9th Grade Reading List for History Lovers
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My daughter is technically an 8th grader this year, but I am making the homeschool administrator’s decision to give her a 9th grade reading list.
She devours books and comprehends advanced literature with no problem, so I think she is ready. One of the perks of homeschooling is moving at the pace of the student. There really isn’t that much of a difference between an 8th grade reading list and a 9th grade reading list. 8th graders and 9th graders are pretty much on the same reading level.
She is basically working at a high school level anyway, so she might as well get credit for it. I designed this 9th grade reading list specifically for her.
I like to create my own reading lists for my kids. This lets me tailor the book list specifically for them. Sure, I always include some classics and traditional choices, but I like being able to add in some books chosen because I think my child will enjoy them.
I want my children to be well-read, but I also want them to enjoy reading.
For my daughter’s 9th grade reading list, I decided to focus on historical fiction. Our history curriculum choices are unorthodox this year, and these book choices seem like a great way to sneak in a little ‘real’ history.
The plan is to spend 4-6 weeks on each book over the course of the school year. We will work our way through the list in chronological historical order. Studying each book for at least a month will allow my daughter time to reflect on the reading, study the time period, and write on each topic.
She will likely also join a homeschool book club, which will double her assigned reading.
9th Grade Reading List: Historical Fiction
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne – 1630s
The Scarlet Letter is one of those classic tales that seem to end up on every high school English class reading list. I remember reading it when I was in high school.
The Scarlet Letter tells the tale of a young woman, Hester, who lives in a Puritan society in Massachusetts in the 1600s. She must wear a scarlet letter because she committed adultery. The guilt, as well as members of the community, torments her through the course of her life.
We will discuss themes such as guilt, revenge, justice, and hypocrisy.
Last update on 2026-09-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Scarlet Letter is also available as a graphic novel.
Related: Using Graphic Novels to Teach
Alex and Eliza by Melissa de la Cruz – 1777
Alex and Eliza tells the story of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler and takes place during America’s infancy. This love story is based on facts, but it is definitely not a nonfiction book. There is plenty of creative license taken with their love story.
This will provide an opportunity for Hannah to research the events to separate fact from fiction. It makes me wish we were studying American history this year, too.
This book is the first in a three-part trilogy exploring the Hamiltons. My daughter and I enjoyed reading this book as part of her 9th grade reading list because we loved the Hamilton musical.
Last update on 2026-09-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – 1800
Pride and Prejudice is another novel that is frequently read by high school students. It takes place in England in the early 1800s. An eligible bachelor, Mr. Darcy, has just moved into town. Mr. Bennett is determined that Mr. Darcy will marry one of the five Bennett daughters. This tale is ultimately a love story that follows a rocky courtship.
We will explore themes such as love and wealth, but I am also interested in hearing what Hannah thinks of the way the couples treat each other.
Last update on 2026-09-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain – 1830s
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn tells the tale of two young men sailing down the Mississippi River together. Both are looking for a sort of freedom. One boy wants to ‘feel’ free, and the other wants literal freedom from slavery.
The subject matter in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is quite controversial. Many English teachers have removed it from their classrooms.
This book is on many banned book lists due to racist language and a plot involving slavery. After all, it was written before the Civil War. That doesn’t excuse racist language or behavior, though.
My goal in reading this book with my daughter is to confront the issue of racism head-on. I want to have discussions about why people felt the way they did and how the book might differ if it were written today. We will also discuss what it means to do the right thing, even when the right thing is illegal . . . and that just because something is legal, it isn’t necessarily the right thing to do.
Last update on 2026-09-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck – 1880s – 1930s
The Good Earth is set in China in the late 1800s – early 1900s. The story follows a farmer and his family as they go through periods of poverty, wealth, poverty, and wealth again.
We will discuss the importance of family and why sometimes being rich comes at a price. This book found its way on our 9th grade reading list due to a suggestion from my husband. He enjoys reading too and is always happy to discuss books with our children.
Last update on 2026-09-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald – 1920s
The Great Gatsby is a story of opulence and decadence during the Roaring 20s. Many of the characters live a wild party life until they are smacked in the face with the consequences of their decisions.
We will discuss themes of true love and if there is a correlation between wealth and happiness, while also exploring the historical implications that prohibition had on society. I included this book on my daughter’s 9th grade reading list because she has an interest in fashion. The clothing from the ’20s is fascinating (at least to me).
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck – 1930’s
Of Mice and Men follows two migrant worker friends. One of the men has a mental handicap, so his friend protects him and helps him get out of sticky situations. Eventually, a situation arises that cannot be escaped.
We will discuss what it means to be a friend.
- Amazon Kindle Edition
Last update on 2026-09-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway – 1936-1939
For Whom the Bell Tolls takes place during the Spanish Civil War. The story revolves around an American explosive expert who is volunteering his expertise. He is tasked with blowing up a bridge, but other members of his side of the war disagree.
This tale includes war, love, and death . . . all heavy, but real, topics.
Last update on 2026-09-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Help by Kathryn Stockett – 1960s
The Help is set in Jackson, Mississippi, in the 1960s. The book follows the stories of multiple maids and their strained relationship with their female employers.
We spent a few weeks learning about the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s when we worked through the Silverdale Martin Luther King, Jr. unit study, but this will provide more insight into the experiences of the time period.
Last update on 2026-09-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Want to know something that seems a little crazy about the books on this 9th grade reading list?
6/8 of these books have made it onto banned book lists.
Maybe it is just a rebellious streak in me, but I love that my daughter is going to read them. I suspect that fact will lead to yet another interesting discussion, this time on the impact of censorship.
Frequently Asked Questions About a 9th Grade Reading List
How Many Books Should Be On a 9th Grade Reading List?
The number of books on a 9th grade reading list depends on the goals. Students who want to dig deep into a book might only read 4 novels in language arts. Students who want to read a wide range of material might read a book every two weeks.
I like to have my high schoolers read 6 – 8 novels for language arts. This allows them to spend time with a novel, analyzing characters and themes. However, the books are not spread out so long that they lose interest.
What Books Should 9th Graders Be Reading?
No two 9th grade reading lists will look the same. The goal is to finish high school having read a solid mix of literary works. Some possible types of books for 9th graders are:
- Historical Fiction
- American Classics
- British Literature
- World Literature
- Shakespeare
- Poetry
- Banned Books
Share this post . . .or better yet, start a book club with these titles!
Keep reading . . .
- Our 9th Grade Curriculum Plan
- 6 Types of Books to Read in High School
- 10th Grade Reading List
- Complete High School Language Arts Curriculum
- The Best Homeschool Language Arts Curriculum Options
- Create a Homeschooling High School Plan
- American History Books for High School
- Literary Adventures for Kids Overview
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