10+ Best Books for 7-10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect books for 7-10-year-olds that will keep your young reader hooked? You're in the right place! Whether you're looking to stock up a classroom library or find a new bedtime favorite, we've compiled a diverse selection of captivating reads that are just right for this curious age group. Keep reading to discover our top picks of books for 7-10-year-olds that are sure to spark imagination and a love for reading.

Fun Books for 7-10-Year-Olds

• 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. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages praising Wilbur in her web to persuade the farmer to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the cycle of life in a way that is accessible and touching for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who are beginning to explore deeper themes in literature.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike other giants, does not eat children. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the other giants from eating children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fantastical story filled with humor and whimsy, perfect for sparking the imaginations of young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories of friendship and adventure, and those who love creative, imaginative tales.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This series, presented as a diary, follows Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges and embarrassments of middle school life.
  • Why we recommend this book: With its humorous take on everyday school life, it's relatable and can make reading fun and engaging for reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good laugh and those who may see a bit of themselves in the awkward years of middle school.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Harry Potter discovers he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here, he makes friends, learns about magic, and uncovers the truth about his past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces a magical world with relatable characters and themes of bravery, friendship, and the importance of choices.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of adventure and magic, and anyone who loves a good hero's journey.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to Camp Half-Blood where he embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting blend of modern day and ancient Greek mythology, perfect for encouraging interest in classical mythology through a contemporary and relatable lens.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure and mythology, and readers looking for a strong, relatable protagonist who grows through challenges.

Educational Books for 7-10-Year-Olds

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story follows Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with oversized ears, who loves music and stories, and his adventures from being banished from his mouse colony to rescuing a human princess.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, empathy, courage and heroism
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that combines adventure with heartfelt themes, encouraging young readers to be brave and kind.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fairy tales and stories of unlikely heroes.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: Inspired by true events, this novel follows Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall, and his journey toward finding a better life, aided by the arrival of a baby elephant named Ruby.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare, friendship, and creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a touching perspective on friendship and the importance of a safe environment for animals, wrapped in a compelling story.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young activists who are passionate about animal rights and welfare.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • 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, understanding of language and social dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and inventive story that encourages creativity and shows the impact one individual can have on language and culture.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young innovators who enjoy school-based stories.

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Edward Tulane, a china rabbit, goes on a transformative journey from the depths of the ocean to the nets of a fisherman, learning about love and loss through the people he meets.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, resilience, understanding of emotions
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant tale that teaches about the importance of love and the process of healing after loss.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories of transformation and emotional growth.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Science, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ada Twist is a curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to answer her questions about the world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, problem-solving, curiosity
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages scientific exploration and critical thinking, inspiring young readers to ask questions and seek answers.
  • Perfect for: Budding scientists and curious minds fascinated by how the world works.

Challenging Books for 7-10-Year-Olds

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Milo is bored with life until a mysterious tollbooth appears in his room. Driving through it, he enters a whimsical world filled with peculiar characters and embarks on a quest that teaches him the value of learning and curiosity.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story is rich with wordplay, puns, and philosophical ideas that challenge readers to think deeply about the meanings and implications.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively plays with language and ideas, encouraging readers to see the world in new ways and appreciate the journey of learning.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, word games, and thinking outside the box.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: This timeless tale tells the story of a young prince who travels from planet to planet, learning life lessons from the inhabitants he meets, ultimately discovering the essence of human nature.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores complex themes such as love, loss, and human nature through a seemingly simple story, making readers ponder over its deeper meanings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound insights on life and relationships, wrapped in a simple, enchanting story.
  • Perfect for: Deep thinkers and young philosophers, as well as those who appreciate stories that offer layers of meaning.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a journey across dimensions to save Meg's father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces concepts of physics and metaphysics in a narrative form, intertwined with complex themes and characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends science and fantasy in a way that stimulates the imagination and encourages a quest for knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi enthusiasts and any reader intrigued by science and adventure.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child unappreciated by her crude, distant family. She develops telekinetic powers, which she uses to overcome her oppressive school environment and her tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with themes of family dynamics, personal strength, and social justice, requiring readers to think critically about right and wrong.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, and it empowers readers to stand up against injustice.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or underappreciated, and those who revel in stories of triumph over adversity.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and unloving child, discovers a neglected garden on her uncle’s estate. As she revitalizes the garden, she transforms her life and that of her sickly cousin Colin.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style and period language provide a complex reading experience, along with its themes of loss, healing, and growth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of rejuvenation and the healing power of nature, encouraging personal and communal care.
  • Perfect for: Nature lovers and any young reader who enjoys stories about personal transformation and healing.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-10-year-old develop great reading habits, here are some fun and effective exercises to get them started. These activities are designed to make reading a regular and enjoyable part of their daily routine.

• Set a Daily Reading Time
  • What it is: Dedicate a specific time each day for reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a routine, making reading a regular part of the day.
  • Tips: Choose a quiet time, such as after dinner or before bed, when distractions are minimal.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in the house as a reading area.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and inviting space dedicated to reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with cushions, posters, or their favorite toys.

• Book Club for Kids
  • What it is: Start a book club with your child and their friends or siblings.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and deeper engagement with the reading material.
  • Tips: Have regular meetings to discuss a book everyone has read, and make it fun with themed snacks or activities.

• Choose Books Together
  • What it is: Involve your child in the process of selecting books to read.
  • How it helps: Increases enthusiasm and interest in reading.
  • Tips: Make regular trips to the library or bookstore as a special outing.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Implement a system where your child earns a sticker or a mark for each book they read.
  • How it helps: Motivates children by rewarding their reading achievements.
  • Tips: Set up exciting rewards for reaching certain milestones, like a new book or a small toy.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s routine can make reading a more engaging and enjoyable experience. Remember, the goal is to foster a lifelong love of reading, so keep the activities fun and stress-free. Happy reading!