Kids' Reading List: Classics for 6 to 9 Years

Recommended by the American Library Association

John Henry
By Julius Lester; illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

This retelling adds some modern twists to the classic legend of the African American hero who races against a steam drill to cut a path through a mountain for the railroad.

Dial, 1994. ISBN: 9780803716063

Pippi Longstocking
By Astrid Lindgren; illustrated by Lauren Child. translated by Tiina Nunnally

This book is a new translation of the adventures of Pippi, a young girl with strength and imagination, who lives with her horse and monkey without adult supervision. The artwork is cleverly integrated into the text.

Viking, 2007. ISBN: 9780670062768

Swamp Angel
By Anne Isaacs; illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

In this literary legend, Angelica Longrider becomes the most famous woodswoman in Tennessee when she defeats Thundering Tarnation, "a huge bear with a bottomless appetite for settlers' grub."

Dutton, 1994. ISBN: 9780525452713

Frog and Toad Are Friends
By Arnold Lobel

Laugh along with quirky Toad and thoughtful Frog as they discover what it means to be friends through these five easy-to-read stories and the accompanying expressive illustrations, full of imagination, humor, gentleness and consideration for one another.

HarperCollins, 1970. ISBN: 9780060239572

My Father's Dragon
By Ruth Stiles Gannett; illustrated by Ruth Chrisman Gannett

Young Elmer Elevator journeys to Wild Island and tries to outsmart lions, crocodiles and the other fierce, and sometimes silly, creatures that live there. It's dangerous, but they're holding a baby dragon prisoner, and Elmer will do whatever he can to rescue him.

Random, 1948. ISBN 9780440421214

Jack and the Beanstalk
Retold and illustrated by Steven Kellogg

This picture book introduction to the classic folktale has both humorous and slightly scary elements that will pull children into the drama. The villain is warty ogre with a pig-like snout and sharp teeth.

HarperCollins, 1991. ISBN: 9780688102500

Mortimer
By Robert Munsch; illustrated by Michael Martchenko

Mortimer does not want to go to sleep. Whenever anyone commands, "Mortimer, BE QUIET!" he has a refrain in a story that begs for audience participation.

Annick, 1985. ISBN: 9780920303115

Little Red Riding Hood
By Jerry Pinkney

The winter scenes and the traditional responses of the wicked wolf will send chills down the reader's spine in this richly illustrated and oh-so-satisfying version of the traditional folktale.

Little, Brown, 2007. ISBN: 9780316013550

Check out more classic books for kids 10 to 12 years old.

* 2010 addition

Published 08/08/2008