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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect chapter books for 10-year-olds that will keep your young reader hooked? You've come to the right place! Whether your child is a voracious reader or just getting comfortable with longer stories, finding the right book can be a game changer. In this blog, we’ve rounded up a diverse selection of chapter books that are sure to captivate and challenge 10-year-old readers. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to be a hit!

Fun Chapter Books for 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 in her web to persuade the farmer to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the cycle of life in a way that is accessible and touching for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers looking for a heartwarming story.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the famous Harry Potter series, where young Harry learns that he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he makes friends and begins his journey in the magical world, facing both wonders and dangers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its magical setting and has themes of bravery, friendship, and the importance of choices.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and anyone who enjoys magical and fantastical tales.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod and is thrust into a world of Greek mythology, going on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also educates about Greek mythology, making learning fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure stories and mythology.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, finds a neglected garden and begins to bring it back to life. Through her new outdoor adventures, she undergoes a transformation and helps to heal herself and her sickly cousin.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of healing and resilience through nature and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about personal growth and the healing power of nature.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers on August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who goes to public school for the first time and strives to be seen as just another student.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes empathy and understanding, teaching about kindness and the impact of our actions on others.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate stories of courage and acceptance.

• 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 Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must stop a global crisis.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of puzzles, mysteries, and clever twists that will keep readers engaged while promoting critical thinking and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and problem solvers who love a good mystery.

Educational Chapter Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Copenhagen during World War II, this story follows 10-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she helps her Jewish friend Ellen escape the Nazis.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, empathy, understanding of WWII and the Holocaust
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a sensitive and appropriate introduction to the horrors of the Holocaust through the eyes of a child.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and stories of bravery.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: Inspired by true events, this novel is narrated by Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and starts to see his world through new eyes with the arrival of a baby elephant named Ruby.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Compassion for animals, understanding of animal welfare, creative storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautiful story of friendship and the power of hope, told from a unique perspective.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and those interested in animal rights.

• 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 uncover the secret behind a mysterious statue.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, history of art, independence
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with a fascinating art historical mystery and encourages independence and curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and art enthusiasts.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' detention center where the boys dig holes daily in the hot sun, supposedly to build character — but there is something deeper occurring.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding of themes like justice and fate, literary analysis
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling, multi-layered narrative that combines elements of mystery and adventure with social commentary.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories with complex plots and rich, interconnected storylines.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who loves music and stories, and his adventures from the darkness of his castle dungeon to the light of love.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding narrative structure, themes of courage and love, character development
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a beautifully written tale that celebrates the virtues of bravery and forgiveness in the face of adversity.
  • Perfect for: Those who love fairy tales with unconventional heroes and heartfelt messages.

Challenging Chapter Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A bored young boy, Milo, receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Kingdom of Wisdom. Here, he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and whimsical characters.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in wordplay, puns, and abstract concepts that challenge readers to think creatively and critically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages exploration and appreciation of language and mathematics in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy clever humor and intellectual challenges.

• 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 rescue Meg's father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes like good versus evil and the power of love, intertwined with elements of theoretical physics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thrilling adventure that also teaches about the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of fighting against darkness.
  • Perfect for: Science enthusiasts and fans of epic adventures.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After the 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 a complex narrative structure and a blend of dark themes with whimsical elements.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on the concepts of life, death, and finding one’s identity in the most unusual of places.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like spooky stories with a heart.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: An eccentric millionaire Samuel W. Westing dies and leaves his fortune to the sixteen heirs who must solve the mystery of his death by clues given in his will.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is a complex puzzle filled with red herrings and intricate clues that require careful analysis and deductive reasoning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a brain-teasing mystery that engages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Young sleuths and puzzle lovers.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic
  • Synopsis: A story about a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As she grows, her magic becomes increasingly difficult to control.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves together several complex themes including power, love, and sacrifice with rich, poetic language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully explores the complexities of growing up and taking responsibility for one's actions and powers.
  • Perfect for: Fans of magical tales and rich, descriptive storytelling.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you've got a 10-year-old at home or you're just looking for ways to boost reading habits, you're in the right place. Here are some fun and effective exercises that can help young readers develop strong reading habits while enjoying their journey through chapter books.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and helps build stamina.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase the challenge.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in the house just for reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and distraction-free environment that can enhance focus.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• 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: Makes reading a social activity and enhances comprehension through discussion.
  • Tips: Schedule regular meetings and encourage everyone to come up with questions or topics for discussion.

• Reading Aloud
  • What it is: Spend time reading books aloud together.
  • How it helps: Improves vocabulary and pronunciation, and can help with understanding the flow of language.
  • Tips: Alternate who reads each page or chapter to keep it engaging.

• Use a Reading Timer
  • What it is: Set a timer for a specific amount of reading time.
  • How it helps: Helps manage reading time efficiently, making it a part of daily routine.
  • Tips: Use a fun timer or a timer app that your child enjoys to make this more exciting.

• Graphic Organizer for Plot
  • What it is: Use a graphic organizer to map out the plot of a story.
  • How it helps: Aids in understanding the structure of stories and improves retention.
  • Tips: Start with simple organizers like beginning, middle, and end, and then move to more detailed structures.

• 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.

These exercises are not just tasks; they're stepping stones to making reading a lifelong habit and a source of joy. Encourage your young reader to try different exercises and find what works best for them. Remember, the goal is to make reading fun and engaging, so keep the atmosphere light and positive. Happy reading!