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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read to ignite a passion for cars in your young reader? Look no further! Our carefully curated selection of Car Books for 10-Year-Olds is packed with exciting titles that are sure to captivate and educate. Whether your child is a budding mechanic or a racing enthusiast, these books will fuel their curiosity and drive their imagination to new speeds. Keep reading to discover our top picks!

Fun Car Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Beginner reader
  • Synopsis: This delightful book features a variety of dogs in colorful cars going to and from work and play, engaging in activities, and finally gathering for a dog party in a tree. The simple text and repetitive phrases make it easy for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging way to help kids practice their reading skills with its simple, repetitive text and whimsical illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love dogs and cars, and are just starting to read on their own.

• If I Built a Car by Chris Van Dusen
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Imagination and Play
  • Synopsis: This book follows a young boy named Jack who designs the ultimate fantasy car, equipped with everything from a pool to robotic drivers. The rhyming text and imaginative scenarios capture the creativity of young minds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and innovation, showing kids that their imaginations can take them anywhere.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young inventors who dream of designing the future.

• Racing in the Rain: My Life as a Dog by Garth Stein, adapted by Garth Stein
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animals, Sports
  • Synopsis: Told from a dog’s perspective, this novel explores the life of Enzo, who believes he will be reincarnated as a human. Enzo helps his owner, Denny, a race car driver, through various life challenges, drawing parallels to racing.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a love for cars with heartwarming life lessons, making it not only fun but also a touching read.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and aspiring young racers who appreciate a good story and life lessons.

• Cool Cars and Trucks by Sean Kenney
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Crafts & Hobbies
  • Synopsis: Sean Kenney uses LEGO bricks to create various vehicles from cars and trucks to garbage trucks and limousines. This visual guide provides ideas and inspiration for building your own LEGO vehicle creations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's interactive and gets kids thinking about design and engineering in fun and accessible ways.
  • Perfect for: LEGO enthusiasts and young engineers who love building and learning how things work.

• The Racecar Alphabet by Brian Floca
  • Genre(s): Alphabet book, Children's fiction
  • Synopsis: This book provides an alphabetic tour through the world of racecars, from "A is for Automobiles" to "Z is for Zoom," along with engaging illustrations of each concept.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an educational read that introduces young readers to the alphabet and car-related concepts in an exciting way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are enthusiastic about cars and are learning the alphabet.

Educational Car Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Cars Galore by Peter Stein, illustrated by Bob Staake
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Cars
  • Synopsis: This vibrant book takes readers on a whimsical journey through a world filled with all kinds of cars. From big cars and small cars to weird cars and wacky cars, the rhyming text and imaginative illustrations captivate young minds.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Rhyming skills, creative thinking, vocabulary related to automobiles
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a playful and visually stimulating book that encourages children to explore the diversity and creativity in the world of cars.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love cars and enjoy rhyming stories.

• How Cars Work by Nick Arnold, illustrated by Allan Sanders
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science, Technology
  • Synopsis: This educational book provides a detailed look into the inner workings of cars, explaining everything from engines and exhausts to brakes and suspension systems.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Technical knowledge, scientific curiosity, understanding of mechanics
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers clear explanations and engaging illustrations that make complex concepts accessible and interesting to children.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and how things work, especially cars.

• Car Science: An Under-the-Hood, Behind-the-Dash Look at How Cars Work by Richard Hammond
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science, Automobiles
  • Synopsis: Hosted by Richard Hammond of "Top Gear" fame, this book dives into the science behind cars, including how they're powered, how they move, and how they keep us safe.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific principles, critical thinking, automotive technology
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fascinating and informative read that connects scientific principles with everyday technology in cars.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring mechanics and young fans of car technology and science shows.

• The Ultimate Book of Vehicles: From Around the World by Anne-Sophie Baumann, illustrated by Didier Balicevic
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Reference, Transportation
  • Synopsis: This interactive book features more than 60 vehicles from around the world, including cars, trucks, bikes, and more, with flaps to lift and tabs to pull.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Motor skills, global awareness, knowledge of various types of vehicles
  • Why we recommend this book: It's interactive and packed with information, making learning about different vehicles fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who love interactive books and want to learn about vehicles from all over the globe.

• Build the Car of the Future! by Tammy Enz
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Engineering, Technology
  • Synopsis: This hands-on book challenges kids to think about the future of cars, encouraging them to imagine and design the car of tomorrow.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, engineering concepts, futuristic thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes innovation and critical thinking by allowing kids to engage in creative problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Young innovators and future engineers interested in creating and thinking about new technologies.

Challenging Car Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Fast and the Furriest by Andy Behrens
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Kevin Pugh, a 12-year-old couch potato, and his dog Cromwell unexpectedly enter the world of competitive dog racing. As Kevin trains Cromwell, he learns about perseverance, friendship, and the thrill of the race.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves together themes of self-discovery and competition, challenging readers to understand complex emotional growth and motivations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a humorous and heartwarming tale that encourages readers to explore new activities and discover hidden talents.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about animals, sports, and personal growth.

• Track Stars! Three Thomas and Friends Stories by Rev. W. Awdry, illustrated by Tommy Stubbs
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure, Trains
  • Synopsis: This collection features three exciting Thomas the Tank Engine stories where Thomas and his friends face various challenges on the tracks, teaching lessons about teamwork and responsibility.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book includes multiple plotlines that require the reader to follow and understand different story arcs simultaneously.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers engaging stories with beloved characters that promote values of friendship and cooperation.
  • Perfect for: Fans of Thomas the Tank Engine and young readers who enjoy stories about teamwork and trains.

• The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac by Dawn Casey, illustrated by Anne Wilson
  • Genre(s): Folklore, Mythology
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book retells the story of the great race that determined the order of the animals in the Chinese zodiac. Each animal uses its unique traits to try to win the race.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces readers to cultural mythology and requires comprehension of symbolic and moral storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a captivating introduction to Chinese folklore, offering a colorful way to learn about cultural traditions and animal symbolism.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in mythology, animals, and cultural stories.

• Born to Run: My Story by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Michael Foreman
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animals, Sports
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the life of Best Mate, a greyhound who escapes from his cruel owner and experiences a series of adventures before becoming a champion race dog.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story deals with complex themes such as cruelty, freedom, and destiny, requiring readers to engage with emotionally charged topics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thrilling and moving tale that highlights resilience and the bond between animals and humans.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and readers who appreciate stories of triumph and survival.

• Speed Machines by Ian Graham
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science, Technology
  • Synopsis: This book explores the science and engineering behind the world's fastest vehicles, from sports cars to bullet trains and rockets, explaining how these machines are built to achieve high speeds.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes detailed scientific explanations and technical descriptions that are more advanced, catering to a higher reading level.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a fascinating look at the mechanics and technology of speed, encouraging scientific curiosity and technical understanding.
  • Perfect for: Young tech enthusiasts and science-minded readers fascinated by how things work at extreme speeds.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of car books and you're around 10 years old, you're in for a thrilling ride! Reading can be just as exciting as a high-speed chase when you have the right strategies in place. Here are some fun exercises to help you develop good reading habits while exploring the fascinating world of automobiles. Let's gear up and get started!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many pages or chapters you want to read each day.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus by associating one place with reading time.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfy, and has good lighting.

• Book Summary Sketches
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book after you finish a chapter.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the story and reinforces comprehension.
  • Tips: Don’t worry about perfect drawings; it’s about expressing your understanding.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves memory and understanding of the book.
  • Tips: Try to explain why things happen in the story, not just what happens.

• Use a Dictionary
  • What it is: Look up any words you don’t understand in a dictionary.
  • How it helps: Expands your vocabulary and improves understanding.
  • Tips: Keep a dictionary handy whenever you're reading.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read the book out loud to yourself or to someone else.
  • How it helps: Enhances pronunciation and makes you more engaged with the text.
  • Tips: Change your tone and pace to match the action in the story.

• Reading Time Reward
  • What it is: Reward yourself with a small treat or extra playtime after a reading session.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a more enjoyable and anticipated activity.
  • Tips: Keep the rewards modest and reading-focused, like extra time for reading your favorite comic book.

Remember, the key to becoming a great reader is consistency and enjoyment. These exercises are not just about reading more; they're about enjoying the journey through the pages. So, buckle up and enjoy your adventure through the world of car books. Happy reading!