” and “warriors” series.

  249. How do you pick just one!!!
    I also love the odd and weird books.
    Here’s my short list

    Narnia
    Phantom Tollboth
    A Wrinkle in Time

    My son loved
    the 39 clues series and Guardians of Ga’Hoole (not sure about the magic content in that series)

  250. From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
    My daughter read it last year (when she was nine) and loved it very much.

  251. I second asking the teacher, I’m sure the teacher would be happy to help with something so fun. Also, you could get a bunch of different books so they could pick their own and then maybe trade with each other once they’ve read theirs, just a thought.

  252. And thank you for the hotlines and such…I’ve had too many friends and others lately who either gave in to the lies, or thought long and hard about it. As always, I love you like a fat kid loves cake…with or without allergies.

  253. Shel Silverstein is always great, but at that age I was OBSESSED with the Little House on the Prairie books. Also, maybe look for some books that feature Children of Color, since they often don’t get a lot of representation, as evidenced by the fact that I can’t think of anything to actually recommend. Oh, and A Wrinkle in Time might be a bit of a challenge for some at that age, but it’s a good one too. Oh, oh, crap! Animal Inn is a great series about a girl whose father is a veterinarian, and she helps out at his practice and rescues a blind show horse and is going to be a vet too, and her little sister is a ballerina, and their little brother is smart and nerdy, and their mom passed away young, lots of feels.

    All of these are a bit dated and I haven’t read them in a while, so I can’t vouch that they won’t be problematic, but I loved them with all my heart and they were better than anything else in my entire world when I was a kid.

  254. “A Wrinkle in Time” – it’s got it all – awkward but wonderful kids, magical creatures, science, science fiction AND nods to religion in a good way. I can’t think of anything objectionable.

  255. Anything by Shel Silverstein (my 9 year old boy LOVES him) or Harriet the Spy. I still love Harriet the Spy….

  256. Wonder by R. J. Palacio
    August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. (@Amazon for a little over $5.00).

    Good read for all kids.

    (Hailey’s class is reading that now. Great book. ~ Jenny)

  257. So, I will share your blog post on my blog…and if you don’t like that, then simply let me know and I’ll respectfully take it down.

    Also? …

    Because Carm loves you…she really does…you can ask anyone.

  258. Ask the teacher for suggestions! The teacher will know!
    My daughter’s 1st grade teacher gave out “Charlotte’s Web” at the end of the school year, but it’s a classic.
    Boxcar Children may also be a good one — especially because AlbertWhitman has revived the characters in a modern series, so kids who get hooked can keep reading.
    I was horse crazy, so for me it was “Misty of Chincoteqgue” by Marguerite Henry, and “The Black Stallion” by Walter Farley.

  259. Yes, dark and light, part of the same damn thing. Thank you for collecting resources here, and for the reminder.

    I work with teenagers, mostly high school seniors, and some of them don’t yet have any idea of the ways they are irreplaceable. We talk about college admission essay topics and this would make an awesome one.

    For books, I’ll second/third some of the suggestions and add a couple:

    Phantom Tollbooth (my daughter is in college – and still quoting this book)
    Swallows & Amazons – it’s a whole series, so you might just start something there
    The Cricket in Times Square
    The Secret Garden
    OZ – any of the Oz books, really – that is another long series for the kid who wants to follow the yellow brick road
    Gildaen by Emilie Buchwald – a story of an unusual rabbit (might be hard to find – lovely, amazing read, though)
    Captain’s Dog by Roland Smith – story of the dog who accompanies Lewis & Clark

    And one more thing, a small rant – you might find yourself reluctant to choose a ‘girl’ book, that is, a book with a girl as the main character – Little House, Anne of Green Gables, Charlotte’s Web, for example. There is this shifty thing in children’s literature that suggests girls will read books with boys in them, but boys won’t read books with girls in them. So we only give boy books to boys, if we expect them to read at all. And then we wonder why boys grow up into men without an understanding of the female perspective or valuing the female point of view. /rant

    So, kudos to you for wanting to give the children books. Hot damn, that’s a cool thing to do. And give them any damn book you want to. Because you are the one doing the generous thing here.

  260. Call of Cthulhu.

    Leon and the Champion Chip by Allen Kurzweil (or any in that series) – listened to the audiobooks during a 3 hour drive – both kids (10 and 7) enjoyed it – should be appropriate for any audience.

  261. I would highly recommend talking to Hailey’s teacher – if she participates in the Scholastic Book Club she’ll have access to teacher-only book packs which are very, very good deals. The teacher will also be able to make sure that children whose reading is below or above grade level get appropriate books.
    (And yes, I am assuming the teacher is female – the vast majority of primary and even elementary grade teachers are women.)
    Thank you for being you, Jenny. Witnessing your courage in sharing your vunerability makes it a little bit easier for me to be me.

  262. The Public Library was my mom’s version of daycare.

    Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter – Astrid Lindgren

  263. You squeezed my heart with your two hands today. Books saved me then. She saves me now.

  264. And “Black Beauty”…how could I forget!?
    And Swiss Family Robinson… and Robinson Crusoe…
    Oh the things you are making me remember. Thanks.

  266. What about The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry?
    IT’s never too early for this little jem

  267. I thought I was the only one who dreads September! I would suggest Harry Potter, because I’ve been going through my obsessive JK Rowling’s binge, but there’s a lot of magic in that, so no. That won’t work.

    I can’t think of a book, but I have to say what an awesome idea this is! I wish my son was young enough to do this for, but he’s 19. He still likes books though! We both binge on JK Rowlings.

  268. THE WESTING GAME!!!!!

    Yes, I’m yelling for a reason. The Westing Game is awesome and MUST be shared!

    Also, thank you for reminding me that depreaaion lies. In my darkest moments I repeat those words over and over. So far they help.

  269. Bridge to Terabithia, My Side of the Mountain, Witch of Blackbird Pond (which I bought for my church around that age so maybe it would be ok?) How about a variety of books? Say four or five different ones and you can allow kids to choose? Tough choices!

  270. Where the Sidewalk Ends. Our teacher read it to us in the third grade and it ended up being one of my favorite books of all time. I’d also agree with the people who said The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Such a fantastic story and it appeals to people who are deeply religious as well as those who love magic and fantasy.

  271. From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. When I was 9 the thought of living in a museum was the coolest idea ever. I still think it’s a pretty awesome idea, actually.

  272. Thank you Jenny. Seriously. Thanks. I love your blog for both it’s random, silliness and downright hilarious shit that makes it way out of your head and the raw brutal honesty even if sad and “dark”. The dark while scary for some, is fucking important. I lost a dear friend to suicide 8 years ago and lost another old friend 2 weeks ago. Depression is real and strong and it most assuredly lies. I wish they both could have read your words and realized that they too will never be replaced and we are all a lot worse off without them in this world.

    Thanks for the silly and the not at all silly.

  273. This is such a wonderful idea, um, giving books instead of cupcakes.

    Suicide isn’t a wonderful idea, but thank you for discussing the topic so openly and mater-of-factly.

    Here’s a list of great suggestions:
    http://www.greatschools.org/cgi-bin/showarticle/677

    But I personally love The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane OR the Tale of Despereaux. Both are beautiful stories with beautiful messages of love and growing up.

  275. My kids loved Half Magic (hey, it’s not ALL THE WAY magic, so maybe religious Texans would be okay with it?), and all the rest of the books by this guy:

    http://www.amazon.com/Half-Magic-Edward-Eager/dp/0152020683

    Quintin Blake is the illustrator (he did the illustrations on the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory book) and is awesome. Even if kids can read chapter books well, I think everyone still appreciates kick-ass pictures in a book.

    By the way – I just finished your book and could not have loved it more.

  276. I’m going to second the “Cowboy and Octopus.” It makes me laugh, and I’m 42. It’s also a nice pre-Halloween book because of Octopus’ costume (which is brilliant). Then, you could bring beans with you to class.

  279. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, by Judy Blume. The Great Gilly Hopkins, by Katherine Patterson. Where the Lilies Bloom, by Bill & Vera Cleaver. Fairly uncontroversial, excellent reads, and no magical stuff.

  280. I remember “I Am the Cheese” by Robert Cormir. Nice little bit of psychosis to go with the peanut butter free pbj cookies. 🙂

    Seriously, it is a good read and doesn’t involve magic, or anything like that. Just a questionably corrupt government, or maybe it’s all in his head?

  281. p.s. Another plus for Half Magic – in paperback it’s only $6.29 on Amazon, and it’s sort of light and small.

  282. Lizard Music or Fat Men From Space by Daniel Pinkwater. Hyperintelligent chickens and radio receiving braces in New Jersey. What’s not to love?

  283. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engel (?). I read it when I was 10, and it was amazing. That was about 45 years ago, so it should be available at a reasonable price : ). Let me know if you want cupcake bookmarks for them!

  284. I read mostly fantasy as a kid so I don’t have a lot of recommendations from then. Maniac Magee though is a pretty great book (read it as an adult when I was teaching low readers, still awesome).

  285. Ohhh! The Catherine Valente books would be PERFECT, since the heroine is named September! But they’re super magic. My daughter (who is 8) is reading The Candymakers by Wendy Mass right now. Gender neutral, baby, and magic-free. We also love Matilda.
    Happy miracle day to you, and Happy Birthday to Hailey!

  286. As a teacher, I have to say I LOVE the idea of giving the kids books! I get so tired of grocery store cupcakes and little bags of chips! I teach middle school (which is seriously the best, because you get to experience all the crazy with none of the angst), and I always have a read-aloud going with my kids..even though they pretend to be too old for it. Books we have enjoyed as a class are:

    The Hobbit
    Flush (by Carl Hiaasen…really anything by him is fantastic)
    Harry Potter 1-3
    The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
    A Wrinkle in Time
    The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (this one was WAY above their heads, but I was having fun and that was really all that mattered at the time).
    Hunger Games
    The Zombie Survival Guide (this was actually for my science classes…I feel it’s important for the next generation to be prepared. We didn’t read the entire book, but used bits and pieces for critical thinking activities)

    Best of luck!

    Also, you’re awesome. Just thought I’d throw that in there.

  288. When I was 9 I inhaled all of the Nancy Drew Books. Or, you could do any book with the name Hailey in the title. I did some research for you: there’s a whole series called “Hailey Twitch” and it’s for readers age 7-10. Author is Laura Barnholdt.

  290. James and the Giant Peach was a good one, but when I was 9 I was reading all of the Goosebumps books….I’m fairly certain that doesn’t help your cause though. The Judy Moody and Stink books are a favorite in my house right now….good luck!!

  293. i LOVED the cricket in times square when i was 9. I read it so many times, the cover fell off. of course, I also loved laura ingalls, and anne of green gables, and emily of new moon. anything by beverly cleary was a good choice, too. Misty of chincoteague is supossedly a good book or that age group, too. or the RL Stine spooky books. You probably don’t want to go with the attic books (creepy), but the secret garden was a good story.

  294. The BFG by Roald Dahl. That was the first book I remember picking out and reading on my own at just about the same age.

    Also fuck depression and you are absolutely irreplaceable!

  295. I’d suggest Bunnicula, but I assume that vampire bunnies are out of the question as well. Harriet the Spy?

    September for me is a constant reminder that I am back in school and have deadlines and assignments and they’re going to be late, or wrong and what if I’m not studying enough and oh god, I don’t have time to study for this test I’m going to fail.
    And then the panic attacks start again. This year I spent the entire summer only having one panic attack. I can already feel them coming.

  297. Rahld Dahl is great for that age set. ” James and the Giant Peach”, or “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Or you could go old-school. I loved “The Black Stallion” around then, and fewer and fewer kids read that book anymore, but it’s pretty timeless. Also, you could look into the various versions of Cinderella, as the story has been told in many different cultures, and some of the non-traditional versions can still appeal to boys at that age. Commentors early-on mentioned Calvin and Hobbes which is a HUGE hit with that age set, but I’ve known parents who objected to the adult ideas in those books. Plus, those are expensive unless you were gifting a book to the classroom, instead of each kid. Poetry is always nice, especially the earlier ones illustrated by Mary Grandpre like “Plum”. Oooh or anything by Jack Prelutsky!

  298. LOVED From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler – and Mr. Poppers Penguins – are the too old for those at 9? Or the heart wrenching The Pigman… maybe not the best gift choice.. but still a great book!

  299. I vote for Neil Gaiman’s “Wolves in the Walls.” My son is 9 years old and LOVES this book. Although I’m not sure if its too scary. We like scary in our house.

  300. Oh man! I can’t believe I forgot Pippi Longstocking! SHE’S THE BEST.

    And if you want to go dark, The Lottery Rose is a beautiful book about child abuse, written for children.

  302. I read all the above suggestions (I do have to say I have come to really NOT LIKE “The Giving Tree”… wth is the lesson? Give, give, give, they take til they drain you dry, and for what? Still not happy? ) However, the book store certificate– EXCELLENT idea. Reading likes are so very different, that way you engage them in finding a book they like! They may even find several and get their parents to buy more. 🙂

    Sept.. my birthday and my daughters.. but also anniversary month for my mother, grandmother, most beloved dog, husband’s grandmother… yeah Sept sucks.

  305. At 9 my favorite book was The Giver. A teacher gave it to me and it really struck a chord with me, still does to this day. Maybe that’s a little too deep for 9 though…

    I love the early suggestion of Weird Al’s book; he’s a highly under-rated genius in my mind.

  306. I have been reading aloud to my daughter who is Hailey’s age. Here are the books that have been the favorites:
    * Misty of Chincoteague
    * Betsy-Tacy
    * Wonder
    * The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
    * Harriet the Spy
    You should get a book you love, so you can tell them why you love it. That will make it a million times more meaningful for them. Great idea!

  308. Charlotte’s Web, please. Perfectly written, great story, doesn’t piss off conservatives or liberals, athiests or religious folk. Plus, the greatest rat in literature!

  309. My almost 9 year old and all his classmates are just getting into Percy Jackson (it has magic but also sneaks in Greek mythology) I loved Little House, and the Beverly Cleary Books (Ramona and Beezus for girls Dear Mr. Henshaw or Henry Huggins for boys) also Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, Cricket in Times Square, Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little, Where the Red Fern Grows, The Sign of the Beaver. Can’t go wrong with Judy Blume and Superfudge either.

  310. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is great for everyone in my opinion. Or Charlotte’s Web. Or the Boxcar children. I was out of picture books by 9 and onto reading chapter books. (Dense ones at that, but I loved to read.) Also, suicide. I lost my cousin thirteen years ago and an uncle 28 years ago. The people you leave behind miss you.

  311. Where the Sidewalk Ends. My 10 yr old has read this countless times and she loves it.

  313. I feel psychic! But one of those weird, get things right, but in a weird, incorrect sort of way.
    I just started a wish list of books I feel my daughter must read (when she is able to), and I think it might help you. May I suggest The Great Gilly Hopkins? Or Maniac Magee? Or Holes?

    I loved all of those when I was nine.

  314. “The Giraffe, Pelly and Me.” By Ronald Dahl. Its a slim litlle book about a monkey, giraffe and pelican window washing company. Its very cute. But still has adventure for both genders.

  315. I was into comics at 9 and totally in love with Elfquest and following the adventures of Cutter and Skywise faithfully. They’re 35 yrs old now and I think, they still hold up.

  316. Judy Blume’s Superfudge (although he does talk about Santa and where babies come from…) or Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. Or the Cricket in Times Square (I don’t remember the author), the Bunnicula books by James Howe (I thought these were awesome!!!!), The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart (might not be for everyone). I love this idea!!! Good luck!

  317. Oh, I have no idea, when I was 9 I moved on to the adult sci-fi and fantasy in the house, which was full of magic. Oh, yeah, and sex.

  318. September is hard for me as well. My kids go back to school and with my husband at work it almost feels like I have been abandoned. I know that is not how it is but the first few days it always feels that way.

    As for books for a 9 yr old, I have very few memories before I was 13 so I don’t really remember what I was reading. I tended to go towards darker type books that would give me a good scare later on. My kids though liked The Magic Tree House books a lot and Diary of A Wimpy Kid.

  319. October is when things just start to hit for me. I can just feel it.

    I wish I had this stuff & knew about my friend’s depression a year & a half ago. She killed herself on July 1, 2012. I have guardianship of her amazing daughter, & while both she & I both consider me her “Mom”, her other Mom cannot be replaced. I am her second Mom.

  320. I loved The Mouse and the Motorcycle (Beverly Cleary), A Wrinkle in Time (Madaleine L’Engle) and From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler (E. L. Konigsburg) when I was about that age! I still try to re-read A Wrinkle in Time every few years and I just re-read “From the Mxed-Up Files…” and “The Phantom Tollbooth” last summer as a fun retro vacation break from reading harder stuff! Still on my favorites list 30 years later!

  321. Beverly Cleary books are geared toward boys & girls. But all the other suggestions rock.
    The original Mary Poppins is wicked too.

  322. My mom used to read Roald Dahl to us and stop at the most thrilling parts. That’s how she made us read (on). 😉

  323. Also you should get Hailey a copy of her favorite book (hardcover if possible) and have her teacher and her classmates sign it for her.

  324. Someone suggested Calvin & Hobbes … great idea. Who doesn’t love C&H?!?! 😉
    P.S.) Thank you for posting re: depression, Love Write Love on Her Arms, etc. We should all use our voices to speak for those who can’t.

  325. I really can’t think of the books I was reading when I was 9. Likely the Sweet Valley High books. Or the Baby-sitters Club. I may have still been fully into my Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys time too. I have no idea what kids read now. Especially considering I moved from those to Harlequin romance novels and Steven King books. With a side of the old Christopher Pike books.

    Now as I think about it, that was twenty years ago…now I feel old.

    And I also miss books.

  326. The idea about the Scholastic gift certificate was fantastic – especially since most schools have a book fair at the beginning of the year. My 8 year old (and his class) LOVE the Magic Treehouse books – there’s about 45 of them so you could get each kid a different one and they could all do a book swap!!!

  327. Judy Blume’s The Fudge Books: Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, OtherwiseKNown as Sheila the Great, Superfudge, Fudge-a-mania & Double Fudge.
    These books are what hooked me on reading. I love them so much I checked one out of the library this weekend!

  330. There are a bunch of comments I wanted to LIKE as I scrolled through.

    I love love loved Harriet the Spy.

  332. In my neck of the woods, “Anne Of Green Gables”, by Lucy Maude Montgomery, is a biggy. Or, a little more modern, “Diary Of A Whimpy Kid” is also good. And neither has a supernatural plot.

  334. Pretty sure when I was 9, I loved the Ramona Quimby books, or Tales of a 4th grade Nothing… might be a bit dated. I loved Coraline, but it was genuinely creepy. My 9-year-old nephew LOVES Captain Underpants…. That’s all I’ve got. Good luck!
    And thank you for the suicide post. Two members of my extended family have ended their own lives in the past 5 years, and I’ve contemplated it myself more than once. Depression lies, and we have to keep saying that. So, thank you.

  336. What about James and Giant Peach?

    Also, depression does suck, however through your blog and the comments on your blog, I feel so much better when I start to go to that dark place.

  337. I totally loved the Bunnicula books when I was younger, but that probably gets filed under somewhat objectionable/odd since it is about a vampire bunny (even if it was a vegetarian vampire bunny).
    But how can you NOT love a title like “The Celery Stalks at Midnight”?!?

  338. Roald dahl!! he’s twisted, but widely accepted. Just avoid his retold fairy tales, as they sometimes have mild cuss words, since the UK isn’t so easily offended 🙂

  339. I…….am having a hard time thinking of anything that would definitely not offend any religion. So here’s a few that may be touchy:
    -Bunnicula by James Howe (the first in a series, about a pet vampire rabbit who sucks the juice from innocent vegetables and it’s up to the household’s other pets, 2 dogs and a cat, to save the family)
    -Anything by Roald Dahl (Charlie & the Chocolate Factory and its sequel were my favorites but it might be nice to go with one they maybe haven’t seen in a movie. We read “Danny,Champion of the World” in school when I was about 9)
    -Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer (might be a little too old for 9 year olds? Artemis himself is 11 in the first book. also, it has fairies and trolls magic galore)
    -Holes by Louis Sachar (I read this as an adult and loved it. can’t think of anything objectionable in it, other than the fact that the whole book is about kids who have gotten in trouble with the law and are sent to a desert ranch for punishment)

  340. If it is out in paperback yet, try “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio — a brilliantly good story (though I suppose it might be a read-with-someone level book for a lot of 8/9 year olds). So perhaps instead, a good one would be any of the Wayside School books – they are funny, strange, and just a touch irreverent. “Bunnicula” could also be a good one, and I do think Hank the Cowdog is a good choice as well.

    Not for the class — but I strongly encourage you and Hailey to check out anything and everything by Tamora Pierce, The Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper, and the “Saavy” and “Scumble” duo by Ingrid Law. Fantastic books, all, with strong and smart young protagonists, & some especially great female characters. Just a bit too much magic and fantasy and myth and potential danger to be a safe friendly-for-all-types-of-families choice.

  341. February is my “fuck you” month. Thank God it’s shorter than the rest.

    As for the school birthday observance: Our school requires us to purchase whatever we bring, as opposed to lovingly home-baking something. Doughnuts are always well-received. But there are a couple of gluten-free kids in the class so I had to bring fruit roll-ups or some alternative. That said, a book is a good idea, but can also be tricky. Is there any way you could purchase gift certificates to the Scholastic Book Clubs – does your school send home those flyers? If so, some sort of gift certificate or credit would be nice for the kids, and the teacher gets some sort of kickback in the form of books for the classroom too.

  342. My favorites were all by Natalie Babbit when I was nine. Tuck Everlasting is the one everyone knows, but Kneenock Rise is wonderful.

  343. What about a giftcard for $10 to the local children’s bookstore – or barnes & noble – or wherever you buy books in your area? That way the kids get to choose their own book! Hopefully it’s not target or wal-mart or something -because you’ll know they won’t buy books -it will be toilet paper or something stupid.

  344. Where the Red Fern Grows. Crazy sad ending, but amazing story. Still go back and read it every so often…

  345. Roald Dahl is awesome and I LOVED A Wrinkle in Time. I guess 9 is a bit young for To Kill a Mockingbird – the best book ever! Tom’s Midnight Garden is awesome as is Richard Peck’s The Ghost Belonged to Me. I was also an animal nut and loved The Black Stallion series and Old Yeller, which also has a sequel – Savage Sam. I actually still have a lot of my favourite books from when I was growing up – and I’m 43! When things are bad, I sometimes reread them and escape for awhile.

  346. Phantom Tollbooth? Or is that a little too old for nine.

    My fav books when I was nine were all by Stephen King or Anne Rice, so yea. I’m not the best to ask.

  347. Please ask her teacher. She’ll know. And who knows, maybe the cupcake thing would work! I also agree with someone who suggested Carl Hiaason. “Hoot” was awesome. But make sure it’s one of his kids novels because his adult ones, though awesome as well, are bent.

  348. First, thank you for accepting that food allergies are serious! I love that – instead of getting bent out of shape because you can’t provide baked sugar goods to the class – you chose something that may actually improve their love of reading and not kill somebody too boot! Second, I think the Lemony Snicket “A Series of Unfortunate Events” books would be great. Especially since it was identified by someone online as THE #1 Worst Books for Children.

  349. A Wrinkle in Time, A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet
    From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
    The Phantom Tollbooth
    Where the Red Fern Grows
    Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone
    Little House in the Big Woods and the rest of the series
    The Trumpet of the Swan
    and yes, of course to Calvin & Hobbes…excellent. 🙂

    Give your September girl a big hug from this September girl too. Yes, I know those feelings of which you speak. At the same time, this is about celebrating being born into this big ol’ mess of life. Let’s do that. xoxo

  350. When I was a kid, some my favorite books were…
    -The Wizard of Oz series
    -The Narnia series
    -Aesop’s Fables
    -Betsy and Tacy series
    -Catwings

  352. So many great book suggestions! No matter which one you pick, maybe you & Hailey could design a special birthday bookplate to put inside each one? :o)

  353. I’m an elementary school librarian– I love questions like this!
    (Calvin and Hobbes, though a great idea, is probably much more than $10– I’ve never seen any comic strip books for that cheap.)
    Bad Kitty
    Allie Finkle’s Rules for Girls
    Hatchet
    Dear Dumb Diary
    Anything by Roald Dahl
    Charlotte’s Web
    Little House in the Big Woods
    Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

  354. Sideways Stories or anything Roald Dahl (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory??) are awesome.

  355. My almost 9-year-old is obsessed with The Girl Who Owned a City. Interestingly, so was I at her age!

  356. Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing
    How to Eat Fried Worms
    Bridge to Terabithia

    All of these are great!

  357. Oooh, great post, seriously. As for book recs: The Phantom Tollbooth, Up From Jericho Tel (though that has kids communing with a dead actress, so that might be off-limits, too), and From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.

  358. When I was 8-10 my aunt used to take me all the time to book sales, usually at the local libraries where they would sell the old beaten up copies so they could buy new ones. One book that I found, held together with a rubber band no less, was The Never-Ending Story. I don’t know if it was because it was so beaten up and falling apart, or if it was just the story itself, but it was my favorite at that age, and still is at 36 🙂

  359. I’m reading “Walls Within Walls” by Maureen Sherry. Loved the Ramona books and all things either fantasy or mystery.

  360. These may be a bit “young” for 9 year olds but I’d recommend “Scaredy Squirrel”. Not 100% sure it’s available in the states, but this is a book I first bought about 3- 4 years ago when my daughter’s anxiety reared it’s ugly head for the 1st time. It was a great and fun way to talk about anxiety without it being all preachy. You can even laugh at the “silliness” of the anxiety and all the lists he makes to deal with potential (usually imagined or seriously exaggerated) dangers in the world before he, of course, discovers, it wasn’t as bad as he expected.
    My 9 year old daughter still loves Scaredy (there are a few books in the series now). We always look for ward to new ones.
    Anyway, here’s the book’s website. If you can get it stateside, I highly recommend it.
    http://www.scaredysquirrel.com/

  361. You probably aren’t going to read this far down but my son absolutely loved “Sir Fartsalot hunts the Booger” by Kevin Bolger. Needless to say their is a lot of flatulence humor which I think all kids of that age find funny. But I even enjoyed reading it to him. We both laughed out loud at some parts. I think you can get it in paperback for five or six bucks.

  362. I wish I could remember. Sometime around then I was really into Shel Silverstein and Jack Pelusky. Sadly, haven’t been into poetry since.

  363. When I was 9 I loved horse books and dog books: Black Beauty, Where the Red Fern Grows, etc. I was also big into Nancy Drew. Ok now that I think about it, I was kinda lame.

  364. Hmm…I’m sure my mom has a box of my old books somewhere, but I’m too lazy to ask. I do remember a few though, so hopefully they’ll help!

    The Boxcar Children by Patricia MacLachlan
    Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
    James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
    The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

  365. Rascal by Sterling North. I did a book report on it in elementary school and the book stuck with me so long that 20 years later I named my first dog, Rascal, after the raccoon in the book.

  366. Are you me? My birthday was Sunday and it was just the worst day ever. September really does seem to lie the loudest. I’m happy to see other September birthdays here who felt the same. Also, the Write Love on Her Arms totally made me think of who I could ask to write something, and what good things they might say, and it cheered me up just to imagine it. Doctor Who says it best (like usual!) with You Are Not Alone. (Is #YANA better then #YOLO?)

    In book world, I’d suggest The Dark is Rising sequence, but if parents are going to object to anything, it’d probably be a book with Pagan mythos in it. Calvin and Hobbs is probably a great idea. I love giving books instead of sugar.

  367. The Epiplectic Bicycle by Edward Gorey (yes, Epiplectic, not Epileptic) if for no other reason than Gorey is brilliant and every child should be reading him and seeing his artwork! My other go-to for kids is The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. Crazy good mystery with so many people and twists it’ll keep everyone engaged.

  368. The whole not-being-allowed-to-read is pretty depressing… but if you’re genuinely concerned about that, then some of the suggestions above won’t work– The Giver, Sideways Stories, Phantom Tollbooth, Bunnicula & Wrinkle in Time all have either magical or violent properties to them. Shel Silverstein used to be frowned upon by the uber religious because he wrote for Playboy, but perhaps that tide has faded– his books are some that will stay with people for a lifetime. Mixed Up Files features a runaway duo– they come home eventually, but that can always be a problem, too. The Hobbit, Wizard of Oz, and Green Gables are for above average readers… which is probably on 10% of the class. Mr. Poppers Penguins had a movie, and sometimes that ruins it for kids. 4th Grade Nothing and Are You There God aren’t really gender neutral- if you ask a 9 year old. 🙂

    Roald Dahl books like the BFG work out alright, because for some reason the magic of them doesn’t bother parents. Danny the Champion of the World is another good one by him.

    I think Frindle is a great choice for you. It suits your personality, but is entirely appropriate for kids and the age group.

    Or, I would go with a classic– like someone mentioned above, you can find ’em in the Target bin for next to nothing ($.50) and even if it’s hard reading… it’s something they’ll hold onto for awhile. Maybe mix up Wizard of Oz with $.50 wand bubbles, too– making it a sort of awesome gift under $1. 😉

  369. *sigh* It’s ironic that Suicide Prevention week normally coincides with my birthday. just turned 49. No husband, no kids, so I guess I can be replaced. Sorry, just feels like it at some times. Like I am not a real person.
    Sorry, just in a very deep dark hole right now.

  370. Thank you Jen,
    You actually just reached someone who was not going to, but very much wants to top herself right now. That can happen, you know. You know better. You know its selfish and crappy. And if you have a child its out of the fucking question. And yet if things have been rough, and you’re alone and you’re just plain goddamn done, you think about it. It feels like shit and compounds the sneaking suspicion you have that you are a selfish loser. What did I do for those I love today? Hey! I didn’t kill myself! How very thoughtful of me. Now I have to reapply my makeup and go out job hunting (again) and try and find things to be grateful for. At the moment its you. Thank you.
    San

  371. –>Hard to remember what I was reading then but I saw someone write Encyclopedia Brown and I got excited remembering how much I loved those books.

  372. I would ask the teacher! Also, ask her about Scholastic and order all the kids a book through their program. They will usually give the teacher free books for the classroom for every so many books that are ordered, so it’s like a win-win-win! 39 Clues my son LOVES!! They are pretty “safe” when it comes to the magic thing and it gets them thinking without even knowing it because you are gathering the clues and solving the mysteries, PLUS they reference actual historic events which leads the kids to begin to gain interest in those moments in history!

  373. How about this? Recommend the indubitably magical books for us heathen adults and budding adults, but include some equally magical books for those who are religious–the Narnia books by C.S. Lewis are good, but the Madeline L’Engle books are also faith-based but very good as well, if a bit dated.

    For the older kids and adults, I can’t recommend a series of books I’ve been reading, the “Peter and the Monsters” series enough–I’m so delighted by them as they are hilarious, magical, mysterious, and chock full of great pop culture references for the adults reading. These books are by Darren Pillsbury and can be learned about here: http://darrenpillsbury.com/peter-novels

  375. I’d donate the 39 Clues series of books to the classroom. My son and I couldn’t wait for the next book!

  376. The gift certificate to Scholastic is a fantastic idea, whoever said that first. I don’t know if anyone else mentioned it or not (don’t have time to read all the comments), but I loved Superfudge and remember reading it in the fourth grade when I was nine.

  377. when i was 9, SCIENCE IN YOUR OWN BACK YARD
    Now, i second CALVIN AND HOBBES
    ( for anyone, anytime, any age)

  378. I think I read a lot of Beverly Cleary books (specifically anything involving Ramona Quimby) when I was around that age. There was also Harriet the Spy.

  379. Matilda (or really, any children’s book by Roald Dahl), Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, The Sword in the Stone. I still love these books, especially Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

  380. I vote for “From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler”
    And anything by Edward Eager – “Half Magic”, et al — because they have male and female characters and each gender is equally capable.
    If you know a good Usborne Books consultant (http://www.usbornebooks.com/) she’ll have a recommendation for that age. My consultant was always SPOT ON with her recommendations.

    “Captain Underpants” — NO! Please.

  381. Thank you for posting the information on the suicide hotlines. I especially loved the “I cannot be replaced” project. I assign little value to myself, and although I can rationally admit that *today*, there are days that I am not rational. Days I believe that I’m a ‘placeholder’ in the lives of others; that anyone else could satisfactorily perform the same functions as myself, with no one the wiser. That it doesn’t matter that it’s *me*. It’s really hard for me to believe sometimes, but I cannot be replaced. And neither can you. Thank you.

    As to the book: I’m with Kat and Serena: “The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales” by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith. When I was about 16, I took my little brother (then 8), to the school book fair, and saw this book. I picked it up; it looked a bit weird, which I thought was perfect. And of course, the title was strange and funny. I bought it, we walked home, and I read it to him that night. We laughed ourselves sick that night, and it became a fast favorite. To this day, I can still quote “Jack’s Story” word-for-word from memory. And once you read it, you’ll understand why.

  382. My first ever really-interested-in-reading not just-because-I-have-to series, was the Little House on the Prairie. I even made my school order the newest books so that I could read them in the right order. haha Not exactly great for the less than proficient readers, or even for the boys… but thought I’d put my piece in. 🙂

  383. Go with Hank… or take a mix of the three books and let kids choose? *remembers when birthdays were awesome in school*

    By the way, your 4 reasons are wonderful. So what if its a little dark? You can’t reach the light without traveling in the dark first.

  384. I think the Shel Silverstein suggestions are the way to go. And choose several different ones so that if a kid in the class has the one he gets, then he can trade with another classmate. And this is a GREAT birthday idea, given the not wanting to accidentally kill someone. Put “I have great alternatives to killing kids” on that list of reasons why you cannot be replaced.

  385. At 9 I was totally into Judy Blume –
    not sure how gender neutral she is, but I still love her, all these years later.
    We moved so often her characters were, at times, my only friends.

  386. Little Women! Although that may not apply across genders. Perhaps some Nancy Drew / Hardy Boys? ORRRR… Do they still do those choose your own adventure books?? Those things were great!! Or Mad Libs. Throw a little undercover grammar lesson in.

  387. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. It won the Newberry (twice!) and made the teacher’s top 100 list. A good book that appeals to both genders and shouldn’t upset any parents.

  388. I assume Babysitters Club, Choose Your Own Adventure, and Sweet Valley Twins is not helpful… But after scanning the other comments, it has jogged my memory that I DID also read books of a higher literary quality. I enjoyed everything by Beverly Cleary and Judy Blume. I also remember liking How To Eat Fried Worms and A Wrinkle in Time. And Half Magic, which I think my mom said she read as a kid. And my 8 year old nephew has been reading these books too, so I would say they’re all still classics, not just whatever was simply new-ish and popular back in the 80’s!

  389. I can’t fill that out today because 2 days ago the man I love told me I very much can be replaced and well… I got nothing now.

    Books: “The paper bag princess” and “the Salmon princess” are both amazing and very different, despite the similar names.

  391. I loved Shel Silverstein’s books, the Box Car Children, and the Nancy Drew Books. My brother’s who are 8 & 10 as well as my 12 year old sister love the Diary of the Wimpy Kid books, but those are super popular so most of them may own one or more.

    Good Luck!!

  392. When I was 9 my favorite book was Charlotte’s Web. It was the first book I ever bought with MY OWN MONEY and I loved it to death. I still have that copy and it is literally held together by duct tape. Even if I lost my house and had to live out of a suitcase, my suitcase would still have that copy of that book in it.

  393. Give them all a copy of your book (if you can get them for free yourself) – then put a $10 bookstore gift card in each of them. The parents should be happy with your book (if not they need therapy) and the kids can pick out whatever their messed-up parents let them get. Win/win.

  394. Have you thought about comics instead? My kids loved/still love reading and we had books in the car and at home, but for kids that aren’t fanatics yet, comics are often a good intro. There are still good old fashioned clean ones around like Archie. Who knows – you could encourage future “old school” collectors.

    btw – I like Cindy’s suggestion of a series of books.

  395. “A Wrinkle in Time.” Yes, it’s sorta magical, but Madeline L’Engle was actually very Christian, so the magic is actually more Christian allegory. I have loved that book since I was 9. As I was a Catholic schoolgirl at the time and am now a 40-something atheist, that definitely says something.

    Or possibly “From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.” That’s awesome and a little bit subversive.

  396. I’m going to second Sideways Stories for Wayside School (unless somebody else already did and then I’m… tripling it? I don’t know how to say that). That was one of my favorite books! And what a great idea by the way! I mean how many times a year are they going to get cupcakes anyways? A gajillion! Books are way better. Except there’s a cupcake shop in a book store in my nearby small town and it’s absolutely wonderful.

  398. A Wrinkle in Time or Phantom Tollbooth………..both AMAZING.

    When I was 9 or 10 I loved a book (from the library) so much I copied it by hand so
    I could always have it. No illustrations though…

  399. I loved Judy Blume and Roald Dahl books as a kid. “Blubber” for the girls (helps with self-esteem issues too!) and “Freckle Juice” for the boys. Although kids seem so much more mature nowadays – maybe these are too young for kids????

  400. Congrats to Hailey. My munchkin THE MUNCHKIN just turned 11 this month. I agree wit previous posters on the Calvin and Hobbs idea. What better way to substitute reality than with those two.

  401. It would be kind of cool to take in a PEANUTS book for everyone, because some kids are allergic to peanuts.
    is that too weird?

  402. The Maggie B!
    Such a sweet story .
    ‘A little girl’s wish to sail for a day on a boat named for her ” with someone nice for company ” comes true.’

  403. I love that you are being so considerate of allergic kiddos, in a way that doesn’t single anyone out.
    Seriously, this is the best solution I have ever heard of for the birthday-foodallergies-classroom problem.

    Sideways Stories from Wayside School (oh, how I *still* love this book!)
    The 21 Balloons (awesome, often overlooked classic!)
    The Hobbit
    The BFG
    From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

  404. Anything by Roald Dahl is a hit in my world. ‘The Twits’ was a favored one of my daughter when she was about nine. I bet she read and re-read that one five or six times.

  405. The book that saved me when I was in middle school from self harm appropriately enough (let it never be said that I don’t participate in theming) was pretty much anything by Bruce Coville but particularly Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher which was lovely and haunting and his AI Gang trilogy which made me believe that maybe I would have friends someday too.

  406. I love the books called Simon’s Cat – perfect for any age for any cat lover. Honestly though, I’d go with your initial idea of Magic Trixie or Coraline. If it opens a child’s mind a fraction before the parents can stomp it closed with lack of imagination, then job done.

    Trust your instincts Hon xoxo

  408. The Phantom Tollbooth or, and I’m very happy to see it suggested a few comments earlier, A Wrinkle in Tiime. Both are amazing books.

  409. This was a lovely and necessary post. Thank you.

    Books are so wonderful! There are so many, but Tales of a Fourth-Grade Nothing was one I couldn’t wait to share with my kids.

  410. My favorite book at 9 was “Where the Red Fern Grows” by Wilson Rawls… Still is one of my mostfavoritesofalltime. Although, it’s a little sad.

    Second favorites were the Oz series by L. Frank Baum. 🙂 I would stay up late with a flashlight because I couldn’t put these down.

    Nancy Drew was always fun, and I loved the way they smelled… For some reason our library’s copies smelled like buttered popcorn. lol

  412. I read Harriet the Spy until the covers fell off. Other favorites were Eight Cousins, Trixie Belden, Nancy Drew, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Mouse and the Motorcycle, and Black Beauty.

    Best idea ever.

  413. Missicat, you can not be replaced. Just because you don’t have a husband or kids doesn’t mean you’re not important to someone. Hell, now you’re important to me because we’re having this conversation (even though it’s not even a conversation, it’s just me typing into a box and you may or may not ever see this).

    YOU MATTER. I promise.

  414. “Martin’s Mice” by Dick King-Smith. I found this book when I was 9 and loved it. It’s a little more obscure, so it probably wouldn’t be a repeat for most of the kids. It’s about a farm cat who would rather keep mice as pets than kill and eat them. From what I remember it goes over themes such as choosing to be different from those around you, trying to be a compassionate being, and balancing your desires over what is best for those around you. I haven’t read it since I was a kid, but I still remember it being one of my favorite reads. $6.29 on Amazon.

    If you don’t get it for the class, you and Hailey may enjoy it together. Given the personalities your cats have, I think you’d really be able to appreciate a cat that keeps a pregnant mouse as a pet.

    http://www.amazon.com/Martins-Mice-Dick-King-Smith/dp/067989098X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378756897&sr=8-1&keywords=martin%27s+mice

    Extra bonus: Personally, I’d also be smiling with glee sending a book home to a bunch of oober-religious families that has “Dick” in big bold letters on the front. “Can’t handle innocent magic and fun eh? HOW BOUT A DICK THEN?” Hey, in September, you gotta take joy from anywhere you can find it.

  415. Sideways Stories from Wayside School was a favorite of my son’s at that age. And I saw those classics at Target in the dollar bin this weekend, too.

  416. Im horrible at gauging what is appropriate or not for certain ages but I remember loving The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle as a kid as well as Little House on the Prarie and The Box Car Children and and some one else mentioned Way Side School.

  417. Watership Down by Richard Adams was my favorite book as a nine year old, and it’s continued to be a favorite through adulthood. Barring that, I’d say Harry Potter, but the kids have all probably read it.

  419. When I was nine, I was battling ignorance because I was already an advanced reader. My teachers were nice people, but they had no resources for enrichment during the late 1950’s in south Georgia, USA. That year I read Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. I understood alcoholism, depression and family pressures could cause the misery of the characters, but I was, at the same time, too young to see how they could overcome their misery. Therefore, my heart broke for them. I reread it at 20 and realized that the characters were weak and flawed as human beings and that it was my responsibility as a reader to come away with much more than heartbreak.
    Today, I am happy that my grandgirls have access to challenging and thought provoking books that are also appropriate for their psychological and developmental levels. With that being said, The Girl Who Navigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making is an outstanding example of age appropriate literature for 9 year old readers capable of following more complex plots.
    On a mental health note: Stay well this month all of you who are effected by the shorter days.

  420. I loved My Side of the Mountain at that age. Fantastic story about a young boy who chooses to live in the woods by himself.

  422. Hiedi, The Silver Brumby, Black Beauty, The Black Stallion (or any of Walter Farleys books), Any of the children’s serious of fictionalized Biographies – I read all of them between 2nd and 5th grade.

  423. No magic, eh? Here were my favorite non-magic books at age 9.

    I’ll second the suggestion of The Westing Game.
    I’ll eighty-second the suggestion of Sideways Stories from Wayside School.

    Additionally:
    Thirteen Ways To Sink A Sub by Jamie Gilson
    Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan

  424. September. My son would be 26 on September 25th if he hadn’t died on June 8th, 2004. Knowing my living kid needs me keeps me alive.

    I love Hank the Cowdog and so did Will.

  425. I see others have mentioned it already – but the Westing Game – one of my absolute childhood favorites!

  427. ‘Anne of Green Gables’
    Anything Roald Dahl
    ‘Ungifted’ is my new favorite though!

  429. Get a few different books and let them swap about when they’re finished? That way you could buy a few different ones… even at 9 I could never choose just one book.

  430. I’m smiling about all the “is this too young for 9” questions as a lot of those are books that I still enjoy re-reading and I’m 58. I think my favorite is “A Wrinkle In Time”, though.

    Part of the credit for me being 58 goes to a lovely young-sounding woman at the other end of a phone one bleak winter day when I was pretty sure I couldn’t be bothered to take another breath.

  431. My 4th grade teacher gave me “Where the Red Fern Grows,” which I read over and over again.

  432. In 4th grade we read Island of the Blue Dolphins. Loved it. Calvin and Hobbs and How to Eat Fried Worms…very good also.

  434. OK, I asked my 9 yr old daughter and 11 year old son. They said ANY of the Hank Zipzer books (by Henry Winkler) or the Wayside School books (by Louis Sacher) are awesome. They also like Ready Freddie, The Boxcar Children, The Homework Machine and The Paperbag Princess. Happy Reading!

  435. The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin. My fourth grade teacher read that to our class when I was 9, and it stays with me to this day. Works for both genders, and is a fun (not-really-a) murder mystery that’s totally age-appropriate.

  436. Try anything by Adam Rex. Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich is great and he has a new one called Moonday.

  437. We gave a bunch of different joke books as a party favor one year; the kids seemed to love them. Also, my 9-year-old is currently all about the 43 Old Cemetery Road series of books. Not magic, but ghosts!

  438. So, I don’t know if this will help or be scary, but you rock. I was hit by a wave of lying lies about 15 minutes ago, and I clicked over here, figuring on re-reading the fucked up apple post, and instead got exactly the reminder about depression lying, and me be irreplaceable that I needed.

    Thank you.

    Also? Sideways stories from Wayside or Mrs. Piggle Wiggle were my first two thoughts. 🙂

  441. Alright, books for 3rd graders with no magic & are inoffensive. There can be a wide variety of reading levels, so you want something easy to read but still interesting and appeals to boys & girls. I’d say Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys. Perhaps I am showing my age a little too much.
    Maybe your daughter would have a good idea. She’d probably know what’s popular in her class whether it’s Junie B. Jones or Magic Treehouse or whatever.

  444. Mostly I read fantasy/magic books as a kid. But there are some I read then and since that I think are wonderful:

    Frindle
    From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
    Swallows and Amazons (and such a wonderful series!)
    Any of the books by Elizabeth Enright

    I lost my younger brother to suicide 30 years ago and it still hurts. He was only 18. A couple of times a year I still have a dream where he is alive and his death was just a bad dream. It’s a wonderful dream and for the first few moments after I wake up, I still believe it. Since his death, I have thought about suicide a lot, but only seriously twice and once I actually checked myself into a psych hospital, which helped a lot. Since my mom died 3 years ago, I haven’t had her as a reason to stay alive (my dad died when I was in high school, so now my immediate family is all gone). So I have taken to reminding myself that my friends would feel devastated if I killed myself. Plus, the meds are helping and so is the therapy. But it still sometimes wanders through my mind that if I were dead, I wouldn’t have to deal with the lack of any money, the being nearly unemployed (just a part-time job right now), the fact that I probably won’t be able to buy my own house again for years and years, and the fact that I cannot afford to move out of my friends’ house yet, plus the usual stuff that makes for big bumps in the road of life. I’m not sure if I will ever not think about how dying would make the hurts stop, but at least I’m not actively pursuing it.

  445. “Mr. Bear Squash-You-All-Flat”, is awesome! It is by Morrell Gipson, written over 50 years ago, but is the best. Purple House Press has republished it. Check it out even if you don’t give it to the kids…”I give you fair warning”.

  446. I don’t have a book suggestion (though Roald Dahl maybe? I don’t know? I was ready the White Dragon when I was 9….I remember skipping over the sex because it was icky.)

    Anyway, your post inspired me to post my arm and I have to say the campaign you mentioned really hit a nerve with me because of it’s name “To write love on her arms” because that’s how I cope with depression/thoughts of self harm.

    I literally have found the best way for me to deal with it when it gets too much is to get a sharpie and write things like “Depression Lies” or “Illness does not equal failure” or “You are loved” on my arms. My 4 year old doesn’t know about my self harm but he does know I write on my arms when I am sad and the writing makes me happier so he joins in.

    Like literally today he wrote his name, drew a spiral and “kisses” all over my arm….he literally wrote love on my arms today.

    And that’s maybe why I can’t be replaced…because I am his mum.

    just wanted to say.

  451. I agree with Tabitha W.
    Garbage Delight, by Dennis Lee, hands down. My favourite poetry book of all time.
    Also, Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang is very good.

  452. As a kid i had 2library cards so i could check out twice as much.
    I was addicted to books and read almost anything. By 9 iwas already reading Stephen King, still remember reading It and changing place in the garden, so i could sit somewhere where noone could creep up on me. Hahaha.
    I especially loved fairytales as a kid and read every single one in our library. I really loved reading international ones, the ones that arent so well known.
    When i was older and had young nieces, i bought them their first fairytalebook.
    I also still remember an exneighbour giving me a book when i was little with a personal message in the front. I treasured that one.
    Anyway, im not from the USA, so i wont know a lot of the titles you are choosing from. But i do know its hard to make everyone happy. You could go for the lighter books that try to teach something. Those usually dont have a lot of ‘upsetting’ things (*sigh*) in it.
    Just go with what you feel is right, its your gift to give.
    And i absolutely love the fact that you give the gift of reading. In this day and age, kids dont really get the chance anymore to fall in love with books .

  454. According to my 9 year old on Thursday (who was slightly annoyed I was reading blog posts until I told her this blogger has a 9 year old :-), “The Twits is an excellent book!” She also likes Magic Trixie, but said “the boys might not appreciate it.” Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is magic disguised as Japanese folktale and therefore approved literature.

  455. When I was nine, I was happy to read anything written by Roald Dahl. To this day, “Matilda” is still my favorite book. Maybe “James and the Giant Peach” or “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?”

  456. When I taught 3rd grade I read my kids “The Wolves in the Walls” and it instantly became the favorite of every class. It became a right of passage for kids in my school. The second graders would look forward to coming to third grade and getting to do fun projects with that book. I’ve never met a 9 year old who didn’t like it. That’s my vote.

  457. I LOVED *Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH* when I was that age. In unrelated news, it appears that NIMH is the acronym for the National Institute of Mental Health. That’s just too much of a coincidence to not be the work of the universe. Coo Ell.

  459. When I was 9, my favorite book was Homesick by Jean Fritz. Its about an American girl growing up in China in the 1920’s. I’ve even read part of it to my daughter’s third grade class with no negative feedback.

  460. I’m always amazed at your wonderful humor and gut wrenching honesty. I’ve never had to call a hotline, but I’ve come close to needing one lots of times. Keep being awesome.

  461. I think I only saw one other person post Where the Red Fern Grows, but that is a truly awesome book. My third grade teacher read it to the class and I have read it several times over my lifetime. I had my daughter read it when she was 9 and while she at first objected because it was an OLD book, she did read it and loved it.

  462. My kids are 8 & 10. I’ve got a boy and a girl and they both love the SkippyJohn Jones books. And I love them too. At the end of the school last year, my daughter’s teacher gave each child a SkippyJohn Jones book and not one parent complained.

  463. Well, I was going to say The Hobbit, but there’s magic and stuff. How about The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler or Socks by Beverly Cleary? or The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop or The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks or Alice in Wonderland or…I need to stop now or I”ll spend the rest of the afternoon looking up books I read as a kid and there are a LOT of them. 🙂

    P.S. I like September but then again, I love fall and September means apples are in season, the weather gets cooler, the leaves just start to change and Halloween is just around the corner. February, on the other hand, sucks. In February I start feeling like winter will NEVER END and it will be cold and snowy and miserable forever.

  464. You are amazing, and irreplaceable (and, you may be delighted to know, currently banned from my work intranet as “Inappropriate Content.” Good for you!)

    These may skew a little young, but they deserve some reading:
    1. A is for MuskOx ( http://www.amazon.com/Is-Musk-Ox-Erin-Cabatingan/dp/159643676X ), a new classic
    2. and Tacky the Penguin (http://www.amazon.com/Tacky-Penguin-Helen-Lester/dp/0395562333/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378758715&sr=1-1&keywords=tacky+the+penguin ) , which my parents read to me, and which I still return to on the days that I need to remember that I am irreplaceable.

    This is wonderful…please excuse me while I buy all the children’s books in the comment section.

  465. You clearly have enough recommendations at this point, but I’m going to go ahead and add Gooseberry Park by Cynthia Rylant to the list. Nothing objectionable, but a entertaining tale about a dog and pregnant squirrel who are unlikely friends (and a hermit crab too, but he’s not featured as much), and a daring rescue after an ice storm.

  466. Blank journals so they can start their OWN books! Thank you for everything you do, Irreplaceable, Inspirational One.

  468. Thank you for the reminder of such an important cause. And for making me think of why I’m important. Sometimes we all need a reminder.

    I haven’t read any of the books you mentioned, so I can’t give any advice on them. But one of the books that I read when I was young & kept for all these years is “Sideways Stories from Wayside School.” All 3 of our kids have read it & the newer ones that have come out & they all seem to enjoy them. And it falls in your price range!

    http://www.amazon.com/Sideways-Stories-Wayside-School-Sachar/dp/0380731487?tag=ap0a7eddd0-20

  469. I haven’t read all the other comments, but when I was 9, I loved Harriet The Spy and From The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweller. Both are awesome.

  472. I loved the Mixed Up Files book when we read it when I was in 5th grade! It was fabulous and I still remember it 20+ years later! Also, I remember loving Peppermints in the Parlor!

  473. Harry Potter is the best though, so its a shame for those who are stifled by dogmatic restrictions that cloud there brains with fear and rejection…

  474. I have to agree with a million other suggestions of ANYTHING by Shel Silverstein or Roald Dahl. I’ve got a niece who’s 8 and a nephew who’s 10… they love them! And, they’re great for a variety of reading levels, since they’re good for both independent reading AND being read aloud.

  476. I read them as an adult, so I don’t know that I’m targeting the age range correctly, but I love, love, love the Tiffany Aching series by Terry Pratchett. The first is The Wee Free Men, but they’re all amazing. Technically they’re about witches, but it turns out witches are just people who know how to problem-solve like a boss.

    I think I was reading tons of Christopher Pike books at that age, which are probably not incredibly appropriate. Always loved Shel: ‘Where the Sidewalk Ends’ ftw. I loved the Boxcar children series and The Westing Game (also super amazing). The Trumpet of the Swan x EB White was also a favorite. But really, with books, it’d be hard to go wrong.

  478. Jenny Lawson, or Laura, PLEASE define “licksquishy.”
    i get the general idea, and love it, but I want to use the word properly.

  479. It’s been said above, but I think that was when I started with Wrinkle in Time and then read everything else Madeleine L’Engle wrote. I also read Anne of Green Gables and then everything else L.M. Montgomery wrote, but those might not be great for a co-ed class. Harriett the Spy is fantastic. Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing? The Lion, The Witch & the Wardrobe was definitely that age. In the same vein as Island of the Blue Dolphins, Julie of the Wolves was great and I loved it at that age.

    For something newer, what about Wildwood? Does that have a cheaper paperback version yet? I wouldn’t think that would count as a “magic” problem, but who knows.

  480. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls was always a favorite, it gets really sad at the end though.

  482. Catwings by Ursula K. Le Guin. It’s a lovely, gorgeously written short story that appeals to boys and girls, and makes a great read-aloud for any children who can’t yet read it independently. And it’s also a first in a series.

    Cats born with wings in a dangerous city alley… their mother tells them they have to leave in search of a safer home. Cats depart, sans mom, and rely on each other to survive. They find a home in the end, and it’s a warm and emotionally resonant story overall. Also has beautiful illustrations.

  485. Some different suggestions:
    Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper – I know three different kids (including my own) who’ve called this their favorite book ever.
    The Tiger Rising, Because of Winn Dixie or The Magician’s Elephant, by Kate DiCamillo. DiCamillo is one of the best writers alive. She just happens to write books for kids.
    The Graveyard Book. I can’t believe this one hasn’t come up before. Yes, magical and spooky. But come on — Neil Gaiman!

  486. Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life Paperback
    by James Patterson

    Excellent reviews. I bought it for my nephew he just turned 10 and he loved it.

  487. Thank you for being courageous enough to say that sometimes even you feel hopeless! I myself have needed to use the suicide prevention hotline! I also have given back and worked on the Suicide Prevention hotline! they always need good long term volunteers and you should call them. In Canada the Salvation Army Suicide Prevention hotline is run by the salvation army but in no way does it push any type of religious response to this situation!

    As for books I totally pick Sideways stories from Wayside school (the original is still my fave!!)

    T

  488. How about Lois Lowry’s “The Giver”? It’s dark, but they might like that (a bit post-apocalyptic, without the zombies).

    Anything Roald Dahl EXCEPT Charlie & The Chocolate factory (they’ve seen the movie)

    “A Wrinkle in Time” still rocks

    I also loved “Ghosts I Have Been/The Ghost Belonged to Me” by Richard Peck, and they’re not as dark as “The Giver”

    How about this: give out 3 or 4 different books, so they can trade with someone else if it’s something they’ve already read. Awesome idea, by the way – I would’ve loved to have been given a book. still would.

  489. It is magical, but my all-time favorite book, discovered around the age of 9 is A Wrinkle in Time.

  491. Anything by Kate DiCamillo, but especially Because of Winn-Dixie or The Tale of Despereaux. Fabulous books for a 9-10 year-old.

  492. I was huge into the Black Stallion books. I liked the Wind in the Willows, but I can’t really remember what age I was…I also liked Nancy Drew, but the other two series are more non-gender specific.

  494. D’aulaire’s Book of Greek Myths.
    . Piggle Wiggle
    The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe (magical AND religious if it has to be)
    Phantom Tollbooth

    I think everyone who posts here is irreplaceable because I always want to “like” every comment. <3

  495. X 100000 on Shel Silverstein. Just be careful and remember, it’s a LIGHT in the Attic, not FLOWERS in the Attic.

    Also, thank you for posting this. August and September have thus far felt like depression is winning. I need to get my head out of that spot.

  496. A Wrinkle In Time. Madeline L’Engle.

    Or wait till next month when Neil Frickin Gaiman’s new book comes out, called Fortunately the Milk.

    I got to hear him read from it when he was in Toronto last month. Sounds amazing, or in other words, typically Neil. 🙂

  498. While I’m going through this anxious time trying to find the right meds and having more panic attacks than I’ve had in the last five years, I think of my gorgeous daughter, and how much I had to go through to have her, and I’m her only mother. I pull it together for her and my husband, because they are my world.

    I love that people mentioned Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle. I read The Phantom Tollbooth every year. I just recommended From The Mixed Up Files to one of the kids I nanny for. James and The Giant Peach was my favourite Roald Dahl. I still love reading anything by Shel Silverstein. I love reading books that I used to read as a kid…they always make me feel better.

  500. My daughter just turned 9 in August… The “Black Lagoon” series is still pretty popular. My Cassie loved them so much I had to buy big lots of them from ebay. They’re good for both girls and boys and there are so many that not all of them involve magic. Lots of silliness though!

  501. For me, September means that there is hope. Hope for the seemingly endless, aimless, bright, disorganized days of summer to finally be gone for another year. Hope that the cool, grey days that are like a cozy blanket will soon return. Hope that our lives will once again have structure and routine. Hope that the 3 month long migraine of sunny days will gradually fade. Hope that I can feel like myself again.

    F*ck summer and sunshine.

    Bring on the rain!

  502. You know what this means .. clearly.. you have to write the book. A Sweet crazy off the wall book about a sweet 9 your old girl and her partially made up adventures. It’s written in the stars that this be done. This is why you cant find the book, you are being called to make the book!

  503. I’m not reading 400+ comments my dear – too too lazy – but check out Jasper Fforde’s The Last Dragonslayer. MIGHT fit the bill. I don’t think it’s about magic at all, but may be wrong, yet it’s still fantasy! (Haven’t checked cost, I blame being a foreigner.) I love Jasper Fforde. You must read his Nursery Crime series and Shades of Grey! The Thursday Next series is awesome for the first two books then it gets dull.

  504. I don’t know if the Magic Schoolbus books are too young, as I am old 🙂

    What I would do is hit a used bookstore (if they have good ones in your area) and see if you can get decently loved copies of a bunch of books, then let the kids pick out what they want.

    ~k

  505. Liza Lou and the Yeller Belly Swamp by Mercer Mayer. But I could be off on my age. I loved the Bunnicula books, too, which might be a little closer to 9 years old.

    You’re her only mom – best ever. I look forward to every Bloggess post with glee – write that on your arm too.

  506. are you my mother?

    I know that is about a pre-k level book but has been my favorite for 53 years. this is probably due to the fact that I’ve always felt like a lost orphan.

  507. Well, you could get a bunch of books and then let the kids trade them, if they wished. The Lion, the witch and the Wardrobe should not offend the ultra religious since it is a Christian allegorical tale.

  509. The series I loved when I was nine- ish was the boxcar kids, it was about a group do kids that went around solving mysteries.

  510. As a now-30-year-old who is currently in love with Neil Gaiman and obsessed with Harry Potter and Doctor Who and grew up in an uber-religious house where we weren’t allowed to read anything with “magic” or “aliens”…please, give them books about magic and/or aliens.

  511. Instead of a book for every kid in the class could you buy one and donate it to the class? I did that when I was a guest reader when my daughter was in elementary school and I chose “Danny, Champion of the World” by Roald Dahl.

  513. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
    Davin by Dan and Zaki Gordon
    The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
    From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg
    Bad Girls by Cynthia Voigt
    Redwall by Brian Jacques
    Dealing with Dragons by Patricia Wrede
    Wayside School series by Louis Sachar
    Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson
    The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews Edwards

    Okay, some of those have fantastical elements, but I think it’s not in a way that would be offensive. Of course, I don’t understand what’s offensive about fantasy in the first place…so good luck. If people complain, just give them a copy of The Gashlycrumb Tinies by Edward Gorey to show them it could’ve been worse.

  515. Some days Jenny girl, I don’t know how you know. How you know that this is a particularly bad day, just feeling fairly forgettable and completely replaceable. Then you hit me with your #4. I’m their only mother too, and today, like most days, that’s what gets me through.

  518. Because of Winn Dixie is one of my favorite books.

    I can’t be replaced because:
    I make great brownies. (Not pot ones, although I’m sure if it ever becomes legal I could rock those too)
    I am my son’s only parent.
    I am super crafty.

  520. Masterpiece by Elise Broach – recommended for 9 & up. Masterpiece is a 2009 Bank Street – Best Children’s Book of the Year (whatever this means?) My daughter read it in 4th grade, loved it, asked me to read it to her & her then 2nd grade sister & bed time, who also loved it. The main character is a cricket who helps his human friend/protector solve an art mystery.

  521. Enid Blyton – The Folk of the Faraway Tree, there’s a number of books…which come to think of it might be out of print, vaguely off-kilter, but more in an ‘organic mushroom’ sense than magical…I think. Anyway Good Luck!

  522. Hmmm…I’m much like Hailey in that I liked darker themes when I was a kid (still do). I’m guessing for that for the reasons you mentioned Alvin Schwartz books are probably a no-no. I think 9-10 was around the time I started reading Judy Blume books, like Blubber and Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret. Of course, those books are frequently challenged (like, WTF?). Since this was the early 80’s, I was also really into Choose Your Own Adventure books. Nancy Drew and Encyclopedia Brown, too! But I was also getting into teen magazines at this time because, you know, Bo Duke/John Schneider, but I’m sure the kids aren’t into Dukes of Hazzard in the same way I was 😉

  524. ‘Starring Sally J Freedman as herself’. The first Judy Blume book I ever read. Changed my life… Made me realise i was not alone!

  525. Do they still make Choose Your Own Adventure books? I remember those being really cool. The only one of the books from the list above that worries me is Sideways stories from Wayside school. I only say this because I recently went back to read them again and… well… they are a WHOLE lot more messed up than I remember. And I loved that book! (it’s one of the few I saved for my kids to read)

  526. Narnia (if it’s about religion read them the first book where the lion goes around and creates the world from scratch, I guess Christians can refer to that kind of stuff), “Momo” and “The Never-Ending Story” by Michael Ende (but you’d probably have to hang around in class for a never-ending time to read that to them), and ermmmm, I don’t know. Give them something magical. The uber-religious ones ESPECIALLY need it. You haven’t been a child if you haven’t had something magical when you were young.

  527. I really enjoyed Betsy Byars’s books. Mostly her Blossom Family series and Bingo Brown series. Though I’m not too sure what age group they’re for since I was always an advanced reader. All I know is that they were in the library at my elementary school. If nothing else, pick a Roald Dahl(sp?) book, those are always classic. Or you could go with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe since it’s both magical and religious (albeit secretly).

  529. Whales on Stilts by M.T. Anderson. It is such a funny book. It even has ridiculous book club questions at the end. There is no magic, just whales on stilts w/ laserbeams on their heads. And a mad scientist.

  531. The Secret of Nimh. It’s a great story about a mouse and her family whose home (under a rock) is threatened by spring plowing. She is a widow of the local rat community who have been genetically altered and are super intelligent. Spoiler – they totally help her. There is quite a bit of drama with a cat and wondering if the humans are going to find out about the special rat community and send them back the science lab…I think both boys and girls would like it. (FYI, no magic but strange magic-like science ideas (talking mice and all) but hopefully it won’t offend too many people…)
    Oooh, or maybe The Black Stallion. You can’t go wrong with The Black Stallion.

  532. I just bought my 9 year old girl Walter the Farting Dog. Its an easy read, but its funny and about accepting difference. And apparently all 3rd graders think farts are HILARIOUS.

    I totally agree with the person who said Calvin and Hobbes too. And Where the sidewalk Ends is always fun.

  533. All of our teachers have classroom libraries which the kids can grab books for independent reading. I would grab a bunch of the different suggestions and contribute to your daughter’s teacher’s library. Also our school’s main library has special bookplates which they used when you donate a library copy to the main library. You could get cute bookplates saying that the books were donated in honor of your daughter’s birthday.

  534. Book: I adored “The talking Parcel” by Gerarld Durrell when I was that age. I still love it now so many years later

  536. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. It’s about two kids who run away to live in a museum. I think I read it 8 times.

  537. I would seriously consider Peanuts because I would feel like I was getting away with something. Then I like the idea of composition books and new pencils.

    My mom died (not suicide) when I was 15. I’m 45 and I still need a mom. It’s a suck feeling.
    I miss my mom and I don’t want my kids to ever have to feel what I have.

    You are right. You are her only mom and she will need you forever.
    Besides. MOM upside down is WOW and the world needs all the wow it can get.

  538. When I was nine I loved The Swiss family Robinson it was a children’s version with pictures and I still have that same copy 17 years later, but I also read anything I could get my hands on.

  539. I have a nine year old and have never heard of Hank the Cowdog, that is awesome. Don’t get the Hunger Games, whatever you do, speaking of controversial books. I thinking picking one book would be hard…you would be hard pressed to offend me, but my kids are not a fan of dark books, and have very different tastes. Maybe gather all your favorite, wrap them and have a grab bag – they can trade later. Calvin and Hobbes or Baby Blues comic books? Bad Kitty, those are adorable, and Judy Moody.

  540. I posted to my facebook a link to suicide prevention information. I have had two friends kill themselves this year, one a couple years ago. My heart is in pieces and it just adds to the depression issues I already have.

  541. I really liked “Henry and Ribsy” when I was that age or “Because of Win-Dixie”. I remember reading both “Where the Red Fern Grows” and “The Indian in the Cupboard” at that age but I found both of those disturbing. “The Chocolate Touch” is great, but I think it might fall into the magic category. I also loved historical fiction. And all the Laura Ingalls Wilder books. I also personally think “Ramona Quimby, Age 8” is appropriate for boys and girls but that might just be me. Oh! What about “Super Fudge” or “Tale of a Fourth Grade Nothing”!! Those are both classics!!

  545. i love berkley breathed! he wrote mars needs moms, edward fudwupper fibbed big and a few others. if you haven’t read mars needs mom, bring tissue. i’ve read it 100 times and still tear up. edward fudwupper is really wonderful, too. i’m sure you’ll pick something perfect!

  547. My favorite book when I was nine was probably The Black Stallion (or one of the Babysitter’s Club books) but I recommend Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book. And, for any resistant parents, you can point out that it won the Newbery so it is totally suitable and literary even if it is about a kid raised by ghosts and tutored by a werewolf.

  548. For the book: I suggest the latest paperback Magic Tree House. Then include a note that says, if you already have this, please donate it your school library or local library 🙂 I think it is great you want to do books!

  549. I loved Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary. For some reason when I was younger I read it over and over.

    Also, thank you for this blog! It helps me get through most days 🙂

  550. “The Underneath+ by Kathi Appelt. One of the most beautiful and well written books I’ve ever read. It opens with “There is nothing lonelier than a cat who has been loved, at least for a little while, and then is left beside the road.”
    The book follows the cat, her kittens, and an old hound dog who has befriended them all. It also follows the story of an ancient snake spirit known as Grandmother Moccasin. This book is amazing. I have read it to kids as young as 6, and I’m 44 and we all adore this book. And it’s set in Texas.

    And, yes, suicide hotlines can be the literal difference between life and death. Please call if things look hopeless. I did and I’m still here.

  551. Also The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin (though it’s for 10 and up, so might be a little complicated for 9yos). A great puzzle/game/mystery story. So good.

  552. Mossflower! My side of the mountain! Though I don’t remember when that was my favourite book, so those two might be older. And the latter too much about running away for the parents…
    Roald Dahl? Mrs Frisby and the Rats of Nimh?

  553. So many fantastic suggestions! One of my absolute all-time favorite books is The Westing Game. But I wholly endorse the suggestions for Maniac Magee, the Narnia books, Sideways Stories from Wayside School, A Wrinkle in Time, and even Harry Potter. I have also been reading Agatha Christie since around 4th grade, so why not get them started early on murder mysteries?

  554. I still laugh at “Hank the Cowdog”! Oh man, I remember when my fourth-grade teacher read that aloud to the class. I was cracking up… May have been the only one! Thanks for the great advice and great memory today!

  555. A Wrinkle in Time – still OK with most religious families but magical too! And, when they love it, they have two more books to read in the series.

  556. A Wrinkle in Time – still OK with most religious families but magical too! And, when they love it, they have two more books to read in the series.

  557. Frindle, by Andrew Clements! You can’t go wrong with this one, it was one of my favorite books, kinda goofy and it made me want to come up with my own word at the end.

  558. Summer of the Monkeys – Rawls
    Odd and the Frost Giants – Gaiman
    Only You Can Save Mankind – Pratchett
    The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents – Pratchett
    The Secret Garden – Burnett
    The Borrowers – Brown

  563. Jack Prelutsky is pretty popular at that age…or Roald Dahl…or The Neverending Story (which is about the magic of books, so that’s allowed, right?). You could also get Scholastic book coupons and let them each pick their own book.

  564. My oldest is 9 also! She loves Charlotte’s Web and her class is currently reading Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. She also likes the series by Geronimo and Thea Stilton (two different series).

    This is such a great idea. I may have to use it for my girl too! So much better than all the sugar and trying to figure out what to make. My girl is the one with the allergies, so it’s hard for us to find yummy treats that she can have too!

  566. goodness. i really don’t know what is age appropriate. when i home schooled my children (already colleged and gone) if they could read it they could have it in their hands to read. you know, well, not penthouse – but you get what i mean.

    anyway. i guess i didn’t realize suicide prevention week was here. or in september. but i totally agree. i have a passel full of bad memories to work through in the month of september – in which – i added one this past weekend. i put my 16 year old cat to sleep. *ugh* third time in my adult life that i have cut. no one knows that. no one. well, ‘cept now you.

    :'(

  567. Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing. It was an absolutely awesome book (followed up by superfudge,) and instilled in me my love of reading. 🙂 (To that point all of my reading had been required reading.) It is also gender neutral. 😀

  568. I’d never heard of that dog one. (looks good)

    I suggest:
    The Twits by Roald Dahl
    or
    Let’s Pretend this Never Happened, by Jenny something.

    Also books are awesome. You would be my favorite parent EVER.

  569. I don’t know if you read all the comments, but if you do, it’d be great if you could signal boost this.

    For people who have anxiety about talking on the phone and are feeling suicidal:

    “IMAlive is a live online network that uses instant messaging to respond to people in crisis. People need a safe place to go during moments of crisis and intense emotional pain.”

    https://www.imalive.org/

  571. Erickson has put out like 62 of those Hank books. Those kids can’t POSSIBLY have all of them! Go with the odds! (He’s got some merch too, I’m told… http://shop.hankthecowdog.com/

    PS, I don’t work for him but I narrated a few of his books for the Texas State Library Talking Book Program. They’re a hoot.

    r

  572. I was big into the Ramona books when I was 9…by now, that would basically be like distributing classic literature to today’s 9 year olds, right? And who could object to that?

  574. I loved Island of the Blue Dolphins, The Dark Angel Trilogy, Z is for Zachariah, and anything about witches. I think The Wednesday Witch might be too young for them, and I just realized that you asked for stuff sans magic and/or darkness. Crap. That pretty much eliminates all of them. Maybe Jonathan Livingston Seagull? I don’t know, maybe I should just delete this post…

    Oh wait–my 7 year old daughter, reading a little above grade, loves the Magic Tree House series…dammit, this is hard. She loves Wings of Fire, but again…magic. Okay, um Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Charlotte’s Web, The Trumpet of the Swan and A Little Princess. She recently read all of those and really liked them. Good luck, sister.

  577. P.S. The Trixie Beldon mystery series, thought I don’t know if you could find them now. They were AWESOME.

  579. I know we want to go with literary childhood favorites, but I think a great idea would be a different joke book from the kids section or a different madlibs for each child, so they can all share funnies and giggles.

  580. Find a series, like a choose your own adventure series, where you don’t have to read them in order. Then encourage them to trade around when they’re done with their book. The only thing better than enjoying a book is discussing it with someone else who enjoyed it.

  584. Anything JUDY MOODY…she’s hip, she’s out to save the world, and she’s non-magical, so she shouldn’t offend anyone.

  585. Your last reason for being irreplaceable brought tears to my eyes. I like the idea about the list. I’m going to share this with my husband and son.

    Great idea about providing books!!!! I read a dystopian book for that age group that I thought was pretty good: City of Ember. Goodreads also has a list at http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1635.books_for_nine_year_olds. Might be able to browse through there.

    My eight year old also loves this book called The Dod Rules by CoCo LaRue. It might be easy for some readers, but my son reads at a fifth grade level, but still loves it because it’s silly.

  586. What about giving each kid a $10 gift card to Barnes & Noble? That promotes reading, right? You could include a list of Hailey’s book suggestions maybe?

  587. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Superfudge, Charlotte’s Web, The Lightning Thief, any of the Ramona books,
    Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Bridge to Terabithia , The Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Books…

    I think I was nine when I met Fudge and fell in love with the series. When I use to teach English language learners, I read all the books to my classes. These kids were a couple years older, but everyone loved it. I was so proud when the kids started getting their own copies of the books from the library so they could read ahead since I would only read one chapter a day.

    Good Luck!

  588. PS I makes me sad, too, that some kids are denied the joy of reading about magic and fantasy. Some of my favorite books fall into that category.

  589. I couldn’t get enough of The Egypt Game when I was a kid. It’s the perfect, neutral book for any concerned parents – no magic, nothing triggering – just some kids who like to role play that they’re in ancient Egypt, and speculate about the creepy old guy across the street. Pretty gentle stuff, but a really fun story.

    I don’t remember the books, but my 4th grade teacher read the Great Brain series to us at lunch time, and it was a big hit with the class. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Brain

    Oh! The Westing Game – also a huge hit w/ my class. (can’t go wrong w/ the Newberry winners).

  591. I think the thing with September, at least for me, is that you know that summer’s coming to a close. I’ve always thought that Seasonal Affect Disorder was real, and more than real, that to some extent everyone experiences it. Whether you don’t like hot weather or you do, it’s the end of something. It’s the end of long days of light, and it starts to get darker day by day instead of lighter, and that on its own is enough to mess with you. Kids lose some freedom going to school, parents miss their kids who are at school even if they’re grateful for some space. Winter starts to get on your mind.

    September always makes me nostalgic and I end up pondering things in the past, and that can lead to some dark alleys.

    It’s a damn good month for suicide prevention awareness, because I think it’s easy for it to get the best of us, and so it’s good that it gets out there. Because you’re right, depression lies, and people need to know that darkness isn’t all there is.

  592. First off, books don’t have a gender, they’re just good for people 🙂

    Hit the dollar store and go crazy. They have a lot of grade school versions of classics: Huck Finn, Little Women, Peter Pan, etc. Or Little House. Loved that series!

  593. pippi longstocking! don’t know how the english version is but i LOVED pippi’s adventures as a child

  594. Frindle by Andrew Clements…great book for that age. I am sorry September sucks for you….for me, the kids are back in school and I can do a happy dance for that alone!

    Xo,
    Alyssa

  596. So many awesome book suggestions here. I remember being so darn excited when my kid got old enough to start enjoying all these. She was a very early reader though so now at 9, I’m fighting her out of the teen book section at the bookstore. Lordy.

    But my suggestion would be what others have mentioned – how about a large selection of some of the wonderful titles people have selected and then the kids can pick? You’d be lotto lucky to hit on a typical book for this age group that my kid hasnt read. If you have a selection then everyone can get some choice and you may just spark some excitement or a book exchange.

    And just for my 2.5 cents – Tuck Everlasting was one of my faves. Check out Chris Colfer’s Land of Stories for a cool recent release.

  598. I loved The Boxcar Children, and The Black Stallion, and Island of the Blue Dolphins, and Dancing Shoes, and all of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books…

  599. I’m a Montessori elementary school teacher, and I say go ahead and get Coraline. Or maybe The Graveyard Book. We can’t pander to those bat-shit goddists! This is the children’s education we’re talking about: the actual furnishings of the mental mansions they will live in for the rest of their lives. We MUST give them the best.

  600. So, this is totally not what you asked, but I think it’s cool and related and wanted to share. When I was born, the doctor’s didn’t know if I was gonna make it. I am fine now, but was born with some congenital immune system issues that made for many health challenges as a baby. When I turned one, my mom thanked the Universe by doing a small, secret act of kindness for someone that was important to me–that year I think maybe she sent donuts to the nurses’ lounge at the hospital where I was born. And she’s done it every year on my birthday since then. She told me about this tradition when I was in high school, and some years she lets me help pick her act of kindness. I love this idea, and I think I’d like to do the same thing when I have kids. And I think it’s awesome that you’re buying books for Hailey’s class (and also not killing them with cupcakes, because that would suck). Good on ya!

  601. September only sucks because you are in Texas. I HATED September in Texas – still 100+ degrees, the ragweed made me miserable, and it felt like things would never end. September meant hot, miserable, and depressed in Texas. In Colorado, September is glorious and my favorite month. Crisp air, cobalt blue skies, golden aspens on the majestic mountains, autumn vegetables at the farmers market, the return of malty specialty brews – just lovely. You’ll have to visit Colorado in September sometime….

    Oh, my vote is a Little House book. I learned more from the Little House series than I did in most of 4th grade.

  602. Sideways Stories from Wayside School is definitely good. Or The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder, which is slightly creepy (an unnamed, not featured little girl gets attacked by a grownup but they catch him later without any other kids getting hurt) but FANTASTIC. Also on the Egypt theme, The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw, about a nine-year-old boy who is a goldsmith’s apprentice in ancient Egypt. Or From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler by EL Konigsberg.

  603. Danny, the Champion of the World – by Roald Dahl. Anything by Roald Dahl really. Obviously a book from The Chronicles of Narnia as well. Mind you, I think uber religious types don’t like that either. Other suggestions might be The Candymakers by Wendy Mass, The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate and Wonder by R.J. Palacio. These were all favourites of my daughter around that age.

  606. When I was about 9, I read a series of books that started with Bunicula. It was about a bunny whose owners’ fellow pets thought he was a vampire. Perhaps questionable, but hilarious all the same. And I can tell you that a few religious friends of mine were allowed to read it.

    And as a bipolar sufferer, and a woman who lost her sister to suicide this summer, let me thank you for your comments about Suicide Prevention Week.

    Love the shit outta you, girl.

  607. You cannot be replaced because no one else is as honest as you about how sometimes it is a never-ending struggle to make it through just one more day. Thank you for putting that out there, it helps more than you can imagine.
    I like the idea of doing gift certificates to Haley’s school’s Scholastic book fair (I have trouble making decisions and there are just way too many excellent books to pick just one). The librarian will love you, and it’s always a good idea to suck up to the librarian since she controls the books.

  609. When I was nine, I was into this series about two kids who discover their neighbor, Mr. Bass, is an alien scientist who’s discovered a fuel so powerful it only takes four drops to take them to the planet he’s originally from, a second Earth asteroid next to the Moon he’s called Basidium. But they’re out of print and outdated, I think. They were written by Eleanor Cameron. I’m leaving you the link: The Mushroom Planet Series

  612. Holy hell did I need this today. I woke up just feeling so useless that it almost didn’t even hurt, which is dumb, so thank you for this. Thank you so very much.

    Also, Pippi Longstocking. It’s the most wonderful children’s book about why being a somewhat innocent mischief-maker is something to aim for.

    Not to mention, it’s so beautifully odd that you can’t help but smile. Pippi made me who I am today.

  613. The first Harry Potter book. This also gives them motivation to finish the rest of the books.
    Every kid should read that series, even(especially!) if they have seen all the movies.

  614. When I was 9 my favorite book was “Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes.” When I was 29, my favorite book was yours. Clearly, Roald Dahl sets you on a lifelong path of having absolutely awesome literary taste. The being said, I second the Pippi Longstocking, Wayside School Books, and Phantom Tollbooth suggestions already made if you’re looking for intelligent and clever writing that’s still parent-friendly.

  615. Absolutely the BFG! My daughter is grown with two boys of her own now – but she and her Dad still repeat passages from BFG and laugh. Light and funny and won’t offend anyone.

  616. Since you are already being so considerate of kids with food allergies and different religious practices, I would just like to mention that not all kids are at the same reading level as a “typical” nine year old. So.. I suggest just picking your daughters favorite book (because it is really all about her anyway) or giving the kids (or the class) a gift certificate to a book store.

  617. The BFG or Matilda, or A Wrinkle In Time (it was around age 8 or 9 that I discovered that particular piece of my childhood). Possibly Anne of Green Gables or A Little Princess?

  618. Half a Moon and One Whole Star by Crescent Dragonwagon. If you can find it at the book store. It is normally a “school library” book so it is hard to come by. I have a hard back copy of it when the Seattle Public Library was cleaning house 10 years ago. I found it at Barnes and Nobel about 5 years ago in paperback. The paperback version is not available on Amazon. It is a wonderful book!

  619. I love this post. It’s a good reminder, especially right now when I’m feeling a little down and stressed.

    I loved Zeb and the Great Ruckus, and the Stitch Head books, though those are more on the magic side of things. Well. Zeb and the Great Ruckus is about a world where music is outlawed, and Stitch Head is like a children’s version of Frankenstein. (My 7-year-old son has been reading Stitch Head, but it’s definitely meant for the 8+ age range, he just managed to get sucked in by a good story while I cackled in the background.)

  621. OMG I love this so much.

    Just discovered your blog (how the fuck have I not been reading you, I have no clue, besides maybe the fact that I live under a rock and have just been exhumed by terrifyingly huge vultures — or was busy reading your book), and was stoked to start reading daily (because I’m a creep, duh). This being the first post I read from you = you might want a blog restraining order because I leave mile-long comments pretty much every day, and I don’t have a filter (filters are overrated anyway).

    My cousin committed suicide on July 6, 2011. Her birthday is in September. The day of her funeral I had one of my good friends (who is a legit tattoo artist. OK. maybe not legit, but he has a tattoo gun. and a license. I think.) tattoo “love” in my handwriting on my wrist. Not a fan of the “RIP Jim Bob” / angel wings / horrible computer typefaces / usually a typo-kind of memorial tattoos. Or memorial tattoos in general. But this serves me as not only a reminder of my cousin, but a reminder to myself that I am loved, and I cannot be replaced.

    Thank you for sharing.

    Oh, shit, I almost forgot:

    I cannot be replaced because …
    1) Nobody else can motivate and uplift others in the self-depreciating way that I do.
    2) Who else would risk their own health for the well-being of her mini-dachshund who happens to have a back injury, even though he forgets it most of the time and jumps all over the fucking place.
    3) If I weren’t here, my coworkers, friends, and family wouldn’t have an appropriate way to express things graphically (because, let’s face it, microsoft word and paint don’t really do the trick).

    (this was really, really, really hard to write, so maybe it’s time I check in on my depression …)

  622. At that age I’d probably read Eight Cousins (or The Aunt Hill) by Louisa May Alcott, at least a dozen times. While I think it’s a great book and every young girl should read it, I don’t know how it would play with the boys. That didn’t sound right. I saw that several people mentioned Shel Silverstein. My uncle bought me “Where the Sidewalk Ends” when I was a little hooligan and I loved it. I lost it in one of my moves (as an adult) and had to go out and get another copy right away. It’s good for both girls and boys and I can’t imagine any reason why it wouldn’t be well-received by the parents. I mean, who wouldn’t like a book that contains the line, “Geraldine, now, stop shaking that cow!”?

  623. “My Side of the Mountain” by Jean Craighead George. It’s so great for kids around that age. It’s about a 12 year old boy who lives on a farm in a hollowed out tree and just teaches such great lessons. It was first published in the late 50s, so I would think you could find some paperback copies for a decent price on Amazon or somewhere similar. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Side_of_the_Mountain

  624. Lots of excellent book suggestions!
    And THANK YOU for not bringing food into the classroom!!! As a mom of one of those severely allergic kids, there’s nothing worse than telling your kid, over and over, since before they can even remember, “you can’t have that”, especially at a party that is supposed to be fun. Trust me on this, it totally sucks.

  626. Jesus, it took me forever to just scroll to the bottom of this post, so I doubt u will see this. The mixed up files of mrs Franklin e Basewler by klondbursg, or something close to that!

  627. I love the “I Can’t Be Replaced”. That made my day and I added my own and printed it out for the world to see. Alas, I would agree with Fried Worms and Maniac. Those were a hit with my boys, but we are all about magic and whimsy at my house.

    My youngest just fell in love with Percy Jackson and Tales of Despareaux. 9 is a magical time!!!

  628. From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler was awesome. Is Encyclopedia Brown to young for 9 year olds? I loves solving the mysteries.

  629. You, personally, have saved my life on more than one occasion. You’ve answered a couple of my emails. You’ve posted inspiring things. You have made me remember, even today, that I am HIS only mother. And, unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it ), his only parent. I can’t leave him alone to figure the world out.

  631. I can’t believe no one has said The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling. Awesome stories with life lessons.

  632. If you bring books you’re basically the lady who hands out apples on Halloween. But if you’re cool with that, then go for it. My favorite books when I was 9 were the Ramona the Pest series by Beverly Cleary, the Narnia series and the Wind in the Doors by Madeline L’Engle. I may be misspelling some of these. Please don’t judge me.

    Ah, September. I was wondering why I was stroking the Xanax bottle.

  633. Gosh, I loved Time Cat by Lloyd Alexander, but magic. I can’t think of a book I liked when I was nine that didn’t have magic in it.

  634. Charlotte’s Web.

    Get a gift receipt and let the little buggers exchange it if their parent’s have a hissy–and that’s a good suggestion for any book you choose. I think you’re really sweet for thinking of getting something for everyone.

  635. We gave these for my daughter’s birthday last year and they went over extremely well with 7 and 8 year olds….. according to her, the kids were talking about them for weeks after and I still have kids mention it when they see me at school. The author is a church friend, so I was able to get a good assortment for about $5 each from her. The cool thing is she has gross, cool and cuddly animals for all genders and the leftovers we donated to the class library…
    http://www.ginjerclarkebooks.com/

  638. You’re not likely to get this far down your comment list, (because, 600+ sounds like too much work to this lazy girl), but needed to tell you a couple of things.

    1. You are freaking amazing. I cannot thank you enough for being so brave and speaking about this shit so honestly. I used to suffer from suicidal thoughts (and they pop up again from time to time) so it’s always wonderful to hear from others because it reminds me that, like you, I’m normal, and these thoughts are normal. Even though they’re fucked and a real fucking inconvenience.

    2. I counsel women children and men, and suicidal thoughts in my client base is pretty much the norm. Your blog points out some fab tools, and I love the way you speak. Have directed a few clients this way, and I know it helps. 😀

    3. Fuck religious parents. I’m Australian, and we don’t have much of what you’re talking about, so really you probably shouldn’t listen to this advice, but seriously, fuck them. It’s not your job to explain why they can’t have Neil Gaimen in their lives, (I’m voting for Coraline) that’s their parent’s job. That was their choice, not yours, and if they want to be rude about a book, well, then you know to feel extra sorry for their child. I say give the kids a book you think is awesome, and if parents return it, then donate them to a women’s shelter who take on children, because those kids need books (and Neil), too.

    4. Giving kids books is like the most awesome idea ever. When I was a kid, I was the same. All my money, Santa letters, and birthday wishes were on books from about nine. Hasn’t changed much. 😀 so extra points for being a brilliant parent to you!

  639. Can you make your blog comments where we can “Like” certain comments? Because I really want to give some props to Daddyscratches with “50 Shades of Grey” here….

  641. I saw someone mention “How to Eat Fried Worms” and it reminded me of my fourth grade teacher making “fried worms” for us to eat as a class. She had cut bologna into strips and rolled it in corn meal, then pan fried it She wouldn’t tell us what it was until after we had eaten it. She kept up the idea that it really was worms through the entire class.

    Such a fun experience!

  643. I loved the Mrs. Piggle Wiggle books! They’re a fun read about an old-ish woman who befriends kids and helps them (and their parents) with all sorts of problems. She’s such a likable character who lives in a silly upside down house and loves to dress up and have tea. Not necessarily in that order. It’s definitely a good read for boys and girls!

  644. A Wrinkle in Time – Madeline L’Engle. This was my favorite book for years, starting around when I was 8 or 9.

  645. My personal favorite is The Phantom Tollbooth, but you might try the original Dr Doolittle book. I just read it with my kids and they loved it, and now we’re reading all the sequels.

  646. The book “The Peterkin Papers” is quite hilarious. I still have the coverless paperback copy I found in the (dry) ditch in front of my parents’ house one childhood summer. The family tries to solve mundane problems (salt instead of sugar in coffee, piano delivered facing window, Christmas tree too tall – in the most convoluted, ridiculous ways. They always go ask “the lady from Philadelphia” to solve their problems and she’s like, “Duh, just do this!”

    http://www.amazon.com/Peterkin-Papers-Dover-Childrens-Classics/dp/0486471705/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378765453&sr=1-3&keywords=peterkin+papers

  648. My favorite book growing up was Madeleine L’Engles A Wrinkle in Time. But they may be a bit young for it. I would also read any horse book — all the Misty of Chincoteague books, Black Beauty….

    I think about all the books my daughter loved…

    Any Roald Dahl book, Stuart Little, The Borrowers, Holes, any Beverly Cleary book…..

  649. Pick a book from this website! I vote to give the kids a book that has a positive female figure because kids just aren’t getting enough of that these days – and if you’ve read Lean In, we really need more of it. All kids can like all books, rather than thinking these are for boys and these are for girls. http://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=1757

  650. I am a fifth grade teacher, and I love this idea!! I concur with the commenter who suggested Scholastic Book Club certificates and would add the following ideas. Check with teacher to see if she has a particularly awesome read aloud she does each year that the kids all want a copy of. She might appreciate them all having a novel to follow along while she reads to them. Also, if your school has a book fair, you can ask the library media specialist if they have gift certificates you could purchase in advance to give to the kids before the book fair comes to school.

  651. 1. My son on whom we try wholeheartedly to inflict our scifi/fantasy tastes in literature was totally freaked out by Coraline. “The Wolves in the Walls” might be a good alternative. 🙂
    2. Funny you should bring up suicide prevention and thank you for doing so. My son – same one – is 12 and has been bullied and shunned for basically all of his school years. In spite of this he’s pretty grounded. We do our best to show him that the world is bigger than the shitheads he goes to school with. But still we worry, because it’s not only in school but in scouts. Being a Boy Scout is very important to him, but the BSA has a laissez faire attitude about the chronic bullying he experiences with their “boys will be boys” and leaves mediation to the individual troop. Their feeling is to let the bully get away with it and try to push us out because we make too much noise. They are shitheads as well. Big motherfucking shitheads.
    So, thanks for letting me get that off my chest. And thank you for reminding me that I’m his only mommy.

  652. “I’m her only mother.” Boy… that one hits close to home for me. My mom killed herself in October twelve years ago. She gave into her darkness. It has always left me feeling like I maybe just wasn’t enough to stick around for. I know it isn’t true – but the feeling is still there. Please keep that one close to your heart… you’re her only mother… and she needs you.

  654. When I was 9 I loved the book “The Misfits” by James Howe, though some 9 may not enjoy it. I also liked a book called “Tangerine,” but it was a bit graphic.

  655. The End of the Beginning by Avi. My son’s teacher read it out loud to his class, and he loved it. Then our whole family read it. We still quote some of the funnier lines to each other.

  656. The Halfmen of O by Maurice Gee is a book that you and Hailey should definitely read. It wouldn’t be appropriate for the class as it’s fantasy but I loved it at around that age. Actually, Hailey should read any of Maurice Gee’s children’s books. Under the Mountain is brilliant too even if the Wilberforces still scare me!

    Bow Down Shadrach by Joy Cowley is great. And as many other people have suggested, anything by Roald Dahl.

  657. James and the Giant Peach. My 3rd grade teacher read it to us and it was the best experience of my little life. I was always an avid reader, but this book was written in such a way that I still to this day get drawn into my imagination just thinking about it. It’s so vivid and fantastic…. I highly recommend it.

  658. These were my son’s favorite books from 8-11:

    -Goosebumps, by R. L. Stine
    -Diary of a Wimpy Kid, by Jeff Kinney
    -anything Narnia
    -39 Clues, a fantastic series by a whole f*ckton of amazing kids authors
    -Harry Potter (as if they didn’t already have all of them)
    -Percy Jackson and the Olympians, by Rick Riordan

    My favorite book at 9 was Matilda by Roald Dahl. I hated Beverly Cleary’s books, she seemed to always be talking about menustration and growing up. I also liked the tween books, like Sweet Valley Twins and Babysitters Club before I was introduced to Terry Pratchett when I was 13. OH – Terry Pratchett has a kids’ series! Do Terry Pratchett!

  659. Check with the teacher and see if they do the Bluebonnet award for Texas. It’s like the Kid’s Choice Awards for books but only students in Texas can vote for the winners. (As a librarian I know some kids need that extra incentive to read even the best book!) The titles on the list are great. I highly recommend them. http://www.txla.org/tba-nominees.

  660. but what do you do when not being replaceable just feels like a burden? “I *have* to keep going because she has no one else. I *have* to stay alive or else it will give my little brother a lifelong scar to deal with. etc.”

    disclaimer: I’m fine. I’ve struggled with depression my whole life and I recognize that I’m currently in a September slump. But that is a thought that I’ve always had when things get “bad”. Sometimes the only reason I can find to keep going is because other people will be hurt. That I’m only alive because I love my sister and don’t want to ruin her life, or my mother, or the man who for some reason still wants to marry me. Sometimes it’s just a burden to have to stay alive and in those dark times I wish other people would just stop caring about me so I can leave peacefully without hurting those who love me. I know that’s a feeling that only comes in the dark times but sometimes…..it’s a very dark tunnel when you contemplate living a life of complete misery just so that others don’t have to.

    Again. I’m fine, really. I’m having a bad case of September + Monday + job that makes me miserable and I’m about to go home and cuddle my puppy and watch funny TV and call my supportive boyfriend if I need to and when I go to bed tonight, just the fact that I’m alive and unharmed will indicate that it was a successful day and I can start again tomorrow. I always know this. But goddamnit, these days are hard.

    Sorry, I should just delete this stupid post, but I think maybe I needed some sort of contact today with someone who understands. If this is a trigger, please delete it. I don’t want to trigger anything. but today is just….hard. Sorry to bring things down.

    (And I totally second “The Egypt Game” and “Sideways Stories from Wayside School”. I wore the cover off of both books when I was a kid.) 🙂

  661. “I’m her only mother”.

    That helps. Thanks for that reminder.

    P.S. Anything by Judy Blume

  662. Jerry Spinelli and Andrew Clements write realistic fiction that’s always a hit. Is she in 3rd or 4th grade? Remember that most kids are probably not as strong readers. The Wayside School books are great but if you’re worried about uptight parents they might be a little too quirky? Urgh.

  664. My Side of the Mountain which turned my 4th grade non-reader son into a lifelong reader!

  665. My son was a bit of an outcast in grade school and I lovedlovedloved this series for him.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N.E.R.D.S.
    Each kid is a superhero whose power is based on something that other kids might consider nerdy (one kid’s braces do neat stuff and another girl has allergies so bad that they allow her to tell when someone is lying, etc.)
    I love the idea that their nerdiness is what gives them special abilities and makes them cooler than everyone else.

  666. Now we are six by A. A. Milne. I know they aren’t 6 but it’s a vaguely disturbing book of English children’s poetry. No parent in her class would accuse the writer of Winnie the Pooh as being inappropriate!

  668. I understand hating the fact that you are irreplaceable, because if you weren’t it would be so much easier to slip away. After my overdose, the most peaceful days of the last years of my life were the days I was in a coma. But I have to live for my son. Sometimes I hate it. I hate it so much. But I make it, one day at a time. One phone call at a time. One night of looking through pinterest instead of thinking up horrible ideas.

    Sometimes I hate that I have so much responsibility as his mother, and wish someone else had been given this precious boy to love better than I can. But, I don’t know if anyone could ever love him more than I can.

  670. I always loved the boxcar children series! Also, I completely agree with the wayside school book!

  671. NEVERMIND! I agree with Harrow, 632 about the gift certificates for book fair! I was a poor kid and never got to buy a book at the book fairs. They were some of the saddest days for me; looking and touching all the books but never able to take one home with me…. it would have made my fucking YEAR if I had been given a gift certificate and could buy a book like the other kids! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DO THIS! It’s the best idea ever and I might very well try to do this for a random class of kids at the local school here once I get a damn job!

  673. The Boxcar Children series started my love of reading. Goosebumps is also good but maybe a bit too dark for some. What about a Dr. Seuss book. They are playful and funny. Plus, their is a thousand of them to chose from and you can get them cheap at Walmart.

  674. Last ones, I promise! “No Talking” and “Frindle,” both by Andrew Clements. No Talking is about a class where the boys and girls compete to see who can keep from talking for 3 days. Frindle is about a boy who invents a word (Frindle, meaning pen) and what happens when his teacher prohibits the word from being used at school. Love them both!
    http://www.amazon.com/No-Talking-Andrew-Clements/dp/1416909842
    http://www.amazon.com/Frindle-Andrew-Clements/dp/0689818769

  675. Is it bad I just want to read every comment and just take notes on each book and then go to read them and I’m almost 31?

  676. I love Faith and the Electric Dogs. There’s not really magic (except that Faith can speak to dogs, for some reason), but she is unhappy and wants to escape so she builds a rocket that really works, and flies away, but crash lands onto an island in the Pacific Ocean. And she and the dogs save each other (and she realizes that she does want to be at home with her family, after all).

    btw, great idea for a class birthday gift!

  677. I always loved Shel Silverstein, Harriet the Spy and Lemony Snicket. I’d recommend maybe Lemony Snicket’s “Who Could That Be at This Hour?”. Or you could go kind of (okay, a lot) younger but definitely laugh worthy with “The Gas We Pass: The Story of Farts” by Shinta Cho.

  678. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
    Book by E. L. Konigsburg

    This book is awesome and made me totally want to live in the Smithsonian.

  679. During one of my more dark times, what kept me from doing anything to myself was remembering my sister would have to explain to my niece why I wasn’t there anymore. And I couldn’t make her have to do that.

    Thank you for this.

  680. I agree with Walter the Farting Dog.
    I also agree with Captain Underpants.

    HOWEVER, I vote for Mars Needs Moms by B. Breathed.

    YESSSS….The movie was horrifically and unfairly AWFUL.

    BUT THE BOOK? OMG, it is funny and yet the ending still makes me cry. My kid hits her teens within the next 2 weeks. I won’t give that book up. I bet it is cheap now since the movie was so, so bad. This is a beautiful book and it is such a disappointment it was ruined. But this could be a cheap and great gift (it is hard for me to read aloud and I really tried to summon courage to read it to her class but..nope).

    I loved Narnia and Island of the Blue Dolphins and Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, Roald Dahl (for sure and I still do) and Madeline L’Engle. I loved Ogden Nash poems…I adore Custard the Dragon.

    But this one is so awesome. I am going to go grab it and read it now.

    Now, for context…we have also read I Am One of You Forever by Fred Chappell when she was 9 (ok, I read it to her) and laughed and cried with this one too (that is too much “reading” for little kids but I swear you will fall over in hysterics within the first couple chapters because it tells of a boy’s growing up in Western NC with his “sensible” grandmother and mother but his loony father and their endless line of crazy relatives and neighbors).

    Good luck!

  681. For those who live in Georgia, the Crisis Line number is 1-800-715-4225. They will talk with you and set up an appointment with a local mental health facility if needed. Be safe.

  683. Agree! A wrinkle in time! or Harriet the Spy! My mother passed both of those books on to me and now we can share in our love of science, and Sherlock…together

  685. I was probably about 9 when I read Matilda, by Roald Dahl. I loved it! I think our teacher read it aloud to us first, and then I decided to read it on my own. A book about a little girl who love books. What could be better?

  686. I wish I could help. I started reading mysteries and Agatha Christie in early elementary and watched the Masterpiece MYSTERY! series with Diana Rigg. I really liked the Gorey animation in the beginning. I think O.Henry was pretty cool to me back then.

    Even now as my child is 7, I dislike all of the books she brings home. So dull with boring, childish insults- like stupid, poo poo head, stinky.. blah. My kids like Ivy + Bean and Junie B. Jones. I’m still holding out hope she’ll pick up Gibson and Asimov. Oh well..

  687. My son loved the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. My favourite books when I was that age were the Judy Blume books.

  688. 1st book in Series of Unfortunate Events,
    Tell-Tale Start (Misadventures of Edgar and Allen Poe)-made my 9 year old laugh out loud
    Any of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books,
    any of the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark books,
    1st book in either the Fablehaven or Troubletwisters series (they have both female and male protagonists, which is good for a class gift,),
    collection of Jack Prelutsky poems,
    tons of cool non-fiction out there, like the “You Wouldn’t Want to Live in…” series, covering all the oogy bits of living in various time periods,
    Smells Like Dog (feels like a serialized boy’s adventure from the 30s, but updated-loved it)
    and a bunch more…so many good kid’s books being published, along with all the classics!

  690. Also thank you, today is tough, really tough. doctors are trying a new medication, for a medical issue I’ve been fighting for a year. I had to cancel a talk I was scheduled to give next week. I love talking to this group, it is the highlight of my year. and I had to cancel. I was “OK i’m giving this pain and misery another week, I’m going to just QUiT, I’m tired of life not being pain.” Well, I have people I can call, 2 terrific grown kids that I think don’t need me anymore but remind me they do, and I was then told by a friend “you know The bloggess is a hermit, you could be a hermit too, we’re fine with that!” So, now my back up plan is Hermit! I can write at yankeeskeptic, and twodifferentgirls, and talk to my girls and have my husband assure me “You can be a hermit, everyone says I’m like Victor, it’s fine!” …..and here is hoping over the next few months of doctors and visits and medication crap (steroids are fun) that I’ll not have to be a hermit, but hermit is now back up plan of choice. Thank you, you have made being a hermit, fashionable!

  692. Walter The Farting Dog!!! Google it! It’s perfect! Equal amounts of funny and acceptance!

  693. Check with her teacher! At our daughter’s school the teachers have wish lists. They ask that parents don’t bring treats (to avoid allergies and sugar), but each teacher has a wish list of books that they want to add to their libraries.

  694. Wonder by R. J. Palacio, Stuart Little by E.B. White, James and the Giant Peach or Matilda by Roald Dahl, The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan, The Tale of Desperaux by Kate diCamillo, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg.

    I have personally read all of the above and loved them.

  696. I really loved Where the Sidewalk Ends when I was that age, though might be a little hard to find new copies for under $10. I also still LOVED The Magic School Bus. Come to think of it…I still love the Magic School Bus.

  697. My grandfather committed suicide in 1929, due to what is now called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (they had neither the words nor the treatments for it back then). He left an embittered wife with two small children, and he had no way of knowing about the impending stock market crash and subsequent Great Depression. My bitter grandmother raised two estranged sons – my father and uncle – who didn’t have the capacity for healthy love until their own kids were grown and their marriages were already too far gone to save. Many of the darker aspects of my personality hearken directly back to the catastrophic change that was brought on by the suicide of a man that died 37 years before I was born. Suicide destroys far more than one life.

    And, when I was 9, my favorite books were A Wrinkle in Time and Anne of Green Gables. Though I doubt that helps much – one is definitely magical, and the other isn’t really suited for boys. Good luck to you on finding something that will work, though…

  698. Harriet the Spy. An amazing book for just the right age group, about a young writer every kid can relate to.

  699. “The War Between the Pitiful Teachers and The Splendid Kids” was my favorite book at that age. Her teacher might not appreciate your choice, but the kids sure will. A safer bet (but that doesn’t make it any less awesome) is “A Wrinkle in Time.”

  700. I agree with some earlier suggestions. The Stinky Cheeseman and Other Fairly Stupid Tales is quite funny. The Phantom Tollbooth is just superb! I love that as a kid.

  701. I like Pam’s (#532) idea of giving them to the classroom or to the library. That way you don’t have to buy a book for each child (cost savings), and you can get a range. Not only will the children have different tastes, I suspect there will be different reading levels as well.

    I submit “The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle” for consideration.

  702. I used to read the Little House and Encyclopedia Brown books at that age like they were my job.

  703. I might be a bit nerdy, but I loved The Secret Garden. I’m also a huge Wrinkle In Time fan. Are Boxcar Children books still around? I loved them too.
    Barb in Minnesota

  705. Catwings is AWESOME!

    I can not be replaced because….I can not think of anything. My mother fucking HATES me and convinced my 2 half sisters to do the same. My father has replaced me with his wife’s family. My aunt has her sons and grandsons. My father’s sisters barely acknowledge my existence.

    But my students like me. My husband loves me. My dog loves me. I think the cat loves me.

    I am still depressed.

  707. I wondered why I felt so awful. I’m not usually like this. I’ll blame September then.

    On a lighter note – I loved Bogwoppit at that age (and still do actually), even if you don’t get it for the class I’d highly reccomend it for general reading.

  708. I teach 3rd-5th graders…so, listen up, my friend!

    Go to a good used bookstore and get 22 (or however many kids there are) DIFFERENT books. Lots of good suggestions above except add Rick Riordan books and NERDS and The Penderwick Sisters and The Sisters Grimm. Ask each child to sign their name in each book that they read during the year. All will go to teacher’s in-class library at the end of the year with the understanding that they can come borrow at any time. You are building a class book club/culture of reading/acknowledging that they are all gonna like different stuff. I hate class sets of any book. BORING.

    Thank you for your book and your posts and for visions of Beyonce the chicken.

  709. Oh my GOSH. I FORGOT about Hank the Cowdog. Totally Hank the Cowdog. Or Bunnicula.

    September has been hard for me the past few years, too. I work in education, so September marks my summer being over and work being in full swing, which inevitably makes my anxiety perk up. I’ve also been off my meds for two different Septembers, and, yeah. Not a good plan.

  710. Cut out a bunch of E’s from brown paper…then put them into a cake pan covered in tin foil, and write on it “Brownies for everyone.” I have about 50 books to reccomend, mostly about a girl in the wilderness who needs to survive on her own in the wild…Island of the Blue Dolphins, Julie of the Wolfs, Sarah Bishop, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. But my daughters favorite is Garfield or Calvin and Hobbes.

  711. A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Everyone should know Sara Crewe. One of the finest examples of character and perspective we have. I’m a 50 year old man and this remains one of my, oh, you know, 20 # 1 books. And it’s public domain.

  712. The Wolves in the Walls – Neil Gaiman
    The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish – Neil Gaiman

    But the first part of the post? I’ll have to get back to you on that…(I consider myself very replaceable).

  713. Sorry Jenny, but you know I’m always honest with you like the lady accountant whose name I forgot but admired. Please post her name again. Do you really want to be the only douche mother who brings in a book instead cupcakes. Why not go for GREAT tasting peanut-gluten free cupcakes so they don’t take it out on Hailey. BTW, it’s also INVISIBLE ILLNESS WEEK too, i have Fibromyalgia and an autoimmune disease. Don’t you have one of those? Just sayin’ Love, your friend, Laurie F.

  714. “The Candymakers” by Wendy Mass. Features male and female characters, is completely age appropriate without being boring and has a good message without being preachy. No magic or potentially touchy subjects (Boo political correctness and censorship – Boo) – just a fun story. The kids are in a candy factory trying to win a candy making contest and one of them is a spy as well as other hijimks. My 13 yr old daughter and my 9 yr old son read it and both loved it.

  715. At 9 I had just discovered the Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys series and was reading them as fast as I could!

    Sigh. I suspect that means I’m old though.

  716. My daughter was a huge Dahl fan at age 9 (OK, she still is at 12) so anything by him would be my recommendation for books.

    I can’t be replaced because nobody else would make the cool, weird stuff I do, my poor husband would regain his sanity and my daughter would not have me to celebrate her unique Hayley-ness every day.

  717. “There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom” by Louis Sachar, a book about a boy and his school counselor that will change your life – it made me realize I wanted to give a shit about kids professionally, but it’s beautifully written for kids Hailey’s age.

  719. Phantom Tollbooth. It was the first book I read by myself more than once (as opposed to others reading to me) and I read it 6 times in a row when I was 9.

  720. My favorite book of all time when I was young was Michael Ende’s Neverending Story. I picked up a copy when I was in the 3rd or 4th grade (that was eons ago, so forgive me for not remembering exactly!), though I was somewhat of an advanced reader for my age.

  721. OK, this should be not ok for the class, but Hailey might like it. Bunnicula is a children’s book series written by James Howe (and his late wife Deborah in the case of the first book, “Bunnicula”) about a vampire bunny that sucks the juice out of vegetables. Here is more info: http://www.goodreads.com/series/43326-bunnicula.

  722. Another reason you can’t be replaced Jenny: You have a unique voice and it enriches the world and so many lives for telling your story. Nobody else sets up gift exchanges at Christmas, buys taxidermy animals and names them after public figures, provides endless laughter about a giant metal chicken and makes a post like this, which *will* save lives.

    You save lives, Jenny.

  723. Charlotte’s Web would be my pick. I love that book so much still.

    I have spent the last month wanting to self harm so much. I have never wanted to until the past month. I haven’t though mainly because I don’t think anyone would care.

  724. sooo we lost one of my best friends to suicide last week…
    i am still gutted by it… as are many of his friends family coworkers…
    just CALL…

    also..maybe Enders Game… i liked it at that age plus the movie is coming out soon so…they might be inspired to read it first or when i was young we didn’t go to movies often so i always tried to read the book..so i would know what the other kids, who got to go to movies more often, were talking about..
    🙂

  727. I’m surprised to hear September is such a bad month for so many people. September is one of my better months, because it signals “new beginnings”. School starts in September, and while that brought out mixed feelings when I was a child, when I got to university age, it was an exciting time to be going back to school and learning something new. I’ve been out of school for more than two decades now, but I still think of September as the magical month for starting new things.

    Of course, it helps that the weather starts to cool down and the leaves change color in September/October. I don’t like warm weather and while it is true that after the leaves change, they fall, there is that magical time when the woods are full of brilliant color and crisp air. For me, September is a great time to be alive!

    For me, February is the worst. In February, I may need to remember this post.

    As for the books, everyone else has named the ones that I remember, as well as given me new reading material!

  728. For me it would read “She should not live through the death of two mothers.” Reading all these comments about books is making me want to read them all at the age of 41.

  729. Another vote for Phantom Toolbooth. We gave everyone in my son’s 4th grade class a copy last year through World Book Night (totally kick ass program… You pick ab ook off their list, write about where you’d giveaway copies of the book, and then they select people all over the country. They ship the books to a local library or bookstore, you pick them up, and you give them away. Free books to share the love of reading with people! Amaze-balls!). My son thought it was the coolest thing ever!

  730. My son is 9 and I have read (or re-read) almost all of the books suggested quite recently.
    I think “My Father’s Dragon” is the best choice because, while it is a delightful fantasy, it is an easy enough read that the kids who are not as strong readers will be able to read it. Second would be “The Phantom Tollbooth” – it is so, so good, but the vocabulary may be a little advanced for some 8-9 year olds.
    Neither of those is controversial in any way (but still quite imaginative) and do not have “snark” or “potty humor” which some parents may find offensive.

    We LOVE Lemony Snicket at my house, but some of my son’s friends actually found it too scary for them (they were not quite old enough to see the humor, I think).
    P.S. Am I the only person who did not like “The Giver”? I HATE books were babies are murdered! Ugh, I know it is fiction but it makes me too sad.

  735. I loved Coraline, but then again, I read it as an adult, to… :/

    A book I absolutely loved at that age was The Trouble With Tuck (http://www.amazon.com/The-Trouble-Tuck-Inspiring-Triumphs/dp/0440416965/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378770748&sr=8-1&keywords=the+trouble+with+tuck) which is an amazing story for anyone who loves dogs.

    I’m not sure how nine year olds today are though. I was nine 20 years ago *cringe* and I was an advanced reader, so I’m not 100% sure how kids today would receive it. Seriously, though, all dog-lovers should read this book, no matter your age.

  737. November is the month that tries to do me in each year.

    Phantom Tollbooth has my vote. It was a discovery of wonder. And sarcasm. And loyalty.

  738. Boxcar children or the last of the really great whangdoodles. That or maybe a gift card to a local book store perhaps?

  739. I also vote for “The Gas We Pass.” A co-worker brought it to our white elephant gift exchange, and it was a hit! http://www.amazon.com/The-Gas-We-Pass-Science/dp/1929132158

    And yes, September is a toughie. My son is autistic, so any change in routine is a bitch until we re-establish equilibrium. I soooo wish we had school year-round, just because the schedule changes are so hard on everyone.

  741. When I am feeling alone, insignificant, ashamed and damaged beyond repair I stop and I remember CJ…and I think of his Mom Hallie.

    I never knew either of them but found Hallie’s blog through a comment she left on a blog. I liked the name of her blog so I started reading and checked in every few days. She seemed so happy and had cute kids and dogs. Her writing was sweet and fun. What could possibly go wrong in “The Wonderful World Of Wieners” ?

    Until the day her son killed himself. Until her heart was ravaged and her life ruined. http://wonderfulworldofweiners.blogspot.com/2010/06/76-days.html

    When my days seem to be dark and I fear I can never take another step forward I go back and read post by post what has happened to her family. I could never do that to mine. Her loss has made sure I never allow myself to take that road. CJ took not only his life but that of all who loved him. I am sure in that weak moment he couldn’t comprehend the results of that decision. I hope his story and Hallie’s will help someone else out there.

  743. My daughter is 8 and my son is 13 and they have both loved Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Also the 39 clue books are really good.

  745. Bunnicula and its sequels were my favorites. At 43 I still just love saying “The Celery Stalks At Midnight”.

  746. A Wrinkle in Time OR A Wrinkle in Time The Graphic Novel
    Wednesdays in the Tower
    Who Could That Be at This Hour? (Lemony Snicket)

  747. Half Magic by Edward Eager. It’s so awesome. These 4 kids find a magic coin, but it only gives them HALF of what they wish for. Until they figure out how to wish for TWICE as much as what they want to happen, it’s a big mess and funny as heck. It was written about 40 years ago, but it’s really timeless.

  748. First, thank you for the reminder that depression is a big, fat, stinking liar and that this time of year sucks rotten eggs. I have been really struggling for the past month or so. I get by, but only just and I have been starting to believe the lie that I am not fit company for man nor beast. My friends and family would tell you different, but that doesn’t change how loud the lie gets.

    On the book note:
    I love “A Long Way from Chicago” by Richard Peck. It is about two kids who are sent every summer to visit their grandmother in the country. Sounds placid enough, except that Grandma Dowdel has her own way of dealing with small town life. Every kid deserves a summer with Grandma Dowdel. Classic stories with a spunky twist.

  749. Anything by Dahl…he’s quirky, which will suit you and her but also British, so how could you possibly complain!! And he covers almost all age groups–some are skinny and easy to read (my 7 year old is tackling him this year) and others longer and more challenging. James and the Giant Peach is good, as is Matilda (about a freaking cool girl) and my 9-year old adores BFG and The Twits (who are a highly dysfunctional couple!). Good luck–books are an AWESOME idea…no matter WHAT some kids say!!

  750. Phantom Tollbooth is one of my favorites, and it’s great for all ages or genders. I know adults who read it for the first time and enjoy it.

    And thank you for the reminder that there’s no one else out there like me. Which is a great reason to exist. I love TWLOHA and the work they do.

  751. When I was that age I got really hooked into “American Chillers”. They have a book for nearly every state, and they’re both informative, and provide great entertainment for elementary school kids. We had a mom come in and read three chapters every week and by the end of the first month we had all read about four of the books. They’re small novels, only a few hundred pages so they’re a quick read for adults, and a moderate one for children. I’m not sure if they’re still available in book stores, but if you’re willing to go through the trouble I’m sure you could find them online.

  752. How about “The Box Car Children” or the biography of Harriet Tubman? When I was little there was nothing I wanted more than to run off to the woods and live off the land using collected junk from a dump. And while I was in those woods I would be a underground railroad stop and help slaves running for freedom. Those shouldn’t offend anyone and if they do *#% them, they suck.

  753. Also another one that we really enjoyed were the Junie B Jones series. This one might actually be a little more appropriate for a 9 year old, the american chillers might work better for an 11 year old. Here’s the link to the online store.
    http://juniebjones.com/books/

  754. Cupcakes and a supply of epi-pens. Oh, wait, those things are way more than $10 apiece.
    Harriet the Spy.

  755. September is the cruelest month. I love the Green Day song “Wake Me up When September Ends.”

    My girls and I love the book “He Came with the Couch” It is a picture book, but 9 year old girls would think it was cute and the sharp ones would get the humor. “The Giving Tree” is also a good one.

  756. My Immediate vote is The Phantom TollBooth, which, may have some unrealistic stuff in it, but is clever, and it’s all about a boy and his “Imagination” so really it can’t be considered against any kind of religion except maybe religions who don’t believe in thinking for yourself or fun, which… come to think of it, may be a lot more than I had given thought to 😛

    But! Phantom Tollbooth All the way.
    It’s still one of my favorites

  757. Typically November is my bad month…but so far September is off to one hell of a start and I’m not liking it. Not. One. Bit. I’m really not in a good place, so thanks for the reminders.

    My daughter will be turning 9 in just a few months and is an avid reader. If you’re taking magical/fantasy type books off the list, we’re eliminating about 90% of what my daughter reads. Her truly top recommendations for something that would appeal to girls and boys alike are either The Girl Who Could Fly http://www.amazon.com/The-Girl-Who-Could-Fly/dp/0312602383/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378772089&sr=8-1&keywords=girl+who+could+fly or Tuesdays at the Castle http://www.amazon.com/Tuesdays-Castle-Jessica-Day-George/dp/1599909170/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378772709&sr=8-1&keywords=tuesdays+at+the+castle. But if there is a really strong objection to fantasy/magical then another great book she read over the summer that would appeal to boys and girls is The One and Only Ivan. http://www.amazon.com/The-Only-Ivan-Katherine-Applegate/dp/0061992259/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378772788&sr=8-1&keywords=one+and+only+ivan

    I love this idea of gifting books to classmates for your daughter’s birthday. My daughter attends a school that strongly discourages cupcakes and other junk foods for birthdays. I HATE those little goody bags full of useless stuff that just ends up being thrown away. I may steal your idea of gifting a book for my own daughter’s birthday. Thanks for the genius idea!

  758. I disagree with those people that are against books for the birthday instead of cupcakes. Last year I taught grade three and all my students loved getting books. Scholastic Book Club, to me, is your best choice. My understanding is that in the United States teachers get amazing bonus points to buy books for their classroom if the order is over $300.00. They are then able to buy hundreds of books for the classroom (according to what I have read on teacher websites). Each Christmas I give my students a coupon allowing them to choose one book each from the book order. As some kids are never able to buy a book from the book order (and watch sadly when the other kids get their orders), they loved picking their own book. I would talk to your daughter’s teacher about this. Your gift of one book each could multiply into many books for that classroom! 🙂

  759. The Giving Tree!! Hands down! And I HATE September, it is the month that I ended up getting hospitalized. I struggle greatly in Sept and October.

  760. I came across your blog after seeing a pin on pinetrest about Beyoncé. What’s strange is that I rarely follow the links to open up something but I did this time. I’ve been following you for awhile and you are a scream! Recently, for the very first time ever I found myself sliding down a very scary black hole to a very dark place. Just reading your blogs, knowing you had stared into the same hole as had some of your amazing followers who are brave/kind enough to share their thoughts have allowed me to realize this shit just happens sometimes and i’m not alone. I love this post telling people to call someone. I have been working on asking for help when I need it….and when I do….there it is. Thanks

  762. So the teachers always said that my son was “loud” and I mean really loud. It sort of pissed me off. They also didn’t do the cupcake thing and recommended donating a book to the class. I donated “The Loudness of Sam” by James Priomos. Yes, his name is also Sam. He is now 14 and God I love his loudness!!! Happy birthday Hailey.

  763. My nine year old boy just finished “The Prydain Chronicles” by Lloyd Alexander ( it was my favorite set for a very long time). Also, the Carl Hiassen books written for kids are hilarious – “Chomp”, “Scat”, “Hoot”, or “Flush”.

  764. As a school librarian there are so many good books to give them! I’d do Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson. No magic and no questionable content for that age. It’s very similar to Diary of a Wimpy Kid and also has drawings like those books, so it goes over perfectly! Plus both girls and boys like it!

  765. Hank The Cowdog CAUSES depression. I swear a kid I used to have to listen to in Book Talk was completely making up the plots and not really reading those boring books.How about Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing? Classic!

  766. Thank you. Made me cry, made me remember I promised a dear friend I would get help.

    Also, for a book: “The Thirteen Clocks” by James Thurber. A well hidden classic.

  767. Some well-loved companions from my youth: White Fang, Robinson Crusoe, Encyclopedia Brown, Sherlock Holmes, Choose Your Own Adventure… (Yes, I am still a total nerd.)

    And don’t listen to September. Just think of the beautiful, weird October to come.

  768. Oh, but you know what else is good is the Wayside School books by Louis Sachar. They are more the 3rd grade reading level, but it depends on what the readers are like in her class.

  770. Go the F**k to Sleep by Adam Mansbach and Ricardo Cortés – not appropriate, but definitely a hoot!

  771. So many great suggestions for books here. I would also vote for Where The Sidewalk Ends, the Ramona Quimby series, and Bunnicula. What about a graphic novel? My 9 year old son reads Bone, although I don’t know if it’s considered generally acceptable for that age. We also got a copy of Mouse Guard, at Free Comic Book Day, which both of my kids (the other is 4 going on 21) have read literally to pieces which tells me it appeals to a range of reading and comprehension levels.

    September is rough, really rough. I sustain myself with plans for Halloween. Thank you for your voice. You cannot be replaced for so many reasons. And one of them is that your tribe would lose one of its loudest voices.

  773. So, the book I want to recommend to you I’m not sure you could find (enough for a class, at least). I remember reading it probably around age ten, maybe a little older, I’m really not sure. I loved it so much, I was heartbroken after I decided to write the author only to find out she had already died. It is the most lovely book, and it isn’t fantasy or magical or dark at all… Except for the magic of the children’s imaginations in it.

    The Saturdays, by Elizabeth Enright.

    I wish every child would read this book (and even better, it is the first of a short series). There are so many wonderful books on this list, and this is just one of many that are must-reads. But I feel as though it is a book quietly slipping into the unread archives and I would so hate for the Melendys to disappear.

    A book is better than a cupcake anyday.

  775. I was 30 when I read both of them but “My dog the paradox” or “how to tell if your cat is plotting to kill you”. Both are full of cartooony pictures and helpful hints about pets………several sentences enhancers are used throughout the books but hey kids are going to hear bad words at some point…

  777. Not dark or weird, though my mom and I were like that, too – I LOVED The Secret Garden when I was that age. I read it ’till it fell apart.

  778. there’ve already been such great book suggestions. I can’t think of anymore that I would recommend or that my 9 has read – she’s reading island of the blue dolphins right now and loving it. they are also reading the tale of despereaux as a class. we love all books by kate dicamillo. thanks for the “I cannot be replaced.” excellent reminder.

  779. I don’t know if 9 is old enough for “My Side of the Mountain” by Jean George or not, but I would recommend it for any child’s eventual reading. I think when I was about that age, they read a book called “Me and Caleb” to us (Franklyn E. Meyer) that I remember liking enough to check it out of the school library later and read it.

  782. I totally recommend The Phantom Tollbooth. My dad read it to me back when I still fit on his lap, I read it again to myself when I was about 9, I read it to my ex-husband on a long car trip as we traveled years ago from the SF Bay Area to SoCal to tell his folks we were pregnant, I read it to each of my kids at least once when they were little, I give it as gifts to anyone who will sit still long enough, and I’m fixin’ to read it to my grandson now that he’s becoming an aware human bean.

    PS – Meant to send this a few days ago when I discovered it: http://www.lovedtodeath.com/
    You’re welcome.

  783. I really don’t care that I can’t be replaced. I am so tired of trying to be strong and optimistic. I don’t have anything left: no hope, no strength, no optimism. I’m just done.

    (Don’t give up. Lean on someone else. There is someone in your life who would miss you. I’d miss you and I don’t even know you. When I get that far gone I have to rely on my husband to carry me through or to get to me to a hospital where they can help. Find someone to help. Call the hotlines. Please tell someone you love that you need their help. Don’t stop saying it until someone listens. There are people out there that care. You just haven’t met all of them yet. ~ Jenny)

  785. I vote for Phantom Tollbooth. How can you beat “Be very quiet, for it goes without saying,” said about a car that is powered by silence?

  786. I just asked my 10 yearvold daughter and she recommended “The Storm Makers” by Jennifer E. Smith. It’s about brother-sister twins who find out they can control the weather . Pretty cool. (Retail price $8)

  787. “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate
    Bonus: Its actually on sale in hardback for $9.60 on Amazon right now. I always loved getting hardback books when I was a kid. It just seemed so much more special than a paperback.

  789. The Giggler Treatment by Roddy Doyle… about little creatures who place dog poop on the sidewalk for parents to step in if they are mean to their kids. Extremely funny!

  790. I love the idea of giving books instead of cupcakes. But I think you have a greater dilemma in choosing a book than in finding cupcakes that everyone can eat. Just too many choices. I really like the idea of offering gift certificates instead of trying to choose just one book, but I LOVE someone’s earlier suggestion of giving the Scholastic GC instead of just one for a local bookstore. To me, as an educator, Scholastic has such a variety of books, but most of them are in some way either educational, or “classic.” Another possibility, if you can find them, is the “Choose Your Own Adventure” series. That way they can read different stories every time they pick up the books. Good Luck and Happy Birthday to Hailey!! And please let us know which book/books you choose.

  791. A Wrinkle In Time was a favorite of mine growing up. And I just finished reading Gone Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright to my girls. We all loved it! And happy birthday to your daughter. She’s lucky to have such a great mom!

  792. I think 9 was about when I discovered the Hardy Boys and read a book a night. At least until I started falling asleep in school. Then my mother confiscated the flashlight. Also a huge fan of the Phantom Tollbooth.

  793. Roald Dahl Day is this Friday so I think anything by him. There’s some magic, but it’s also super kid friendly.

    Also, fuck depression. I love the message from TWLOHA this year. I love it so much.

  795. The Phantom Tollbooth and A Wrinkle in Time, and something about a library, but I can’t remember the name.

  796. I was obsessed with the book Stranded when I was around that age. It’s about a girl whose parents are going through a divorce, and who also has an amputated foot. And then she saves whales’ lives. And then there’s a hurricane. It’s basically about finding the awesome inside yourself, which is a totally rad message, and it reinforces the idea of people with disabilities as people (which you’d think would be duh, but not apparently…)
    Now I want to read it again…

  798. MIssicat

    You matter to me too. Your words have me in tears.
    Depression lies
    You are important and unique and you matter to this group of amazing people.
    Stay with us.

  800. I am a 3rd grade teacher. Most of the books being recommended are pretty high reading levels (The Hobbit, Redwall, Wrinkle in Time, etc), and I bet your daughter is a FANTASTIC reader, probably very, very above average. If a book is too difficult – it won’t be read or appreciated. If you’re looking to appeal to kids that may be more on grade level with regards to reading, it would be nice to consider a few other options. Kids this age like funny, adventurous books (that’s why the Wimpee Kid series and the Rick Riordian series are so popular). If you want to appeal to both boys and girls, Hank The Cowdog is great. I also strongly recommend books by Avi – particularly Crispin and the Poppy series. Kate DiCamillo is a also great author for this age. Most kids know Because of Winn Dixie and The Tale of Despereaux, but The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is one that they don’t know quite as well. It is also nice to consider a Texas author – Kathy Appelt. Her newest youth novel is called The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp (and it is only available in hardcover, and as a result is more than $10. But I think you and Hailey would really enjoy the story – so maybe consider it for your own enjoyment!) What a fantastic gift you’ll be giving to her classmates – whatever you choose! Those are some very lucky classmates!

  801. I would be psyched if my daughter came home with an autographed copy of your book. Every 9 year old should have a copy, right? Maybe you could draw a cupcake in each one?

  802. I’ve seen a lot of great recommendations on here for books! People have mentioned some that I haven’t thought of in a while and I kind of want to go back and read some. That may be weird, but I don’t care. Anyway:

    – Vampires Don’t Wear Polka Dots by Debbie Dadey (Unless the mere possibility that your teacher could be a vampire is an offensive read) It’s the first book in a great series about the Bailey School Kids and their run-ins with possibly mythical creatures and I loved it at that age! http://www.amazon.com/Vampires-Polka-Adventures-Bailey-School/dp/059043411X
    – The Boxcar Children (my dad read me and my sisters the series when we were little)
    – The BFG (Read it in 5th grade, but could be read younger)
    – The Giver (Read in 5th grade)
    Of course, I also agree with Hank the Cowdog! And I think giving away a fun gift like a book is a super cool idea! 🙂

  807. First, a great and timely post. Second, the Little House on the Prairie series is what I was reading at that age. Third, I can not be replaced because no one else has the special blend of DNA which came from my mom and dad that allows me to argue and bicker with myself like a couple that’s been married for 45 years (which they will be in October). Thanks.

  808. Mid-October starts my winter slide down, so I start the morning with the light box and keep it up through March…usually keeps me from having to supplement the drugs. And I’ve never heard of Hank the Cowdog…must read by the irradiating glow of my light box this winter!

  810. gah, I hate September with a burning passion. I always think it’s because we get freaky hot indian summer weather here in LA just when the rest of the country is getting lovely cool fall weather, but maybe it’s more than that.

    I think someone mentioned this, but Target has a bunch of classic books in the dollar section. Can’t remember what, but they were all things my 9 yr old could handle, though a lot of the selection were too girly for his current tastes.

  811. Let Hailey vote! What I loved as a kid, my kids rejected, and I am talking about CLASSICS! How could they dis Mr. Popper’s penquins, Encyclopedia Brown, et al, but they did. I would get their teacher and media center lady’s opinion as they have heard it all. Or spy on the wish list from the scholastic book sale usually held this month or early next. p.s. my 3rd grade tutoring students loved the “naughty” stuff, like Wimpy Kid, even though their principal frowned upon it, which made it EVEN better.

  812. I don’t mean to be rude, because I thinks giving books to kids is wonderful, but I am truly confused. If it’s Hailey’s birthday, why are you gifting everybody in her class? Doesn’t it work the other way around?
    I get the allergy thing and why you’re afraid of possibly lethal cake, but shoudn’t it be a sort of celebration of Hailey? So maybe a type of entertainment for the class, like live music…or a group activity without food?
    Anyway, it was just a random thought, so ignore me and keep doing what you’re doing. =)

    (No, it’s a good question. Most of the time when parents at the school celebrate one of the kid’s birthdays they give out a party favor bag filled with erasers and candy and crap you lose immediately. I figured for the same amount of money I could give them a book as a party favor. Plus, Hailey likes the idea of giving to others. I’m loving the idea of letting the kids pick out a scholastic book each. Sent an email to the teacher asking if that would be okay. You guys are the best. ~ Jenny)

  813. Ooooh, Hollow Earth by John and Carole Barrowman! I bet all of them would love it! If kids’ parents don’t like it then they should be explaining to their kids why they think it’s not ok and they should be having that conversation.

  814. the boxcar children, kids that made their own way, made me appreciate my parents….

  815. I’ve loved being reminded of all these great books, so much fun!

    I loved Elizabeth Enright, Edward Eager and E. Nesbit, but honestly can’t remember if I read them at 9.
    (I read Papillon at 11, with my mother’s encouragement, LOL!)

    Encyclopedia Brown was a definite favorite at some point, though. Loved those books.

  817. I vote for Charlotte’s Web or Stuart Little. I love that so many other people remember how much books meant to them as a child. I’ve always had more faith in reading than I have in a lot of other things- one of my favorite shirts ever just said in big block letters, “BOOKS SAVE.”

  820. I am going through the comments writing down books to read with my kiddos!!

    My suggestion, a bit late in the game is “Half Magic” by Edward Eager. My kids love it and have requested it and the others in the series multiple times! What a GREAT idea!

    Also, to those that face a bleak september, no, you absolutely cannot be replaced. YOU ARE WANTED.

  821. I’ve loved “The Mouse and His Child” by Russel Hoban since I first read it when I was 10 or 11 years old. I lost the copy I had when I was a kid, but a friend of mine gave me a used copy a couple of years ago and it was as good as a remembered. It’s pretty dark and quite violent in places, and maybe not suitabe for all 9-year-olds (or their parents), but I think it’s extraordinary.
    Now to get it back in print in paperback. Or eBook format, so long as it includes the illustrations.

  822. Tomie DePaola: The Legend of the Bluebonnet
    A story about Texas, bluebonnet and love…(paperbacks are very cheap on Amazon – 6.29) The little girl gives up something very valuable to her for the greater good of her people, and gets something wonderful back.
    Reminds me a little of you, your blog, and your book – you give up something very valuable (in this case, your privacy) for the greater good of all those who need you to shine a little light in their personal darkness (and that is just one more reason why you can’t be replaced).

  823. my side of the mountain – who doesn’t want to run away and live in the woods? or what about HP 1?

  830. lol must date myself here and say Nancy Drew Mystery series. but in this day and age you could find a book of children of all races relating to the good in the world. please steer away from vampires they take over the young mind soon enough 🙂

  831. I don’t remember a whole lot about being nine. I think my favorite book was White Fang. Is that too dark for nine year olds? I don’t really know, I was a precocious reader, and that was what really made me aware of my weirdness when I hit middle school at 12 and suddenly encountered peer pressure and the rules of conformity.
    But JUST TO CLARIFY the BOOK “White Fang” has a HAPPY ENDING. I hated the movie they made in the 90’s b/c they changed the end to avoid encouraging children to think of wolves as pets… So instead of being a HERO and a father of adorable puppies at the end, White Fang is just some wolf abandoned in the woods at the end of the movie.
    …I could have some unresolved issues about this. That said, the book is awesome.

  832. Ironically there was a post on reddit yesterday from a library who was keeping a list of banned books for kids to share the books with his/her daughter. I think if anyone gets down this far on your comments they would find it fascinating: http://www.reddit.com/r/books/comments/1lzheu/a_list_of_fantastic_prek12_banned_books_organized/

    That being said, the kids at our elementary school can’t get enough of the graphic novel section, specifically Amulet, Bone, and the graphic novel retelling of The Lightning Thief. They’re also very fond of Captain Underpants (banned), Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Origami Yoda series, Harry Potter books, and Magic Treehouse, ABC Mysteries (and any of those series). Honestly if you’ve got 26 kids, get the ABC mysteries or any long run series and just watch them all trade throughout the year. It could be fun.

  833. I, Houdini by Lynne Reid Banks (about an escape artist hamster)

    Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (first book of a trilogy)

  834. I was slightly ahead of my age group but in first grade I loved Matilda by Roald Dahl. I think that’s appropriate for nine year olds, though perhaps a bit subversive.

  835. There are a gazillion Hank the Cowdog books, so you don’t have to stick with the original. My personal favorite is the one where he gets eye-crossorosis. As for myself, at nine years old, my favorite was an obscure book called The Vandals of Treason House, I read the cover off that sucker. Also loved anything by Ruth Chew, but we’re encroaching onto the whole magical thing again with those, so probably not.

  836. Hank the Cowdog is a great choice, but it is a chapter book. Many 9 year olds are not quite ready for that. (unless someone reads it aloud and Hank is a fantastic readaloud) How about Tacky the Penguin…a picture book that is fun but has a message of being yourself and acceptance of those who are different.

  837. I wrote a kid’s book and a whopping 7 people on Amazon say it’s awesome. But it’s not famous or anything, and probably not cool enough for the 9 year old set. So yeah – the other books here are a good choice. Enid Blyton’s Famous Five series were always my favorites when I was younger. I still have the books – to pass onto my own kid.

    I just wanted to say thank you for the first part of your post. 10 days ago a friend of mine took her life. I recently moved away from the state and couldn’t get a hold of her parents. Online friends were awash with rumors and gossip. I found her obituary – posted a full week later. And sobbed, it was really real.
    And felt horrid that over the past several weeks I’ve been very, very close to that point myself. I’ve sat crying on my sofa, into a pillow so that I didn’t wake up my little boy. I’m his only parent. He needs me. I just don’t feel strong enough for him most days. I am terrified that if I reach out for help, that others will realize I am not strong enough to keep on doing this single parent thing.
    But I keep on trucking. Keep reminding myself that he deserves a happy mommy. Or at the very least, a mommy who is here for him.
    Thanks.

  838. I love the Phantom Tollbooth, Matilda, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIHM, A Wrinkle in Time,

  839. “Fortunately, the Milk”, by Neil Gaiman. Due to come out September 17th, but if you order it from Amazon, you will get it delivered ON the 17th!
    It is never too early to expose kids to Neil Gaiman.

  840. I agree with Karin–many of these titles are really challenging. Roald Dahl is great, but go with “Fantastic Mr. Fox” if you choose that route–it’s easier than many of his other books. The third graders I worked with this year really liked the Bad Kitty chapter books by Nick Bruel, the Flat Stanley series by Jeff Brown, and the Geronimo Stilton books. What about nonfiction? The National Geographic readers are excellent, and elementary school kids can’t get enough animal books, in my experience.

  841. What does Hailey think? I do love Shel Silverstein. The Giving Tree is beautiful. If I were closer I’d bake you some goddam cupcakes. I made tie dye ones with glitter (pronounced glittah!) for my son last year. Big hit. Kids who can’t have ’em, can’t have ’em. My friend’s mom (we called her Judy Rain Cloud) used to have a magnet on her fridge that said, “Whatever you do, somebody’s not gonna like it”.

  842. I loved “Where The Red Fern Grows” as a pre-teen. It is sad, but beautiful and I still re-read it once every couple of years. Bridge to Terebithia too and To kill a Mockingbird.

  843. I really really love the “Samurai Kids” series by Sandy Fussell (she is Australian and possibly the books are hard to get).

    It totally won’t work for the class, because there is some magic in it that’s definitely not Christian. And, some dark stuff has happened to the kids.

    BUT the books have this amazing beauty and warmth to them. They’re brilliant books to read when you’re depressed. (Also, I only read them at first because I was going to a writing con where Sandy would be, then I was so amazed I told her she was great. She found my blog – probably when I wrote a review on there – and has come back more than once to leave comments. It’s clear the sheer goodness of the books comes straight from the core of her being.)

    I know things have been shit for both you and I this week, so this is the kind of time “Samurai Kids” really comes in handy (they’re for kids about 9, and although there is the occasional cliff-hanger the first book stands alone easily).

    Louise Curtis

  844. SO many good books suggested…
    Turn it into a game!!!
    Buy 20-30 different books, draw names and let the kids pick which book THEY want out of all these marvelous choices.
    You could continue by going around the room and let each child read the first sentence/paragraph from their new book.
    Maybe make a birthday card for Hailey based on their book choice…
    Another great trend can be started by you here and now! Just say NO to cupcakes! YES TO BOOKS!

  845. There’s also a website called BlahTherapy http://blahtherapy.com/. You can opt to be a venter or a listener, and you can talk to someone anonymously. They also have an option where you can talk to a professional therapist. It’s especially good for those of us who have an extreme fear of talking to people – typing can be easier sometimes.

  846. I almost wish you had “like” buttons for the comments…but then I would have been liking comments for the past hour. Depression is a big fat fucking liar. And nobody likes a liar.
    As for the book, Danny Champion of the World (ronald Dalh) is amazing. I can remember my mother reading it to my brother and I. At that age, I also loved Anne of Green Gables, but the boys might not be as in love with that as I was:)

  848. seriously- this thread is a mess. in a good way.

    just bought a shirt from to write love on her arms- too many of my beloved family, friends, and family of friends have thought themselves expendable. unacceptable.

    the one and only ivan is awesome..but so are all dahl books and also, my very favorite, the phantom tollbooth. the best thing about that is that you’ve unleashed it into every home, so that they (or someone they donate it to!) will have to be more awesome having read it.

    love you jenny. seriously.

    amy

  849. It’s funny….I read SO MUCH as a kid, that I came to a point where I didn’t want to go to bed when it was bedtime. Instead of finding a flashlight, I thought it a grand idea to throw a baseball cap over the little mini wall hanging lamp above my head. But the plastic adjustor at the back finally started to melt to the shade and smoke, which alerted my parents to my wrongdoing. I also recall long family vacations across the country to places that were great and amazing, but there I was holed up in the chair or bed of the RV, missing the scenery, reading through my grocery bags full of borrowed books.
    But yet….I cannot recall what age I was when I read a thing, and cannot look at books and figure out what age they’re good for.

    Also, that last one on your list of reasons? Made me cry in 0.5 seconds. Not even real sure why, other than I’m a cryer. But man. Ya got me right there in the feels.

  850. I heart you Jenny! 🙂 As a person who teaches third and fourth graders, a book is a fantastic wonderful thing. I agree with the teacher above that a lot of the suggestions are awesome, but probably a little above some reaidng levels. Because of Winn Dixie is about the right level and pretty univerally liked by guys and girls. My students like Wayside School books, Captain Underpants, and things like Cam Jansen or the Time Warp Trio books. I’m with Galtae (above) about graphic novels and ABC mysteries too. I’ve had/have kids that LOVE those. I personally loved Phantom Tollbooth and Great Brain as a short person, but may be a little hard to find Great Brain. I adored Narnia and Wrinkle in Time books as a short person, but may be a little too religiousy for any uptight folk. Hope Hailey has a wonderful birthday!

  851. The Mixed up Files of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler by E.L. Koningsberg
    Great mystery about two kids who run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
    I read it in the 1970s and the our kids read it in the 1990s. Held up great.

  854. I vote for Anne of Green Gables or The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (and just to be clear, I’m advocating the books and not the movies!)

  857. Coraline is awesome and everyone should own it. Most kids have probably seen the movie, so it’s always nice to read a book and see where it came from.

    You could pick two or three books and buy a couple extras. Let them choose, then return the others.

  858. I was reading Stephen King by age 9 (which probably tells you everything you need to know about me) so I probably can’t help, although I still loved Narnia.

  859. I’ve never commented before, but your last reason was powerful and I’m totally crying right now. I’m so glad you are here with us!

    I agree with all of the posts recommending Charlotte’s Web, plus I liked Where the Sidewalk Ends and The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.

  860. I’m a librarian, so I’m having a hard time picking . . . personally I adore Coraline, and hey — you could totally make a case for The Graveyard Book, it won the Newbery and everything. No matter that it starts off with a murder. Then again, I struggle with this whole “what’s appropriate” thing all the time.

    I’ve only scanned a few of the 800-million posts, but as a librarian I’ve got to comment that lots of them are fantastic books, favorites even, but starting with the ones I can see in the post above mine (which will likely be 20 posts above by the time I’m done) like Anne of Green Gables — many are waaaay above the 3rd grade level 🙂 My kids are advanced readers and I’m betting Hailey is too, judging by your love for books. But if your goal with a class gift is to give them something they will read and love, you have to speak their language. I’m guessing that most of the class is reading at or slightly below grade level — so you need to target 3rd grade.

    One of my very favorite authors is Wendy Mass, and I think her book, 11 Birthdays, would be a good choice! It’s got all the elements for a good class gift — both male and female protagonists, who are slightly *older* than your target age group (always tantalizing!), a 3rd grade reading/interest level, it’s got a good (but not patronizing) story, and it’s available in mass market paperback for $5.71 🙂 Plus it’s about a birthday. What more could you want? LOL

    And you are not just her only mother, you are her very best mother — and not just because you’re her only one <3

  861. Okay, I already recommended a book, but come on. How am I supposed to stop at one?!?

    I am 25, and not really sure what is age appropriate for 9 … but of course Sharon Creech is phenomenal. And I personally love “Bloomabilities” the most of any of her books.

    Also, maybe not age appropriate quite yet, but I REALLY have to recommend for the future (maybe 10? Seriously, I have no idea. If you haven’t read them, you totally should.): INKHEART! Inkheart is so epic… it’s about characters from books literally springing out of the book, and into your living room. And it’s the first of three, the series also includes “Inkspell” and “Inkdeath”. They are by Cornelia Funke. I worked at Barnes and Noble for awhile and I always, always recommended this series.

    They are delicious.

  862. I student taught in 3rd grade last year and used Hank the Cowdog for one of my reading groups. Not a single one of them had even heard of it! What a shame.

  864. No Flying In the House by Betty Brock. Still love this book, as does my now 17 yo daughter.

  865. How about the Ramona Quimby books? I remember liking them, but I think that was in like first grade. I also enjoyed Charlotte’s Web and I still do to this very day. I do not remember how old I was the first time I read it though. I think by the age of 9 though I was reading R.L. Stein’s Fear Street series pretty heavily. I started with the suspense/crime/mystery solving novels at an early age.

  866. I thought the Velveteen Rabbit was the greatest book ever when I was a kid. I bought it for all my friends when they had babies and now I’m buying it for their grandkids. I also like The Little Prince. Its kind of odd..but its supposed to be..its a story. 🙂

  867. Charlotte’s Web
    The Secret Garden
    Diary of a Wimpy Kid
    Frindle
    Little House on the Prairie
    Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
    Black Beauty
    From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
    Harriet the Spy
    Encyclopedia Brown
    Pippi Longstocking

    I hope you find a great book – and share with us please!!!

  869. The books I loved at this age are out of print. “Alfred Hitchcock and The Three Investigators” books were a natural follow-up to Nancy Drew & The Hardy Boys. My elementary school library had these filed next to the oversize and cumbersome “Alfred Hitchcock’s Ghostly Gallery”, “Alfred Hitchcock’s Haunted Houseful”, and “Alfred Hitchcock’s Spellbinders in Suspense”, and more of that line. These gigantic books contained short stories by Shirley Jackson, HG Wells, Mark Twain, and Robert Bloch. Amazing selection for a Catholic grade school. I would lug those big boys home every afternoon. Seriously, they were like 18″x10″x3″. Huge, with terrific illustrations. I will probably regret posting this. Off to find them on Amazon now.

    But first, tomorrow is my birthday, and I wish that everybody stay alive. You cannot deny me my birthday wish! Everybody lives through September, dammit! XO

  870. Matilda, or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, or James and the Giant Peach! Or anything by Roald Dahl. He’s the reason I’m an avid reader today.

  871. Cassie – Commenter 836 – Thank you so much. I have never heard of BlahTherapy… it is exactly what I need. I am HORRIBLE at talking to people. It makes me so anxious. Thank you thank you thank you.

    I love this tribe. <3

  873. “Me September 9, 2013 at 7:03 pm
    I really don’t care that I can’t be replaced. I am so tired of trying to be strong and optimistic. I don’t have anything left: no hope, no strength, no optimism. I’m just done.”

    You matter. I don’t know you but I have hope for you! Please don’t give up!!

  874. I like the idea of getting a stack of various classics and letting the kids pick the one that looks good to them. They have cheap pretty hardbacks of Oz, Alice, Black Beauty, Treasure Island… etc. I’d skip Peter Pan though. Tinkerbell was a potty mouth.

  875. When I was nine or ten, my favorite book was White Fang by Jack London…which is absolutely of no help to you. You could always give them a copy of your book, but that might get you sued, so that might be a bad idea. I’m not helpful, sorry.

    Also, I would like to add that wearing orange or writing “Love” or “Hope” on your arms can help show support for those who are struggling with depression. I have a friend at work who writes “Hope” on her arm every single day so that she will remember to pray for her friends who used to cut.

  876. Age 9 is when I was going through my Walter Farley phase, so I would say any of the Black Stallion books.

  877. You wouldn’t cook without a cook book and I think it’s understood, you can’t be good without the Good Book, ’cause it’s good, and it’s a book, and it is good for cooking.

  878. As a former teacher, and person who had had problems identifying no controversial books that 9 year olds can take life lessons from, I have to suggest Friendle. It’s fun and creative, and it challenges norms in an accessible but unique way. It might also inspire another young writer.

  879. A Wrinkle in Time.

    And this is what keeps me going: My kids can’t loose me. They already lost their dad. (This thought prompted me to take better care of myself medically and get the heart surgery/procedure I had been putting off because, frankly, I was a chicken shit) When things are down though, I like to Youtube a little girl who sings the Wiggles (I think) song that goes “Don’t give up, Keep trying, keep trying” She is so adorable and who couldn’t resist that pep talk?

  880. Igraine the Brave. It has some magic, and screw them…it’s a modern fairy tail, it has a female protagonist, and it’s AWESOME. 🙂

    Happy birthday, dear girl. You have a really awesome mom. Try and remember that in 4 years, when you LOSE YOUR DAMN MIND. 🙂

  881. My favorite book as a wee girl was “the enchanted woods” by Enid Blyton. It still is now, it is so amazing and the language is pretty and modest too. Plus it takes you away to awesome wee worlds you never knew existed 🙂

  882. Might be a little young, but I think “Walter the Farting Dog” by Kotzwinkle, Murray, and Colman is both sweet and quirky enough to appeal to you and the nine year olds, although the teacher might be taken aback. Walter, a fat gray dog rescued from the pound, becomes a hero when he turns his flaw into an asset. I saw it for sale online for as little as $1.00 when I googled the title.

  883. While Hank the Cowdog is a short read, I would go for Savage Sam, The Story of the Son of Old Yeller, by Fred Gipson. It’s funny, it’s fast-paced, it appeals to boys and girls, it’s historical, and it’s based in the Central Texas area – Hank is all the way up in the Panhandle. Mrs. Shackelford read Savage Sam to my class back in the day, and I still remember the tears of laughter streaming down her face during one particular chapter.
    Good for you. Really, really good.

  884. My husband is a minister and trust me, you won’t make a wrong decision with whichever book you choose. Anyone who gets pissy over literature is a little too concerned with the small things in life. I really don’t think God cares if a book is magical. He made us and our imaginations….he wants us to use them and grow. I think a book is a great idea and I might steal that for my 10 year old daughter’s birthday instead of possibly killing someone with a wayward peanut product. You rock!

  888. At 9 or around then {I don’t remember, really, haha} I liked The Magic Treehouse series {magic, I know so that might not work} and Sweet Valley High series, Babysitter Club Series, and Nancy Drew.

    I might have been a bit older than 9, but my favorite book when I was younger, I read it so many times was The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin – FANTASTIC BOOK. Everyone should read it 🙂

  890. I loved The Land of Green Ginger, which I read at around the same time as the Phantom Tollbooth.

  892. As the mom of a child with several life threatening food allergies, I had to comment and tell you thank you a million times for not sending in food! Not only does it keep all kids safe (including the 25% of undiagnosed kids that have their first reaction at school), but helps keeps kids healthy. Last year I made cupcakes to keep in the freezer, and after the 3rd dozen in 8 months I realized kids get way too many damn cupcakes at school 🙂

    You’re wonderful and make me laugh daily. Anytime I’m in a bad mood, I just reread a chapter in your book (keep it loaded on my kindle app on my phone so its always accessible). You’ve pulled me out of many bad days. Thank you for that, too.

  893. My almost 9 year old loves the Magic Tree House books. And, as far as I can tell, no one in his class has objected to these, as I see almost all of them carrying these books. And, being in Oklahoma, we are that buckle on the insane, I mean bible belt….

    PS I just recently found your blog, and you are my hero!! I’ve been back reading and just adore you. I have your book ordered for loan from the library, and will be probably something I will request for a Christmas gift! Thank you for making me feel… not alone! Love you Jenny!

  894. My daughter is 10 and she loves the Warriors series by Erin Hunter. It’s about domestic cats living in the wild in clans.
    She’s also read all of the Silverstein (stien?) books and loves those too.

  896. How about The Math Curse….my kids loved it forever. Their teenagers and still talk about it!

  897. I know I’m hundreds of comments down since I just now got home from work and read this post, but my first reaction is ASK A LIBRARIAN because they know what the kids are reading at that age, know what is popular, and if it’s a school librarian, could give you some insights on cool stuff that might not be allowed in the school library (because most elementary schools have to consider that any age kid might be checking out a book that could be wrong for them in some way). The librarian knows that Hank has been read by every 9 year old.
    You might look at some of the Newbery winners, some of those get neglected over the years and they are all good books.

  898. I was always afraid to call the suicide hotline. Afraid that someone would find out, or they’d send a police officer to my house, or track me. I was so afraid someone would take me away from my children, and they needed me to protect them.
    I wish I had gotten help. I might have found the courage to get out of the situation I was in a lot sooner then I did. It was years before I finally found strength to strike out on my own, rescue myself from the pain.

    Four years since my divorce, and a start to a new life. Recovery has been a lot faster then I thought it would be. Faster because of all the help I receive from friends and family. Wish I’d done it sooner.

  899. The Lemony Snickett books (any), “Goosebumps”, “To Kill A Mockingbird”, AND/or “The Story of Ferdinand”. I know they are a bit dated… but the last two (especially Ferdinand the bull for myself) are stories that you end up carrying with you.

    I am grateful you mentioned the emotional overcast that creeps in around this time of year. Today I was told at work that I have no value. That even after over two years of committed service and attaining three degrees at a educational institute, I am worth no more than the minimum wage I started at…and that I am broken. I know that I a small and awkward, but how do you measure how “broken” someone is? The conversation seemed to break me down more than anything…

  900. I read a million books at that age, but the ones that really stand out are Matilda (though that might be too magic-y for some), The BFG, and The Phantom Tollbooth.

  901. Walter the Farting Dog
    The Paperbag Princess – dearly love it because she kicks dragon-butt.

  902. This post is amazing in so many ways.

    The first part is answered by the second part… Can you see that as an addendum to “why you matter?”

    Bookmarked to read the comments at leisure while my 5 and 7 yr old readers grow into all of these books. Thank you for letting me know about Coraline. 🙂

  903. Damn September, Damn Depression and it’s damned lies.

    It’s been a long while since I felt like suicide but at times only the utterly crazy thought that my parents, and brother would be sad if I was gone, because they told me so kept me from taking that step. It was after I moved away from home, to another province.I believed no one else would miss me, but my parents said they would miss me when I left, and I believed them. So here’s to suicide help lines, and kids help phones and all those other people out there, who are both a voice at the end of the line, and sometimes the knot at the end of the line that keeps people from slipping off, because sometimes it’s enough to a wounded mind and heart to know that for just one moment, when you needed it, someone cared.

    Oh, my 9 year old niece would love ‘The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe’

  904. Isn’t “A Wrinkle in Time” supposed to have an underlying Christian message? I never thought so, but if Christians want the think that, I haven’t got a problem with it. And it’s a GREAT book. Carl Hiaasen has written some really good kids books, very much in his usual style, but without the cussing and sex. And the Narnia series is really good, too, although kids today would probably think it was seriously old-fashioned.

  905. I once had a Mom come into the daycare where I worked and come unglued because the kids were watching Lamb Chops Sing Along. Puppets were considered to be “False Idols” and we were dooming all of the children to hell by exposing them to a stuffed singing llamb.

  906. So, my favorite book is Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. But that may be to young. It’s still my choice for you though. As far as chapter books go, The Secret Files of Basil frankienwiener or whatever his last name is is a good one. Also, Sideways Stories from the Wayside School. And Stargirl. I didn’t see anyone mention Stargirl. And that’s sad. I liked The Cam Jansen mysteries too. Banner in the Sky was good. And the Other Side of the Mountain. Though I loved Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, I’m not sure about 9 year olds with that book. Two others and then I’ll go: Bruce Collins’ Aliens Ate My Homework. The Indian in the Cupboard. And because I’m a liar, the third last book: There’s a Boy in the Girl’s Bathroom (I wanna say the theme of that book was bullying… And that’s apparently worse now… Which just makes me shudder)

  907. The Giver was fairly life-changing for me. My teacher read it to our class in 5th grade. It shifted how I view the world.

  909. My 9 year old daughter loved Roald Dahl. There are so many titles to choose from, but the BFG (“Big Friendly Giant”) was among the first that got her hooked and she now has an entire collection of R.D. books and considers them her greatest treasure.

  910. what about A Wrinkle In Time by Madeline L Engle? My teacher read this to us (back in the day) and the following books and we loved them. As always, thank you for sharing with us…you are in inspiration!

  911. Bad day to read this. No matter what happened, everyone will automatically think my chilf was justifief in teling her parents to get out of her house. I may never see her and the grandchildren again. I cant commit suicide cause that would hurt her. Stupid, huh.

    I am literate. Just a bad typist.

  912. We just finished reading aloud The Hobbit to my almost 7 year old son.

    There are ZERO females in this book.

    ZERO. None!

    Girls and women are expected to identify with male heroes all the time!!!!!!!

    So we are reading him Anne of Green Gables now.

    It is over 100 years old. It has a female main character. And it is awesome. She is an amazing girl, about the age of your daughter, and it’s got fun old timey stuff going on, and plus who hasn’t always wondered what it would be like to be adopted?

    Plus it is Canadian.

  913. Thank you for a great post! For a whole class of nine-year-olds with different reading abilities and different-thinking parents, maybe a classic like “The Borrowers” by Mary Norton. I loved that book and reread it again and again. Slightly magical in the sense that they’re little folks who live in human houses that most people don’t even notice, but there’s nothing even the strictest could say is Satanic about them. (Plus, with the “Arrietty” movie, it’s time for kids to read the original!)

  914. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate.

    Just finished with my 10 year old son. We laughed, we cried- it was really sweet! Very gender neutral. It’s told from the perspective of a mall gorilla and is based on a true story. Loved it!

  915. OMG – I almost forgot to mention what was possibly my favorite kids favorite book EVER around that age, “How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous.” Promise me you’ll check it out, Jenny! Here’s an excerpt from the synopsis: “How They Croaked relays all the gory details of how nineteen world figures gave up the ghost. Readers will be fascinated well past the final curtain, and feel lucky to live in a world with painkillers, X-rays, soap, and 911.” So precious! And chocked full of little known, delightfully gruesome facts. PERFECT!

  917. I highly recommend the Dragonbreath series of books by Ursula Vernon (another amazing author/comic writer/blogger) for the 9ish crowd. My class, boys and girls both, loved them. Get the first one, they’ll be hooked, and then they can enjoy the rest of the series on their own. It’s a fantastically sneaky way of turning kids into habitual readers.

  918. There was an old lady who swallowed a fly

    I don’t have kids so I’m not sure what age range this is for but I LOVED this book as a kid. I liked to read it really fast because the words rhymed. Like I was a kid nursery rhyme rap prodigy

  919. Someone may have already mentioned this (there are a lot of comments), but Catherynne M. Valente’s The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making is super fabulous and hilarious and will teach those 9 year olds oodles of neat vocabulary. (You would love it also. Trust me.)

  921. Don’t worry about the uber-religious kids and their parents. I came from one of those homes, and you know what? I’m still religious, but I learned to let go of an irrational fear of hocus-pocus and love me some Harry Potter…even though I had already made it to college by that time. It’s one thing to respect the beliefs of others, and another to tiptoe around extremism. Books about magic are just about the best things ever, and all of those kids are gonna learn that sooner or later. (And for the record, I absolutely loved Madeleine L’Engle’s _Wrinkle in Time_ series. It’s full of science and magic and time travel and weird theology and all-around glitzy awesomeness. And if a parent has a problem with it, you could even argue that she’s a Christian author. And so was C.S. Lewis, with all his crazy cracked-out do-the-Greek-gods-still-exist angst in _Perelandra_ and the entire _Narnia_ bit. And Tolkein…well, yeah! There’s some great stuff out there, even for the religious kids. And if their parents are too fundie even to see the beauty in Middle Earth, then their kids have probably made up their own magical worlds in their heads to escape by now, anyway.) Give those kids some magical worlds, Bloggess! Hugs.

  922. I won’t lie, I discovered Stephen King when I was 9.
    Prolly not a good choice if they may object to magical, which is too bad because Eyes of the Dragon is such a great King book.
    Prolly not It or Misery though.

    So…what I got my biys when they turned 9…
    Where the Red Fern Grows
    The Outsiders.

  923. My favorite book at age nine was Understood Betsy, which is a chapter book but pretty accessible to young readers. It’s fun, there’s adventures and a slightly scary bit, but it’s extremely wholesome – all about farming and a one-room schoolhouse and such, so it’s unlikely to offend anyone.

  924. Topic 1: Thank you for sharing.
    Topic 2: Just about anything by Roald Dahl! He was one of the first authors to make me love reading. And I think these topics aren’t so disjointed–reading is so therapeutic and wonderful.

  925. The Phantom Tollbooth was one of my favorite books. If you want to venture into a series, the Narnia series is outstanding. While Narnia does have magic, it is solidly Christian (humans are called the sons of Adam and the daughters of Eve).

  926. I don’t have kids, but as this is something I wish someone could have put in my hands at that age. It’s called A Beautiful Friendship. This is a young adult novel that also serves as a prequel to the Honor Harrington science fiction series by David Weber. I am such a nerd/ fan of this series. I’m forty plus and it is on my reading list. Alternatively, A Wrinkle in Time or Shel Silverstein are good ideas.
    To Write Love on Her Arms is an awesome organization. Cupcakes may be yummy but a good book is forever.

  928. Summer Of The Monkeys is also a great choice for boys or girls. Might be hard to find though.

  929. I was reading Shiloh over and over when I was 9; it is still one of my favorite books to this day!

  930. Amazon has Summer Of The Monkeys for $6.29. It is a great book. No bad language or anything objectionable. It is a fun book with a great lesson about compassion and generosity.

  931. I don’t know if this as already been posted but I really enjoyed “Skippy Jon Jones” at about that age. Though I should add I hated reading until about the 5th grade and now I can’t imagine life with out it, funny how we change.

  932. The Phantom Tollbooth was my favorite at that age, and is still my favorite as an adult. I’m so excited to introduce my wee ladies (4 and 1) to that book someday.

  933. Thank you for once again getting the word out to folks in need….one of the many reasons I can think of that you, Jenny Lawson, cannot be replaced. Good on you! Also, September is already 1/3 over. Fuck September. You got this!
    Books!!! First book that jumped to my mind, the book that my daughter loooooved at that age and cried when reading (which was a relief because I was beginning to worry that she had a heart of stone) was “Because of Winn Dixie”. Gotta say, I loved it too!!!

  934. OK, you also cannot be replaced because it has been YEARS since I read a book that made me cry, yelp and snort with laughter – aloud! – so many times. So many years that I actually can’t swear it’s ever happened; I just hope it has, because it was that much fun.

    As for the book? Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, but it has to be the one illustrated by Joseph Schindelman; his illustrations are magical in & of themselves, and he, for me, is the only one who can really capture the amazing world of Willy Wonka, as well as the poverty of Charlie & his family with equal depth and beauty. Here’s a link showing the cover…http://kschocfactory.wordpress.com/tag/joseph-schindelman/ (I hope it’s still in print!)

    And I love that you want to bring books to Hailey’s friends! Lovelovelove it! Books are wondrous creatures.

  937. Jack Prelutsky was our first Children’s Poet Laureate, and he has three good-sized collections in paperback, all available on Amazon.com for about $8.00 each: It’s Raining Pigs and Noodles; New Kid On The Block, and Something Big Has Been Here. You could get an assortment, so if a student has one of the books she could trade with someone else. Silly poetry appeals to a wide variety of interests! Signed, a former Library Lady.

  938. A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle …. fascinating and magical and completely absorbing for that age group (and ours, still!!!).
    “It was a dark and stormy night; Meg Murry, her small brother Charles Wallace, and her mother had come down to the kitchen for a midnight snack when they were upset by the arrival of a most disturbing stranger.

    “Wild nights are my glory,” the unearthly stranger told them. “I just got caught in a downdraft and blown off course. Let me be on my way. Speaking of way, by the way, there is such a thing as a tesseract”.

  939. No Flying in the House by Betty Brock. Yeah, it’s got magic….fuck em. Anything by Beverly Cleary or Roald Dahl.

  942. Also…

    You cannot be replaced Bloggess because I love your blog..your honesty.
    You sometimes give me a light in my darkness..
    And it gets awfully dark in my head.

  943. Some of my favorites around that time: Ferret in the Bedroom, Lizards in the Fridge (Bill Wallace), Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher (Bruce Covill), and Wise Child (Monica Furlong).

  944. Immediately thought of “Wayside School is Falling Down”, but it’s already suggested as the fourth post! 😀

  945. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate Dicamillo is mysterious, touching, tender and not at all patronizing … or Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke is clever and empowering and zany. It’s a great idea to give all the kids a book!

  946. Age nine? I adored the Boxcar Children and that’s when I discovered Nancy Drew, but I think I was a weird kid. Sideways Stories were fun, and I started reading the Ramona Quimby books then. Oh and How to Eat Fried Worms was popular with kids in my class.

  948. Oh! Oh! Oh!
    Two of my favourites: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett or The Root Cellar by Janet Lunn

  949. Coraline, The Hobbit, or The Phantom Tollbooth are all age appropriate. Maybe if there are kids with hyper-religious parents a really good book will help break the mind conditioning. Go with your instincts.

  950. I have a lot of respect for suicide/depression victims who have reached out and called suicide hotlines. I feel like it’s very easy for people to say “Oh, call and get help. There’s help out there,” but they never think about how much strength it takes to realize your problem is that severe, and then picked up a phone and call an unknown person, hoping they are able to offer you some comfort that you haven’t been able to offer yourself, no matter how hard you tried. There’s often social anxiety and fear laced with suicide/depression sufferers, so they must really reach out of their comfort zone to make that call.

    To me, that’s strength. And that’s beauty too. Hope in its purest form. I’m not big on September, either, but I’m glad there’s always hope and help out there. I hope Haley has a great birthday.

  951. I loved Roald Dahl at that age. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Non fiction books can be a huge hit: Ripleys Believe it or Not is a good one for boys and girls. Lemonade Wars is great. And picture books, especially fractured fairy tales (like the Stinky Cheeseman and other fairly stupid tales) are always awesome (and less expensive). Btw: great post- both the dark and the light.

  953. What about The Indian in The Cupboard or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? They are classics.

  954. You can’t go wrong with Ellen Raskin, either The Westing Game if she’s more serious or The Mysterious Disappearance of Leon, I Mean Noel if she prefers silliness.

  955. Try Bob and Jack: a Boy and His Yak. I think it will appeal to your taste for reality and bittersweetness while also being considered edifying by all, even the uberreligious.

  956. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
    Wayside School is Falling Down or Sideways Stories from Wayside School
    Mrs. Piggle Wiggle (though she has magic coming out her ying yang)
    Peter and the Star Catchers (though I read this at 29 not 9, and again, magic, but it’s Peter Pan so it might not count as anti-god magic)

  957. Anything Beverley Cleary. Ramona books, Henry Huggins books, Mouse and the Motorcycle. I would eg for each new one as it came out for years. Dear Mr Henshaw is the best.

    September is hard. You are necessary and irreplaceable, Your taxidermy animal stories are the best ever.

  958. Bunyips Don’t! Not sure if you have it in the states but it’s a wonderful book about doing what makes you happy & not following the herd. Here’s a link to a review – http://aussiereviews.com/2005/02/bunyips-dont-by-sally-odgers/
    And there’s readings of it on YouTube, even if you don’t think it’ll be totally appropriate for Haileys class, you two will (hopefully) like it. Hope you enjoy it =)

  959. I am one of those kids whose family was uber religious and wasn’t allowed (even though i desperately wanted to) to read well anything really 😀 I think its lovely that you are considering them! Even if you dont agree, going the extra mile to not point out their differences is a grand thing! props to you! If you do give it to them i guarantee it will get binned and they will probably be prayed over to remove the evil spirits, so dont waste your money…they will hopefully come around once they are older and start to semi think for themselves.

  962. Stardust is magical, but more in a fairy tale kinda way. The Little Prince? Nation by Terry Practchett? Good old fashioned fairy tales?

  965. The BFG! It has a bit of magic but nothing unreasonable, in my opinion. If you’re still giving books when they hit about 5th grade I recommend The Westing Game. It is still one of my favorites.

  966. ANYTHING BILL PEET.

    Might be too young, though. I’m not a good one to judge standard age-related reading levels. :/

    Also, thank you. October will be here soon, and “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

  968. THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH!!! It’s been my favorite book since back when I was in Elementary school. It’s the first book that really made me fall in love with reading. To this day, (i’m about to be 29), I still read this book at least once or twice a year and have plans in the works for a tattoo because I just love it so much.

    So, I can’t say it enough…THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH!

  970. I remember being rather hooked on the Sohie books! Can’t remember whether I was exactly round nine when I read them though…… and don’t know if they are for both boys and girls, perhaps more for girls….
    I fell in love with “The Magic Finger” by Roald Dahl, remember I read that like a billion times (exagurating just a little there), but I did read it loads! Otherwise he has loads of good books: “Matilda”, “George’s Marvelous Medicine”, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, “The Twits”, The BFG” that guy has loads!! Hope this helps.

  972. My nine year old and I like darker books too. We both adored Coraline and The Graveyard Book by Gaiman. She read the Hunger Games over the summer and loved it. She’s reading Charlottes Web right now and is underwhelmed (which is too bad because I loved that book!). Can you post some book you and your daughter liked? I’m always on the hunt for books that keep her interested.

  973. I loved the Asterix books. Still do. Seconding Phantom Tollbooth (I reread that just recently). The Borrowers are fantastic, Roald Dahl is awesome, as is The Indian In the Cupboard.

    Enid Blyton has been re-written for the 21st Century. Avoid at all costs.

  974. My all time favorite book – that I first fell in love with at age 9 – is Charlotte’s Web. As a 4th grade teacher, I read it to my class last year and they absolutely LOVED it. They connected with it, laughed, and cried. It has so many great lessons built in to the story.

    And at Scholastic.com, it’s only $1 a copy!! 🙂 I bought a whole class set for $20 last school year.

  975. Any children’s book by Roald Dahl! My personal favorite is Matilda but Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a big hit too. In Grade 4 (when I was 9) my teacher read us Roald Dahl books and I credit her with helping me fall in love with reading. I recently gave my 8 year old cousin Matilda because they were having a hard time getting her interested in reading and she apparently ate it up! Good luck picking!

  976. Oh my. My Dear Ms Lawson – I regret to inform you that while I think you are the most awesomest blogger ever, you are wrong. Nothing is better than cupcakes. But you may want to bring in some good sci-fi! I remember fondly my first one – A Wrinkle in Time. Perfect for that age, and hopefully it will create a new group of thinking kids.

    Happy birthday Hailey!

  977. Wow! So many great book suggestions. It makes me want to compile a list and re-read a bunch of things. But when I turned 9 I fell madly in love with Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.

  978. Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden. BEST SERIES EVER. Even if you are a grown up. Or masquerading as one . . .

  980. When I was 9, my favorite books were anything Calvin and Hobbes, The Witches by Roald Dahl (also big fan of Matilda, The BFG and James and the Giant Peach at that age) and I also loved From The Mixed Up Files of Mrs Basil E Frankwiler. I think that would be the best choice, honestly. It could be for boys or girls and is a great read.

  981. Thorton Burgess books are awesome for that age! Think Redwall but 1910s. You can get the Dover thrift editions for about a dollar each.

  982. My kids (9 and 12) are both pretty big readers and we’ve never read Hank the Cowdog (looks fun though) which only goes to show there is no way of knowing what will be considered boring or fabulous by a classful of kids. Some kids are full on Harry Potter at age 9 and others are still figuring the whole reading thing out. Also, some of the suggestions above are required reading in our school – Charlotte’s Web, Mixed Up Files, Hobbit – so probably uncool to give a “homework book” (may want to browse the reading list first). Or not – a good book is a good book. My kids check books out of the library even when we have a copy we own at home.

    My point? You can’t win, so let her give the class her favorite book. Then there is at least a personal connection. If they don’t enjoy it, no big deal, they can donate to the teacher or local library. Bottom line Hailey needs to be excited about sharing it – that’s all that really matters.

  983. I was one of those religious 9-year-olds!

    Wildwood Dancing is a good bet. It is a bit magical, but it is fairy tale magic, not witch/wizard type magic, which tends to be the kind that’s frowned upon (for whatever reason) in the religious community. It’s basically a retelling of the 12 Dancing Princesses and the Frog Prince all rolled into one. And it’s approved by my very strictly religious mother. 🙂 Good luck!

  985. The Missing Piece by Shel Silverstein. It’s perfect in the spirit of the beginning of your post and one every child I know has kept throughout their lives. Including me. <3

  986. Word after Word after Word by Patricia McLachlan. It is amazing. The kids in the book all discover their voices through writing, so it makes sense to come from you.

  988. Rock on, O depressive one. Hang in there. I need you to keep reminding me depression is a lying bastard. As for the book, when I was nine anything to read was awesome. I honestly can’t pick any single book. Maybe A Wrinkle in Time?

  989. I loved Mrs. Piggle Wiggle (about a magical nanny who teaches morals and values) and the Choose Your Own Adventure series. Those might be too old school to find in a bookstore though…

  990. Alexander and his no good very bad day would be perfect here, but I think it’s for youngers
    I think Dahl or Blume books.

  991. Oh! I hope this doesnmt get lost in a sea of comments! This is a version of the classic Twelve Dancing Princesses written by a French artist named Miss Clara. She makes all her figures out of paper and found objects. She is lovely and eccentric, and all her dolls live in her house since she can’t part with them. http://bit.ly/16hfIKK

    The book is $10, you (or any readers) can use code TWENTY13 to take 20% off, and i will donate a portion of any sales made through that link to a suicide prevention organization of your choice.

  992. When I was nine I bought a copy of Kavik: The Wolf Dog by Walt Morey from our school book order club. It’s a cross between Call of the Wild and Homeward Bound. I still have my book (25 years later) and have lost count of how many times I’ve read it. I still rank it as one of my top 10 favourite books of all time. Total adventure book for any kid. Love it!!

  993. I was one of those “advanced readers”, so by the time I was nine I was making my way through The Hobbit (that’s what happens when you’re raised by a bunch of educators. Damn teachers making kids LEARN!). But my favorite was “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn”.

    …Though, come to think of it, that’s probably not appropriate for nine-year-olds.

  994. Bad jelly the witch – spike Milligan – Best. Kids. Book. Ever! Very magical, includes a lost cow, talking mouse, shark bashing worm, giants and a tree that used to be a policeman. And of course a witch. Was my favourite as a kid (I’m 43) and you should listen to the radio version…..it’s crazy funny. Still read it to my 12yo son…loves it.

  997. Jenny – thank you for posting this. I read often but haven’t commented. You are a rock star for sharing your struggles with us an making so many realize they aren’t alone. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing a place where so many people with anxiety and/or depressions issues can come to find others who can relate.

    And for books, I love the retro suggestions for Nancy Drew! Happy Birthday Hailey!

  998. FANTASTIC SHARE. In my life I am mostly fine, but my mom suffered from depression that was horrible. Clouds of darkness in our house, when I was a kid. And it wasn’t something that was talked about, there weren’t commercials on tv or anything. Be strong for Hailey. Fight the fight. You are worth it. It is hard to be a daughter of a person that fights depressions, especially on the days that the mom is sort of losing. Tell her everyday that you might be having a battle that it isn’t her fault. Tell her that it is like the worst nagging hangnail ever, even as it heals and there is light is is still there nagging just a little. Tell her that you will win, you will beat it, and if she ever feels down to talk to you about it and you will take it serious. I am sure you do all this, and it is my childhood talking.

    Again.

    Fantastic Share.

  999. Captain underpants is good for boys and girls. You might look for some that are AR books too so they can all take tests on them if they do that at her school. Accelerated reader probably has a list on their site of age or grade appropriate books.

  1001. I discovered the Hobbit around that age (I think 10) is fantasy adventure too magical? I was attending a Christian school at the time and I don’t recall anyone panicking about it. How about one of CS Lewis Narnia books? They are magical but clearly have Christian themes so I can’t imagine anyone objecting to those on religious grounds.

    I also recall being a huge fan of Encyclopedia Brown at that age.

  1003. The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr Morris Lessmore. William Joyce makes fabulous books – both the stories, and the wonderful illustrations. Amazon has this in paperback for under $10. It will appeal to boys and girls…and any reading level.It is a picture book, ( but gorgeously illustrated) rather than a chapter book – however 9 yr olds still love those. At least the ones that I know, do.
    Great idea!
    FYI it was also made into an animated short. If you love books, you must see it…it’s all about loving books.

  1004. I second “Harriet the Spy” and the Roald Dahl classics, but I also have to add a couple others–“The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett and I love, love LOVE (my nearly 9 and almost 11 y.o. kids do too) “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” by Kate DiCamillo (She wrote “Because of Winn Dixie and “The Tale of Despereaux”).

    Books are way better than accidentally killing kids with cupcakes! 😀

    xo,
    The Wombat

  1005. I’m too lazy to read the almost 1,000 other comments so I’m not sure if this has been suggested yet.

    -Charlotte’s Web
    -Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
    -Captain Underpants

    Good luck!!

  1007. Brilliant idea Jenny!
    My son really likes the How to Train Your Dragon series by Cressida Cowell. I don’t know if the excessively religious would be offended or not, but they are fun stories.
    The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate and Patricia Castelao is also a recent favorite of his.
    Good luck!

  1008. The Borrowers
    Harriet the Spy (but I insist you get the old-school cover)
    or something either borderline or totally objectionable to expand the horizons of the masses

  1009. When you buy for nine year olds, think 12. What would a 12-year-old read, because nine is the age that it used to be. Here’s my list (from Goodreads: Best Books for 12 Year Olds): Holes, Hunger Games, Percy Jackson, Bridge to Terabethia, Where the Red Fern Grows, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

  1010. Holes by Louis Sachar. Weird enough to make parents like us feel good about it, but not weird enough to make conservative parents freak out.

  1013. Wow, every book I’ve ever loved. A few I even forgot about. But I was surprised not to see “Escape from Witch Mountain” and the sequel “Return to Witch Mountain”. Decent movie adaptions as well. And they are ALIENS not witches, so the bible thumpers should be ok with it.

  1014. OMG – LOVE Hank the Cowdog! I had the books on cassette when I was a kid. I’m expecting my first baby in February, and it’s a boy. I’ve already started looking for Hank the Cowdog books now, even though he won’t be able to read them for a few years yet…unless he turns out to be a SUPER GENIUS baby!

  1015. The Secret Garden. I loved that book as a kid and still read it probably once a year. Also anything by Shel Silverstein. His books were like magic to me when I was a kid.

  1016. Yes, why is it that September, at least in Texas, is completely AWFUL for depression. I take it one day at a time, cuz that’s all I can take!

  1018. “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six Others” by Roald Dahl. OK, maybe too heavy. “Phantom Tollbooth” then.

  1020. Even if you don’t get one for everyone, you and Hailey would LOVE There’s a Boy in the Girl’s Bathroom. Great story about the weird kid and how he learns to love himself, plus, it’s hilarious. Also by Louis Sachar, who wrote Holes.

  1021. @PoodlesMcGee, I was obsessed with Animal Inn as a kid! So glad someone else remembers it! And now I want to go back to my parents’ place and find all my old paperbacks. I was a pint-sized bookworm and think I had most of what was mentioned on here–what was written by the early ’90s, anyway! My suggestions:

    Emily’s Runaway Imagination (Beverly Cleary, not part of a series so no tough choices there)
    Child of the Owl (Laurence Yep)
    Rascal (Sterling North)
    Trumpet of the Swan (E.B. White)

  1022. The Eloise books by Kay Thompson. Awesome adventures and great imagination… which in hindsight may not have been that great for a kid with an over active imagination… but i turned out ok… mostly…

  1023. There is a new book out called “The Day the Crayons Quit”. I haven’t read it but it sounds fantastic. Maybe give that a try.

  1024. Any of the diary of a wimpy kid, magic tree house, captain underpants (both my kids loved these), Flat Stanley is a fun one, There’s a book called Flawed Dogs that my daughter loved, Any of the bad kitty books OR Hailey Twitch is not a snitch.

    I’m not real sure on the age appropriateness since my daughter was a reader and would read anything she could get her hands on, but these are all great, fun books so if they are a little below or a little above the kids would love them.

  1026. Seriously, I think this is amazing. I come here every day because you make me feel normal. Surely I can’t be the only one. Sometimes the most amazing gift you can give another person is to share your story so that they know that they are not alone. 🙂

    Book: ‘Wherever You Go, My Love Will Follow You’

    The title is borderline creepy, but it is about parent’s love for their children and I feel like you won’t be able to go wrong there. I’ve picked up board book copies of this (for like EVERY baby shower gift I’ve ever given) at Target for around $8. I read it to my kids once a week. Sometimes more when we’re having a bad week. I have two boys with Autism, and when things get rough around here I like to remind us all that our love is unbreakable. The last line of the book reads “You are loved” and I think it’s probably one of the nicest stories I’ve ever read.

  1028. First, thanks for continuing to wave your torch around in that really dark place that too many of us spend too much time in. It matters. It matters to me personally and it matters in general.

    Second, I have two completely different ideas for books for your remarkable daughter and her class of future minions: Harriet the Spy and tThe Phantom Tollbooth would be super nifty. Or pretty much any of the award books or anything that Hailey really loves. OR how about Hailey writes a book celebrating her birthday or whatever and having ’em printed up at one of those kiosks or through one of those online companies? (Mixbook, Picaboo, Snapfish, etc…)

  1029. Island of the Blue Dolphin. Both I and my husband ADORED it when we were kids, so clearly it is for both genders, and there is no magic, just a girl and her brother surviving and thriving together on an island.

  1030. For me, it was Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (note: British version, not the Americanized version that totally omits the quirky British slanguage), but as you mentioned, the religious folk might take offense. (A priest in my area actually cut up a paperback copy. He would’ve burned it, but he couldn’t get a fire permit.)

    I seem to be fresh out of ideas, because all of my favourites when I was that age were fantasy books. But E. Nesbitt’s The Magic City might be non-offensive. Also, Skellig by David Almond. I read that one when I was a little older – eleven, maybe – but I’d call it a 9-12 aged book, and one that even adults can enjoy. Oh, wait, it talks about Darwin and evolution… maybe not appropriate for a public school.

  1031. Gordon Korman’s No Coins Please. It’s Canadian, so they probably haven’t already read it. It’s about a group of 11-year old kids who go on some kind of bus across America summer camp thing but one of them keeps disappearing and it turns out he’s running cons in all the major cities and making heaps of money. It’s pretty funny and as a kid I thought it was hilarious. It’s also the only book I can think of reading at that time that didn’t have magic in it. The kids are all boys, unfortunately, but girls seem ok with reading about boys in a way that boys aren’t ok with reading about girls. It was also written in the eighties, so there are some parts that are dated and would need to be explained. (One kid is a shutterbug and goes through a lot of film.)

    Then again, Pippi Longstocking is kind of the shit.

  1032. Regarding the Fountain. I love the way the Klise sisters write in letters, faxes, and diary entries.

  1033. I can’t read 1000 comments so my bad if someone has already mentioned The Birchbark House by Louise Eldrich. Sort of Little House-ish except about a Native American family. Just awesome and perfect for 9-year-olds, boys and girls. On sale right now on amazon for $6.29 each.

    I feel quite sure that your posts about mental illness and where to get help have saved lives. Thank you.

  1034. The Guys who wrote “The Phantom Toll Booth” finally wrote another book together a few years ago – “The Odious Ogre” (Norton Juster and Jules Feiffer). It’s wildly creative but at the same time, even the most rigidly anti-imagination christian parent could hardly object to it. Sadly, It is only available in hardcover so it would be a pretty pricey gift for a whole class.

    Another idea would be to give a small library of favorites to the teacher, to add to his/her classroom library. Put in book plates with the teacher’s name and “Hailey Lawson Birthday Library” on them. All of the children have access to all of the books, the teacher has more to work with in her classroom, and Hailey’s awesomeness will be known for years to come.

  1035. I went through a phase at about 9 where I was devouring all the Encyclopedia Brown books. They detective stories about a kid who solves “crimes” (the kind that would only concern a kid) in his neighborhood. Bonus! There are a lot of different ones, so you could get different ones for all the kids and they could pass them around. But then maybe I’m a little geeky and the average kid wouldn’t like these. I don’t know.

  1036. BOOKS! YAY!

    Maybe NOT a suggestion for the class since it’s magical and all, but I think YOU should read this if you haven’t already. Because it is amazing. It’s The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne Valente. Then read the sequel. Then the third comes out NEXT MONTH. The writing is so delicious you could eat it with a spoon.

    Wait. What about something like The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe? Fantasy elements AND religious allegory. Slam dunk! (No?)

  1037. My brother committed suicide in 2010. I have been immensely helped by the suicide support group I attend. I wish that anyone contemplating suicide could sit in on one of these meetings to understand the utter devastation left behind. More than once I’ve heard some variation of how the person who took his or her life thought that they wouldn’t be missed very much or that the loved one left behind would “get over it” in time. There is no getting over it for us: there is only the new normal. I ache every day for my brother, and for all of us affected by suicide.

    We need YOU here. You are loved. You just fucking are. Tell us what is going on with you. We’ll do anything if you’ll STAY.

  1038. I never thought this week would mean much, but my brother attempted suicide this past January. He survived and is doing so much better now, but these last months have really made me appreciate all the love on the interwebs today. Thanks for sharing.

    Also, this book was just released today. It’s by my old coworker. So I have to recommend it. http://www.amazon.com/dp/0062194348/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk

  1039. 9 is fourth grade, right? How about From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler? Awesome book. I plotted my running-away scheme for years after that. But in a good way?

  1040. Where the Red Fern Grows is a great book! My 5th grade teacher read it to us and there was not a dry eye in the room.

  1041. Thanks for posting this (not the kids book part but the other part). I love the idea of writing about reasons you can’t be replaced. That’s such a great and unusual way to make yourself think of positive things about yourself, something I struggle with a lot sometimes. This month is particularly hard for me, I’ll be getting divorce number 2 this month. It didn’t fail completely because of anything I did, my husband is an alcoholic an addict, but I know there are things I did that didn’t help things too. I thought I had let go of all that guilt over the last year of our separation, but somehow it creeps back in when you’re not looking. I’m dating someone now that is truly wonderful, but I continually find myself wanting to back away in fear of fucking up this relationship too. He’s an actual good man, guess I’m afraid my torrid past will fuck him up or something. Anyhow, thanks for letting me vent, I’m just struggling like everyone else. I’m just trying to remember that all that negative shit is lying to me but it’s too easy to wallow.

  1043. Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing…I’m 30 and still remember laughing out loud in my room reading it when I was 9.

    Also..This is cause for celebration, although the comment section might be incredibly confusing. This made me laugh a little too hard.

  1046. Many people take their own lives on Mondays as well as in the month of September. I read about this statistic after my beautiful sister took her life on a Monday in September. I wish every day that she could have held on past the dark days by remembering and looking forward to the days in the sun than do invariably come. They do always come, eventually. And they are always, always worth the wait.

  1047. What is it about September? I usually love it when it cools off and I can wear sweaters again. Drink hot cider and go to bed early. But there is something about this September that has me by the throat. So my mantra has become “Depression Lies, Depression Lies”. Thank you for that.

    Favorite book for me was Charlotte’s Web, hands down. Well if you don’t count all the Little House on the Prairie books. Oh and my son’s favorite, Calvin and Hobbes, though he would often try and act out the dark side of those books and managed to survive childhood. He is 33 and a few years ago he sent me an email thanking me for putting up with all his crap and always making him feel loved while he was growing up.

    See, depression lies. I cannot be replaced because there is no one who will be more fascinated and proud at watching him continue to grow as a husband, a father, a doctor.

  1048. So there are two books in my collection that I’ve had since 4th grade.. “The Giver” by Lois Lowry and “The Westing Game” By Ellen Raskin. If you’re worried about super religious side, wait on “The Giver.” I read both books every couple of years because they are just that good and I’m 29.

  1049. Hank and the cowdog!! My mom used to get these books on tape when she, my sister, and I would take long car trips and those are some of my favorite childhood memories. Not many people can say that about a car tip with their sister!
    ** I love the book over cupcake idea! Fantastic! The only thing I love more than cake is a good book….well and my husband but I wouldn’t give him to a class of 9 year-olds**

  1050. My favorite book when I was nine was “A Chair for my Mother” by Vera B. Williams. Its a sweet story about a mom saving up money for a comfy chair.

  1051. Also, I think a book is a fantastic idea! Get those kids reading! (and hopefully, they’ll be allowed to read Harry Potter as well……)

  1052. The Witch Of Blackbird Pond was my favorite book when I was 9. Also My Side Of The Mountain and A Wrinkle In Time. And Harriet The Spy. Though I say buy them all Coraline, in the hopes that the crazy religious kids will read them on the bus on the way home before their crazy parents take it away, and it will open a doorway into awesomeness and free thought for life.

  1053. im going to try out the
    20 Ways to Draw a Tree and 44 Other Nifty Things from Nature: A Sketchbook for Artists, Designers, and Doodlers Paperback
    by Eloise Renouf
    for my niece this year. they have a whole series. shes a bit younger than nine but she LOVES books that kind of get her started on drawing.
    also the listography books are great too!

  1054. If you’re going through amazon, go through ebates.com first – get some money (a small percentage) back for all the books you’re going to be picking up!

    As for books to read at age 9 that wouldn’t be controversial…I don’t think I’ve got anything since my parents were happy to have me reading. So, for a fantastic read that should appeal to both genders – THE WEE FREE MEN!!
    Or anything Dahl, Nancy Drew (the old skool ones with the yellow hard covers), the Little House books, Anne of Green Gables, Mandy (by Julie fricken Andrews!), Madeleine L’Engle…

    Thanks for reminding me to let my friends, even those who don’t let on that they suffer from that vicious liar, that they’re important!

  1055. My daughter loves “Lulu and the Brontosaurus” and that would be a good choice for both genders. It says it’s for ages 6-10, so hopefully it’s not too young for 9 year olds. My daughter has severely allergic kids in her class too so her classroom is a “no food allowed” classroom. You’re doing way better than me, I was going to be cheap and send stickers and pencils or something to school for her birthday, but books are a much better idea 🙂

  1056. I think I was about 9 (maybe 10) when I discovered “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwiler.” Glorious story about running away from home to New York with your youngest sibling because he knows how to handle money, about art, and about defining what makes you special for yourself. Bonus: Strong female protagonist.

  1058. I’d suggest “The Egypt Game” (LOVED SO MUCH), or “The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler”. I loved both of those…one because of the make-believe aspect, and one because of the “running away from home but in a practical manner” aspect.

  1059. I have always read mostly fantasy books. So mine are probably more for you and Hailey: “A House With A Clock In Its Walls” by John Bellairs – His books were my favorite scary books as a child (Especially “The Eyes of the Killer Robot.”) Half Magic by Edward Eager was a huge favorite as was “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn”, *anything* by Diana Wynne Jones, Tamora Pierce, and Diane Duane’s Young Wizard books are a *Must*. Seriously. If I could I would send you every single one of these books and/or fly down to Texas and refuse to leave until you’d read them all.

    For the Classroom kids – I say you go to your local idie place (or order online from mine: Powell’s Books) and get a *bunch* of middle reader books and let the kids pick out which ones they want and donate the rest to the school or local library.

  1061. I still love “Anne of Green Gables,” and I first fell in love when I was nine. As many others have posted, I also loved “Harriet the Spy” — so fun, and they both should be totally safe. The fantasy/sf books I read at that age were all frowned upon by my uber religious relatives.

    And thank you for that list of resources. September is definitely a hard month, and it’s been a hard summer.

  1062. Yeah, September really kicks your ass doesn’t it? I think it’s all the ramp up after summer, but it’s a bugger.

    Ood and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman is pretty kick ass, and definately gender neutral. Not too dark, but also not too patronizing… Of course there’s always Narnia (the religious types can hardly complain), but some of the kids might not like the language. And of course… Peter Pan (the original) because who doesn’t want to fly away sometimes?

  1063. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler. I loved that book when I was 9 and just bought it for my own almost-nine-year-old daughter. I am really looking forward to reading it with her and hope she likes it as much as I did.

  1064. How ’bout buying a different book for each kid and asking that they share them after reading them? Or presenting them in a pile and have the kids fight for the ones they want? That would be an awesome video, unless they are well-behaved and nice about it.

  1065. My daughter just turned 10. Her favorite book right now is A Tangle of Knots by Lisa Graff. It’s still only out in hardback though, so maybe for next year’s birthday? She also loves the Spy Cat books by Peg Kehret. My older daughter’s favorite book at 9 was The Werefox by Elizabeth Jane Coatsworth, and she also loved the Warriors series by Erin Hunter. My favorite (eons ago at age 9) was The Witch of Blackbird Pond.

  1066. There’s always Fortunately, the Milk, if you want another Neil Gaiman book. It’s got time travel and a dinosaur scientist. Though would their be creationist parents against that sort of thing? I hope not. That also makes my heart hurt.

  1067. I’m thinking you could select a bunch of different books–no two alike– and make a grab bag of books. The kids could each pick one out, but you could make it a gift to the class. The books could stay in the teacher’s room (the kids could all sign the books they are given, and be a part of Hailey’s birthday book club of sorts!)

  1068. The Van Gogh Cafe by Cynthia Rylant. I still love it and recommend it for humans of any age.

  1070. A Wrinkle In Time
    My Side of the Mountain

    I think I read both about 9 and love, love, loved them.

  1073. thank you for sharing the suicide hotline important numbers!

    My book recommendation for the 9 year olds: RUBY HOLLER by Sharon Creech.
    “Trouble twins” Dallas and Florida are orphans who have given up believing there is such a thing as a loving home. Tiller and Sairy are an eccentric older couple who live in the beautiful, mysterious Ruby Holler, but they’re restless for one more big adventure. When they invite the twins to join them on their journeys, they must all stay together in the Holler, and the magic of the place takes over. Two pairs of lives grow closer, and are changed forever.

    Sharon Creech also wrote a really great book called LOVE THAT DOG. A sweet story about a boy and his teacher….and well, a dog.

  1075. Absolutely, 100% recommend the Encyclopedia Brown books. They were among my favorites growing up. I’ve just introduced my 8 and 9 year old to them, and they LOVE them. In fact, after my boys shared them with their class last week, I decided to buy a bunch of them to give to the school. Plus, there’s 30-40 in the series, so you could get each kid a different one and they could swap.

  1076. I loved Harriet the Spy at this age. And Anne of Green Gables. And a Wrinkle in Time. And Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. And holy shit, too many more to even begin. So many good books. I remember coming home from school and spreading out on my bed and reading ALL AFTERNOON. Being a nine year old is kind of awesome.

  1079. I can’t possibly read through all the comments, so I apologize in advance if I’m repeating a suggestion. At one time, Scholastic Books had a way for you to buy coupons and then the students could go on-line and order their own book. If that doesn’t work out for you, I would suggest a variety of books at a variety of reading levels. Blend fiction/non-fiction, large chapter books and small chapter books. Children’s literature is my ‘thing,’ and I’ve taught for 24 years so if you want more concrete suggestions, shoot me an e-mail. 🙂

  1080. September is the saddest month followed closely by November.

    Onto a lighter topic- Diary of a Wimpy Kid books or Junie B. Jones. 🙂 Very Entertaining!

  1081. Phantom Tollbooth, Matilda (the best love letter to books & reading ever!), Mysterious Benedict Society, the new(ish) Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys graphic novels (lots of action- super cool), Among the Hidden, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, Narnia books (that’s religious, right?), The Book of Three, or Bunnicula. Phew!

  1084. Wow, I always thought it was just me that hated September. September has always been the month where awful lives for me. Bad things happen in September. Nice to know it picks on lots of other folks, too! Not that I’m happy that other people are miserable in September but just, you know, that I’m not alone in it. :-/

    When I was nine I was all up in some Sweet Valley Twins. But somehow I doubt that’d go over well with any of the boys in the class. Or girls either, these days, reallly. I’m not helpful at all. Sorry ’bout that.

  1085. Have you considered any of the short stories by Joan Aiken? They’re lovely and even though they’re sometimes a bit magical it’s not in your face magical it’s like ‘this is real, and what >.> ?’ The last slice of the rainbow and harp of fishbones and the necklace of raindrops were always really great for me when I was a kid 🙂

  1086. Encyclopedia Brown, Harriet the Spy, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys. I read them all and there are more they can follow if they like them. Old school but books never really get old.

  1087. One of my favorite books from when I was a kid was “The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles” by Julie Andrews Edwards. My teacher read it to us in elementary school, and I found it at a Scholastic book sale a few years ago. It’s a sweet book. My 9-year old son cannot get enough of “The Dragon’s Eye (The Dragonology Chronicles, Vol. 1)” by Dugald A Steer. That’s a fun book to read!

  1089. I have never heard of Hank the Cowdog, honestly I’d go for The Giving Tree or Where the Sidewalk Ends. Or, if you want something a little more out there that the kids could do as a project Wreck This Journal would be pretty cool for kids, I think.

  1090. Quest for a Maid:

    http://www.amazon.com/Quest-Maid-Frances-Mary-Hendry/dp/0374461554/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378832515&sr=8-1&keywords=quest+for+a+maid

    My mom read that to us when I was in about 5th grade…I think that’s 9ish right? It’s about a girl who ends up sort of accidentally kidnap/rescuing the princess of Norway from an arranged marriage to unite countries. I remember it being one of my absolute favorites at the time.

  1091. I remember my kids and I loving James and the Giant Peach (because of the “hidden” jokes, we still chuckle about “I once had a brother, and then the farmer cut him in half and now I have 2 half brothers…”) and Matilda. There are some great books out there for that age.

    My son’s birthday is this month (28!) and he has decided that he wants a “Remember how great it was to be a kid” birthday. He asked me to take him to his favorite restaurant from when he was a kid. (I hope he won’t be disappointed!) And he wants to go to Skate City…. Maybe it is time to go to the bookstore and find one of his favorite books and a Pez dispenser. He plans to end the night staying up all night playing video games and drinking Mountain Dew.

  1092. I know I’m late to this party, but I hope you consider “The Witch Family” by Eleanor Estes. It is delicious Autumn escape fiction, and I fell in love with it around age 9 and still read it every year around this time. Thanks for all you do to heighten depression- and suicide-awareness, both have hit my family hard. Love you.

  1093. I would say Where the Sidewalk Ends. It’s great for all ages and no one can be offended by these poems. It may be pricier than $10 but I’ve seen it cheaper

  1094. Every book I would have suggested has already been said! But I would like to say Happy birthday to Hailey! I like the idea of letting the children pick a book from Scholastic. That’s a great idea! Thank you for today’s post. And although I do not know this person either, in response to #783, I also care about you. Stay strong.

  1095. My 9 year old boy is crazy for Calvin & Hobbes, Peanuts (everybody loves Snoopy), Diary of a Wimpy Kid and — our new fave — Peter & the Starcatcher (but that may be a bit too magicky for some — I certainly find it magical, but in a marvelous way. I loved the play, too).

  1096. Love the bookish part of this post and hearing the titles of old favorites. It gives me an idea for Christmas when the gang of friends get together –getting a nice selection of kids’ books and letting everyone pick their favorite. It covers the gift aspect and will inspire conversations that are not about work!

    I would recommend *against* giving gift certificates as that puts the burden of getting a book on the parent. Okay, okay, I know most parents actually like their kids and want to do things with them, but if I got a gift cert at 9 I wouldn’t have shown it to my parents as I would have gotten a loud volume lecture and how rude it was for someone to give it and how I had another thing coming if they thought they would actually going to stop their busy lives to cater to me and who did I think I was anyway and whatever made me think they gave a hoot about me and …. oh my gosh this stream of consciousness if getting a bit dark.

    At age 9, I was sneaking books off my dad’s bookshelves to read since we were only allowed one library book every two weeks at school. I read a lot of military adventures and spy books. Nick Carter. Yeah… go for Ramona.

  1097. Your list made me cry at work, so thanks for that. You are awesome, and worthwhile. Never doubt it. Just wanted to tell you that.

    (I’ve got nothing to add to this (mostly) awesome list of books unless no one’s mentioned Captain Underpants yet. Captain Underpants is really funny and a little naughty, which means it’s perfect for a nine-year-old.)

  1098. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg, an incredible author that passed away earlier this year. She is one of five writers to win two Newbery Medals, the venerable American Library Association award for the year’s “most distinguished contribution to American children’s literature.” (I didn’t write all that…Wikipedia lent it to me). I LOVED this book as a kid!

  1099. You’re “I’m her only mother” line made me think of a line from Wicked (the book, not the musical) — paraphrasing here, since Mr. Google is not my friend today — “As flawed as she was, at least we had a mother for some time.”

  1100. I am thrilled to suggest “Charis: Journey to Pandora’s Jar”. I have a friend that wrote a middle grade book which I put a link to the book trailer for your review. This is a mythology story so it too may be poo-pooed. However, it’s a fantastic story with a strong, yet very real, female role model that has a modern twist on the old Gods.

  1101. The Sept 5th, 6th and todays blogs – outstanding, so thankyouverrymuch!
    I’ve been working on shortening my sentences (stopping at the “but I still suck” parts). On the really crappy down days, I have to fall back on the basic tenets that keep me from going away for good:
    I’m a decent person
    My dog likes me
    My husband could never figure out the bills by himself
    At least I wear pants
    All things that prop me up when nothing else works. Thanks for all you do, it keeps people like me grounded.

  1102. Mick Hart was here – sad, but I was still rereading it when I was 16. Manic Magee was also wonderful in a non-super-depressing way.

  1103. Mick Hart was here – sad, but I was still rereading it when I was 16. Manic Magee was also wonderful in a non-super-depressing way.

  1104. If you like Hank the Cow Dog, you will love the Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa series by Erica Silverman. Cocoa the horse is the personification of the Id of a 7 year old child. I also love anything by Cynthia Rylant. Her books all have a kind and generous heart. She has several series-Mr. Putter and Tabby, Henry and Mudge, Poppleton, etc. It would be fun to get each kid a different book from a series (or a coule of series if she has a big class). Then they can swap the books back and forth once they are finished and everyone will have a lot of books to read. And best of all, they are inexpensive paperbacks. I am in my 50’s and I still love these books.

  1105. Just a few days ago my friend and I were reminiscing over our favourite childhood books!

    I babysit a 9yo boy and over the last year he has read the Roald Dahl box set (personally Matilda was my favourite growing up but the BFG might be more popular with boys because of all of the people being eaten), the Artemis Fowl books (I loved them too but the religious people might not), and the Deltora Quest series by Emily Rodda (also fantasy).

    When I was 9 our teacher read us Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume and we all thought it was totally hilarious. Horrible Histories were also very popular (despite being educational!).

    I’m Australian so you may never have heard of this title but The Day My Bum Went Psycho by Andy Griffiths is always a winner with the boys (something about the name…)

    Other books that I loved that you might look into if you ever want ideas for Hailey were:
    The Famous Five series by Enid Blyton (treasure, secret passages, adventures and an awesome dog!)
    The Faraway Tree series by Enid Blyton
    Anything written by Elizabeth Honey – 45 & 47 Stella Street & Everything That Happened was her most popular
    Hating Alison Ashley by Robin Klein
    The Muddle-Headed Wombat by Ruth Park
    Harry and the Wrinklies by Alan Temperley
    Good Night, Mr. Tom by Michelle Magorian (so sad at times but very important themes – a good one to read together)
    The Blabber Mouth trilogy by Morris Gleitzman
    Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

    When she’s a bit older Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging by Louise Rennison is a must.

    Harry Potter and Charlotte’s Web go without saying.

    Also, I thought it might cheer you up to know that Let’s Pretend received 3 votes for the “Best Fantasy Book Covers” list on Good Reads. So no matter how awful and ridiculous your life seems at times you can console yourself that at least 3 people in the world think it’s completely made up (or perhaps magical?).

    P.S. I’ve never even HEARD of Frank the Cowdog (again, I’m Australian) and I’m now wondering if my childhood was horribly deprived because of that!

  1106. I think 9 is when I realized that there are so many books in the world that I could never read them all…at the time I was crushed–I had just assumed up until that point that since I was a fast reader, someday I would read everything. Now I love that I can never read everything.

    All of the above suggestions are awesome–remember if some of the kids have the book already they will give it to a friend who doesn’t have it, so you’ll just be spreading more reading love 🙂

  1107. Okay dark part first:

    I have the English SOS helpline badge on my blog for people located in France if anyone needs it. Although, who would want to scroll through 1050 comments – who is actually living in FRANCE – to find it. But it’s there. I wonder if I would have used it when I needed it. I was so far gone I didn’t even know I was depressed. A doctor diagnosed it when I went in for a sore throat and put me on medication.

    Okay light part next. My nine year old has a recipe book for girls. You could bring that in and show kids how to make the cupcakes they won’t get to eat.

    No wait – scratch that. My favorite books were Island of the Blue Dolphins, The Island Keeper (both of them about girls living alone on an island, which probably says something), Anne of Green Gables, Little House, The Boxcar Children (again – kids living alone), Chronicles of Narnia.

  1108. Seconding (thirding? fourthing? Xing?) the suggestion of joke books — being funny is VASTLY IMPORTANT to the 9 year olds I know. But maybe that’s a NJ thing.

    May I also suggest http://www.paperbackswap.com for keeping costs down (but you may not have enough lead time to get the books shipped out to you, even if you purchase credits). I piled up books from there for a couple of months for my son’s Star Wars-theme birthday party a few years ago and those were a big hit.

  1109. It’s been 2 yrs to the day that I attempted suicide, and yesterday I was hired to do my dream job. Life gets better. Next time, I won’t let it go that far, and that’s partly due to you. Thank you Jenny so much.Take one of the classic Roald Dahl books, or an assortment of them all. Kids are forgetting how fun those books are. Lots of love!

  1110. Also, as a shield against September (you are so right by the way it is ALWAYS a really hard month) you should get yourself a copy of I Could Pee On This: And Other Poems By Cats by Francesco Marciuliano. As a cat lover you will pee yourself a little bit.

  1111. My cousin committed suicide a month ago. I lost another cousin 15 years ago. It is so important to get the message out about suicide prevention and mental health issues in general. I’ve been inspired by their lives to make positive changes in my own, and their memories live on. But we’d all just rather have them back home with us.

    Thank you for this post, Jenny, and also for staying on the planet with us when you’d rather run. The world is a better place because you’re here.

  1112. Mrs. Pigglewiggle. Always, always, always Mrs. Pigglewiggle, although…perhaps she is too simple for today’s children. I loved the Wrinkle In Time series by Madeleine L’Engle at about that age…and still do, some 40 years later. My English Professor writes that she fell in love with Wuthering Heights at age 10, but please don’t do that to them!

  1113. Does Hailey’s class do book orders? Most book orders have where you can order gift certificates. You could order each child a gift certificate and each child could pick their own book. That way the book would be one they liked, it would be parent approved, and (hopefully) at their reading level.

  1115. Coraline hands down! I think kids should be exposed to everything. Parents who may be against it should read it with their child and discuss!

  1116. “To write love on her arms” is a good self-affirmation excercise to do at any time, not just for dark days.

    My favorite books (and I have to say that in reading all of the above comments, I have found a bunch of people just like me!) as a 9 year-old or thereabouts: A Wrinkle in Time, A Ring of Endless Light, Island of the Blue Dolphins, The Black Stallion, Black Beauty, The Hobbit, A Light in the Forest, Where the Red Fern Grows. I could go on and on. Those were the days of carefree reading! Back to my spreadsheets…

  1117. Anything by Roald Dahl would be my best bet for 9 year olds in the kids books that aren’t sunshine and bubbles, but that all kids love.

  1118. Maniac Magee is my favorite book of all time, from the time I was nine. No magic, no religion, but it does deal with racial tension.

    Also, love this post because I love kid lit, and I have a ton more things to check out now!

  1120. I love the interwoven chaos of the comments. THIS is what this tribe is all about. This is life. Thanks for being you.

  1121. Where the Red Fern Grows
    My son’s 5th grade class is reading this. The boys love the adventure, the girls love the relationship. And the ending is kind of dark and sad, so that makes it a triple reason to get it!

  1122. The Last Unicorn by Peter Beagle. Just reread it last week too and its just as good now as it was when I read it years ago.

  1124. Anne of Green Gables books hands down when I was that age! For boys, anything involving poop, underpants, or star wars (maybe in that order….or maybe not).

    Funny thing about September, it is definitely a time when things change. The French even have an expression for this time period after coming home from their August vacations and returning to their “normal” life – la rentrée. I’m not sure of the literal translation (the return?) but it definitely is a turning point in the year and always good to be mindful and aware of people struggling.

  1127. Miss Rumphius and Norman the Doorman were my two favorite books when I was that age, both are about unconventional characters making the world more beautiful and overcoming significant challenges to do so.

  1129. Anything by Shel Silverstein or The Giver by Lois Lowry. Have you considered asking her teacher? He or she may have a couple good ideas.

  1130. Hi everyone who has made it this far!

    Definitely let the children choose their own books. Book club or book tokens – it’s the only way to be sure that they all get something that they’ll appreciate. I was an advanced reader and if you’d got me something aimed at my own age group, it would just have been a waste. Equally, in fact more, importantly, the children who are not up to the usual standard will be put off if you choose a book above their level – and they are the ones who need encouragement most.

    That said… Books that I loved at that age: The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, The Hitch-Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, The Day of the Triffids and (I can’t believe I haven’t spotted this while skimming down this thread!) The Hound of the Baskervilles. All ones that have stayed with me and that I’ve re-read many times over the years.

  1131. I don’t remember how old I was when I read it, but I was always partial to Harriet the Spy.

  1132. For me, it doesn’t really start to bite til December. I hate December. Some day, November will lead straight into January and the Calendar Police will come and dig up my patio.

  1135. There are so many comments on here and it’s probably too late but one of my favourite books (and my brother’s too) was ‘Ultra-violet Catastrophe’ about a girl and her grandfather going on an adventure and getting covered in dirt and twigs and generally having fun despite what her grandma thought.

  1136. Wayside School and Maniac Magee, best ever!
    Artemis Fowl and Lemony Snicket were great to read.
    How in the world will you choose?

    Heading over to Amazon to pick up some of these that I had forgotten about, and some that were not for me but I know my son will LOVE!

  1137. If worried about Christian families being concerned either C.S. Lewis (Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe) which they probably already have…or George McDonald (The Princess and the Goblin) http://www.amazon.com/The-Princess-Goblin-Puffin-Classics/dp/0141332484/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1378841503&sr=8-5&keywords=Princess+and+the+Goblin
    Both are wonderful reads and classics. Both include magical/fantasy but are written by respected Christian authors.
    Also agree with other suggestions like “James and the Giant Peach” or Judy Blume, and Roald Dahl books. ALSO a favorite of mine are the Dragon of Pern series – I’d get them all “The White Dragon”…and then they could pick up the thicker books/other books if they love it.

  1138. I love the books written by Kate Dicamillo. My favorite that I think all 9 years will love is The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Thank you for sharing all sides of you!

  1140. Oh, I totally agree with September being a doozy. It’s killing me slowly. Only, I have to read text books and the Odyssey and cannot get to any leisure reading. The Odyssey is worsening the depression…

  1141. Wayside school and Maniac Magee were the BEST EVER 🙂
    Also Artemis Fowl and Lemony Snicket were great!
    I love the idea to get one off of the banned books list (though it does feel naughty lol)

    Makes sense to get a grade 3 level book, my son is slightly below class average with reading and would be saddened if he couldn’t read it if all the other kids get excited about it (though more likely it is my great geekiness that assumes children will get that excited over a book)

    Also a quick reminder that you are crazy talented and that I bet you could make killer bookmarks from zazzle.

    I am can not be replaced because I am all my son has. My sister needs an adult and my mother needs a home, for these reasons too, I am irreplaceable.

  1142. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH (they changed her name for movie) – the movie is also much more magical than the book – it’s dark, and it’s got a cool owl – what more could a kid want???

  1143. Not sure if you already got this taken care of, but the dollar bins at Target do this great thing where they have (for $1) classic titles like Heidi, Little Women and Peter Pan (among others). Books that all kids should read. Hey…even if you don’t get them for this, they make great gifts you can buy a bunch and have on hand for when you need something quick!

  1146. your different and thats super-carson kressley. freakin awesome. or the awesome book by dallas clayton. both are books my girl has and are lifelong keepers

  1147. What about something by Roald Dahl? I loved “James and the Giant Peach” at that age and also “Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator” (sequel to the Chocolate Factory). They are imaginative and whimsical, with a touch of darkness. And they are classics, so that should stifle objections from the religious minded.

    I know how you feel though – I would love to give the Harry Potter series to my niece, but know her parents would not allow it. Sad and frustrating.

  1148. There are a lot of EXCELLENT suggestions on books. Here’s mine. It’s your daughter’s birthday, it should be her kind of book – let the other kid’s parents buy the bible or whatever they want on their kid’s birthday. It could be that forbidden fruit that lures a sheltered child into – God forbid! – reading! Hell, whatever it takes….I love Coraline, by the way.

    And if that doesn’t work, I always liked the Goosebump series when I was a kid.

  1149. I just need you to know that I think you’re amazing. I am BEYOND glad that you are out there blogging, and reminding me that I have kindred spirits on the planet. Your sense of humor and your sense of reality are AH-MAZING….. That is all!

  1150. There IS something about September… it’s so weird. Every bipolar person I know, myself included, loves fall and Halloween and so forth. But every single goddamn year around this time, we all suddenly crash into a pit. Wtf, us? I LIKE autumn. I genuinely enjoy the weather getting cooler and darker and rainier. Fuck, I live in Seattle. I -adore- rain. So what the hell? I don’t know what is going on with this, but I’m going in to see my doc next Wednesday about getting a better med combination. This anxiety is murder.

    I’d suggest something for the kids, but I wasn’t good at relating to other kids when I was one. I suspect I am even less so now.

    On another note: How are you doing? Is your abdominal abyss fully healed?

  1151. For our little bit, my team at work is wearing yellow shirts this week to promote suicide awareness.

    As for books – at 9 I think I was reading Alice in Wonderland and a lot of little random, no longer in print books (I still read like a fiend). I really like Holes or Wind in the WIllows

  1154. I’m thinking Are you there God, It’s me Margaret? is not the way to go…

    What about Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing or Super Fudge or something? Or are they too young and I was repressed…

    Where the Sidewalk Ends? My 4 year old loves it but my 9 year old cousin really enjoyed it too when she came to visit. And it’s a classic and easily regiftable if they already have it.

    I’ve never heard of Hank and the Cowdog – so 1) no, I guess everyone does not already own that by 9. And 2) my opinion may not count…

    So potentially I can not be replaced because no one else can give as ludicrous suggestions as me 1100 comments in on your blog..

  1156. wow, I got through about 300 comments and my arm was numb, will take quite awhile to go through them all.

    Ironically I was just thinking that I used to love September. It was one of my favorite months. Then “9/11” happened and it was like every last smidgen of rose in my colored glasses was gone. September has sucked since them. Just figured that out. (slow learner here). Your post may have possibly been a lifesaver. Thanks!

    As far as a book suggestion, we didn’t have books when I was 9- just carved stones. Seriously saw a lot that rang a bell from when my daughter was that age and started compiling a list of ones I want to read.

    So, depression lies, suicide is not an option because I now have a shitload of books to preview for my 3 year old grandson (who’s birthday is 9/2 and the main thing that keeps me going)

    Cannot express how much you helped today and everyday. <3

  1157. I effing loved the Great Brain books at that age. Also, it was around that time that The Westing Game took my class by storm.

  1158. Just say no to Hank the Cowdog. My kids liked them and they were at least relatively palatable to read but when I saw one of the books was dedicated to James Dobson of Focus on the Family, they never came into the house again. Yuck.

  1160. There is a series of childrens’ books called iFlush that is non-fiction, both boys and girls dig them, and is full of fun facts and activities. There are two so far, Swimming into Science and Hurtling thru History.

  1163. A Light In The Attic, The Last Unicorn, A Wrinkle in Time, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, The Incredible Journey, Bunnicula (too occult?)

  1164. The book I most want to recommend is Professor Diggin’s Dragons. It is, unfortunately, out of print. The story is a very charming one that is totally based in reality, but has a very magical feeling to it. It is completely non-religious – I mean, truly, absolutely neutral about it. Just doesn’t come into play.

    It’s got a moral to it, about finding your bliss and honoring your true self, that is suitable for anyone.

    I loved this book as a child, and dearly wish it were in print again to share with children of all ages. If you can find used copy to share with your daughter, I highly recommend it.

  1165. “Where the Red Fern Grows” by Wilson Rawls. I read it right around age 9, and I recall it being one of the first books to elicit from me a strong emotional involvement with the characters and the story. You can get it from amazon for only $6.29 a copy! (I might have to buy a few myself now!)
    http://www.amazon.com/Where-Fern-Grows-Wilson-Rawls/dp/0440412676/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378849041&sr=1-1&keywords=where+the+red+fern+grows

  1167. Fantastic Mr. Fox
    I love George Clooney but the book was WAY better than the movie.

    Previous post: “From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler”.
    This is an AWESOME read although the kids may not get all the humor until they’re older.

  1169. From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Franweiler. It’s good for boys or girls.

    The Witch of Blackbird Pond. Maybe too dark and magical?

    Can you tell I am old? My 11 year old granddaughter just read Where the Red Fern Grows.

  1170. The problem is that the reading level at 9 yrs is all over the place, some of them are still struggling to read the 2nd grade books and some of them are able to read The Three Musketeers.

    If you want to play it safe (or for that matter, if you don’t) here’s the link to the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged booked, by year, for the 21st century: http://www.ala.org/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10. They put this together for Banned Books Week, which coincidentally happens in September, to raise awareness about censorship challenges in libraries. (A lot of your readers may be proud to know they read banned books.)

    My favorite book at about that age was A Wrinkle in Time. I was reading above my grade level though.

  1171. Here’s an option.
    Maybe purchase a series or two of books. I’m thinking of the timelessness of Junie B. Jones or A Series of Unfortunate Events. My children and I really enjoyed the Freddy the Pig books, but they are not as easy to find.
    Let each child unwrap a book. They can put their name inside the cover. ALL the books stay in the classroom library until the end of the school year, so they can be shared and read by all the kids. At the end of the year, each takes a book home, as a keepsake of the year.
    I like the idea of encouraging the children to add their names inside each book once they’ve read it, as acknowledgment of accomplishment and keepsake.
    They could also just pass the books around for signatures.

  1172. I’m going to add “My Father’s Dragon” which is simpler, a lower reading level, and which the local children’s librarian recommended to my kid in about third?? or fourth?? grade — I forget exactly when now. It’s the first of a trilogy, and my kid who isn’t especially interested in books or reading fell in love with it so thoroughly that he insisted on adding it and the followup books to his Christmas list. Any books that can charm a non-reader into wanting to read them are winners.

  1173. I cannot be replaced because I am the only Anya Dubble Olson in the world.

    So there.

    Also, boxcar kids. So good.

  1174. Phantom Tollbooth
    Gone Away Lake (which has a follow-on – Return to Gone Away)
    Stuart Little
    The Borrowers

    Books are amazing. I really don’t think you can go wrong with what you choose…and I’m definitely sure that the teacher would have some suggestions as well.

  1175. I believe we were reading R.L. Stine at that age but it may be deemed objectionable. I’m lucky that our school librarian was pretty cool. When we got a a couple of years older she was all “hey, you know R.L. Stine, check out Christopher Pike”, ah horror.

    On the opposite end of that I also used to read Sweet Valley High books around that age.

  1176. Dude – don’t forget Ramona!! Ramona Quimby was my HERO at that age. There’s Henry or the Mouse and the Motorcycle for the boys. Beverly Cleary’s the bomb.

    As always, love to you and yours.

  1178. So, I skimmed through a bunch of comments, but my head is pounding, and my eyes aren’t focusing as well as they usually do, so I’m going to make a suggestion even if It has already been mentioned.

    I taught second grade for years, and always tried to read above their actual reading level (because why would I read something aloud that they could read themselves), and some of their favorites were –
    “Poppy” by Avi
    “The School Mouse” and “Princess Penelope” by Dick King Smith
    “Clementine” by Sara Pennypacker

    I love what you are doing for Hailey, and I think I might try that for my son this spring.

  1179. Unrelated to your children’s book query… Not sure if this is ripe for posting, but I am hoping you will actually see it. And since you sound as behind with emails as I find myself to be… I’d like to echo the common theme around here, and this post seems appropriate opportunity: Thank you for being you. You do seem to help a lot of us with your humor, your honesty, your willingness to share. I tend to check the site often – when I need a good laugh or just need to remind myself that I’m not alone and not all that crazy. I’m sure I’m not alone in that practice.

    Tonight, I’m checking in from overseas – I’m in another country, waiting to attend my 20yr old stepdaughter’s funeral. She took her life very unexpectedly to all of us. A bright, happy, and peaceful light in our lives who was obviously secretly battling something that I understand very deeply. In a brief moment, she made a tragic decision that no one saw coming – All because most around her made her feel certain feelings should remain private.

    Thank you for speaking so openly about these feelings. Thank you for being such a powerful and compassionate voice in the struggle to remove the stigma from mental illness. It is so critical that we talk about these things – Smiling and laughing through the pain is always entertaining; it’s my favorite defense mechanism – But is is of paramount importance that the message is spread that we CAN reach out. We CAN let people – strangers or loved ones – know when we’re in a dark place. After all, I think your blog has brought to light that there are a bunch of us out there who share this common bond. Keep spreading this message, please – We should all be able to make a difference. Especially a bunch of whack job passionate readers like yours=) Sincerely, thank you.

    And, also, suicide devastates the hell out of a whe bunch of people. Our lives have all stopped. There’s now a “before” and an “after,” and the after is just a hollow robotic, awful, empty, guilt-ridden existence. That’s another stellar reason for people to opt out during that moment of choice.

  1180. OOOOOOOOHHHHH! I love recommending books. So, this one has probably already been listed, but I’m too lazy to read more than 1600 comments.

    The Phantom Toolbooth, by Norton Juster (who could object to this on religious grounds, but I bet SOMEONE will!)
    The Gates of Hell (are about to open, Wanna peek?) by John Connolly (to hell with the religious types, this is a wonderful book about courage and science!)
    Any of the Flavia de Luce mysteries by Alan Bradley, (but you have to read them in order).
    The Mysterious Benedict Society
    Summerland, by Michael Chabon (again, to hell with the religious types, tell children not to take it home!), another 11-year old saves the universe

    Reading should be subversive as well as educational!

  1181. I hope you DON’T opt for a gift certificate. The gift of a book is so personal, so from-the-soul-thoughtful! I haven’t read even one-tenth of the titles listed above…what a great way to introduce something to someone that they might not otherwise choose! And I was going to suggest some lower-grade-level ones for the 20% of the kids in her class who struggle with reading (like mine), but then I thought, hey, they can take the book you give them home for parents to read to them, and they won’t be singled out (yet again) as not reading what others are. GREAT GIFT IDEA!

  1183. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. I gave it to my son to read in Grade 4 and he loved it. It’s one of my favorite books ever!

  1184. When in doubt, go for a Caldecott or Newberry winner.

    I second/third/eighth/whatever the votes for Wrinkle in Time and Phantom Toll-Booth. I adored those books. I don’t think anyone has mentioned the Lloyd Alexander series Chronicles of Prydain. I discovered those when I was 9. The first, The Book of Three ($7), would be a great gift and nice introduction to the series.

  1186. Flying Solo–It is about a group of 6th graders who through a mix up wind up spending a whole school day without a substitute.
    Because of Winn Dixie–lots of kids read it in 3rd grade and it becomes a book kids read over and over again because they love it so much! Some of the most beautiful writing ever!
    Swindle by Gordan Korman–actually anything by him!
    They love the National Geographic for Kids Almanacs. Super colorful with really interesting graphics and accessible text.
    The Who Would Win, series of books by Jerry Pollatta. Through fun graphics and informational text Pollatta compares Lions vs. Tigers, Scorpions vs Tarantulas as to who would win in a duel. 4th graders really enjoy these!

    Look on the Scholastic website to see if there are any deals!

  1187. First time poster, but long-time reader (around the time Beyonce the Giant Metal Chicken showed up) and thank you for all the good you contribute to the world, you are a good one making a big difference.

    I think 9 is a fabulous age to introduce kids to reading books that challenge their perceptions and presumptions. One I recall reading when I was about Hailey’s age was Frances Hodgson Burnett’s “The Secret Garden” (now also available in several tv and movie versions, and a Broadway musical). It was written in 1911, but don’t let that put you off, as it still has plenty of relevance (death, friendship, differences and Yorshire slang!) for kids today. Not to mention, there’s a significant element of mystery the leading lady puzzles out… And gardening! (Also, I think it is super cheap in paperback version on Amazon, about $4.00.)

  1188. So, reading this blog as a whole made me actually talk to my Doctor today when I went in for my appointment. I talked to her about my depression and my anxiety and how I simply do NOT want to feel like I’m completely worthless any longer. I want to actually look at myself and go, “Man. I’m pretty damn smart.”

    So all of that changes today, (hopefully!) with the medicine I was prescribed. And I definitely think reading your book, and this blog has helped me go, “Holy crap. No one should live like this.” Soo…

    Thanks. 🙂

  1189. The Boxcar Children and The Series Of Unfortunate Events. Around age 9 was when I discovered Louisa May Alcott, but I suppose little boys wouldn’t care for her too much. She is still one of my absolute favorite authors.

  1190. My favorite series at the time was the Henry Huggins series…actually anything by Beverly Cleary. Other favorite books were The Great Brain series and The Cricket in Times Square.

  1192. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle. Maybe a little mature, but light fights the darkness. Also, it will not offend any religious folks.

  1193. Some stuff my 8.5 year old loves:

    Somewhat magical/fantasy:
    1. The Night Fairy by L.A. Schlitz (so good. So very non-girly-girl fairy.)
    2. Half Magic by E. Eager
    3. Every single Oz book by L. Frank Baum and/or the beautiful graphic novels which are so true to the stories by Shanower
    4. Necklace of Raindrops and/or The Serial Garden by Joan Aiken

    More “historical” or just real-esque or at least not magical
    1. The Saturdays by E. Enright
    2. Island of the Blue Dolphins S. O’Dell
    3. Julie and of the Wolves
    4. Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White)
    5. Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil….
    6. The Borrowers (all 4) by Norton (tiny people living in secret in your house)
    7. Freddy the Pig stories (Winnie-the-Pooh esque talking animals; not magical)

  1197. Throw caution to the winds and read any damn book you want. Read magical stuff. If the ‘Rents get a bit pissed, well, they would pretty get pissed no matter what you read, wouldn’t they?

  1198. ok, I wrote this before realizing you want a book to read out loud, and math books aren’t very good for that. But these are two authors who make math very fun and engaging play. So in general, good books for 9 year old girls who hopefully haven’t learned they’re “bad at math” because they didn’t have a fun teacher. 

    Theoni  Pappas is a math professor who makes math fun and interesting for kids. It’s a safe bet that most kids haven’t read her books by age 9. 

    http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1507564.Math_For_Kids_and_Other_People_Too

    Martin Gardener wrote brilliant fun puzzles, printed in Scientific American and his own books. A great one for kids is Perplexing Puzzles and Tantalizing Teasers. 
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0486256375/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1378860169&sr=1-3&pi=AC_SX110_SY165

  1200. Hank the cow dog is a very good choice. Not Mixed-up Files, not Narnia, not Holes, not Hunger Games (!) not Harry Potter, even though those are all excellent books, and all my favorites, and it broke my heart a little to suggest you not buy those titles. Just not yet. Let them be 9 a little longer. Yes to Hank. Lots of kids do not know Hank and Drover yet, and they should. We all should.

  1203. Sorry if this is a repeat, but in making dinner and can’t read all the comments. I read the Little House series obsessively at age nine. Little House in the Big Woods is the first of the series. Encyclopedia Brown and The Phantim Toolbooth are also great for that age.

  1204. I really think Wonder by R.J. Palacio is the best book my 10 year old has ever read. The message is fabulous, “be kinder than is necessary.” It is about kindness and courage and friendship and love. I am not sure you can get it for less than $10 though. Even if you don’t get it as a class gift, I think you and your daughter would love reading it.

    I also think The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo is wonderful.

  1209. “The Westing Game” by Ellen Raskin

    “From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler” by E.L. Konigsburg

    “The Secret Country” (trilogy) by Pamela C. Dean

  1210. Anything by Andrew Clements is great, but I have to say that my first experience with one of his books, “Frindle,” has stayed with me for over a decade and it still has the ability to give me goosebumps and make me cry at the end (in the best possible way). It makes it kind of tough to read to my students because I get choked up, but it’s one of several great and entertaining books he’s written where the grownups learn a lesson from the kids. Same with “No Talking,” which is a fantastic book to read aloud to an elementary school class. 🙂

  1212. At ages 7 – 10 I was all about Judy Blume books – and Garfield.

    I still totally dig Garfield. Hanging on a screen door, griping about it being Monday; sitting in a pan of warm lasagna; trying to mail Nermel to Timbuktu. 🙂

    From the Judy Blume phase – I was 8 when I was given Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and Superfudge. I LOVED those books. They were about a kid my age, written in a voice that sounded a lot like mine, and the best bit was that the main character ALSO had a crappy, annoying younger brother! That the same year I got a boxed set of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass (they’re not really magic! Alice was only dreaming!), and a copy of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women.

    That was such a good year in my life…..

    For more ideas, check out this list at GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/9-to-11-year-old-readers

  1213. No one should ever feel alone, or as if their life has no value. I wish I could send enough hugs and encouragement to all the people out there who need it.
    As for books… Muncus Agruncus (about a bad little mouse), or Where The Sidewalk Ends. Or The Giving Tree – that one always makes me cry though.

  1214. Little House in the Big Woods, which details a pioneer family’s life. Lots of manly-man hunting for the boys, lots of ‘playing house’ grown up stuff for the girls. Maybe? I’m not sure if 9 is too old for that or not these days, but worth a peek.

    And thank you for your reminder about depression and the help available to those suffering from it. http://pleasantlypanicking.blogspot.com/

  1215. Hank the Cowdog. Gosh, we still talk about that book-all the books. Because once you read one, well, you have to read more. And that’s a good thing, right. AND the audio versions are really good too. Win, win, win.

  1217. My favorite book when I was nine (and still in so many ways) was “A Little Princess” by Francis Hodgson Burnett (and while listening to The Nerdist podcast, I found out it’s also Josh Whedon’s favorite book, odd as that might be — something which made me very happy).

    I also loved the “Little House” series, far far far far far more than the series.

    Neither should be objectionable to the easily offended. (Although if one wanted to walk a little closer to the line between the mundane and the not-so-mundane, then “The Changeling” by Zilpha Keatley Snyder is BRILLIANT–all the magic in it is strictly in the hearts of the characters… or not.)

  1218. My favorite book around that age was “Regarding the Fountain”… it’s a story told through a series of letters regarding a fountain… quite entertaining, and apparently very cheap online… Hope you have a great week!!

  1219. “Those Darn Squirrels” is snarky and funny and SO sweet, but couldn’t be called inappropriate or scary. Plus it’s less than ten bucks in paperback.

  1220. You need a “like” button for comments like on Facebook. There were several book suggestions I would have “liked.” Then I got tired of reading them and skipped to make my own comment. I’m old. So what I suggest may be too old fashioned. But I loved The Boxcar Children. Have you ever read The Five Little Peppers and How They Grew? And there was another about some sisters but I don’t remember the name. I also liked all the Beverly Cleary books. Someone said Junie B. Jones. Those are more modern, I read them to my youngest, and at 53 I still love them. Calvin and Hobbes is the best comic ever.
    Stay strong. I quote you all the time “Depression is a lying bastard” to my friends that suffer from this, and to myself. Thank you for all you do for us just trying to get through all the madness in this wild world and thank you for making us smile and laugh. You are awesome.

  1221. Lemony Snicket is off beat and not so much dark as grayish. Anything by Roald Dahl but we are partial to James and the Giant Peach 🙂

  1222. I absolutely loved Poppy by Avi when I was a kid, and think it should be the right reading level for age 9. As far as religion, there’s certainly nothing objectionable in it. Plus if they enjoy it they can read the other books in the series, which are also good (though not uniformly as excellent).

    P.S. I see Karin and Katie already made this suggestion. Yay for solidarity.

    P.P.S Wow, am I late posting this. How did I go two days without checking your blog?

  1223. Thank you so much for posting this. It got me to finally come up with reasons for why I cannot be replaced.

    My oldest kid is only 6 years old, so I’m not sure what 9 year olds nowadays like. I would be tempted to hand out “Then Again, Maybe I Won’t” and “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.”

    I spent a LOT of time trying to find books, but all of them had been recommended by some of the 1220 who had commented before me.

  1224. Bridge to Terabithia
    Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
    The Whipping Boy
    James and the Giant Peach
    The Secret Garden
    Sarah Plain and Tall

    I read all of those when I was nine, and I loved them. Especially Bridge to Terabithia.

  1227. So I have spent the last few days pulling out my old copies of Trixie Belden, Madeline L’engle, Jerry Spinelli, my complete collection of Calvin and Hobbes and assorted other other books from my childhood and re-reading. It is Jenny Lawson’s fault ENTIRELY that I haven’t done dishes in two days. And all the rest of you who keep mentioning books and making me go “Oh I loved that book, I should read it again”. Someone make amends and come dust my house.

  1228. My daughter loves the Geronimo Stilton/Thea Stilton series.
    Whatever you choose, just pour your heart into it and your daughter will never forget the effort.
    That having been said, I’d avoid any stuffed creatures in the goodie bags….

  1229. Thank you for bringing more awareness to suicide and depression, it not only helps people who are aware of their depression and helps those who know someone suffering from depression but also helps people become aware that they may be suffering from depression. As a teenager I never realized I was depressed, I just didn’t want to see anyone and would find myself skipping school to watch a movie or lie in bed. My mom just said I was lazy or feeling sorry for myself. I’m now in my mid 30’s and have yet to really talk to anyone, even my husband about my depression. I only recognized it myself the more I’ve read about it and through your website. Mostly I’m fine but then there are times months later, I can look back and clearly see I was depressed, though at the time I just considered myself unhappy about something or drank more wine, I generally cheer up with wine. Thank you again for writing and addressing it. I regularly tell myself depression is lying to me, mostly it helps to know I’m really not alone.

  1231. We LOVE the Hank the Cowdog series! We have been reading it since my father introduced it to my kids when they were around 7 or 8. I teach third graders and I read them a chapter from a Hank the Cowdog when I have a chance. Some kids have even gone out and gotten public library cards just so they could read more about Hank.

  1232. I cannot tell you how many times I read The Island and the Ring when I was 9, but I will say that the librarian occasionally made me leave it behinds so others could read it.
    http://www.amazon.com/Island-Ring-Laura-Stevenson/dp/0395564018/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=
    It’s hard to find brand new, but OMG it was my favorite! My mom would have never let me read it if she knew what it was about. I was one of the children not allowed to dabble in the world of fantasy for fear of going to hell. I loved dragons and drew them all the time. When my mom protested I would make the dragons have smiles and give them names like “hope”, “Grace” and “Faith”. lol

  1233. Some people have a pretty tough time reading at age 9 (I know because I tutor a 9 year old), so having some easier books to choose from would be good, too. The girl I tutor likes poetry books. The rhyming makes them easier, and they have fewer words. Maybe “A Poke in the I” edited by Paul B. Janeczko, “Mirror Mirror” by Marilyn Singer, or “Fold Me a Poem”by Kristine O’Connell George?

  1234. Check out Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. (or any of Jerry Spinelli’s books.) This is more of a new book, turned classic. It changed my daughter’s life.

  1235. I was fond of The Ordinary Princess at that age. Also Anistasia Krumpnik, but that might be super-dated by now.

  1236. Oh man, so many good ones to choose from! My favorites around then were anything by Beverly Cleary or Road Dahl (great because he’s weird but not TOO weird for “those” parents). James and the Giant Peach is wonderful. Calvin and Hobbes is another great choice, as is The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. That one is full of parodies of all the stories told by dear old Mother Goose. SO awesome.

  1237. The Phantom Tollbooth!!!!!!! It is one of the best books ever! Also The Castle in the Attic. Both about impossible, magical (but not obviously so for those who don’t allow magic–this also hurts my hear to type) happenings.

  1238. I have to toss in my .02 for Bunnicula. There’s a four book primary series that branched out into a numbered series. I haven’t read any of the numbered series, but the first four books were so much fun. Talking animals that solve mysteries…a family that loves their animals, a crazy cat who is convinced a bunny is a vampire, a dog who just wants some peace and quiet, and a bunny who just wants some veggie juice (maybe).

    It’s an easy chapter book read that often gets overlooked, but has a nice little message about appreciating people for who they are and learning from your mistakes.

  1239. First thing this morning I see my comment (#1216), and realize I said “I also loved the “Little House” series, far far far far far more than the series.”

    Um, I meant, “far far far far far more than the TELEVISION series.” This is why I need an editor.

  1240. I loved Redwall when I was that age. Something about the talking animals and the food they described (bizarre, I know). Not sure if talking animals counts as “magic” though… Still, thought I’d toss that suggestion in because those books are lots of fun. 🙂

  1241. You have so many replies!!! Beverly Cleary (Henry Huggins/any Ribsy books) or The Tale of Despereaux. Boys and girls love ’em both. Basket full of books that they can swap and share in the classroom???? Love your work!!!xxxx

  1242. I loved Roland Daul (may have misspelled that) you know Matilda and BFG I also like most of the suggestions others have given you. My 9 year old is all about Harry Potter and Manga so I don’t think I am a big help there My 11 year old was all about My Side of the Mountain and Black Beauty at nine.
    I have not Problems with September, besides 9/11 happened just after my hubby and I met, my b-day is on the 14th but for years he was convinced it was the 11th.

  1243. Calvin and Hobbes gets my vote! I used it get my stepson into reading and he now loves them and doesn’t hate reading. These books are great for kids, many can relate to Calvin and those who can’t still find him entertaining. It challenges their vocabularies and their imaginations which I am convinced triggers new areas of their brains to light up.

    Having said that, you can’t go wrong with any of the books written by Gordon Korman. (This Can’t Be Happening at McDonald Hall is my personal favourite)

  1244. My favourite kid’s book was “Carbonel” by Barbara Sleigh. It is about the King of the cats and his imprisonment and rescue. Great story!
    Good luck with the September meanies Jennifer. I so know what you mean. It is the worst time.

  1246. I second (or third or fourth or more) The Phantom Tollbooth, it’s great because it’s a little older and kids may not have read it. I love Magic Treehouse for that age group but I bet a lot of the kids have read them.

  1247. Your September is my February (this year February seemed to last until May – too dark and too gloomy). There are just too many books to list them all, but that’s such a wonderful idea!

  1248. Personally I would go with any of the ” classics”. If the parents don’t like it tell them to stop and read it themselves. I get the same naggy parents when i let my kids read anything that might be considered ” dark” . I would rather have my children prepared to deal with reality then constantly hovering and telling them no dont do that its not publicly accepted. we all need to grow

  1249. I cannot be replaced because Dana & I want to watch grandaughters Olivia and Alivia grow up.
    Because Lindie would miss her “Mom”
    Because I’m a good friend.
    Because I’m a “great” grandma.
    Because I’m a good daughter.
    Because I’m a good mother.

  1250. Every book I could suggest has already been listed! But I wanted to tell you something: I love you! As the mother of food allergic children, the respect and thought you’ve exhibited here is making me want to cry from happiness. Thank you thank you thank you!

    By being you and showing this kind of care, maybe other parents will remember and likewise be awesome when treats at school come up in their lives.

    I would seriously give you a gigantic hug and kiss if I could!!! You rock, Jenny!

  1251. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing – Can’t go wrong with Judy Blume. Plus, it’s something both boys and girls could dig and there’s no magic/alternate universes (though it pains me that could be be an issue for people).

  1252. I’d go with The Phantom Tollbooth.
    That seems to be on lots of other folks lists as well.
    Just the thing to challenge the teacher, lol.

    It is the book I buy when the bookstores have special sales where you buy new books to donate.
    Sometimes I think I’m the only one who remembers it. Glad to see it come up so many times here!

  1253. Thank you for this post. We have all known someone, somewhere who has entered a dark period from which they thought they might not emerge. Your openness is inspirational.

  1254. How to Eat Fried Worms! Did you know it was written by Norman Rockwell’s son? For real!

  1255. Thank you, Jenny!! I took your advice and made a phone call one very dark night a few weeks ago. It helped digging my way out of a deep pit much easier. Again, thanks.

    On to books. I always loved anything by Beverly Cleary. Beezus, Ramona, Henry….aah, good times!

  1256. Barney Saltzberg books are fun for all ages. My favorite is “Beautiful Oops” which shows, in a fun, creative, pop-up-book kind of way, that an “oops” can be turned into an opportunity for creativity.

  1261. Take in a variety and let them each choose one. Include some mad libs, comics, Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary and anything else you can find … adult books too. I read “Gone with the Wind” when I was 7 and loved it.

  1262. I think The Giver is great and I remember first reading it around 3rd or 4th grade, but it has a (brief, non-graphic) baby-murder scene in it.

  1265. “The Outsiders” is the most amazingly awesome book for pre-teens. But if you’re trying to steer away from murder and gang violence, I’d go with “The Mysterious Benedict Society.” Such an awesome book. About $7 on Amazon.

  1266. Well, I was a nerd back in the day so I was literally reading Hamlet by the age of 10. I love shakespeare. You know my mom just told me Nancy Drew apparently is good for 9 year old girls! Boom saved your day no need to read the thousand other comments 😉

  1269. When I was 9 my 3 favorite books were Matilda, James and the Giant Peach (both by Roald Dahl), and Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein. I would also recommend New Kid on the Block by Jack Prelutsky, if only for the “Homework, Oh Homework, I Hate You , You Stink!” poem 🙂

  1270. Jenny, why not pick, maybe the top 6 books, at least one with a little magic. ( Half-Magic by Eager, maybe ?) Each child gets a book of their own, but they can borrow books from each other – their own little library. Maybe the class could pick a favorite at the end of the year.

  1272. How about The Witches, or Matilda? That’s roughly age 9, right? (It’s been a while, so I could be way off…)

  1274. Too bad Hyperbole and a Half is $15, haven’t read the book yet (hurry up amazon) so no idea if it is really acceptable, but recently found the blog and can not wait for the book!

  1275. A Wrinkle in Time, The World of Og, Where the Sidewalk Ends were all favorites of mine…

  1279. Maybe someone has already suggested this, I’m too lazy to read all of the comments. But have you considered getting them all a journal. Somewhere around 9 was when I discovered I like writing my own stories.

  1281. Normally I love your posts. This one. Not so much.

    I cannot be replaced because……

    Nothing. Nothing comes to me.

    So, yeah, thanks for that.

  1282. I’m seconding a couple that I saw while skimming –

    Sideways Stories from Wayside School – I lovedlovedloved that book! My copy was totally worn out from so many re-readings.

    The Phantom Tollbooth – a completely underappreciated book. I’m not sure it suits all 9 year olds (might be too long/advanced), but I’m not around a lot of 9 year olds so what do I know?

  1283. Oh, and now I’ve skimmed more, I love the idea of just choosing several books and then for her birthday you donate a little library to the class. They can keep it there and the kids can borrow the books or read during free time or whatever works for them. That way you don’t have to pick just one!

  1285. I’m seconding or thirding or fourthing “From the mixed up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler”. It has no magic to offend super-religious folk, it’s a mystery, it has learning (but concealed as fun), it has adventure… awesome book.

  1286. I love The Sheep Pig (now a motion picture – Babe) and I also loved Roald Dahl’s Matilda. My nephew who is 9 is currently making his way through all the Roald Dahl books.

  1289. Age 9 for me brought Tales of a Fourth-Grade Nothing, Judy Blume and The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett. Also the Laura Ingalls Wilder series, maybe not so much for boys. The Cricket in Times Square was a favorite. I also got my hands on both Mommy Dearest and Interview with the Vampire at this age, but I definitely don’t recommend those.

    My own 9 year old is working her way through Island of the Blue Dolphins, the Fudge books, and seems to like those. These are the only two books we both like. She likes scary stories and reference books.

  1292. Another vote for “From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler”–one of my all-time favorites even now as I approach 50!

  1293. I was reading Al Jaffee’s books around age 9, but I probably shouldn’t have been. Wow, am I the only male in here with comment?

  1294. Sadly all my favourite books were magic … my sister has become one of those no magic religious people and I have trouble choosing films and books for my nieces and nephews.

  1295. chronicles of narnia. it might be magical but lots of religious people like it too!

  1296. @Mihow The girl with the silver eyes was one of my FAVORITE books ! I can’t believe anyone else has every read it let alone remembered it ! Fan-freaking-tastic. I also loved Piers Anthony’s Xanth series. But my own 9 & 11 year olds loves anything by Rick Riordan, that guy is MAGIC. Jenny you can’t go wrong. A book as a gift is exactly that, a gift. Give a book you or Hailey loves. Don’t over think it.

  1297. This is Lori Keeton’s blog where she wants to share the love of reading with children everywhere. I thought you might like to read it. I sent is as a compliment to you; that giving a book to children is a great idea for a birthday present for everyone.

  1298. The Great Brain, and A Long Way from Chicago. Great for both, or all, genders. Funny, but good lessons, no magic or religion. Also, The Quilt Maker’s Gift. Beautiful illustrations, good for all reading levels.

  1299. Me and the Weirdos by Jane Sutton is the book that I checked out over and over around that age. That and, Sideways Stories from Wayside School that someone else had mentioned. What a lovely idea for a gift!

  1300. The 13 Clocks. It has a great opening:

    “Once upon a time, in a gloomy castle on a lonely hill, where there were thirteen clocks that wouldn’t go, there lived a cold, aggressive Duke, and his niece, the Princess Saralinda. She was warm in every wind and weather, but he was always cold. His hands were as cold as his smile and almost as cold as his heart. He wore gloves when he was asleep, and he wore gloves when he was awake, which made it difficult for him to pick up pins or coins or the kernels of nuts, or to tear the wings from nightingales. He was six feet four, and forty-six, and even colder than he thought he was…”

  1301. Totally different direction, but bring some reams of white printer paper, crayons, colored pencils, markers (washable) or anything to draw, and have everyone create their own book about anything they choose.

  1302. So I’ve read nearly all the suggested books. And I agree. But I remember loving to look at the Guinness book of world records and loving it. Its the perfect book for a kid that isn’t a big reader as well as one who is.

  1303. Thank you for making me feel like I’m not alone in September. Wake me up when this month ends. I can’t thank you enough for understanding how this month feels, and also for providing the links. I’ll use them if I need them, I promise

  1304. BetsyTacyTib books are, in my mind, pretty much perfect. There’s a book for pretty much every age level. Also, Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little. No, Trumpet of the Swan is better. Stuart gets kind of whiny. R. Dahl! Yes! Matilda is a must, followed by Danny, Champion of the World. Or the BFG and the Twits. All are pretty easily found used.

  1305. January 1 Prozac a day
    February 1 Prozac a day
    March 1 Prozac a day
    April 1 Prozac a day
    May 1 Prozac a day
    June 1 Prozac a day
    July 1 Prozac a day
    August 1 Prozac a day
    September 2 Prozac a day
    October 1 Prozac a day
    November 1 Prozac a day
    December 3 Prozac a day

  1306. Oh my…I so wanted to know what others found interesting to read when they were young…but I just had to give up…1300 posts were just too much…sad.
    As for me…Alice in Wonderland…the first ever book that I borrowed from the school library. Something I remember even now in my sixth decade…and something I treasure.
    Not the first book I read…but the first book I ‘chose’ to read.
    I loved that story.

  1307. Not sure how 9 yr old Americans would feel about it but all I can think of is an Australian short story called “The loaded dog” by Henry Lawson. Which is about three gold miners who make an explosive to blow the fish out of a pond but their dog retrieves it and chases them with a live fuse. And like much of Australian culture it ends at a pub. Also just to be clear the dog doesn’t die.

  1311. The Boxcar Children! We read the first one is third grade an everyone loved it! I must have read at least forty of the books. Appeals to both boys and girls.

  1312. That was SO not dark and such a beautiful summary of why you are important. Not to mention the legions of fans who adore you and need The Bloggess to make us feel complete. 🙂 There’s really no one else out there like you!

  1313. I doubt this will be seen as it’s like comment #2000. But HELLO??? You are an author and your daughter is super creative…. You guys should write a story together and give it to the class (or atleast the first chapter, let’s not bite off too much). She can illustrate it. That’s a great b-day present from you to her for you to have a project to work on and keep you away from the Sept. blues.

  1315. Outside by Andre Norton was one of my favorites when I was a kid. It’s a little dark but in the end hopeful story of a society forced to live in a domed city as the world has been destroyed by people. It is hard to find though, and if you’re concerned about magic being too much, I’m guessing a world, post global warming, might not go over well either… 🙂

    My son loved anything in the A-Z mystery series at that age. It has both girl and boy main characters so it appeals to both, and the stories are fun with nothing too scary. There are at least 26 of them, so if the kids find they liked the one, it may send them back to the library for more! 🙂

  1318. So, yeah… I read “Befrienders Worldwide” as “Bartenders Worldwide” and I thought.. yeah… yeah, bartenders are helpful. VERY helpful.

  1319. _My Side of the Mountain_ and _Island of the Blue Dolphins_ were two of my favorites (but I was a traumatized, depressed kid so being all alone seemed pretty awesome to me.)

    _Phantom Tollbooth_, _The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe_, _A Wrinkle in Time_, _The Borrowers_, were all favorites of mine.

    I’ve also had Jon Scieszka’s Time Warp Trio recommended to me several times. I’ve read a few of his picture books –they’re great and little wacky so I would expect these to be the same.

  1321. Thanks Jenny for this post. I have been blithely sailing along for a while pretending to myself I’m fine. Then I clicked on the “why you cannot be replaced” link, and tried to imagine what I could write.

    I couldn’t think of anything.

    I am in my early 30s, I’m a post grad student, and I don’t think I’m good enough in any one aspect of my life.

    I don’t think I’m attractive. I don’t think I’m clever enough. I never seem to be a good enough daughter, there is always, always something I have just not done well enough, or it seems I’ve never been there enough for those in my family that need me. My father was diagnosed as terminally ill when I was young, and died when I was just 18. My life sometimes feels like it has been a study in the pain folks can suffer. I’m lucky in that I love my career. I’m a scientist (god, that is hard to write, most days I feel like a fraud), and my work fills my brain so that it is all I think of which is great for me. But faced with that blank sheet of paper asking me why I am irreplaceable, and I sit here in floods of tears, feeling more lost, alone and scared than I thought I still was. That page cut through the bullshit I’d been feeding myself, and held a mirror up to what was really going on with me.

    It might seem odd to be thanking you for this. But I am. This post has made me think deeply about the fundamental question “am I ok”. And has made me face the fact that for me, right now, the answer is “no”. And in sharing your story, you’ve made me realise that it is “no” for far more people than I thought. I don’t feel so alone, and that, today, right here and now, has made more difference than I can say.

  1322. Encyclopedia Brown, The Great Brain series, and Phantom Tollbooth are all awesome picks and good for girls and boys. Maybe bring in one or two so kids can take their pick of which one they want.

  1323. Dr. Suess. Or would that be considered magical?

    Trixie Belden and/or the Hardy Boys. Too retro?

    And your last reason is the most important reason you can’t be replaced.

  1324. I dont know ages but my favorites are still on the book shelf at 53

    Because everything IS possible. Harold and his purple crayon
    http://www.amazon.com/Harold-Purple-Crayon-Anniversary-Edition/dp/0064430227/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378997913&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=Harold+purpke

    And because magic IS in our world. Grandfather Frog. Now out of print but available used

    And for the more learning oriented….its raining frogs and fishes

  1325. I believe researchers have linked it to summer ending, nothing to look forward to until November (Although, January is the most depressing month of the year due to Holidays ending and high debt after the holidays), plus work starts kick off since other folks have returned from vacation. That storm after peace has reigned.

    What most don’t realize is when you’re peaking in suicidal thoughts, that is the worst part of your depression.. just get back up. Much easier said than done, it’s all perspective.

  1326. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell was my favorite at age 9. I just read it with my 9 y/o daughter who loved it. Strong young female main character, but enough hunting and survival to keep boy interested too. In the end you find out it’s based on a true story, which adds to the intrigue even after the story os over.

  1327. I’d recommend anything by Roald Dahl… I don’t think they can be considered magical, and they’re really fun to read!

  1328. I fully support Suicide Prevention. I have my own family experience with that, and it is just horrific. For all involved.

    I kind of wish they had an Al Anon for people effected by suicide. Because I Google cognitive therapy as my mental health exercises. $24.95 and I can get the 2 disk set……….

  1334. go with the obviously age-appropriate, “Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing”
    Goes with both levels of this post, I think.

  1335. I know “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein is probably way below their reading level but that book changed my life. I read it about 5 or 6 times a year, at 23 years old, and have since I was a child. My mom read it to me every night when I was a kid and I never appreciated it until I was about 11 and my depression set in. That book meant so much to me, yes Shel Silverstein is a little dark, but the morals instilled in that book gave me some faith in believing that I would be okay. A few years ago I got the cover of the book tattooed on my back.

  1336. My 9 year old’s all time recent favorite? “Harris and Me”. I have loved it for years, and found it laugh out loud funny. Let’s just say that there is a psycho rooster in it and leave it at that. Right up your alley except that the rooster is NOT metal. Enjoy!

  1337. I suggest 2 books for your kiddo party… (also LOVE that you give out books for kiddos to read) “From the mixed up files of ms basil e frankenweiler” by E L Konigsburg or the first book of the series called “the boxcar children” by Gertrude Chandler Warner. Hope this helps…

  1339. Wonder by R.J. Palacio. It’s not in paperback yet, but is so amazing its worth the extra if you can afford it. It has a strong message of acceptance, friendship and choosing to be kind to everyone. It is awesome and amazing and touches so many issues that kids need guidance and reminders about. Just a fantastic read that everyone can get something from.

  1340. Blessed soul. <3

    The favorite thing is a terrible and wonderful problem for me. I was torn, I think, in between Roald Dahl's Matilda, Little Women and Calvin& Hobbes. Strange bedfellows, I'm sure. I am convinced Jo March would have adored Matilda.

  1341. I would like to totally support the suggestion of MY FATHER’S DRAGON. It is a magical book, and won’t make everyone cry like CHARLOTTE’S WEB, which is awesome, but perhaps is more appropriate for another non-birthday time. As to your thoughtful comment asking for multi-gender books, I will share that years ago I was informed by an editor that I shouldn’t write picture books about girls because “girls will read books about boys, but boys will not read books about girls…” My statement then, and now, was that “they need to get over it.” They do, but not at a birthday party. Happiness to all.

  1342. Catwings. Cats with wings. That’s all you need.

    My other favorite was Watership Down, but that’s probably to gruesome.

  1343. I recommend “Horns and Wrinkles” by Joseph Helgerson. Its kind of magical but it deals with bullying and taking responsibility for your own actions. My children loved it. And the paperback version is only $4.71 on Amazon.

  1347. September is always a hard month for me. I lost my son to suicide 10 years ago Sept 24. Thanks for keeping awareness. Just a thought tho, he had no outward signs. Pay attention to your kids and hug them everyday. You just never know.

  1348. Stop the giving madness at school! Who started that whole thing anyway? If something must be given, give a book to the school library and slap a sticker inside it stating your daughter donated that book.

  1349. Hi, first time poster long time reader. THis is about the first part of your post. I work in a field where everyday I am the man you call when everything around you has taken a horrible turn when your life has been turned upside down. I am the man who knocks on your front door at three in the morning to tell the mom/dad/wife/husband etc that the one person who they love is never coming back and I am the man who everyone looks at to make their day better to fix there problems and every night I go home and wonder if that night will be the night for me that one night I let the vampires in my mind win and just give up the fight. I needed to let you know that your desire to keep fighting and the hope that you have and everything else that you do about depression and shit that comes with it helps it helps a lot i figure at 1300+ comments you will never see this but thank you thank you so very much.

    PS Hank the Cowdog rocks I grew up listening to my mom read them to us on car trips

  1350. I loved ‘Island of the Blue Dolphins’, ‘The Phantom Tollbooth’, all of the ‘Little House’ books, etc. when my niece was 9 she liked the ‘American Girl’ books, now she’s more into the ‘Pretty Little Liars’ series. And PS I also love and applaud your idea to bring books for our daughter’s birthday! Very thoughtful and original!

  1352. We did happy meals but books sound so much better! I’d suggest Horrible Histories! Our spawn gets books every birthday and Christmas and we discovered the series when we moved to the UK. She really loves to spout off the facts, the ickier the better and since it’s educational it should fly with any of the pickier parents.

    If you can’t find/order those in time I’d suggest going to the Scholastic books website. You can narrow your search by age and price and if its like the UK site, when you buy it gives you the opportunity to donate a certain portion of the sale to the school to buy new books.

  1353. My answer wasn’t about books or anything, but about Friday the 13th and an extremely awesome The Guardian post about taxidermy and kittens (and goats, and monkeys, and squirrels, and wedding dresses, and rabbits at school, and a crying rabbit, and awesomeness!)

    http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gallery/2013/sep/13/curious-world-walter-potter-pictures-taxidermist-victorian#/?picture=417139794&index=0

    But about books, really, at that age I loved Kipling’s Jungle Book, Roald Dahl’s everything, and The Secret Garden, and Dr. DoLittle. Not too much magic, lots of adventure.

    Also, the only thing that curbs the awesomeness of the Guardian`s post is that many of the animals used in the exhibition weren’t pre-dead. But, well, it was the early 1800’s. Death and life of cute little animals were differently valued back then.

    Best,
    Talita

  1359. Terrific post about the need to be aware of those around us both in real life and online, I’ve worked as a community manager for 10 years and there have been far too many times I’ve posted to someone pleading for them to reach out to help in real life and offered all the hotline numbers you shared above. Pay attention to those around you, watch for signs, show them that you care.

    As for the book, I love the idea! Maybe do a variety of titles and let the kids pick from the variety that way everyone wins and no one is offended?

  1360. My favorite book at 9 was Bridge to Terabithia – I read it 1000 times (seriously I still read it). I made my husband watch the movie and he said there is something f’d up about loving that book (because of the ending). So maybe it isn’t as appropriate for 9 year olds as I would think.

    Judy Blume Fudge is a fantastic read for boys and girls but then again dated. My niece and nephew are really into the Middle School, the Worst Years of My Life (Jame Patterson) books and they are 8 & 12.

  1361. Thank you for sharing this important subject. I tried to kill myself once as a teen by OD’ing on Tylenol. I took 12 or 13. Luckily, I think I was mostly immune to pain killers because I suffered from headaches and took 2-3 Tylenol a day. Didn’t even have to get my stomach pumped. On the good side, no one, and I mean no one, ever knew about this. Until now.

  1362. Sideways Stories is an awesome idea, but why not do Coraline? It’s so good. And it’s so YOU. Sometimes you have to stick to your guns and do what’s right for you. But you know the class best, so …
    PS re: suicide hotline. I’ve been there. I hear you, and how hard it is sometimes (lots of times). I’m so glad you’re still here. You are really awesome.

  1364. The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles or Phantom Tollbooth. Can’t go wrong with either.

  1365. How about “Have you filled a bucket today?” By Carol McCloud. My daughter read it to me the other day and we thought it was great. It sounds like September would be a really good month to fill buckets (with love, not vomit or anything).

  1366. No book suggestions, but as the mother of a boy with a life-threatening allergy who often feels left out when neon frosted cupcakes from the grocery store show up at school…THANK YOU!! Thank you for thinking outside the (bakery) box. I promise that you will melt the hearts of the allergic kids and their parents. You’ve already melted mine. I seriously can’t explain just how big of a deal this is, but I promise you…it’s huge for those families. Thank you!!

  1368. When a book stays with you 25 years later, it’s a keeper.

    The Westing Game
    Bunnicula
    Sideways Stories from Wayside High
    The Chocolate Touch

  1369. The Horse and His Boy by C. S. Lewis. It stands alone from the rest of the Narnia Chronicles and was always my favorite. Also, it’s by C. S. Lewis, so the uber Christian religious people really can’t complain.

    I love magic and fantasy, so I’m having a hard time thinking of others even though I was (and still am) a voracious reader.

    Invitation to the Game is a good one with no magic! It’s Sci-Fi, but it involves video games, so kids these days would probably eat it up like I did. When i was young, I was weird because I liked video games. Now, it’s super cool.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invitation_to_the_Game
    http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/invitation-game

    Grades 6-8? Okay, I guess I was a smart kid who read a lot…

    http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/horse-and-his-boy

    Okay, I guess everything I read when I was 9 or younger was for people in junior high. I don’t know how accurate that website is… Okay, well, use my advice in a couple years I guess.

  1370. I read one of the links in the first part of your post as “Bartenders Worldwide” instead of “Befrienders Worldwide”. At first, I was like, oops. Then, I thought, you know, a bartender did save my life one time so that’s appropriate. And I’m not making light of suicide or bartenders. I was in a very dark place one time (one of many), and I met a man who tended bar, who stayed up late with me, fed me drinks to soften the pain, and showed me that stars fall in the skies in early morning. I married that man (and later divorced him but that’s another story). So, bartenders can be befrienders, too.

    As for 9 year olds, The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles, The Phantom Tolbooth, and anything at all by Kathleen Duey are my votes for books.

  1372. Books I was really into when I was 9 were “The Hobbit” and all of “The Lord of the Rings” series, “A Wrinkle in Time,” “Chronicles of Narnia” series, and pretty much anything by Jules Vern. Also, some newer books that I’ve enjoyed and I think are age appropriate are the Beyonder’s or Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull.

    Also, Coraline is an awesome children’s book and children are far more perceptive and mature than we, adults, ever really give them credit for. Something like Coraline is perfect for their age group….and, this a gift from you and your daughter, which means it’s your taste, your message, your GIFT and if they can’t at least appreciate it for the gesture it is, then it’s something wrong with them, not you.

  1373. I’m not sure depression lies to me anymore. I made a list, no one would notice or miss if I just went away.

    (I would notice. More people than you know would notice. You’re tired and that’s when you start to believe the lies. Lean on someone else. People want to help. Promise. ~ Jenny)

  1376. You know you live in Texas when…..
    you assume everyone already has a book called ‘Hank the Cow Dog”

  1377. You could make a list of books you think they’d like and let them choose, then order them and have them delivered. Or if they participate in Scholastic, let them look at book flyers. Then they get a chance to choose something they’ll like.

  1378. Sorry but most of these suggestions are lame and old-fashioned. Kids mostly don’t want to read what you read as a kid. However I am a librarian who knows what kids want and what they want is “Captain Underpants” books and “Wimpy Kid” books. That is all I got asked for all summer.

  1380. At nine my daughter loved anything by Jacqueline Wilson, Madonna’s English Roses books and Dear Dumb Diary books ( which I found hilarious) if there are also boys in the class I highly recommend Calvin & Hobbes and any Horrible Histories books. Great idea Jenny. Books beat cupcakes hands down.

  1381. I don’t know if this will be read because I know I am responding a little late, but I wanted to thank you for this post for three (main reasons).
    1) Thank you for being so honest, as you so often are. It is incredibly encouraging and refreshing to everyone who reads it.
    2) Thank you for including a link for Canadians. We love you too and the care you take to include all of your fans as much as you can is appreciated.
    3) Thank you so much for being so considerate to all of the children in your daughter’s class, regardless of who they are or what there background is. I wouldn’t label myself or my background as “uber-religious” but I am a Christian and I’m sure some people would label me that way. It (weirdly) meant so much to me that you are being so kind to ensure that all the kids will be able to freely enjoy your gift regardless of who they are, I even teared up a little (it was a really odd point in the post to tear up, I know, blame the lack of sleep). My parents were always weary about magical elements in books I read as a child, but I know that they would appreciate the thought and effort you put into your gift even if they didn’t agree with the end result (also I see from one of your responses above that you may already have a solution so I’m glad people’s comments were helpful to you).
    I apologise that this comment is so long (and maybe this is a fourth thank you, I’m not sure, but bare with me), but I wanted to let you know that even though I do not always agree with you or share all of your beliefs (and who agrees with someone else’s beliefs completely anyway) I always appreciate who you are and how true you are to yourself. Your good humour and belief in humanity allows me to enjoy everything you write even if I would not have added as many swear words myself (for example), you’re being true to yourself and this religious girl knows that everything you write comes from a place of honesty and a desire to bring more smiles to this world, so thank you from the bottom of my heart.

  1382. I think it is VERY generous of you to buy a book for each kids in class. I would suggest asking Hailey’s teacher. Maybe there is a book she would love to read to or with the kids. Or she might have a suggestion that all the kids would like. (or at least most kids)

  1383. Brian Jaques wrote the Redwall series and I LOVED all of them. I bought them all and can’t wait to read them to my daughter. 🙂

  1384. I would buy 25 (or whatever) different books from the list and wrap them up and then do a mixed up gift exchange, like office people do at Christmas parties. Then kids can trade when they get a turn and everybody can see everybody else’s book. Also, that takes up a whole lot of class time where the teacher can have a cup of coffee while you manage all the kids. Teachers like free coffee time.
    p.s. What a great thing to do. You rock.

  1387. I loved, loved, loved Gordon Korman when I was a kid. I have no idea if they’ve stood the test of time.

    I work for Canadian Mental Health. I had a client kill herself in the spring. It hardly ever, ever happens at our agency because we take stuff very seriously. But sometimes it does. I broke my heart. It broke everybody’s heart. The worst part for me personally was I had other stuff for her. Something might have worked. I wouldn’t have given up. I’d’ve kept going til we found something together that worked for her. People think, oh well they’re professionals, they don’t really care, they’re just paid to do that. Believe me, we care. It matters. So very much.

  1388. I’m cracking up over the many recommendations for the Black Stallion book. I too read that around 9 yrs and loved it. I re-read it a couple of years ago and well, it’s not all that. The movie was pretty good though :). I was reading Tolkien at 10 yrs and after that I didn’t ever go back to the kids book section.

  1389. growing up I loved reading just about anyhting written by Louis Sachar, especially his “Wayside School “series. The series is gender neutral and made me laugh my ass off! “Sideways Stories from Wayside School” is the first book of the series which would make a good start.
    Whatever book you decide to get for Hailey’s class I’m sure they’ll love it because other commenters [that’s a word, right?] are pretty awesome as well.
    P.S. Happy B-day to Hailey! It’s also technically you and your husband’s day too so have fun!

  1390. I’m a third grade teacher, so the majority of children in my class are around this age. They love a lot of the suggestions that have been posted below. Another idea is “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Toulane”. I read it to my kids every year. They think they are going to hate it but end of LOVING it. It’s one of my all time favorite books.

  1391. First off thank you for posting your TWLOHA message about why you cannot be replaced. I just wished that my brother had believed it. He can’t be replaced and he has left a big hole in lots of hearts when he took his life. I too also what to end on a brighter note. My daughter fell in love with the Emily Windsnap books when she was 9. The mother in the story is a bit neurotic (because she is hiding a secret) I just remember how the story just took her in and she loved it. It is fantasy adventure and is just magical. I loved the series as much as she did.

  1393. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe-loved it when I was ten. My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George is also wonderful.

  1394. The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe was my favorite at nine. Which explains why I totally appreciate the entirety of this post. My new favorite book is yours. Thank you for the joy that your honesty brings.

  1395. Has anyone suggested Dick King-Smith yet? Because pretty much anything by him works for that age (He’s the guy who wrote The Sheep-pig)

  1396. When I was a kid, I loved a majority of the books mentioned, and then some. I just asked my 9 y/o daughter, and she recommended the Wimpy Kid and Big Nate series books, as well as the American Girl books.

  1397. Ooh, children’s books… one of the best reasons to have children, I think. That and dressing them (until they’re old enough to protest… such a short window).

    I still love lots of children’s books. To get around the possibly horribly conservative folks, what about going for some classics i.e. The Secret Garden, Anne of Green Gables (a personal life-long heroine of mine), A Wrinkle in Time (with the added bonus that the author was a prominant Christian). I’d suggest CS Lewis’ Narnia books, but I’m afraid that even though he was an ACTIVE CHRISTIAN APOLOGIST AND THEOLOGIAN and wrote the stories from a Christian point of view some ‘Christians’ can’t get over the fact that they’re fantasies. Urgh, that really grinds my gears (as a Christian myself).

  1400. I read these as an adult, just because I could and love venturing off to somewhere other than my reality, but the Percy Jackson series were good. And parents can’t say anything because they are based on greek mythology which their kids learn in school. So its kind of your way to stick it to the man.

    Good Luck. Parents are crazy. Granted I am one, and that applies to me on more than one occasion, but definitely not in the “you are going to ruin my child’s life by allowing them an imagination” way. Cheers.

  1401. I had all the Hank the Cowdog books at nine. They were great. If you explain that the bunny is not a vampire the Bunnicula books are great too!

  1402. Fucking September. I look forward to it, then it brings transitions, demands and resentments as we all settle in. I am sure I cannot be replaced (I am who I am), but I have no idea why.

  1403. Frindle is great because its about words, how one person can make a difference. Mrs. Piggle Wiggle is wonderful! Farmer McBroom stories are funny and well-written tall-tales. Wrinkle in Time, Egypt Game, Dragon in the Sock Drawer are full of magic and wonder. Cricket in Times Square was a hit here, as were other classics like Pippi Longstocking. Son is 9 and I try to read books of all types with him. He’s still into Magic Tree House, and likes Capital Mysteries, Ballpark Mysteries, and the My Weird School — all are series. No Flying in the House is spectacular, but has magic and may still be out of print. The Littles series we liked much more than the Borrowers series – similar premise – teeny people. We order up the Dinosaur Cove series from the UK since there are limited in-prints of these in the US. We follow Betty Birney’s “Humphrey” series too. We still do picture books, and the wordless ones called Redwood(s) and Flotsam are breathtaking. Love the idea of making a lending library in the classroom with a bunch of titles. Scholastic also sells a kit where you make your own book, but I think its something that not every kid would groove on doing.

  1404. The Red Lemon and (also by Bob Staake) The Donut Chef are picture books that delight, as is Violet the Pilot. these may be too young for 9s. This chapter book is great for 9s — Madame Pamplemousse and Her Incredible Edibles — the story & writing are beyond magical (it is first in a series). Julie Andrews wrote (who knew?) a very imaginative book called Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles — its not to be missed, its that good. And Gooney Bird Green (series) is a great introduction to Lois Lowry whose works tend toward the older set – but Gooney is great for grades 3 & 4.

  1405. I know I’m late with this and certainly not any help. When I was 9 I read Salem’s Lot for the first time. Which kinda explains a lot if you knew me. Good luck with it.

  1407. I’m not helpful here. My favorite book in Fourth Grade (which is when I was 9) was The Diary of Anne Frank.

    I won a poster-drawing contest for the school book fair. The prize was that I could choose any book from the fair. They said any book. I chose Anne Frank. They called my mother. She said “any book means any book”.

  1408. Someone early in the comments (sorry I couldn’t read all 1407 before mine) recommended “My Father’s Dragon” — not only a favorite of my kids, but also mine (I still have our 1960’s copy). But another great classic is “Half Magic” by Edward Eager. It’s got magic (but not too scary, just interesting), sibling dynamics, interesting adults, and even math (the kids get half of what they wish for, so they learn something about fractions). I still reread it.

    Thanks for the first half of your post as well. An important set of resources for all of us~

  1409. Hey! What did you go with? If it weren’t too late, I’d suggest The Giving Tree. It’s a beautiful story of sacrifice that makes my husband cry whenever he reads it. 😉

  1410. I’m late to this list, but my favorite book at that age was Where the Red Fern Grows, followed closely by Harriet the Spy. Good luck deciding!

  1412. Not sure if it’s already been mentioned, and it’s probably not a great classroom book – but one that every young girl should read – “As the Waltz Was Ending” – still one of my favorite books, and it really made me think of kids growing up in different situations. It’s essentially the story of a real girl (The author) who was a little ballerina in Austria, then Hitler comes to town, and yikes, all goes to hell. It’s sad, but has a happy ending, and is absoluely amazing. http://www.amazon.com/Waltz-Was-Ending-Emma-Butterworth/dp/0590332104/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379366637&sr=8-1&keywords=as+the+waltz+was+ending

  1413. So happy to hear you are enjoying “A Wrinkle in Time”. Loved that book in 4th grade. I love every book by that author. Our class also read the “Harriet the Spy” books. I also enjoyed Nancy Drew mysteries (the original ones) when I was that age. Recently I fell in love with “Princess of the Midnight Ball” which is a new version of the 12 Dancing Princesses Fairy tale. The author takes the sisters and uses them in other books with a new look at some of the classic fairy tales. I look forward to reading more of them. In a couple of years I recommend the President’s Daughter series by Ellen Emerson White. The president is a woman. I read them in 6th grade, but it is probably a better read for middle or high school age, especially the 4th book which is a recent addition.

  1414. I used to *love* when the Scholastic Books order form came out at school. Of course back in those days it was written on papyrus. My parents always indulged my reading habits and for that I am forever grateful.

  1416. Late to the book party, but I loved the Great Brain series (I saw someone mention it waaaaay up there) and the Chronicles of Prydain when I was in 4th grade. The Book of Three is my personal favorite, but The Black Cauldron is a close second.

  1417. The Magic Tree House series, Marvin Redpost series, anything by Rick Riordan or Judy Blume, A to Z Mysteries, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Joey Pigza, and Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh are all amazing!

    P.S. Can you tell I was a bookworm as a child?

  1419. Not sure if anyone has suggested this, but I adore the Mysterious Bededict Society. They are brilliant!

  1420. OMG!! You’d never read A Wrinkle in Time? I’m sorry. Thank gods you finally rectified that situation!

  1421. You’ve never read A Wrinkle in Time? You haven’t lived! BEST BOOK EVER! Hope you and Haley enjoy it. Try and find The Young Unicorns too… And there are other loosely connected Wrinkle books.

  1422. Someone else recommended this, can’t believe I didn’t: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente. AMAZING. Gorgeous to read aloud. One of my top 10 books in the world. September is brave and gritty and kick-ass, and probably the only young girl heroine I’ve ever felt could be me (I’m 31, so it took a while to find her). The book is dark, adventurous, sharp, and gorgeous…and a perfect for children who are o.k. with fairytales (the real ones) and books which repeat the phrase “There must be blood” more than once.

  1423. I’m so glad you mentioned Bunnicula! I was telling someone about those books last week and they looked at me like I was crazy. No one I know has heard of them but I remember reading them as a kid…was starting to think I’d made the whole thing up 🙂

  1424. I was going to read all the comments so my suggestion(s) wouldn’t be redundant. . .But there’re too many, so screw that!

    Hadn’t thought of Freddy the Pig in *decades*–but yes, I loved it as a child. Also, I was a classroom aide (5th/6th grade) before I became a teacher, and we read to the kids: hits were James & the Giant Peach, Where the Red Fern Grows (except that has some sad parts, which were the ones the actual teacher made ME read and I sorta choked my way through them, watching all the little faces get all teary. He later confessed he made me do it cuz he couldn’t do it without crying: thanks, dude.)

    But my REALLY favorite book growing up was Half Magic, which, coincidentally was the first book I received from Scholastic Books after my mom signed me up. Potentially interesting for both genders, as there’s a chapter each on the older sister’s/middle brother’s/youngest sister’s adventures; plus–interesting for its time, perhaps pertinent today–an underlying theme about the single (widowed) mother getting involved with a new guy and the kids slowly deciding he’s OK and accepting him. Anywayyy. . .Half Magic is all magic to me.

  1425. Wondering if there’s any chance you’d post the compiled reading list you put together from these suggestions — there are so many great ideas — and so MANY MANY comments — I get lost! Was so amazed at the favorite things posts too – aside from the many entries of pets & family there were lots of “can buy it in a store” sort of things. Thanks to the person who posted about the SPIbelt I was able to surprise my hard-to-surprise husband with something he didn’t know he wanted or needed but now LOVES. 🙂 Sending everyone – especially those in dark places of the mind right now – wishes for feelings of hope, perserverance, and that they find the ability to be kind and patient with themselves.

  1426. Hi Jenny….love September a little bit…it can be a beautiful month. I’m celebrating 35 years of marriage this month. Oh yeah…to the same guy!
    My 8y/o granddaughter digs Goosebumps and R.L. Stine. And dolls. Still. Thanks for being you. Hug Hailey….

  1427. Mostly I am recommending things for you and Hailey now since you’ve acquired some awesome for the kidlings, and also my niece is too young to appreciate stuff much beyond Gossie Plays Hide and Seek (she fucking loves pop up books), and I live for sharing book titles.
    First, The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness: Wolf Brother, Spirit Walker, Soul Eater, Outcast, Oath Breaker, Ghost Hunter (if you like these, for the love of god spread the word! Por favor! The guys who made Avatar the Last Airbender–the awesome show, not the shitty movie–need to make these books into a TV show and sooner or later word will reach them and it will be alllll because you know awesome people who know awesome people.

    Next–the Spiderwick Books. They too are magical and magical.

    Redwall (there are like 20 of em and the reading order doesn’t matter! Much!

    Anything by Cornelia Funke, but especially the Inkheart trilogy.

    Anything by Laurence Yep, especially the Golden Mountain books.

    Howl’s Moving Castle!

  1428. At age 9 I knew animals were more reliable friends than humans and was going through my horses phase. Misty of Chincoteague rocked my world as did all the sequels – I still owe Marguerite Henry a debt of grattitude for that series.

  1429. I love to read Shel Silverstein’s “Runny Babbit” with my kids at school. Great word play, perfect for elementary kids and it still makes me laugh every time!

  1430. I didn’t get to this until after the update…but I want to let you know that I LOVE A Wrinkle in Time and even though that’s the best one, the same family is in a small series L’Engle wrote also including Many Waters, A Wind in the Door, and A Swiftly Tilting Planet that are all worth a read too!

  1431. Holy crap, I can’t believe you hadn’t read A Wrinkle in Time! My childhood wouldn’t have been the same without it! Another one I still love, love, love that I first read in 5th grade was The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinnley. Girl who slays dragons with fucked up family. ‘Nuf said.

  1432. A Wrinkle in Time made this geek girl feel like someone “got” her. So glad you’re reading it!!!

  1433. “I’m her only mother” – you nailed that one Jenny! I do feel that will make an appearance on my list, slightly modified for my boy. Thank you for posting this, I will be reminding my friends about this week for sure.

    When my little man was nine we were reading HP together and he was into all the Rick Riordan myth series too. If that’s any help.

  1434. I am really late to this party, but one of my favorites (and my daughters’, too) is No Flying in the House. It’s magical, but it’s a really sweet story.

    I see a lot of suggestions in the comments, although I don’t have time to read all 1400+ . I’m going to browse through and see what goodies I can find.

  1435. That is so weird that you mention the depressing nature of September. It’s kind of funny (the September thing, not the Suicide Prevention Week thing, just wanted to clear that up) because I have always felt this way about September. I believe it is my bad luck month or something. I even wrote about it on my blog earlier this month, so I was tickled when I saw you wrote about the bizarre vibe of September as well. I know you have like a million other things going on, but if you are feeling extra altruistic or feeling like you want to laugh at someone’s pitiful attempts at writing, come over to myamusingdispositions.com. Okay, I’m done peddling my goods now.

  1440. Tuesday http://www.amazon.com/Tuesday-David-Wiesner/dp/0395870828
    It’s just illustrated and it’s been near and dear to my heart for umpteen years. I discovered it as adult, shared it with my mom who was a fourth grade teacher and she shared with her class every year after that until she retired. So it’s safe to say that 9 yr olds will enjoy it as much as I did. It’s just beautiful and fanciful and fun. Buy it and love it as much as I do.

  1441. “The Dark is Rising” series by Susan Cooper. Maybe a bit “old” for some 3rd-graders, but I loved it.

  1442. Love the book recommendations. Brings back so many memories. Wrinkle In Time, that goes without saying 🙂
    I’m absurdly happy that so many people mentioned Bunnicula. I thought I was the only one that remembered it!Here’s a few other suggestions, books I loved at age 8 and still remember to this day:
    the “Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle” series
    all the Trixie Belden Mysteries
    The Mouse and the Motorcycle
    Runaway Ralph
    The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet (wonderfully, indescribably weird)

  1443. The Gregor the Overlander series by Suzanne Collins. Giant bugs! Giant bats! Similar themes to The Hunger Games but not *quite* as dark.

  1444. Bunnicula…awesome choice. We listened to it on cd and it was brilliant. In the afterward, Howe describes how and when he wrote the book. His wife was struggling with cancer and this was their comic relief. She eventually succumbed to this disease. Howe is a great writer and has some powerful books for middle schoolers.

    and..read A Wrinkle in Time. best. first. line. ever.

  1446. I highly recommend Sideways Stories from Wayside School. I think it will fit your personality well. One of my favorite chapters is about Sammie the Dead Rat. READ IT!!!!

  1447. I didn’t have a chance to scroll through all the comments so I apologize if it’s been mentioned already – The Castle in the Attic was my favorite at 9 and still is near the top of my list. Also, Odd and the Frost Giants terrified me less than Coraline and I enjoyed it almost as much. 9 is probably a little young for most for the Graveyard Book, right? Howl’s Moving Castle is also fantastic as are Diana Wynne Jones’ other books.

  1450. Since you recently featured a bear in such a pleasing manner, I thought that both you and Hailey might truly enjoy this short story. A bit poignant, but will introduce Hailey to a world eerily similar to the world you inhabit! Really.

    Please enjoy reading and sharing: Little Ryan’s Past: Just How Did Ryan Come to Live with Humans?

    Read more: http://www.ryanlifeofryan.com/p/little-ryans-past-just-how-did-ryan.html

    Ryan and his sister Pinkie have 56 adventures to date… though fewer children know about their incredibleness than is warranted!

    Ryan’s Daddy…

  1452. I’m late to the party but just wanted to suggest “In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson” by Bette Bao Lord. I have loved this book since I was 8 and recommend it to everyone.

  1453. My favorite book at 9 was The Neverending Story and my giant book of Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales. My daughter who is now 19 has read both and we both still read the fairy tales pretty regularly. There’s also kind of an instructional book called I Am Not A Short Adult that was a big one for me as a kid 🙂

  1454. And also. . .thank you for this post so much. . .I almost lost my girl to suicide when she was 15. I hope anyone who is feeling that way writes why they can’t be replaced because they just can’t. Ever. Your blog rules, btw. . .we love you! 🙂

  1455. A friend of mine found this today. I wanted to share it with you, because it really helped me today – on the front of depression lieing and making us believe no one else feels the way we feel. After he introduced me to that site, I introduced him to you, and I hope you help him the way you help me.
    Anyhow, this is totally worth your time, but don’t look at it if you are already feeling stabby or sad…
    http://www.buzzfeed.com/hnigatu/comics-that-capture-the-frustrations-of-depression

  1458. Shel Silverstein’s much neglected “Lafcadio: The Lion Who Shot Back.” There’s a short excerpt on YouTube.
    Check it out.

  1460. Do you read all of your comments? I wonder if it’s even worth posting… on here at this point… because why would you read all of them… there are SO many at times. But still… We’ve kinda had a conversation before… so that makes us BFF’s, right? Plus, we have some people in common… Kinda. I think we have them in common anyways.

    WHY IS SEPTEMBER SUCH HELL? Never in my life have I hit as low as I did at the beginning of this month, which lead to me ending up in the hospital. I’m currently in outpatient treatment Mon-Friday (week 3 this week)… Without you and my fellow Lawsbians… I’m not sure I’d still be here at the moment. Especially with all the shit that has hit the fan in the past couple weeks. Thank you for continuing to make all of us smile… and you are a bit screwy, but only in the absolute best possible way.

    I can’t tell you thank you enough. It’s just not possible.

  1462. I only discovered you today, but thought I’d share that it is International Book Week this week, and also (I think) Banned Book Awareness week. Appreciating immensely your decision to offer books as gifts, thought you might like to share this site with others: http://www.bannedbooksweek.org/censorship/bannedbooksthatshapedamerica
    Funny how some classic children’s books have been viewed at one time or another.
    p.s. A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle was my favorite, too at around that age.

  1464. I’m sure this book is way too “kiddie” for 9 year olds, but it’s one of my favorites: Tacky the Penguin. The “odd bird” saves the day, so it’s a great message to be yourself and be unique.

  1465. Sorry I’m late to the party but I had to recommend “The Dark” by Lemony Snicket. it’s a childrens book about being afraid of the dark.

    The dark lives in the same house as Laszlo. Mostly, though, the dark stays in the basement and doesn’t come into Lazslo’s room. But one night, it does.

  1466. So my step father took a loaded 44 into the bathroom and shot himself between the eyes on the Tuesday after suicide prevention week. Epic fail.

    (Crap. I’m so damn sorry. I wish I could go back and fix it. Damn. Damn. Damn. ~ Jenny)

  1467. I know I am late on this one but I was so excited to read this and see you chose A Wrinkle in Time! That book was my favorite, and led me to read as much Madeleine L’Engel as I could. When you are finished, I recommend A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Many Waters, and An Acceptable Time. Wonderful!!

  1468. So many comments. So little time. Can’t read through them all and I’m chiming in rather late — sorry ’bout that.
    If you haven’t read the “Walter the Farting Dog” series, you absolutely need to!

  1469. I’m late to the party, but Ronia the Robber’s Daughter by Astrid Lindgren is amazing and magical and beautiful.

  1470. I find the Wrinkle in Time series magical and I read the entire series every single year and I still love it now at 43 as much as I did at 9. Also the Narnia books I also read every year starting about that time of my life and I was a senior in college before I realized thy were religious. And finally along those lines I love the boo From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Love it. Sorry I am late to the part, but thanks for letting me play along. http://www.amazon.com/From-Mixed-up-Files-Basil-Frankweiler/dp/1416949755/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381528406&sr=8-1&keywords=the+mixed+up+files+of+mrs+basil+e+frankweiler

  1471. I’m not just late, I missed the party entirely, but our daughter spent most of her summer lost within the Goddess Girls (Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams) and Pandora (Carolyn Hennesy) series. Funny and a bit dark, I think these were her first experiance with books that presented characters with relatively complex motives/emotions/etc (at least when compared to ‘Fancy Nancy’, though she loved the two FN chapter books also), which led to interesting conversations about why, if Medusa just wanted the other girls to like her, was she always being so mean to them? And why does Persephone keep hanging out with Hades when her mom already told her he’s a bad guy? Surprisingly tough conversations, actually.

    Of course now when she fails middle-school Greek Mythology it’s going to be all my fault.

    And +1 for Bunnicula, The Celery Stalks at Midnight, Howliday Inn, etc. which were also childhood favorites of mine.

  1472. For you it’s September, for me it’s October. But this year we went on a vacation. So it was delayed until now. How are you doing now?

    (Much better. Finally. ~ Jenny)

  1473. Just wanted to say thank you for this (and your other Sept. post in 2016+2017). Every time I’m feeling down this month, I always forget that September is the absolute worst…and then I suddenly remember- that you have warned us that Sept completely sucks – and then I go to your blog and reread, and although Sept still sucks, it helps to know it doesn’t ONLY suck for me. Thanks Jenny, sincerely. ~From a long time reader, and Sept hater 🙂

Leave a Reply

MY BOOKS:


shop

Subscribe to the bloggess, y'all.

Enter your email address and receive notifications of new posts by email. It\'s like I\'m stalking you, but more efficient.

Archives

ALL THE COOL KIDS ADVERTISE HERE:

I fucking love these people & not just because they support my wine-slushee habit:

Flourish in Progress: (T)hug Life: Part hood. Part good.

Pregnancy Calendar at Alpha Mom: Amalah’s week-by-week guide to the miracle of pregnancy and all the various indignities that come with it.

The Mack Files: Digesting life in bite-sized pieces through the lens of clichés, quotes & “truisms”.  Often irreverent, always honest.

Barking at the Moon: If your dog is your furry child, you will laugh out loud at Tracy Beckerman’s book about her family & a one-dog wrecking ball named Riley.

Kieran’s Humor: Not suitable for children, the sensitive or those hoping to get into heaven.

Go Doc Yourself Podcast: When a good doc ends, the klatch begins… Join hosts, scientists, and friends, Erin McCourt and Erin McCartt in weekly documentary dissection.

Welcome to xanaru: A mostly funny blog about the quest for happiness through authenticity, Great Danes and indiscriminate swearing. Plus hand-painted, custom artwork on bags, jackets, backpacks & more.

How the Hell Did I Not Know That?: Humorist Lucie Frost shares daily Instagram reels with learnings of the day—words, music, whatever–with plenty of laughs and all the curse words.

Beautiful Writers book: Writers! This coming-of-career memoir (w/ the BEST advice from celeb authors, real shit you haven’t heard) is life. A page-turning beach read doubling as how-to. #Magic

The Dating Days of Marta O: When I told my sister I was building a blog she said: “Do people still read blogs?” I do not know, but if YOU want to read it, here it is. Keep in mind, my stories about dating after 40 are for the brave.

Where Do I Belong? A memoir of Sarah Carrington: The unbelievable story of growing up in a religious cult in the mountains of Northern British Columbia. What happens to you in life doesn’t make you strong; rising above it does.

CONNECTED: A Personal Journal for Ketamine Therapy Created by writer & patient Katherine Davis for this powerful clinical treatment. If considering ketamine for major depression, check out this essential tool.

Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh: SO GOOD.

Discover more from The Bloggess

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading