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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect anime books for 10-year-olds? Whether your young reader is a budding anime fan or you're looking to introduce them to a vibrant new world of storytelling, finding age-appropriate and engaging books can be a game-changer. In this blog, we'll dive into a variety of exciting options that are sure to captivate and inspire. Keep reading to discover our top picks for anime books that are just right for 10-year-olds!

Fun Anime Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Pokémon Adventures by Hidenori Kusaka, illustrated by Mato and Satoshi Yamamoto
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This series follows the thrilling adventures of Pokémon trainers as they battle and bond with their Pokémon to become the Pokémon League Champion.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with action and friendships, which makes it a fun way to engage with reading and stimulate imagination.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love video games and adventure stories.

• Yo-kai Watch by Noriyuki Konishi
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
  • Synopsis: Nate Adams is a normal boy who one day receives a special watch that allows him to see mysterious and mischievous beings called Yo-kai.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor and mystery with the excitement of discovering and befriending Yo-kai, keeping readers entertained and eager to read more.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about friendship and supernatural adventures.

• Zelda: The Ocarina of Time by Akira Himekawa
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This manga adaptation of the popular video game follows the heroic journey of Link as he battles to save the land of Hyrule from the evil Ganondorf.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers epic adventures and timeless battles that captivate the imagination, ideal for building a love for reading through engaging storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Fans of epic quests and video game adaptations.

• Doraemon by Fujiko F. Fujio
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Comedy
  • Synopsis: A robotic cat from the future, Doraemon, comes to help a young boy, Nobita, navigate the challenges of daily life with his futuristic gadgets.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a blend of comedy and life lessons, wrapped in fun futuristic tales that are both entertaining and educational.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about friendship, gadgets, and time travel.

• Cardcaptor Sakura by CLAMP
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Sakura accidentally releases a set of magical cards into the world and must retrieve them to prevent catastrophe, discovering her own magical powers in the process.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines magical adventures with personal growth, making it a great story to inspire creativity and confidence.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magical girls and enchanting stories.

Educational Anime Books for 10-Year-Olds

• My Hero Academia: Smash!! by Hirofumi Neda, original concept by Kohei Horikoshi
  • Genre(s): Superhero, Comedy
  • Synopsis: This spin-off manga takes a humorous look at the daily lives and adventures of the characters from "My Hero Academia," featuring mini-stories that bring out the lighter side of their heroic endeavors.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of heroism, social interactions, and the importance of teamwork.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a lighthearted, fun read that still explores themes of bravery and friendship, making it educational yet entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Fans of superheroes and humorous stories.

• Chi's Sweet Home by Kanata Konami
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Slice of Life
  • Synopsis: This charming series follows the adventures of Chi, a sweet and energetic kitten, as she explores her new home and gets into all sorts of mischief.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, responsibility, and understanding of pet care.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable life lessons through the endearing misadventures of Chi, making it a great choice for animal lovers and young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals, especially cats, and enjoy heartwarming stories.

• Hikaru no Go by Yumi Hotta, illustrated by Takeshi Obata
  • Genre(s): Drama, Sports
  • Synopsis: Hikaru Shindo discovers an old Go board haunted by the spirit of a Go master from the Heian era, Fujiwara-no-Sai, who teaches him the strategic game and leads him on a journey to become a Go champion.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, concentration, and historical knowledge of a traditional game.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the excitement of competitive sports with the intellectual challenge of Go, providing a unique educational experience.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in games and strategy, as well as those who appreciate stories with a historical element.

• Barakamon by Satsuki Yoshino
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Slice of Life
  • Synopsis: A calligrapher, Handa Seishu, is exiled to a small island as punishment for punching a critic. There, his interactions with the island's quirky residents lead him to discover new inspiration and personal growth.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, social skills, and self-discovery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartfelt story that encourages finding one's passion and learning from unexpected sources.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about personal growth and community life.

• Silver Spoon by Hiromu Arakawa
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Educational
  • Synopsis: Yuugo Hachiken enrolls in an agricultural school, escaping from the pressures of academic success, only to find new kinds of challenges and lessons in farming and self-reliance.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge of agriculture, responsibility, and personal management.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an insightful look into agricultural life and the hard work behind food production, wrapped in humor and relatable characters.
  • Perfect for: Students who are curious about the origins of food and the realities of farm life.

Challenging Anime Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Natsume's Book of Friends by Yuki Midorikawa
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: This series follows Takashi Natsume as he inherits a book from his grandmother that contains the names of spirits she defeated and bound to her service. Natsume decides to return these names to their owners, encountering and helping various spirits along his journey.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores complex themes of loneliness, belonging, and the nature of human and spirit interactions, which requires a deeper level of comprehension and empathy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gentle look into Japanese folklore with beautifully drawn characters and spirits, encouraging readers to think about relationships and the importance of kindness and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in supernatural stories and folklore who are looking for a more thoughtful and introspective reading experience.

• The Case Study of Vanitas by Jun Mochizuki
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Historical
  • Synopsis: Set in 19th-century Paris, this manga follows Vanitas, a human who inherits a powerful book that can affect vampires. Using this book, he aims to save them from a curse that turns them into mindless monsters.
  • Why this book is challenging: The series blends complex historical settings with intricate plot developments and a unique take on vampire lore, demanding higher-level reading skills and historical knowledge.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling blend of action, mystery, and steampunk elements, perfect for readers who enjoy dynamic storytelling with a historical twist.
  • Perfect for: Fans of vampires and historical fiction who are looking for a challenging and engaging story.

• Astra Lost in Space by Kenta Shinohara
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In the year 2063, a group of teenagers embarks on a planetary camp adventure. However, they soon find themselves transported into space, thousands of light-years away from home, and must journey across various planets to find their way back.
  • Why this book is challenging: The series introduces concepts of survival, leadership, and teamwork in extreme conditions, along with scientific elements related to space travel and alien ecosystems.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines science fiction with real-life survival strategies and character development, providing both entertainment and educational value.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fascinated by space exploration and enjoy stories about teamwork and adventure.

• The Promised Neverland by Kaiu Shirai, illustrated by Posuka Demizu
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Children at Grace Field House have lived an idyllic life under the care of their "Mom," but when they uncover the dark truth behind their orphanage, they must plot a daring escape to save themselves from a grim fate.
  • Why this book is challenging: This manga presents a layered plot with psychological twists and moral dilemmas, requiring readers to engage in critical thinking and ethical reasoning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping, suspenseful story that challenges readers to think about complex issues like freedom, trust, and sacrifice.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who enjoy thrilling narratives and mind-bending puzzles.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If your 10-year-old is diving into the colorful world of anime books, you're in luck! Not only are these books fun and engaging, but they also offer fantastic opportunities to develop solid reading habits. Here are some exercises that can help your young reader get the most out of their anime book adventures.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and commitment to reading.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in the home as a reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and makes reading a special part of the day.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite items.

• Use a Reading Timer
  • What it is: Set a timer for a fixed amount of reading time.
  • How it helps: Keeps sessions structured and can help in managing time for other activities.
  • Tips: Keep sessions short and sweet, around 20-30 minutes, to maintain enthusiasm.

• Discuss the Story
  • What it is: Talk about the story's events, characters, and settings.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions to encourage deeper thinking and connections.

• Visualize While Reading
  • What it is: Encourage imagining the scenes as they unfold in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances creativity and makes reading more enjoyable.
  • Tips: Discuss characters’ appearances and settings or draw them out.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

By incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine, not only will they enjoy their anime books more, but they'll also build strong reading habits that last a lifetime. Happy reading!