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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for your young reader? Dive into our curated selection of Bestseller Books for 10-Year-Olds that promise to captivate and inspire. Whether you're looking to stock up your home library or find a special gift, we've gathered a variety of titles that are hitting the mark with kids this age. Keep reading to explore our lists of Bestseller Books for 10-Year-Olds that are sure to spark a love for reading!

Fun Bestseller Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the iconic series where young Harry learns that he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here, he makes friends and faces his first major battle against the dark wizard Voldemort.
  • Why we recommend this book: It opens up a magical world full of wonder and adventure, sparking imagination and encouraging a love for reading through its engaging narrative and relatable characters.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and epic adventures.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who goes to public school for the first time in fifth grade and strives for acceptance and kindness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy, resilience, and the importance of being kind, helping readers develop socially and emotionally.
  • Perfect for: Children who are learning about diversity, kindness, and overcoming challenges.

• Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod and is thrust into a world of Greek mythology where he must prevent a war among the gods by finding Zeus's stolen lightning bolt.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventures with Greek mythology, making learning fun and engaging while improving reading skills.
  • Perfect for: Adventure seekers and mythology enthusiasts who enjoy fast-paced stories.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte, who tries to save him from being slaughtered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that explores themes of friendship, life, and death in a gentle way, suitable for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and any young reader dealing with or curious about the concepts of friendship and loss.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the mysterious Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission to infiltrate a sinister organization.
  • Why we recommend this book: It features brain-teasing puzzles and a captivating plot, which are great for developing problem-solving skills and keeping readers hooked.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and using their intellect to solve problems.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book is a journal of Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges of middle school with humor and resilience.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its humorous take on everyday school life can help make reading enjoyable and relatable, easing the stress of school challenges.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a good laugh and are perhaps a bit hesitant about reading.

Educational Bestseller Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This enchanting story revolves around a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally infused with moon magic and must learn to handle her powers while uncovering the mysteries of her past.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, empathy, understanding of narrative structure and character development
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a beautifully woven tale that combines magic, adventure, and emotion, encouraging readers to explore complex themes in an accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magical stories and exploring deep, emotional narratives.

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Roz the robot discovers herself alone on a remote, wild island and must adapt to her surroundings and the island's animal inhabitants.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, problem-solving, adaptation to new situations
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking story that combines elements of technology with nature, offering a unique perspective on survival and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in technology, nature, and stories about survival and friendship.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: Inspired by true events, this novel follows Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and hardly ever misses his life in the jungle—until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare awareness, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches compassion and the importance of seeing the world through others' eyes, all through a captivating narrative.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who are passionate about animal rights and conservation.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, School Story
  • 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 linguistics
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the power of words and ideas, encouraging readers to think about language in fun and inventive ways.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young linguists who enjoy playful manipulation of language.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley is an avid gamer and fan of all things related to board games. He and other children must solve puzzles to escape from a library designed by the eccentric game maker, Mr. Lemoncello.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the thrill of a mystery with the intellectual challenge of puzzle-solving, wrapped up in a love for books and libraries.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts and readers who enjoy a good mystery with a lot of intellectual engagement.

Challenging Bestseller Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story tells of Despereaux Tilling, a brave mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It intertwines his tale with that of a servant girl and a rat with aspirations beyond his nature.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes of bravery, darkness, and redemption, woven through sophisticated narrative layers that challenge young readers to think critically about the characters' motivations and transformations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written saga that encourages deep thinking and compassion, presenting a multi-layered narrative that enhances comprehension skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales with depth and moral challenges.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in the late 1970s, this novel follows sixth-grader Miranda as she receives mysterious notes that predict the future and ultimately compel her to prevent a tragic death.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story’s complex plot involves time travel and subtle clues that require readers to pay close attention and think critically about the sequence of events.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of mystery and science fiction in a way that captivates and stimulates young minds, encouraging analytical thinking and a grasp of more complex narrative structures.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love puzzles and time-travel stories that make them think.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Nobody Owens, a boy who is raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is murdered. As he grows up, he faces dangers and mysteries from both the living and the dead.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores dark themes and uses a sophisticated narrative structure that includes a non-linear storyline and rich, descriptive language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thrilling and eerie reading experience that also explores deep themes like identity and belonging, ideal for advanced readers looking to expand their literary horizons.
  • Perfect for: Fans of spooky stories and ghostly adventures who are ready for a challenging read.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: In 1930s Paris, an orphan boy named Hugo lives in the walls of a train station, maintaining the clocks and trying to repair an automaton left by his father, uncovering a mysterious connection to a grumpy toy shop owner.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel’s unique blend of text and intricate illustrations requires readers to interpret visual elements as part of the storytelling, enhancing their visual literacy and attention to detail.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an innovative reading experience that combines the magic of movies and books, encouraging creativity and a love for historical mysteries.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a passion for art, history, and mystery, who appreciate a visually stimulating narrative.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin travel through space and time to rescue their father from an evil force threatening the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex concepts such as quantum physics and the battle between good and evil, presented through an intricate plot that challenges young readers’ understanding of science and philosophy.
  • Why we recommend this book: This classic novel fosters imagination and curiosity about science and the universe, while offering a thrilling adventure that stresses the importance of love and family.
  • Perfect for: Science enthusiasts and young philosophers who enjoy exploring complex ideas and cosmic adventures.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 10-year-old get the most out of their bestseller books, why not try incorporating some fun and effective reading exercises into their routine? These exercises are designed to enhance their reading skills and make the journey through each book even more enjoyable. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special corner in the house dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a comfortable and inviting environment that can make reading a pleasure.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book Club for Two
  • What it is: Schedule regular book discussions between you and your child.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and gives your child a chance to express their thoughts and opinions.
  • Tips: Keep the discussion informal and fun, focusing on what your child enjoyed about the book.

• Chapter Summaries
  • What it is: After reading a chapter, your child summarizes it in a few sentences.
  • How it helps: Improves retention and helps your child understand the plot and character development.
  • Tips: Encourage creativity by allowing them to present summaries in different formats, like drawings or comic strips.

• Reading Challenge Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart where your child can track the books they read.
  • How it helps: Motivates your child to read more and lets them see their progress visually.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards for reaching certain milestones, such as a new book or a special outing.

• Vocabulary Builder
  • What it is: Keep a list of new and interesting words found in each book.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary, which is crucial for academic success and effective communication.
  • Tips: Use the new words in daily conversations or have your child use them in sentences.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Before starting a new chapter, ask your child what they think will happen next.
  • How it helps: Stimulates imagination and analytical thinking.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions after reading the chapter to see which guesses were right.

• Character Connection
  • What it is: Choose a character from the book and relate their experiences to personal life.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of the character's motivations and actions.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to write a letter or diary entry from the character's perspective.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine can really boost their enjoyment and understanding of the books they read. Not only will these activities keep them engaged, but they'll also build strong reading habits that can last a lifetime. Happy reading!