10+ Best Books Like Harry Potter for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for magical adventures that captivate just as much as the Harry Potter series? Finding the perfect books like Harry Potter for 10-year-olds can seem like a quest of its own! Whether your young reader has just turned the last page of "The Deathly Hallows" or simply craves stories filled with wonder and excitement, we’ve compiled a spellbinding list that promises to enchant. Keep reading to discover our top picks for books like Harry Potter for 10-year-olds that are sure to keep those pages turning!

Fun Books Like Harry Potter for 10-Year-Olds

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt. He embarks on a quest across the United States to find it and restore order to Olympus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with action and adventure, intertwined with Greek mythology, making it an exciting read that also educates about the ancient myths.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love epic adventures and learning about mythology.

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christian Allegory
  • Synopsis: Four siblings enter the magical world of Narnia through a wardrobe, where they must battle the evil White Witch with the help of Aslan, a wise and powerful lion.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a magical escape with a mix of adventure, fantasy, and moral lessons, ideal for expanding the imaginations of young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about magical worlds and epic battles between good and evil.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Artemis Fowl, a young criminal prodigy, kidnaps a fairy to ransom her for gold, but he doesn't realize what the fairy world is capable of.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines magic, technology, and crime into a thrilling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
  • Perfect for: Kids who like anti-heroes and high-tech fantasy.

• The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi (illustrator)
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After moving into the decrepit Spiderwick Estate with their mother, three siblings discover a magical world of faeries that they never knew existed.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a quick-paced, enchanting read that introduces children to a hidden world full of creatures and magical happenings.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about secret worlds and mystical creatures.

• Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Siblings Kendra and Seth Sorenson visit their grandparents' estate only to discover it’s a sanctuary for magical creatures and that an epic battle between good and evil is brewing.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of magical creatures and thrilling adventures, providing a perfect blend of excitement and wonder to keep young readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who love stories about magical creatures and hidden worlds.

Educational Books Like Harry Potter for 10-Year-Olds

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • 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 crisis.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges young readers with complex puzzles and mysteries while teaching valuable lessons about cooperation and courage.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and working as part of a team.

• The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Bastian Balthazar Bux discovers a magical book that tells the story of Atreyu, a hero tasked with saving the fantasy world of Fantastica from destruction by a dark force called The Nothing.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, reading comprehension, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating tale that immerses readers in a richly detailed world, encouraging imagination and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy immersive fantasy worlds and stories about heroism and adventure.

• 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 intertwines his tale with that of a servant girl and a rat who plans a nefarious deed.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, bravery, storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully weaves themes of bravery, forgiveness, and light versus darkness in a way that is accessible and engaging for children.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate tales of unlikely heroes and the power of hope and redemption.

• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Meggie learns that her father Mo, a bookbinder, can "read" fictional characters into life. One of those characters abducts them to fulfill a vengeful plot, leading Meggie and Mo into a dangerous adventure within the pages of a book.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading skills, imagination, understanding of narrative structure
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that celebrates the power of books and reading, with a captivating plot that keeps readers hooked.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fascinated by the magic of books and storytelling.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Bored and disinterested in his everyday life, young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical insights.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary, critical thinking, appreciation for learning
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor, adventure, and learning in a unique way that captivates and educates at the same time.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy clever wordplay, humor, and imaginative journeys.

Challenging Books Like Harry Potter for 10-Year-Olds

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Steampunk
  • Synopsis: Young Lyra Belacqua embarks on a perilous journey to the Arctic north to save her kidnapped friend and other children from terrible experiments by a mysterious organization.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes including philosophy, theology, and morality intertwined with advanced vocabulary and concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It stimulates critical thinking and presents a richly woven narrative that challenges young readers to question the world around them.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy deep, thought-provoking stories and strong, resourceful female protagonists.

• 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 travel through space and time to save Meg's father from evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces concepts of theoretical physics like tesseracts alongside complex themes of good versus evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines science and fantasy in a way that sparks imagination and encourages a love of science.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and epic adventures across fantastical realms.

• The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: On his eleventh birthday, Will Stanton discovers that he is one of the Old Ones, a group of ancient beings dedicated to fighting the forces of the Dark.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into British folklore and mythology with a complex narrative structure that shifts between different points of view and times.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thrilling blend of mythology, history, and magic that is both educational and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love historical myths and legends woven into modern adventures.

• The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Taran, an Assistant Pig-Keeper in the mythical land of Prydain, sets out on a hazardous journey to save his land from evil forces.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces readers to a complex fantasy world with its own rules and terminology, along with themes of heroism and self-discovery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping adventure story that also teaches important life lessons about bravery, sacrifice, and identity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate epic tales of heroism and quests.

• 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.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is rich with lyrical language, whimsical puns, and complex literary references that challenge the reader's comprehension and vocabulary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It enchants with its poetic style and imaginative plot, encouraging creativity and a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Readers who delight in beautifully crafted tales and whimsical adventures.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into books like Harry Potter and you're around 10 years old, you're about to embark on some magical adventures. But how can you make the most out of your reading experience? Here are some fun exercises to help you develop good reading habits while enjoying every page-turner!

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and makes reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with a small, manageable goal and increase it as you get more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner or area in your home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a dedicated, comfortable space that can enhance your focus and enjoyment.
  • Tips: Add some cozy pillows, good lighting, and maybe even a small shelf for your books.

• Read Aloud to a Friend or Family Member
  • What it is: Share your reading experience by reading a book aloud to someone else.
  • How it helps: Improves your reading and speaking skills, and makes the experience more engaging.
  • Tips: Choose a fun voice for each character to make the story come alive!

• 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.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in a group that reads and discusses books on a regular schedule.
  • How it helps: Encourages reading discipline and provides an opportunity to discuss and understand different perspectives.
  • Tips: If you can't find a book club, consider starting one with your friends!

• Use a Reading Timer
  • What it is: Set a timer for a specific amount of time during which you'll read without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Helps build concentration and teaches you to dedicate specific times to reading.
  • Tips: Start with short intervals like 15 minutes and gradually increase as you get used to it.

• Create a Book Map
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of the book's events and characters.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps you keep track of complex plots and numerous characters.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to make your map more fun and easier to understand.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only improve your skills but also find more joy in every book you pick up. Remember, the goal is to have fun and let your imagination soar—just like when you're reading about the wizarding world of Harry Potter. Happy reading!