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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect books for 8-10-year-olds that will keep your young reader hooked? Finding engaging and age-appropriate reading material can be a challenge, but don't worry, we've got you covered. Whether you're looking for a birthday gift or just want to refresh their library, our curated lists are packed with fantastic options that are sure to spark their imagination and love for reading. Keep reading to discover our top picks of books for 8-10-year-olds!

Fun Books for 8-10-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 crafts clever messages in her web to save her friend.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life in a gentle and engaging way. The story is both touching and educational.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who appreciate stories about friendship and survival.

• 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 his fellow giants, refuses to eat boys and girls. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the man-eating giants.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fantastical story filled with whimsy and wonder, encouraging imagination and showcasing the power of kindness and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Children who love magical adventures and stories about unlikely friendships.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book is a journal of Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges and triumphs of middle school life, with all its awkward and hilarious moments.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its relatable humor and unique presentation (a mix of text and cartoons) make it highly engaging for young readers, encouraging them to enjoy reading through laughter.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy comedy and stories about school life.

• 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 a camp for demigods where he embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines Greek mythology with modern adventure, making it educational and thrilling. It also helps in improving vocabulary and understanding of cultural history.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure and mythology, and readers looking for action-packed stories.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, but her parents are too caught up in their mundane lives to notice her. At school, she meets a kindred spirit in her teacher, Miss Honey, and together they confront the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence, creativity, and the strength of kindness, inspiring readers to believe in their own power to overcome obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood and those who appreciate tales of triumph over adversity.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Harry Potter learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to learn about his history and destiny.
  • Why we recommend this book: It opens up a magical world full of wonder and excitement, fostering imagination and the love of reading through its engaging narrative and complex characters.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love magic, mystery, and a good versus evil storyline.

Educational Books for 8-10-Year-Olds

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This story follows the adventures of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with big ears who loves music and stories, on his quest to rescue a beautiful human princess.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, empathy, courage, and understanding of themes like heroism and forgiveness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that combines adventure with lessons about bravery and the importance of being true to oneself.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales and stories about 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, as he finds a new view on his life through friendship with a baby elephant named Ruby.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare awareness, creative thinking, and narrative skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches compassion and the importance of looking at the world through someone else’s eyes, all through a touching story.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children interested in stories about friendship and redemption.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Humor
  • Synopsis: Nick Allen invents a new word, "frindle," for what is commonly known as a pen, sparking a series of unforeseen events and a battle with his language arts teacher.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary building, creativity, understanding of language and its evolution.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fun and engaging story that encourages creativity and shows the impact one person can have on a whole community.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy school stories and are imaginative thinkers.

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Edward Tulane, a cold-hearted and vain china rabbit, experiences a profound transformation through a journey that teaches him about love and loss.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, resilience, understanding of complex emotions like love and loss.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers deep emotional insights and a compelling narrative that can profoundly affect one's view on life and relationships.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate emotionally rich stories and character development.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this illustrated novel follows a young orphan, Hugo, who lives in the walls of a train station and is wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, problem-solving, and mechanical understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its unique mix of text and illustration pulls readers into a cinematic adventure that’s both thrilling and educational.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love puzzles, mysteries, and visually driven storytelling.

Challenging Books for 8-10-Year-Olds

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: The story follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe as they travel through space and time to rescue Meg's father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as good vs. evil, the power of love, and the concept of tesseracts (a fifth-dimensional phenomenon).
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and imagination, and it introduces young readers to the concept of theoretical physics in an accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and readers who enjoy stories about adventure and family bonds.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Milo, a bored boy who receives a magic tollbooth and drives through it in his toy car, ending up in a whimsical world where he embarks on a quest that brings excitement and curiosity back into his life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a rich use of wordplay, puns, and allegory, challenging readers to think about language and meaning in new ways.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging way to explore themes of education, boredom, and the importance of knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love clever wordplay and imaginative journeys.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, is sent to live with her uncle where she discovers a neglected garden. She, along with her cousin Colin, brings the garden back to life and in the process, they heal emotionally.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores complex themes of loss, healing, and transformation through character development and descriptive narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches resilience and the therapeutic power of nature, encouraging personal growth and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories of redemption and the healing power of nature.

• From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Claudia and her brother Jamie run away from home to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they become involved in a mystery involving a statue that may be the work of Michelangelo.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story presents a complex plot involving historical and artistic references that require critical thinking and interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating adventure that also educates about art history and museum operations.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and art lovers.

• 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 stop a global crisis.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel is filled with intricate puzzles, codes, and logic problems that challenge the intellect and deductive reasoning of readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and the use of intelligence in solving problems.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle solvers and lovers of mind-bending adventures.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your young reader develop strong reading habits, you're in the right place. Here are some fun and effective exercises designed specifically for 8-10-year-olds. These activities not only make reading more enjoyable but also enhance comprehension and retention skills. Let's dive in!

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or minutes to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and builds a daily reading habit.
  • Tips: Start small and gradually increase the goal as your child gets more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in your home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and enjoyable activity.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with comfy pillows and their favorite books.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club where your child and their friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and makes reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Rotate who picks the book each month to keep it exciting and inclusive.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize educational apps that track reading progress and offer rewards.
  • How it helps: Integrates technology with reading and can motivate with achievements.
  • Tips: Choose apps that are age-appropriate and focus on educational content.

• Read Aloud Days
  • What it is: Dedicate certain days to read aloud from a book with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves listening and comprehension skills, and enhances vocabulary.
  • Tips: Take turns reading to each other to make it more engaging.

• Graphic Novel Exploration
  • What it is: Introduce your child to a variety of graphic novels suitable for their age.
  • How it helps: Visuals can help with understanding the story and maintaining interest.
  • Tips: Start with genres they like in other media (like movies or games) to pique interest.

• Challenge with Chapter Summaries
  • What it is: After finishing a chapter, have your child write a brief summary.
  • How it helps: Encourages retention and helps gauge understanding of the material.
  • Tips: Keep it fun by using colorful pens or making a scrapbook of summaries.

These exercises are designed to be fun and engaging for your young reader. By incorporating these activities into their routine, you'll help them develop a love for reading that can last a lifetime. Happy reading!