Entering Grade 9

CLASSICS

Click on the Amazon link button to view the title at Amazon*
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
by Jules Verne
Come aboard the Nautilus submarine with Captain Nemo and discover the variety of sea life and the dangers it can pose to humans in their oceans. This is such a classic that Rick Riordan has written a book wherein his characters use Captain Nemo's technology (with a few modifications) as they train to become the world's preeminent marine scientists and explorers. So, read 20,000 Leagues first, then check out Daughter of the Deep.
Invisible Man                                      
​by Ralph Ellison
The compelling story of a man who seeks personal identity and social visibility in the racist American South, and later in Harlem.
The Old Man and The Sea
by Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway’s Nobel winning classic (and the ultimate big fish story) about an old man off the coast of Cuba and his battle with a giant marlin.
Siddhartha
by Herman Hesse
​Loosely based on the early life of the Buddha, this book documents the journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening of a character named Siddhartha.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest                  
​by Ken Kesey
Randle McMurphy causes upheaval when he serves his prison sentence in a mental ward and revolts against Nurse Ratched.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values    
by Robert Pirsig
A father and son embark on a cross country motorcycle trip that evolves into a philosophical reflection on life’s big questions. (nonfiction)
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao                                     
​by Junot Díaz
Oscar really only wants to be a writer and maybe find love. In fact, Oscar dreams of becoming a fantasy writer as amazing as J.R.R Tolkien. The only problem is his family is cursed and has been for generations. Dominican born, raised in New Jersey, Oscar inspires and demonstrates humanity's ability to persevere and hope for the best even when a family curse stands in the way. Pulitzer Prize winner.

Challenge by choice books

James
by Percival Everett
If you have read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, you've only heard one side of the story. James is the first person point of view of Jim from Huck Finn and as an escaped slave, James is doing his best to lay low and not attract attention, but he refuses to suffer any indignity along the way, Winner of the Pulitzer Prize. 
The Art of War
by Sun Tzu
Strains of Sun Tzu’s military strategy from the 6th century B.C.E. resonate today in boardrooms and business schools across the globe.
Andromeda Strain
by Michael Crichton
Despite warnings from the United States' most prominent biophysicists that decontamination efforts may not be enough for probes returning from space, a contaminated probe lands in the desert of Arizona. As mysterious deaths start to gain in numbers, the race is on to solve the mystery and of why and how these people have died. Perfect for fans of Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir and The Hot Zone by Richard Preston.
*The Amazon Links on this page will redirect you to Amazon.com where you have the option of purchasing the title.
We are members of the Amazon Affiliates program and any purchases made through these links
generate a small commission that benefits The Wheeler Library. 
Thank you for your support!