10+ Best Action Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for thrilling action books for 10-year-olds that will keep your young reader on the edge of their seat? You've come to the right place! Whether your child is a budding adventurer or a curious explorer, we've compiled a fantastic selection of page-turners that are perfect for their age group. Keep reading to dive into our various lists of action-packed books that are sure to captivate and inspire your ten-year-old's imagination!

Fun Action Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt. He must embark on a quest to find the real thief and prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling introduction to Greek mythology, wrapped in a fast-paced adventure that keeps readers hooked. It helps in improving reading skills through engaging storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young adventure seekers and mythology enthusiasts.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' detention center where they dig holes daily in the hot sun, supposedly to build character — but there is more to the digging than it appears.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with a unique adventure, encouraging critical thinking and perseverance through its complex, interwoven plot.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles and mysteries, and those who appreciate stories about justice and friendship.

• The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In a city shrouded in darkness, two children find clues that suggest a way out of their decaying city before the lights go out forever.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination and encourages problem-solving as the characters tackle real challenges. It's a great introduction to dystopian themes.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy thrilling escapes and solving mysteries.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Crime
  • Synopsis: Artemis Fowl, a young criminal prodigy, kidnaps a fairy to ransom her for gold but doesn't expect to challenge the entire hidden fairy world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a mix of high-tech modernity and fantasy, providing a captivating read that enhances imaginative thinking and strategic planning.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who like anti-heroes and high-tech gadgets in their stories.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted kids are recruited by an eccentric benefactor to go on a secret mission at a mysterious institute.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages teamwork and critical thinking, as the protagonists use their unique skills to solve puzzles and face challenges.
  • Perfect for: Intelligent young readers who love brain teasers and secret missions.

Educational Action Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When Roz the robot is washed ashore on a wild island, she must learn to survive in her new environment. She encounters various wildlife and learns about friendship and community.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, adaptation to change, environmental awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with heartfelt lessons on survival and building relationships in unexpected places.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in technology and nature, and those who enjoy stories about unlikely friendships and resilience.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Humor
  • Synopsis: Nick Allen invents a new word, "frindle," for what is commonly known as a pen, sparking a series of events that captures the nation's attention.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, vocabulary building, understanding of language and its development
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and inventive story that encourages creativity and shows the power of words and ideas.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love to play with words and those who enjoy school-based stories with a twist.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley is an avid gamer who wins a coveted spot to stay overnight at an extraordinary, high-tech library created by game maker Luigi Lemoncello. The night turns into a thrilling escape game with puzzles and hidden clues.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, puzzle-filled adventure that promotes collaboration and intellectual curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and young detectives who enjoy interactive adventures and games.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, an orphan boy named Hugo lives in the walls of a train station, maintaining the clocks. He becomes wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and a peculiar automaton.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, mechanical understanding, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: The unique combination of text and intricate illustrations provides a captivating reading experience, while the story itself fosters imagination and historical curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate art and mystery, and those interested in history and machinery.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A girl raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon must unlock the powerful magic buried deep inside her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, understanding of complex narratives, magical realism
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that intertwines magic, adventure, and emotion, teaching about the complexity of human nature and the power of love.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy enchanting stories filled with depth and magical realism.

Challenging Action Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After his family is brutally murdered, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex with a mix of horror, fantasy, and real-life issues, and it uses a sophisticated vocabulary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique blend of suspense and whimsy, teaching about growth and resilience in the face of adversity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy spooky stories with a strong sense of adventure and deep themes.

• The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, Book 1) by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Magnus Chase, a homeless teenager, discovers he is the son of a Norse god and must search for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex Norse mythology, interwoven with high-stakes adventure and rich, multifaceted characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: Riordan's storytelling is engaging and educational, offering a thrilling exploration of Norse legends with a humorous twist.
  • Perfect for: Young mythology buffs and fans of epic quests.

• Wolf Brother (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, Book 1) by Michelle Paver
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In prehistoric times, a boy embarks on a dangerous journey to fulfill a promise to his deceased father by finding and destroying a demon-possessed bear that threatens all he knows.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features rich descriptions of an ancient world and complex themes of survival and spirituality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping tale of adventure and courage, deeply rooted in historical and environmental details that captivate and educate.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history, nature, and thrilling survival stories.

• Airman by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Conor Broekhart is born to fly; it is in his blood. But when his mentor is murdered and Conor is falsely accused, he must use his knowledge of flying to escape from prison and clear his name.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot is intricate, blending historical elements with scientific invention, and the language is rich and detailed.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the thrill of adventure with the inspiration of innovation and flight, encouraging readers to think creatively and persevere through adversity.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and adventurers, and fans of historical thrillers.

• Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Gregor falls through a grate in the laundry room of his apartment building and discovers a mysterious world beneath New York City. There, he embarks on a quest that will change him and the Underland forever.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces young readers to a complex underground world with its own history, politics, and conflicts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling saga that mixes real-world issues with fantastical elements, promoting courage and loyalty.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love epic adventures and rich, imagined worlds.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you've got a young reader at home who's all about action-packed adventures, fostering good reading habits can turn their excitement for stories into lifelong reading skills. Here are some fun exercises tailored for 10-year-olds that can help enhance their reading experience, especially with action books. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Set up a specific area in the house dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: This creates a comfortable and inviting environment that encourages regular reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, posters, or action figures.

• Book-Based Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with family or friends.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention by bringing the story to life.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more immersive play, and switch roles to explore different characters.

• Chapter Challenge
  • What it is: Set a goal to read a certain number of chapters each day.
  • How it helps: Builds stamina for reading and sets a manageable pace for completing books.
  • Tips: Start with a comfortable number of chapters, then gradually increase as your child's reading stamina improves.

• Reading Buddy System
  • What it is: Pair up with a friend or sibling to read the same book at the same time.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a social activity and can motivate children to read more.
  • Tips: Schedule regular discussions about the book to share thoughts and predictions.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of the main events in the story.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding the plot and remembering key events and characters.
  • Tips: Use colored pencils or markers to differentiate between different types of events or characters.

• Question Corners
  • What it is: Write down questions about the story before, during, and after reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Review the questions after finishing the book to see which ones were answered and explore any new questions that might have arisen.

Incorporating these exercises into your 10-year-old's reading routine can not only make reading more enjoyable but also enhance their understanding and appreciation of the books they read. Whether they're setting up their cozy reading nook or acting out their favorite scenes, each step they take builds a stronger foundation for a lifetime of reading. Happy reading adventures!