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

Hey there! Are you on the lookout for the perfect way to introduce the exciting world of programming to your young one? Look no further! Our curated list of coding books for 10-year-olds is packed with engaging and educational resources that make learning to code fun and accessible. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to ignite a passion for coding in your child!

Fun Coding Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Hello Ruby: Adventures in Coding by Linda Liukas
  • Genre(s): Coding, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow Ruby, a small girl with a huge imagination, as she embarks on whimsical adventures to learn about technology and coding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces coding concepts in a storytelling format, making it easy and fun for kids to understand basic programming ideas.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories and are curious about how computers work.

• Coding Games in Scratch by Jon Woodcock
  • Genre(s): Educational, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This guide teaches children how to make their own games using Scratch, a beginner-friendly programming language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's hands-on and interactive, encouraging children to learn coding by creating their own video games.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are interested in video games and want to learn to make their own.

• Get Coding! Learn HTML, CSS & JavaScript & Build a Website, App & Game by Young Rewired State
  • Genre(s): Educational, Technology
  • Synopsis: Designed as a beginner's guide to the building blocks of the web (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), this book takes readers through a series of exciting, end-to-end projects.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides practical experience in building web pages, apps, and games, which are exciting outputs for young coders.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring web developers and young tech enthusiasts looking to understand and build their own digital projects.

• Scratch Programming Playground: Learn to Program by Making Cool Games by Al Sweigart
  • Genre(s): Educational, Technology
  • Synopsis: A step-by-step guidebook that teaches children how to create games using Scratch, enhancing their programming skills through engaging projects.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a playful approach to learning complex programming concepts, which helps solidify understanding through game creation.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who enjoy gaming and want to delve into programming by creating their own games.

• Python for Kids: A Playful Introduction to Programming by Jason R. Briggs
  • Genre(s): Educational, Technology
  • Synopsis: This book introduces Python, a powerful but beginner-friendly programming language, through a series of fun and creative projects.
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex programming concepts into manageable lessons that are both educational and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Kids looking to take their first steps into programming with a language that’s used by professionals in the field.

Educational Coding Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Super Scratch Programming Adventure! by The LEAD Project
  • Genre(s): Educational, Interactive
  • Synopsis: Learn programming fundamentals as you make cool games with Scratch in this colorful, comic book-style adventure.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic programming concepts, problem-solving skills, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses a fun, narrative approach to engage young readers in learning to code, making it less intimidating and more engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young beginners who enjoy storytelling and interactive learning.

• Coding for Kids: Python by Adrienne Tacke
  • Genre(s): Educational, Technology
  • Synopsis: A friendly guide to Python that teaches kids how to start programming through fun, engaging projects.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Python programming, logical thinking, problem-solving skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's written in a kid-friendly manner with lots of illustrations and practical projects, which helps maintain a high level of interest and learning.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in advancing their coding skills with Python in a fun, accessible way.

• My First Coding Book by Kiki Prottsman
  • Genre(s): Educational, Interactive
  • Synopsis: Packed with fun physical activities and puzzles, this book introduces children to the basics of coding without needing a computer.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Computational thinking, problem-solving, basic coding principles
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an innovative approach to coding by teaching concepts through offline activities, ideal for kinesthetic learners.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who thrive on tactile and interactive learning experiences.

• The Official ScratchJr Book by Marina Umaschi Bers and Mitchel Resnick
  • Genre(s): Educational, Technology
  • Synopsis: This book helps kids learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively by using ScratchJr, a junior version of Scratch designed for younger children.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Early coding skills, collaboration, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's specifically tailored for younger children, making it a perfect introduction to the concepts of coding through highly engaging activities.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and early elementary school students just starting with coding.

• No Fear Coding: Computational Thinking Across the K-5 Curriculum by Heidi Williams
  • Genre(s): Educational, Professional Development
  • Synopsis: Aimed at educators but highly useful for parents too, this book provides strategies to integrate computational thinking into the elementary curriculum.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Computational thinking, integrated learning, curriculum development
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers not only students but also educators and parents to embrace coding education in early childhood.
  • Perfect for: Educators and parents looking to introduce coding concepts across various subjects effectively.

Challenging Coding Books for 10-Year-Olds

• JavaScript for Kids: A Playful Introduction to Programming by Nick Morgan
  • Genre(s): Educational, Technology
  • Synopsis: This book introduces JavaScript, a vital web technology, through fun examples and exercises that encourage young programmers to build their own web-based games and applications.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles JavaScript, a real-world programming language used by professional developers, which involves complex logic and syntax.
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies complex concepts with playful, easy-to-follow projects that motivate readers to learn while making real web applications.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are ready to transition from visual programming languages to text-based coding.

• Adventures in Minecraft by David Whale and Martin O'Hanlon
  • Genre(s): Educational, Technology
  • Synopsis: This guide helps kids learn to program and customize their Minecraft world with Python, a powerful programming language.
  • Why this book is challenging: It requires understanding of both Minecraft and Python, pushing readers to apply coding skills in a virtual environment.
  • Why we recommend this book: It connects coding skills with Minecraft, a game many kids are already passionate about, making learning relevant and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Minecraft enthusiasts who are interested in enhancing their gameplay with coding skills.

• Learn to Program with Scratch: A Visual Introduction to Programming with Games, Art, Science, and Math by Majed Marji
  • Genre(s): Educational, Technology
  • Synopsis: This book uses Scratch to introduce readers to fundamentals of programming, covering topics through projects that range from simple games to complex simulations.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes mathematically and logically complex projects that require a deeper understanding of programming concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses Scratch's visual programming interface to teach complex programming principles in a digestible manner.
  • Perfect for: Young coders who want to deepen their understanding of programming concepts through creative projects.

• Coding Projects in Python by DK
  • Genre(s): Educational, Technology
  • Synopsis: Step-by-step instructions guide young readers through writing Python code to complete exciting projects including games, animations, and more.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a wide range of projects that introduce more advanced programming concepts and problem-solving strategies.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a practical, project-based approach to learning Python that keeps readers engaged and helps consolidate their coding skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who have some basic knowledge of Python and want to tackle more complex projects.

• Mission Python: Code a Space Adventure Game! by Sean McManus
  • Genre(s): Educational, Technology
  • Synopsis: Readers learn to build a space-themed adventure game using Python, covering game development concepts and programming skills.
  • Why this book is challenging: It dives into game development, a complex field that requires understanding both coding and design principles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captivates readers by allowing them to create a fully functional game, applying Python in a fun and immersive way.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring game developers and kids interested in applying their Python skills to real-world projects.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of coding books for your 10-year-old, that's fantastic! To make the most out of this exciting journey, it's crucial to develop good reading habits early on. Here are some fun and effective exercises designed to enhance the reading experience and boost comprehension skills.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Helps create a consistent reading schedule and promotes a sense of achievement.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them as you get more comfortable.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a short summary of each chapter after reading it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Keep summaries brief and focus on main ideas and key details.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends, family, or a book club.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and analytical thinking by hearing different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try to articulate what you liked about the chapters and ask others about their thoughts.

• Create Visual Aids
  • What it is: Draw diagrams or sketches that represent concepts from the book.
  • How it helps: Visual aids can simplify complex information and make learning more engaging.
  • Tips: Use colors and labels to organize thoughts and make the diagrams easy to understand.

• Apply Coding Skills
  • What it is: Try out coding exercises or projects that relate to the concepts read in the book.
  • How it helps: Reinforces learning by putting theory into practice.
  • Tips: Start with simple projects and increase complexity as skills improve.

• Use Flashcards
  • What it is: Create flashcards for key terms and concepts found in the book.
  • How it helps: Aids in memorizing important information and serves as a quick review tool.
  • Tips: Regularly shuffle the flashcards and review them in short, frequent sessions.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only help your child grasp the basics of coding but also instill a lifelong love for reading. Remember, the goal is to make reading fun and informative, so feel free to adjust these activities to better suit your child's interests and learning pace. Happy reading and coding!