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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect underwater adventure for your young reader? Dive into our magical collection of books about mermaids for 10-year-olds, where fantasy swims right off the page! Whether your child dreams of mysterious ocean realms or whimsical mermaid tales, we've got a treasure trove of stories to explore. Keep reading to discover our enchanting lists of books about mermaids for 10-year-olds, each sure to spark imagination and delight.

Fun Books About Mermaids for 10-Year-Olds

• Emily Windsnap and the Monster from the Deep by Liz Kessler
  • Illustrator: Natacha Ledwidge
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In this sequel to the first Emily Windsnap book, Emily, a girl who discovers she's half-mermaid, faces a new challenge when a legendary sea monster threatens her underwater world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that combines the enchantment of mermaid lore with relatable themes like friendship and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy tales with a mix of suspense and magical creatures.

• The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler
  • Illustrator: Sarah Gibb
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Emily discovers she is a mermaid when she takes a swim class at school. Her adventures start as she explores the underwater world, learning about her family's mysterious past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating story that introduces readers to a magical underwater world, encouraging imagination and a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Kids who dream of adventures and enjoy stories about discovering one's true identity.

• The Mermaid and the Shoe by K.G. Campbell
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Each of King Neptune’s 50 mermaid daughters boasts a special talent, except for Minnow, who seems to be good at asking questions. When she finds a strange object, her quest for answers leads her to a wondrous discovery.
  • Why we recommend this book: This beautifully illustrated book tells a story of curiosity and self-discovery, perfect for encouraging young readers to explore their own talents.
  • Perfect for: Children who are curious about the world around them and enjoy enchanting, beautifully illustrated stories.

• Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Calder White lives in the cold, clear waters of Lake Superior, the only brother in a family of murderous mermaids. To survive, Calder and his sisters prey on humans, but everything changes when he meets Lily.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a darker twist on the traditional mermaid tale, perfect for readers who appreciate complex characters and moral dilemmas.
  • Perfect for: Older kids who enjoy thrilling, darker fantasy stories with a bit of romance.

• Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings by Helene Boudreau
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
  • Synopsis: First zit. First crush. First… mermaid’s tail? Middle schooler Jade feels out of place enough without discovering she's a mermaid.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous take on classic coming-of-age issues blended with fantastical elements, making it a fun and relatable read.
  • Perfect for: Tweens looking for a light-hearted, funny read that mixes real-life problems with fantasy.

Educational Books About Mermaids for 10-Year-Olds

• Mermaid School by Lucy Courtenay
  • Illustrator: Sheena Dempsey
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Marnie Blue attends her first day at Lady Sealia Foam's Mermaid School, where she navigates the challenges of school life under the sea.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, problem-solving, adjustment to new environments
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful introduction to school life with a fantastical twist, encouraging young readers to embrace new experiences and friendships.
  • Perfect for: Young readers transitioning into or currently in elementary school.

• Mermaids Rock: The Floating Forest by Linda Chapman
  • Illustrator: Mirelle Ortega
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Environmental Science
  • Synopsis: Marina and her friends discover a kelp forest under threat and work together to save their new sea creature friends.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, teamwork, science
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fantasy with important lessons about environmental conservation, making it both educational and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Eco-conscious young readers who enjoy stories about friendship and saving the environment.

• The Secret Mermaid: Deep Trouble by Sue Mongredien
  • Illustrator: Maria Pearson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Molly, a secret mermaid, embarks on an underwater mission to save the ocean from a dangerous oil spill.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental science, problem-solving, bravery
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the importance of environmental stewardship through an engaging adventure, inspiring readers to think about how they can help protect our oceans.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers interested in marine life and environmental protection.

• Pearl the Magical Unicorn by Sally Odgers
  • Illustrator: Adele K. Thomas
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magical Realism
  • Synopsis: Though not exclusively about mermaids, Pearl the unicorn meets sea creatures including mermaids in her magical adventures under the sea.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, imagination, friendship
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical and imaginative story that includes encounters with mermaids, promoting creativity and the joy of underwater fantasy worlds.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love unicorns and mermaids alike, and enjoy tales of magical creatures and friendships.

Challenging Books About Mermaids for 10-Year-Olds

• Ingo by Helen Dunmore
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Sapphire's father disappears mysteriously in the Cornwall coast, leading her to discover the underwater world of Ingo and its mermaid inhabitants.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into complex themes of loss, identity, and the clash between two worlds, presenting a multi-layered story that challenges young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a mesmerizing tale that not only entertains but also provokes thought about family ties and our connection to nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a deep, thought-provoking story mixed with mythical elements.

• The Water Mirror by Kai Meyer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In an alternate Venice filled with magic, mermaids, and danger, two orphaned girls must save their city from an impending war.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel incorporates historical elements with complex fantasy, requiring readers to engage with a detailed and richly imagined world.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a unique blend of history and fantasy, providing a captivating adventure that also enriches knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy historical settings and fantastical tales woven together.

• The Mermaid's Mirror by L.K. Madigan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Lena, drawn to the sea all her life, finally uncovers the truth about her connection to the ocean and its mermaid secrets when she turns sixteen.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles themes of self-discovery and destiny with a sophisticated narrative structure that intertwines human and mermaid lore.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling coming-of-age story that mixes mystery and fantasy, ideal for readers seeking a deeper narrative.
  • Perfect for: Teens and tweens looking for a story that combines personal growth with enchanting fantasy elements.

• Sea Spell by Jennifer Donnelly
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In the fourth book of the Waterfire Saga, Serafina and her mermaid friends must gather an ancient talisman to defeat the evil that threatens their realms.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is part of a saga that involves complex character developments and an intricate plot involving politics and battle strategies in a fantasy setting.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an epic conclusion to a beloved series, with strong female characters and a gripping plot.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love epic tales of adventure and heroism in fantastical settings.

• Deep Blue by Jennifer Donnelly
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Serafina, a mermaid of the Mediterranean Sea, is awakened on the night of her betrothal to an unsettling prophecy that foretells the return of an ancient evil.
  • Why this book is challenging: This novel kicks off a series that explores complex themes such as prophecy, war, and survival in a detailed underwater setting.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's the start of a thrilling fantasy series that combines action, mythology, and the deep sea environment in a story that captivates and entertains.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy stories about quests and mythical creatures in a richly built world.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Diving into books about mermaids can be a magical experience, especially for 10-year-olds who are just beginning to explore the depths of their imagination and reading skills. To make this journey even more enriching, here are some exercises designed to develop good reading habits in young readers. These activities are not only fun but also educational, helping kids to engage more deeply with what they read.

• Set Reading Goals
  • 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 stamina.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Mermaid Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Write down new or interesting words found in the mermaid books.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Use a notebook dedicated to this task and try to use the new words in sentences.

• Draw the Scene
  • What it is: Sketch scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Boosts comprehension and recall by visualizing the text.
  • Tips: Share the drawings with friends or family and explain why the scene is important.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are also reading it.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and perspective by sharing interpretations.
  • Tips: Form a small reading group to discuss each book upon completion.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next after each reading session.
  • How it helps: Enhances engagement and analytical thinking.
  • Tips: Write down predictions in a notebook and check their accuracy as you read.

• Retell the Story
  • What it is: Summarize the book in your own words to a family member or friend.
  • How it helps: Improves memory and understanding of the narrative structure.
  • Tips: Focus on the main events and how they are connected.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy the enchanting world of mermaids but also develop skills that are crucial for academic and personal growth. So, grab your mermaid books, pick a cozy reading nook, and dive into the adventure with these handy exercises!