10+ Best Books for 5-10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Hey there! Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for your little reader? Look no further! Our curated selection of books for 5-10-year-olds is packed with captivating stories that are just right for their age. Whether you're looking for a bedtime read or something to spark their imagination, we've got you covered. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to keep those pages turning!

Fun Books for 5-10-Year-Olds

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Illustrator: Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Max, dressed in a wolf suit, makes mischief and is sent to bed without supper. In his room, a mysterious wild forest and sea grow out of his imagination, and Max sails to the land of the Wild Things.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and creativity, showing children the power of their own minds to create adventures. The story also handles themes of anger and reconciliation, which are important emotional lessons.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and imaginative thinkers who enjoy exploring fantastical worlds.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
  • Illustrator: Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This touching tale follows a pig named Wilbur and his spider friend, Charlotte, as they form a unique bond in a barnyard. Charlotte crafts words into her web to save Wilbur from being slaughtered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life, which can help children understand and cope with themes of loss and change.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and any child dealing with or curious about themes of friendship and mortality.

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Illustrator: Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This classic story follows the mischievous Peter Rabbit as he sneaks into Mr. McGregor's garden, despite his mother's warnings, leading to a series of adventures and troubles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of prudence. The delightful illustrations and engaging narrative make it a joy to read.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy animal stories and a bit of mischief.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl
  • Illustrator: Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A little girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike other giants, does not eat children. Together, they embark on a quest to stop the other giants from eating children and to make the world a safer place.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story full of whimsy and wonder, showcasing bravery, kindness, and the importance of standing up for others.
  • Perfect for: Children who love stories of friendship and adventure, especially those with an interest in giants and magical beings.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Illustrator: Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a very smart little girl who is misunderstood by her family. She develops telekinetic powers, which she uses to overcome the challenges posed by her family and her tyrannical school principal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence, creativity, and the strength to stand up against unfair authority. Matilda's resilience is inspiring for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or who appreciate tales of triumph over adversity.

Educational Books for 5-10-Year-Olds

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
  • Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A mouse walks through the woods and encounters several dangerous animals. To scare them away, he invents a monster called the Gruffalo... only to meet the real Gruffalo later on!
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, creativity, storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a clever tale that encourages strategic thinking and shows how wit can overcome might.
  • Perfect for: Children who love stories with clever protagonists and a touch of humor.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
  • Illustrator: David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: Ada Twist is a very curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world around her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, critical thinking, curiosity
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes a love for science and exploration, particularly encouraging girls in STEM.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and any child with a questioning mind.

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
  • Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Duncan's crayons have had enough. They quit! Each crayon writes him a letter explaining their complaints about how they are used.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, creativity, letter writing
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and unique story that teaches children to consider others' perspectives, even inanimate objects!
  • Perfect for: Young artists and anyone who enjoys a good laugh.

• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Multicultural
  • Synopsis: Unhei, a girl from Korea, is nervous about being teased in her new American school. She decides to choose a new name but learns the importance of her own cultural identity with the help of her new classmates.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, self-acceptance, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses themes of diversity and acceptance, encouraging children to be proud of their heritage.
  • Perfect for: Children navigating cultural differences and anyone learning to appreciate their unique identity.

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
  • Illustrator: David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: Rosie is a brilliant inventor of gizmos and gadgets who dreams of becoming a great engineer. After being laughed at for one of her inventions, she might give up—until her great-great-aunt Rose (Rosie the Riveter) shows her that the first flop isn't something to fear but something to learn from.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Perseverance, engineering principles, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches resilience and the value of learning from failures, all within an inspiring story that promotes women in engineering.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and any child who needs encouragement to keep trying after setbacks.

Challenging Books for 5-10-Year-Olds

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
  • Illustrator: Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical puzzles.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex wordplay, puns, and a deeper understanding of language and logic that can be intellectually stimulating for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for language, all wrapped in a fun and engaging adventure.
  • Perfect for: Curious thinkers and lovers of language and puzzles.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Illustrator: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This timeless tale tells the story of a young prince who travels from planet to planet, learning about the bizarre behavior of adults and discovering the complexities of life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is layered with philosophical ideas and themes that invite deeper thinking about love, loss, and the essence of human nature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound insights into human behavior and emotions, presented through a simple yet captivating story.
  • Perfect for: Young philosophers and any child interested in stories that explore deep and meaningful themes.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Illustrator: Sir John Tenniel
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Alice falls through a rabbit hole into a fantastical world where she encounters a series of peculiar creatures and experiences a series of surreal and often nonsensical adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is unconventional, with a blend of absurdity, logic puzzles, and literary nonsense that challenges conventional storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a classic that stretches the imagination and encourages creative thinking, while also engaging young readers with its whimsical plots and characters.
  • Perfect for: Creative minds and those who delight in stories that turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sour-faced and unloved girl, transforms along with a hidden, neglected garden she discovers at her uncle's house, as she forms friendships and begins to uncover past secrets.
  • Why this book is challenging: The themes of loss, healing, and transformation are explored with a depth that requires introspection and empathy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautiful story of how nurturing others can help us grow ourselves, packed with lessons on patience, care, and the transformative power of nature.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in stories of personal growth and the healing power of nature.

• 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 time and space to rescue their father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel integrates advanced scientific concepts like tesseracts and theoretical physics with complex themes of good versus evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines science and adventure to ignite the imagination while also promoting the importance of love and courage in the face of darkness.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring scientists and adventurers who enjoy a good challenge and complex, thought-provoking themes.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your young reader develop some great reading habits, you're in the right place. I've put together a few fun and simple exercises that are perfect for kids aged 5 to 10 years old. These activities are designed not only to make reading a habit but also to make it enjoyable. Let's dive in!

• Set a Daily Reading Time
  • What it is: Designate a specific time each day for reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a routine, making reading a regular part of the day.
  • Tips: Choose a time when your child is usually relaxed and not too tired, like after dinner or before bedtime.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy corner dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and enjoyable experience.
  • Tips: Let your child help decorate the nook with pillows, lights, and their favorite books.

• Book Club for Kids
  • What it is: Start a book club where your child and their friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and makes reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Keep the discussions light and fun; perhaps have some discussion questions ready to spark conversation.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading a book aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and vocabulary.
  • Tips: Change your tone and pitch to match different characters or emotions in the story to make it more engaging.

• Use Book-Related Activities
  • What it is: Engage in activities related to the book's theme or characters.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding and connection to the book.
  • Tips: This could be drawing a favorite scene, dressing up as a favorite character, or visiting a place similar to one in the book.

• Track Reading Progress
  • What it is: Keep a chart or graph to track the books read or time spent reading.
  • How it helps: Gives a sense of achievement and motivates to read more.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards for reaching reading milestones, like a new book or extra bedtime story.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s daily routine can transform reading from a chore into a delightful adventure that they look forward to every day. Remember, the key is consistency and making sure that reading time is always fun. Happy reading!