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

As a parent or caregiver, it's tough seeing a 10-year-old struggle with anxiety. Finding the right resources to help can be a challenge, but books can be a great comfort and guide. That's why we've compiled a selection of anxiety books for 10-year-olds, each tailored to help children understand and manage their feelings. Curious about which books made our list? Keep reading to discover our top picks for anxiety books for 10-year-olds that could make a real difference in your child’s life.

Fun Anxiety Books for 10-Year-Olds

• What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety by Dawn Huebner, illustrated by Bonnie Matthews
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Psychology, Children's Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This interactive self-help book is designed to guide children and their parents through the cognitive-behavioral techniques used for treating anxiety.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's engaging and uses metaphors and illustrations to explain complex concepts, making it easier for kids to understand and manage their anxieties.
  • Perfect for: Children who experience anxiety and parents looking to help their children cope.

• David and the Worry Beast: Helping Children Cope with Anxiety by Anne Marie Guanci, illustrated by Caroline Attia
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: This story helps children understand how to handle anxiety by following David as he learns to control the 'worry beast' that makes him anxious.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches coping mechanisms through a relatable story, encouraging children to confront their fears.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who need to find strategies to deal with anxiety or excessive worrying.

• Wilma Jean the Worry Machine by Julia Cook, illustrated by Anita DuFalla
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: Wilma Jean worries about everything until she learns specific strategies to manage her anxiety.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers practical solutions in a humorous and light-hearted way, making the subject of anxiety more approachable for kids.
  • Perfect for: Kids who tend to worry a lot and parents who want to help their children learn how to manage stress.

• Don't Feed the WorryBug by Andi Green
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: This book follows Wince, one of the WorryWoos, as he learns how to stop feeding his WorryBug, which only makes his worries grow.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively illustrates how worries can escalate and offers a way to break the cycle.
  • Perfect for: Children who need a visual and engaging story to understand how to control their worries.

• Scaredy Squirrel by Mélanie Watt
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Scaredy Squirrel never leaves his nut tree because he's afraid of the unknown, until one day his fears force him to take a leap.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny and adventurous story that encourages kids to face their fears and explore the world outside their comfort zones.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy humor and adventure while learning about bravery and self-discovery.

Educational Anxiety Books for 10-Year-Olds

• When My Worries Get Too Big! by Kari Dunn Buron
  • Genre(s): Children's Non-Fiction, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book offers a visual and interactive approach for children to manage their anxiety and stress.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional regulation, stress management, self-awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It includes customizable strategies that empower children to handle their feelings of anxiety.
  • Perfect for: Children who need practical tools to calm down during stressful situations.

• Please Explain Anxiety to Me! Simple Biology and Solutions for Children and Parents by Laurie Zelinger and Jordan Zelinger, illustrated by Elisa Sabella
  • Genre(s): Children's Non-Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book explains the biological processes behind anxiety in a simple and relatable way for children.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of biology, emotional intelligence, coping strategies
  • Why we recommend this book: It demystifies the feelings of anxiety through scientific explanations that are easy for kids to understand.
  • Perfect for: Kids and parents seeking a scientific perspective to better understand and manage anxiety.

• The Anxiety Workbook for Kids: Take Charge of Fears and Worries Using the Gift of Imagination by Robin Alter and Crystal Clarke
  • Genre(s): Workbook, Self-help, Children's Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This workbook provides a variety of activities and exercises that help children learn to handle anxiety.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, creativity, emotional management
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses engaging activities that make learning about anxiety management fun and interactive.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy hands-on learning and parents looking for resources to help their children with anxiety.

• What to Do When Mistakes Make You Quake: A Kid's Guide to Accepting Imperfection by Claire A. B. Freeland and Jacqueline B. Toner, illustrated by Janet McDonnell
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Children's Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This guide helps children learn to cope with the anxiety that comes from the fear of making mistakes.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Resilience, self-acceptance, coping skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses the common issue of perfectionism and provides practical strategies to overcome it.
  • Perfect for: Kids who struggle with anxiety related to performance and perfectionism.

• Outsmarting Worry: An Older Kid's Guide to Managing Anxiety by Dawn Huebner, illustrated by Kara McHale
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Children's Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book teaches 9- to 13-year-olds and their parents how to handle anxiety effectively.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Anxiety management, critical thinking, emotional resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers older children more sophisticated strategies in an age-appropriate manner.
  • Perfect for: Pre-teens who are dealing with anxiety and looking for effective ways to manage it.

Challenging Anxiety Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Suzy Swanson, a young girl who becomes convinced that her best friend's accidental drowning was caused by a rare jellyfish sting. As she delves into the science of jellyfish, she grapples with her feelings of grief and guilt.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative intertwines complex scientific concepts with the emotional intricacies of loss and guilt, which are profound topics for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines science with personal emotional exploration, helping readers understand grief and the importance of coming to terms with it.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and those dealing with loss or change.

• A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd, illustrated by Jim Kay
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: Conor, a boy dealing with his mother's terminal illness, is visited by a monster who tells him dark and twisted stories. These stories help him confront his deepest fears and the reality of his situation.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with dark themes such as terminal illness, loss, and acceptance through metaphorical storytelling, which requires a mature understanding from the reader.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique approach to dealing with personal and intense emotional challenges, using fantasy elements to explore real human emotions.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate dark fantasy and are coping with or curious about deep emotional struggles.

• The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set during World War II, this story follows Ada, a young girl born with a clubfoot who is evacuated from London to the countryside. She experiences freedom and transformation amidst the backdrop of war.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book presents historical context that requires understanding of WWII, alongside themes of abuse, disability, and self-acceptance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling tale of resilience and transformation, encouraging readers to find strength in challenging circumstances.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and readers who enjoy stories of personal growth and overcoming adversity.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must solve a series of puzzles and stop a global disaster.
  • Why this book is challenging: The complex puzzles and moral questions posed in the book require critical thinking and advanced comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to think creatively and question authority, while providing a thrilling and intellectually engaging adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle solvers who thrive on intellectual challenges and teamwork.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: As Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future, she must unravel the clues around her to prevent a tragic death.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, involving time travel and intertwining storylines that challenge the reader’s perception of time and reality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thought-provoking blend of science fiction and mystery that encourages readers to think about the nature of time and human connection.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy mind-bending plots and exploring abstract concepts like time travel.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into anxiety books designed for 10-year-olds, it's fantastic to pair that reading with some fun and effective exercises. These can help enhance comprehension and make the reading experience even more beneficial. Here are a few exercises to try out:

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and helps to build endurance.
  • Tips: Choose a realistic goal that can be accomplished without feeling overwhelming.

• Read and Reflect
  • What it is: Spend some time after reading to reflect on the story and its themes.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Use a notebook to jot down thoughts or discuss the themes with a parent or friend.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, comfortable space dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and enjoyable activity.
  • Tips: Include comfy seating, good lighting, and maybe even some personal decorations.

• Book Discussion Group
  • What it is: Form a group with friends to read and discuss the same book.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and provides different perspectives on the same material.
  • Tips: Schedule regular meetings to discuss the book, and come prepared with questions or favorite passages.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw or write out a map of the book’s events and characters.
  • How it helps: Helps with remembering details and understanding the structure of the story.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to make the map visually engaging and easier to memorize.

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of a character in the book.
  • How it helps: Develops empathy and a deeper understanding of the characters.
  • Tips: Try to capture the character's voice and feelings about events in the story.

These exercises aren't just fun; they're gateways to becoming a more engaged and thoughtful reader. Give them a try and see which ones you enjoy the most. Happy reading!