10+ Best Classic Books for 10-Year-Old Girls w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for a young reader in your life? Dive into our curated selection of classic books for 10-year-old girls that promise to captivate, educate, and inspire. Whether you're looking for a birthday gift or just a new addition to her growing library, these timeless tales have something every young girl will cherish. Keep reading to explore various lists of classic books for 10-year-old girls that are sure to spark a lifelong love of reading!

Fun Classic Books for 10-Year-Old Girls

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Coming-of-age, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story follows Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is accidentally sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, two elderly siblings who initially wanted to adopt a boy to help them on their farm in Prince Edward Island.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that encourages creativity and perseverance. Anne's adventures and misadventures will surely delight and inspire.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and anyone who loves a story about growing up and finding one's place in the world.

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Genre(s): Coming-of-age, Family Drama
  • Synopsis: The novel follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—and their passage from childhood to womanhood in post-Civil War America.
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights themes of love, duty, and sisterhood, offering readers lessons on resilience and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about family bonds and personal development.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sickly and unloved 10-year-old girl, is sent to live with her uncle in Yorkshire after her parents' death. There, she discovers a locked, neglected garden and, with the help of new friends, begins to bring it back to life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of healing and friendship through the transformative power of nature and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Nature lovers and any young reader who enjoys stories about transformation and healing.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Fantasy
  • 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 let him live.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important values such as friendship, loyalty, and the reality of death, all presented in a gentle and approachable way.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children who appreciate stories about friendship and sacrifice.

• A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Sara Crewe, a wealthy and kind-hearted girl, is left in a boarding school by her father. When her father dies and his fortune is seemingly lost, Sara is forced to become a servant, but she strives to remain a "princess" inside.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of resilience and the power of kindness, which can inspire young readers to maintain their dignity and compassion in face of adversity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy tales of transformation and the triumph of the human spirit.

• Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Pippi Longstocking is an eccentric, super-strong, and utterly unpredictable girl who lives alone with her horse and monkey. The book recounts her adventures with her neighbors, Tommy and Annika.
  • Why we recommend this book: Pippi's unconventional adventures and strong, independent nature make for an entertaining and empowering read.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous spirits and anyone who enjoys humorous stories with a strong female lead.

Educational Classic Books for 10-Year-Old Girls

• Heidi by Johanna Spyri
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This classic tale tells the story of a young orphan girl named Heidi who is sent to live with her grumpy grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Through her cheerful and loving nature, she positively changes her grandfather's life and later faces challenges when moved to the city.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, adaptability, and understanding of familial bonds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the impact of kindness and the importance of a loving home, making it a timeless tale of personal growth and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about adventure and the power of positivity.

• 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 mundane lives to notice her. At school, she meets the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, and with the help of her kind teacher Miss Honey, Matilda discovers her own extraordinary powers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, creativity, and a love for reading.
  • Why we recommend this book: It champions the idea that intelligence and kindness can overcome adversity, and it promotes the importance of standing up against unfair treatment.
  • Perfect for: Young intellectuals and anyone who enjoys a story of triumph against the odds.

• The Railway Children by E. Nesbit
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Family
  • Synopsis: After their father is mysteriously taken away, three children and their mother move to a house near a railway, where they befriend some of the railway workers and embark on various adventures, ultimately leading to a heartwarming finale.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social understanding, historical context, and problem-solving.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating adventure that teaches the value of resourcefulness and courage in difficult times.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy historical settings and stories about family and bravery.

• Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: Told from the perspective of a horse, this novel chronicles the joys and sorrows of Black Beauty's life, highlighting the mistreatment animals can endure at the hands of humans.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy for animals, understanding of historical animal treatment, and ethical reasoning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It raises awareness about animal welfare and encourages kindness and respect towards all creatures.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in social justice and animal rights.

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This beloved novel follows the adventures of Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger, four anthropomorphized animal friends who live along a river in the English countryside. Their escapades highlight themes of friendship, morality, and the joys of home.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of themes such as friendship and loyalty, appreciation for nature, and imaginative thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming story that combines humor, adventure, and poignant moments, offering a rich narrative that celebrates the pastoral life and camaraderie.
  • Perfect for: Fans of classic tales and those who enjoy stories of adventure and friendship.

Challenging Classic Books for 10-Year-Old Girls

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Follow young Alice as she falls through a rabbit hole into a fantastical world full of peculiar creatures and surreal experiences.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative plays with logic and complex wordplay, presenting a whimsical yet intellectually stimulating challenge for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and critical thinking, as Alice navigates bizarre scenarios that challenge conventional wisdom and reality.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and anyone who delights in stories that bend the rules of reality.

• The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Princess Irene discovers a mysterious secret concerning her royal heritage and the goblin inhabitants of the mountain. With the help of a miner boy named Curdie, she confronts these menacing creatures to save her kingdom.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes of bravery and morality intertwined with rich, archaic language that can challenge advanced young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating fairy tale that combines elements of magic and heroism, providing a rich narrative that stimulates the imagination while conveying deep moral lessons.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales with a strong moral core and elements of fantasy.

• Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This sequel to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland finds Alice stepping through a mirror into a world that operates under puzzling, often reversed logic.
  • Why this book is challenging: Like its predecessor, this book offers complex wordplay and a narrative structure that challenges young readers to think critically about the world around them.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes creativity and problem-solving, as Alice encounters unique puzzles and characters that test her—and the reader's—understanding of logic and order.
  • Perfect for: Children who love riddles, puzzles, and stories that make them think outside the box.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This story follows Despereaux Tilling, a brave mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It's a tale of destiny and bravery as he seeks to rescue the princess from darkness.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure includes sophisticated themes of forgiveness, light, and darkness, woven through elegant prose that challenges deeper comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable lessons about courage, hope, and the importance of being true to oneself, all wrapped in a beautifully told story.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of adventure and heroism with underlying themes of love and redemption.

• The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Dorothy finds herself swept away from Kansas to the magical Land of Oz where she embarks on a quest to see the Wizard who can help her return home. Along the way, she makes some unusual friends who seek their own desires.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces readers to a complex narrative that includes themes of self-discovery, bravery, and the definition of home.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an enduring story of adventure and friendship, encouraging readers to think about personal values and the meanings of courage and heart.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and adventurers, and those who appreciate a journey both inward and outward.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of classic books, it's a fantastic journey ahead, especially for 10-year-old girls. To get the most out of your reading experience, here are some fun and engaging exercises that will not only enhance your understanding but also help develop good reading habits. Let's get started!

• Create a Book Club
  • What it is: Form a small group to read and discuss classic books together.
  • How it helps: Encourages social interaction and deeper understanding through discussion.
  • Tips: Try to meet regularly, perhaps once a week, to keep the momentum going.

• 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 the characters.
  • Tips: Choose different characters for each entry to explore various viewpoints.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Draw maps based on the settings of the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension of the geographical and physical aspects of the story.
  • Tips: Use the book’s descriptions to add as many details as you can.

• 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.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Predict future events in the story before finishing the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages analytical thinking and engagement with the plot.
  • Tips: Write down predictions and check how many of them are right after finishing the book.

• Book-Based Art Projects
  • What it is: Create art projects based on themes, scenes, or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps in visualizing the story and makes the reading experience more memorable.
  • Tips: Use a variety of materials like paint, clay, or fabric to express your ideas creatively.

• Vocabulary Building
  • What it is: Keep a list of new words found in the book and learn their meanings.
  • How it helps: Enhances language skills and helps in understanding the text better.
  • Tips: Try using new words in sentences or a story to reinforce their meanings.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a dynamic and interactive part of life. They will help you connect with the classics in a way that feels fresh and exciting. So, grab your favorite book, pick an exercise, and let the adventure begin! Happy reading!