10+ Best Books for 8-10-Year-Old Girl w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for the perfect read for a young reader in your life? Discovering the right books for an 8-10-year-old girl can be a magical journey into the world of imagination and learning. Whether she's into adventurous tales or heartwarming stories, our carefully curated lists cater to every young reader's taste. Keep reading to explore a variety of books that will captivate, inspire, and entertain the special young girl in your life!

Fun Books for 8-10-Year-Old Girl

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This beloved novel tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn 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's a heartwarming story that explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life, all of which are presented in a gentle manner suitable for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who enjoy stories about friendship and overcoming challenges.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a bright young girl who loves reading and learning, despite her disinterested and unkind parents. She discovers she has the power of telekinesis and uses it to stand up to her oppressive school principal, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, and it encourages readers to stand up against unfair treatment and bullying.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or underappreciated, and those who delight in stories where children outsmart adults.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with large ears who loves music and stories, and his adventures within a castle to save a beautiful human princess.
  • Why we recommend this book: The narrative's rich language and adventurous plot engage young readers' imaginations and teach important lessons about bravery and forgiveness.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and dreamers, and anyone who enjoys fairy tales with unlikely heroes.

• Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Humor, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Pippi Longstocking is an eccentric, super-strong, and freethinking girl who lives alone in Villa Villekulla with her horse and monkey. The novel follows her adventures with her neighbors Tommy and Annika.
  • Why we recommend this book: Pippi's unconventional lifestyle and whimsical adventures encourage imagination and self-confidence among young readers.
  • Perfect for: Independent thinkers and children who appreciate humor and stories of adventure and friendship.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction, Coming-of-age
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the life of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, a brother and sister who wanted to adopt a boy to help with their farm in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's growth from childhood to adolescence, her vibrant imagination, and her emotional experiences offer valuable lessons on personal development and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy character-driven stories and those who appreciate a mix of humor and drama.

Educational Books for 8-10-Year-Old Girl

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction, Coming-of-age
  • Synopsis: After the sudden death of her parents, Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle in a gloomy, sprawling mansion. She discovers a mysterious walled garden that has been locked for years and, with the help of new friends, begins to bring it back to life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, responsibility, and an appreciation for nature and the outdoors.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a transformative story that beautifully illustrates the healing power of nature and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy mysteries and stories about personal growth and healing.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: In this captivating tale, a young girl named Luna is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As Luna grows, her magic begins to emerge with potentially disastrous effects.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, creativity, and understanding complex narratives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of magic and adventure that challenges the reader's imagination and sense of morality.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love fantasy and stories with strong, magical female protagonists.

• The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes, illustrated by Louis Slobodkin
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: The story centers on Wanda Petronski, a Polish girl in an American school who is teased by her classmates for wearing the same faded dress every day while claiming to have a hundred dresses at home.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, social awareness, and cultural diversity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant exploration of bullying and the importance of kindness and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are learning about compassion and the impact of their words and actions on others.

• Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows by Asia Citro, illustrated by Marion Lindsay
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: Zoey discovers she can see magical creatures and must use her science skills to help a sick baby dragon.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific method, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines elements of fantasy with scientific inquiry and experimentation.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and animal lovers, especially those who enjoy magical creatures.

• Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo
  • Genre(s): Biography, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This book is a collection of bedtime stories about the lives of extraordinary women from the past and the present, illustrated by 60 female artists from around the world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, inspiration, and empowerment.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the achievements of women in various fields, inspiring young girls to dream big and work hard.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are inspired by real-life heroines and those interested in women's history.

Challenging Books for 8-10-Year-Old Girl

• The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Coming-of-age
  • Synopsis: In 1899 Texas, eleven-year-old Calpurnia Tate explores the natural world around her and navigates the challenges and expectations of becoming a young woman in a scientific era that is just beginning to allow women a role.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel incorporates complex scientific concepts and historical context that require a higher level of comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages curiosity and perseverance in pursuing one's interests and passions, especially in fields traditionally dominated by men.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and history buffs who are also interested in stories about breaking societal norms.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must solve a series of puzzles and stop a global disaster.
  • Why this book is challenging: The puzzles and mysteries within the book require critical thinking and advanced problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that promotes teamwork, intelligence, and ethical decision-making.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and using their intellect to solve challenges.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Sixth-grader Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future and must piece together the clues to understand who's sending them and why.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, involving time travel and subtle clues that require attentive reading and interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It masterfully blends elements of mystery and science fiction, providing a compelling narrative that encourages deep thinking and engagement.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a good mystery and the challenges of a thought-provoking plot.

• The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor, Satire
  • Synopsis: This is a parody of classic children's stories featuring the Willoughby siblings who devise a plan to turn themselves into deserving orphans, unaware that their neglectful parents have the same idea.
  • Why this book is challenging: The satirical tone and sophisticated humor require a higher level of literary understanding and appreciation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a humorous examination of traditional children's literature while promoting critical thinking about family dynamics and individuality.
  • Perfect for: Readers with a quirky sense of humor and a love for clever, satirical storytelling.

• The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: September, a young girl from Omaha, is whisked away to Fairyland where she encounters witches, dragons, and other fantastical creatures on her quest to retrieve a witch's stolen spoon.
  • Why this book is challenging: The lyrical language and richly imagined world are layered and complex, offering a deeper and more nuanced reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written adventure that celebrates bravery, self-discovery, and the power of imagination.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and readers who revel in lush, imaginative worlds and stories of adventure.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-10-year-old girl develop excellent reading habits, you've come to the right place. Here are some fun and effective exercises that can make reading a more engaging and enriching experience. Let's dive in!

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Choose a specific number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and helps build a daily reading routine.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in the house just for reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and inviting space dedicated to reading.
  • Tips: Let her personalize the space with comfy cushions, fun posters, and her favorite books.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club where she and her friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a social activity and enhances comprehension through discussion.
  • Tips: They can take turns choosing the book and hosting the discussion.

• Read Aloud Time
  • What it is: Set aside time when you read a book aloud together.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and makes reading a shared, enjoyable experience.
  • Tips: Choose books with exciting dialogues and take on different voices for various characters to make it fun.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize educational apps designed to promote reading and literacy.
  • How it helps: Integrates technology with reading, making it more appealing and interactive.
  • Tips: Look for apps that offer age-appropriate books and reading comprehension activities.

• Reading Reward Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks reading milestones and rewards achievements.
  • How it helps: Motivates her to read more through positive reinforcement.
  • Tips: Include small rewards like extra playtime, a small toy, or a choice of the next family movie night film.

• Theme-Based Reading
  • What it is: Pick a theme for each month and read books related to that theme.
  • How it helps: Keeps reading exciting and allows exploration of different subjects and genres.
  • Tips: Let her help choose the theme and find books that fit it.

• Interactive Reading Sessions
  • What it is: Incorporate activities related to the book, like crafts or themed games.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention by bringing the story to life.
  • Tips: Plan an activity that relates to the climax or a major plot point of the book.

In conclusion, these exercises are not just about reading more books; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of her life. By engaging in these activities, your young reader will not only improve her reading skills but also develop a lifelong love for books. Happy reading!