Yup. My iBook came with 10.2.1 install disks only. OS9 was in a "classic" image on the first restore CD. That had 9.7.1 in it. Also, Netboot for OS9 has (iirc) 9.6.1.

9.8.1 is on a MacTest Pro disc that I've been trying to find for some time. So far I've only managed to find the ROM.