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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect chapter books for a 10-year-old girl? Finding that special book that will captivate her imagination and enhance her love for reading can be quite the adventure. Whether she's a voracious reader or just getting into the rhythm of reading independently, our curated lists are designed to spark joy and curiosity. Keep reading to discover a treasure trove of chapter books that are perfect for 10-year-old girls, each promising to be a page-turner she won't want to put down!

Fun Chapter Books for 10-Year-Old Girl

• 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 own lives to notice her. When Matilda starts school, she discovers she has a special telekinetic gift and uses it to stand up to the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, showing that it's okay to be different and to stand up for what is right. The humor and fantasy elements make it a delightful read.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or underapplicated, and those who enjoy stories of triumph and justice.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sour-faced and unloved child, transforms when she discovers a neglected garden on her uncle's estate. As she revives the garden, she helps to heal herself and her ailing cousin, Colin.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of rejuvenation and the healing power of nature, encouraging readers to find beauty and joy in the world around them.
  • Perfect for: Children who love nature and stories about personal growth and healing.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal story
  • Synopsis: This tender novel follows a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a wise 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 teaches lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the reality of death in a gentle way. The narrative provides comfort and understanding about change and loss.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and any child dealing with or curious about the themes of friendship and loss.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-age
  • Synopsis: Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl, is mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert at Green Gables. Her adventures and misadventures in the small town of Avonlea are both heartwarming and humorous.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's resilience and her capacity to find joy and wonder in everyday life make this book a source of inspiration and delight.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and anyone who enjoys stories about growing up and finding one's place in the world.

• 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 like him. He embarks on a quest across the United States to find Zeus's stolen lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that mixes Greek mythology with modern life, making ancient stories accessible and exciting. It also deals with issues like dyslexia and ADHD in a positive light.
  • Perfect for: Fans of mythology, adventure seekers, and kids who enjoy fast-paced, action-packed stories.

Educational Chapter Books for 10-Year-Old Girl

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This charming tale follows Despereaux Tilling, a brave mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. Despereaux sets out on a quest to rescue Princess Pea from the evil rats in the castle's dungeon.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, empathy, courage, and understanding of narrative structures
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written story that combines adventure with themes of bravery and forgiveness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales and stories of unlikely heroes.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal story
  • Synopsis: Inspired by a true story, this novel is narrated by Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall. Ivan rarely misses his life in the jungle until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, which changes his perspective.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare awareness, and creative expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant look at the lives of captive animals and emphasizes the power of friendship and hope.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children interested in animal rights and conservation.

• 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 crisis.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, and logic
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling and intellectually engaging series that challenges young readers to think creatively and work collaboratively.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and working as part of a team.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers on Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial difference who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Through multiple perspectives, readers experience the challenges and triumphs Auggie faces.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of diversity, social skills, and resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches kindness and the importance of accepting others, regardless of physical appearance.
  • Perfect for: Children learning about diversity, empathy, and the challenges faced by those who are different.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic Realism
  • Synopsis: In this enchanting story, a witch named Xan accidentally feeds a baby moonlight instead of starlight, filling the ordinary child with extraordinary magic. Xan decides she must raise this girl, whom she calls Luna, as her own.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of themes such as sacrifice, the complexity of human nature, and the power of love
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating and lyrical story that intertwines magic with emotional depth and complexity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy magical stories and exploring deep, meaningful themes.

Challenging Chapter Books for 10-Year-Old Girl

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After the mysterious murder of his family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes of life, death, and belonging, woven through a narrative that blends the eerie with the profound.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on growth and community through a blend of suspenseful and heartwarming moments.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy spooky stories with a strong sense of adventure and deep themes.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a journey through space and time to save Meg's father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel introduces complex scientific and philosophical ideas, including concepts of tesseracts and battles between good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and critical thinking, while also exploring the importance of love and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and fantasy, and those who appreciate stories about family and courage.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and disenchanted, young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest to rescue the princesses of Rhyme and Reason.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in wordplay, puns, and allegory, requiring readers to think critically about language and its meanings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an intellectually stimulating journey that celebrates knowledge and the joys of discovery.
  • Perfect for: Children who love puzzles, word games, and creative thinking.

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua, a young girl, embarks on a perilous journey to the Arctic to save her kidnapped friend and other missing children from terrible experiments.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as freedom and predestination and critiques organized religion and authority.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also encourages readers to question the world around them and think about profound philosophical issues.
  • Perfect for: Fans of epic narratives and anyone interested in questions of ethics and society.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: An eccentric millionaire named Samuel W. Westing has died, and his will sets forth a high-stakes game for sixteen heirs who must solve the mystery of his death.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot is intricately woven with riddles and clues that require careful analysis and deductive reasoning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing mystery that engages readers in critical thinking and problem solving.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and any reader who loves a good puzzle and a twisty plot.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 10-year-old girl develop strong reading habits, here are some engaging and fun exercises specifically designed for her age group. These activities not only make reading 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 chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and goal-setting.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in the home as a reading nook.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and quiet environment that is conducive to reading.
  • Tips: Let her personalize the space with her favorite cushions, lights, and decorations.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club with a few of her friends who enjoy reading.
  • How it helps: Promotes discussion and deeper understanding of the book.
  • Tips: They can take turns choosing which book to read next.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Dedicate time to read aloud from a chapter book.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading out loud.
  • Tips: Alternate reading pages to keep the sessions interactive.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book after reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances creativity and helps in visualizing the text.
  • Tips: Use varied materials like crayons, markers, or digital tools for illustration.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a short summary of each chapter after reading.
  • How it helps: Boosts comprehension and memory of the story.
  • Tips: Keep the summaries brief and discuss them to reinforce understanding.

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of a character in the book.
  • How it helps: Develops empathy and a deeper understanding of characters.
  • Tips: Choose different characters to write about to explore various viewpoints.

Incorporating these exercises into her daily reading routine can make a significant difference in how she engages with books and builds her reading skills. Not only will these activities keep her hooked, but they'll also foster a lifelong love for reading. So, why not start today and see which ones she enjoys the most? Happy reading!