10+ Best Books for 9-10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for the perfect read for your young reader? Discovering the right books for 9-10-year-olds can be a game-changer, sparking a lifelong love of reading. Whether they're into thrilling adventures, hilarious escapades, or magical tales, we've compiled a variety of captivating books that are sure to meet their tastes and interests. Keep reading to explore our diverse lists of books for 9-10-year-olds that will keep them hooked from the first page to the last!

Fun Books for 9-10-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 spare his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life, all presented in a gentle way that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children who appreciate stories about friendship and survival.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the Harry Potter series, where young Harry learns that he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here, he makes friends and enemies and uncovers a dark secret tied to his past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces a magical world that is both exciting and relatable, igniting a love for reading through its engaging narrative and complex characters.
  • Perfect for: Fantasy enthusiasts and anyone who loves a good mix of mystery, adventure, and magic.

• 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 accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt. He must embark on a quest across America to find it and restore order to Olympus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with action and humor, making it incredibly engaging for young readers. It also cleverly integrates Greek mythology into a modern setting, which can spark interest in ancient cultures.
  • Perfect for: Fans of mythology, adventure seekers, and those who enjoy fast-paced, humorous tales.

• 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 brave mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It's about his adventures, from being banished from his mouse colony to saving the princess.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written fairy tale that encourages bravery and compassion, with a unique protagonist who is not your typical hero.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love fairy tales, heroic quests, and unlikely heroes.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the mysterious Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must stop a plot that threatens the world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers brain-teasing puzzles and mysteries, perfect for developing problem-solving skills, and delivers a thrilling narrative that keeps readers hooked till the end.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle solvers, mystery lovers, and children who enjoy stories about teamwork and adventure.

Educational Books for 9-10-Year-Olds

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around Mary Lennox, a sour-faced orphan who transforms an abandoned garden into a place of beauty, all while discovering the joys of friendship and the realities of life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of growth and renewal, botanical knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that showcases the healing power of nature and the importance of nurturing relationships.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy transformation stories and learning about nature.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Milo, a bored boy who drives through a magic tollbooth into a land where he discovers the wonders of math, literature, and problem-solving.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, vocabulary, appreciation for learning
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively integrates lessons on academic subjects with a whimsical adventure, making learning fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Children who love puzzles and word play, and those needing a spark to ignite their interest in learning.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a precocious child with neglectful parents and a cruel school principal. She discovers she has telekinetic powers and uses them to stand up to the adults mistreating her and her friends.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading and literacy skills, empowerment, justice
  • Why we recommend this book: It champions the idea that anyone, regardless of age, can fight against injustice and make a positive change.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or underappreciated, and those who enjoy stories of triumph over adversity.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this visually stunning novel follows Hugo, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station, as he tries to solve the mystery of a broken automaton and a missing key.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical awareness, problem-solving, appreciation for art and mechanics
  • Why we recommend this book: The unique combination of text and full-page illustrations provides a captivating reading experience, encouraging visual literacy alongside traditional reading skills.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and young historians, as well as fans of mysteries and intricate plots.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story introduces readers to August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time and strives for acceptance and kindness.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, resilience, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartfelt story that promotes understanding and acceptance of differences, encouraging readers to be kinder and more inclusive.
  • Perfect for: Children navigating school social dynamics and anyone looking to understand and celebrate human differences.

Challenging Books for 9-10-Year-Olds

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel details the riverside adventures of Mole, Rat, Badger, and the impulsive Mr. Toad. As they navigate various challenges, the story explores themes of friendship, morality, and the English countryside.
  • Why this book is challenging: The use of sophisticated language and the exploration of complex themes such as loyalty, adventure, and consequence make this a challenging read for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that combines rich, descriptive narrative with endearing characters, offering both entertainment and moral lessons.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy detailed narratives and classic tales of adventure and camaraderie.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a journey through space and time to rescue Meg's father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel incorporates advanced scientific and philosophical concepts, including tesseracts and the battle between good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and critical thinking, and it presents complex concepts in a way that is accessible to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love science fiction and are intrigued by the mysteries of the universe.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fantasy, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: This poetic tale tells the story of a young prince who travels from planet to planet, learning life lessons from the inhabitants he meets along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with profound themes such as loneliness, love, loss, and the absurdity of adult behavior, which are expressed through symbolic storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers deep philosophical insights through a simple yet powerful narrative, encouraging readers to ponder life's big questions.
  • Perfect for: Thoughtful young readers who enjoy stories that offer both literal and figurative meanings.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story follows Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is mistakenly sent to live with siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert at Green Gables. Her adventures reflect her unique view of the world and her transformation from childhood to adolescence.
  • Why this book is challenging: The rich vocabulary and period-specific references provide a more demanding reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the joys and pitfalls of growing up, and Anne's vibrant personality and rich imagination make her a relatable and inspiring character.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy character-driven stories and exploring themes of personal growth and belonging.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Classic, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Alice falls through a rabbit hole into a fantastical world where she encounters various magical creatures and perplexing situations.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative plays with logic and complex wordplay, presenting a surreal and nonsensical world that challenges conventional understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a whimsical tale that stimulates the imagination and invites readers to question and explore the boundaries of reality.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a penchant for puzzles and whimsy, and those who appreciate a story that turns the ordinary into the extraordinary.

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This prelude to the Lord of the Rings trilogy follows Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who embarks on a dangerous quest to help a group of dwarves reclaim their home from the dragon Smaug.
  • Why this book is challenging: The intricate world-building, archaic language, and complex narrative structure make this a challenging read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an epic adventure that introduces readers to a richly detailed universe, fostering a sense of wonder and excitement about storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy epic tales and exploring detailed fantasy worlds.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking for some fun and effective ways to help your 9-10-year-olds develop good reading habits, you're in the right place. Here are a few exercises that can make reading more engaging and beneficial for them. Let’s dive in!

• Set a Daily Reading Time
  • What it is: Dedicate a specific time each day for reading.
  • How it helps: Establishes a routine and makes reading a daily habit.
  • Tips: Choose a quiet time of day when your child is most alert.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, comfortable space dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and enjoyable activity.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions or posters.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a small book club where your child and their friends read the same book.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and deeper understanding of the book.
  • Tips: Host monthly book club meetings where they can discuss the book.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading a book aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves listening and comprehension skills.
  • Tips: Alternate who reads each page to keep it interactive.

• Challenge with a Book List
  • What it is: Create a list of books to read over a certain period.
  • How it helps: Encourages a sense of accomplishment and introduces diverse genres.
  • Tips: Include a variety of genres and authors to broaden exposure.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

• Visualize and Draw
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances creative thinking and comprehension.
  • Tips: Use a variety of art supplies to make the activity more exciting.

These exercises are not just about reading more books; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of your child's daily life. By incorporating these activities, you'll help your child develop a lifelong love for reading. So, pick a couple to start with, and watch your young reader thrive! Happy reading!