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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that will transport your 10-year-old back to the age of dinosaurs? Look no further! Our curated list of books about dinosaurs for 10-year-olds is packed with thrilling adventures and fascinating facts that will captivate any young dino enthusiast. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to spark imagination and provide hours of fun reading!

Fun Books About Dinosaurs for 10-Year-Olds

• Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: In this first book of the Magic Tree House series, Jack and Annie discover a tree house filled with books that can transport them through time. Their first adventure takes them back to the age of dinosaurs where they encounter live dinosaurs and must find a way to return home safely.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with historical facts, making learning about dinosaurs exciting and accessible. The story is engaging and helps develop a love for reading and history.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and budding historians who dream of time travel and dinosaur encounters.

• The Dinosaur Lords by Victor Milán
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Imagine a world similar to 14th century Europe, but with dinosaurs! In this novel, noble houses battle for supremacy using dinosaurs as their main weapons. The story follows a diverse group of characters navigating this dangerous, dino-filled world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling mix of fantasy and dinosaurs that provides an imaginative twist on traditional knight and dragon tales. The action-packed scenes are sure to captivate young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love epic battles and fantastical settings, with a hefty dose of prehistoric creatures.

• National Geographic Kids Ultimate Dinopedia: The Most Complete Dinosaur Reference Ever by Don Lessem, illustrated by Franco Tempesta
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational, Reference
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide to dinosaurs features profiles of various species, including recent discoveries and updated theories about their behavior and environments.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with fascinating facts and stunning illustrations that will spark curiosity about science and the natural world. The book is informative and easy to understand, making it a great educational resource.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who thirst for knowledge and enjoy digging deep into the details of the prehistoric era.

• Raptor Red by Robert T. Bakker
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Written by a paleontologist, this novel is a unique portrayal of a year in the life of a Utahraptor named Raptor Red. The story combines real scientific data with a compelling narrative to explore the daily challenges and adventures of a dinosaur.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a blend of accurate science and engaging storytelling, providing insights into the life of dinosaurs through the eyes of one of them. It's both educational and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories told from an animal's perspective and those interested in paleontology.

• The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins by Barbara Kerley, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Biography, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book tells the true story of Waterhouse Hawkins, an artist and scientist who built the first life-sized dinosaur models in the 19th century, offering the public a glimpse into the world of dinosaurs.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines history, science, and art, illustrating the impact of passion and creativity on society. The illustrations are particularly captivating and complement the inspiring story.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring artists and scientists, and anyone interested in how the past was reconstructed through imagination and careful study.

Educational Books About Dinosaurs for 10-Year-Olds

• The Dinosaur Artist by Patricia Sutton, illustrated by Chris Sasaki
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book explores the life and work of Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, the artist and naturalist who first envisioned reconstructing full-scale dinosaurs for public display in the 1800s.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: History of science, artistic creativity, biographical knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a fascinating look at the intersection of art and science through the biography of a pioneering figure in paleontology.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in art, history, and dinosaurs.

• Dinosaur Detective: Lost in the Jurassic by Sophie Guerrive
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Follow Detective William as he travels back in time to the Jurassic period, solving mysteries and encountering various dinosaur species.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, historical knowledge, understanding of the Jurassic period
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that combines fun storytelling with educational content about the Jurassic era.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love mysteries and learning about different dinosaur species.

• Dinosaurs: Fact and Fable by Seymour Simon
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book separates fact from fiction, providing clear explanations about what scientists know and how they have learned about dinosaurs.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, scientific literacy, distinguishing fact from fiction
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages a scientific mindset by teaching kids how to differentiate between myths and verified information.
  • Perfect for: Inquisitive young minds that have an interest in science and the truths behind popular myths.

• When Sue Found Sue: Sue Hendrickson Discovers Her T. Rex by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by Diana Sudyka
  • Genre(s): Biography, Adventure, Science
  • Synopsis: This inspiring true story follows Sue Hendrickson, the explorer and fossil collector, as she discovers the bones of the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex ever found.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Exploration, scientific discovery, biography
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the thrill of discovery and the contributions of a female scientist in a field often dominated by men.
  • Perfect for: Budding scientists and explorers, especially those who look up to strong female role models in STEM fields.

• The Big Book of Dinosaurs by DK Publishing
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Reference
  • Synopsis: A visually stunning encyclopedia filled with information about dinosaurs, including detailed illustrations and facts on dinosaur behavior, habitat, and more.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, knowledge of paleontology, attention to detail
  • Why we recommend this book: Its large format and rich visual content make learning about dinosaurs an immersive experience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate detailed illustrations and want to learn as much as possible about dinosaurs.

Challenging Books About Dinosaurs for 10-Year-Olds

• The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World by Steve Brusatte
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science, History
  • Synopsis: This book provides a detailed narrative of the evolution, reign, and extinction of dinosaurs, based on the latest paleontological research.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex scientific concepts and the latest research in paleontology, which are presented in a detailed and sophisticated manner.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a comprehensive update on dinosaur science that is both informative and engaging, helping young readers develop a deeper understanding of earth's history.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring paleontologists and science enthusiasts who are ready for a more in-depth study of dinosaurs.

• Dinosaur Empire! (Earth Before Us #1): Journey through the Mesozoic Era by Abby Howard
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Educational
  • Synopsis: A fun and educational journey through the Mesozoic Era exploring the different periods and the dinosaurs that lived during each.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a wide range of scientific topics related to geology and paleontology through detailed comic strips that require careful reading and interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: The graphic novel format makes complex scientific concepts accessible and entertaining, fostering both reading skills and scientific curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love comics and are curious about science and history.

• The Princeton Field Guide to Dinosaurs by Gregory S. Paul
  • Genre(s): Reference, Science
  • Synopsis: This field guide offers comprehensive profiles of various dinosaur species, including detailed illustrations and descriptions of their anatomy and behavior.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book includes scientific terminology and detailed discussions of paleontological evidence, which are advanced for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It serves as an excellent resource for detailed study, encouraging meticulous research skills and a deeper appreciation for scientific accuracy.
  • Perfect for: Detail-oriented readers who enjoy thorough research and learning about dinosaurs in a scientific context.

• Prehistoric Life: The Definitive Visual History of Life on Earth by DK Publishing
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Reference, History
  • Synopsis: This book covers the history of life on Earth from the very first microbes to the incredible diversity of species that exist today, including detailed information on dinosaurs.
  • Why this book is challenging: It provides a comprehensive overview of over 3.5 billion years of life on Earth, requiring readers to grasp complex evolutionary concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It broadens the reader's understanding of where dinosaurs fit into the larger history of our planet, enhancing their knowledge of biology and evolution.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in the big picture of Earth's history and the evolution of life.

• Dinosaurs: The Most Complete, Up-to-Date Encyclopedia for Dinosaur Lovers of All Ages by Dr. Thomas R. Holtz Jr., illustrated by Luis V. Rey
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Encyclopedia
  • Synopsis: This updated encyclopedia provides the latest research and discoveries in the field of dinosaurs, with detailed profiles and illustrations.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes in-depth scientific data and comprehensive details on various dinosaur species, appealing to more advanced readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thorough and current resource that encourages a scientific approach to learning, making it ideal for in-depth study and research.
  • Perfect for: Young scholars who want a detailed and authoritative source on dinosaurs.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the thrilling world of dinosaurs with some awesome books, why not boost your reading experience with some fun exercises? These will not only make your reading journey more enjoyable but also help you develop great reading habits. Here’s a list of exercises tailored for 10-year-olds that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.

• Create a Dinosaur Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special place in your home dedicated to reading dinosaur books.
  • How it helps: Creates a personalized space that can make reading more exciting and comfortable.
  • Tips: Decorate the corner with dinosaur posters or figures to make it feel like a prehistoric adventure.

• Dinosaur Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Make a list of new words found in the dinosaur books and learn their meanings.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of the subject.
  • Tips: Use the new words in sentences or a story to better remember them.

• Draw Your Favorite Dinosaur
  • What it is: Draw dinosaurs that you read about and label parts of their bodies.
  • How it helps: Reinforces learning through visual arts and can help in remembering facts about dinosaurs.
  • Tips: Try to draw from memory after reading to test your recall and understanding.

• Summarize the Story
  • What it to: Write a short summary of each chapter or book after reading.
  • How it helps: Boosts comprehension and retention of the read material.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries brief and to the point, focusing on main events and characters.

• Discuss With Friends or Family
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are also interested in dinosaurs.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and can introduce new perspectives.
  • Tips: Ask each other questions about the book and discuss what you think will happen next.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Before starting a new chapter or book, try to predict what might happen based on the title or cover.
  • How it helps: Stimulates imagination and sets a purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many of them were correct after reading.

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

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a dynamic and engaging part of your daily life. By incorporating these activities, you'll not only learn more about dinosaurs but also enhance your reading skills in a fun and interactive way. So, grab your dinosaur books, and let's make reading an adventure!