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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect diary books for 10-year-olds? Whether your young reader is into exploring new worlds, unraveling mysteries, or just enjoying a good laugh, diary books can be a fantastic way to engage their imagination and encourage a love for reading. Keep reading as we dive into a variety of captivating diary books that are sure to delight any 10-year-old bookworm. Let’s get started!

Fun Diary Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures and misadventures of Greg Heffley as he navigates middle school with his best friend Rowley. Greg's diary entries are filled with humorous observations and drawings about his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's incredibly relatable and funny, making it an excellent choice for encouraging reluctant readers to pick up a book.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good laugh and stories about school life.

• Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life by Rachel Renée Russell
  • Genre(s): Humor, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: This diary-format book tells the story of Nikki Maxwell as she navigates the ups and downs of middle school, including dealing with mean girls, making new friends, and crushing on boys.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's engaging and speaks directly to the challenges and triumphs of school life, making it a hit among young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love drama and humorous reflections on everyday life.

• The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, Historical
  • Synopsis: Anne Frank's diary entries reveal the experiences of her life hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in World War II.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a poignant, insightful, and historical perspective through the eyes of a young girl, which can be both educational and deeply moving.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and personal accounts of significant historical events.

• Tom Gates: Excellent Excuses (And Other Good Stuff) by Liz Pichon
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow Tom Gates as he tries to impress his teachers, annoy his sister, and avoid Marcus Meldrew at school, all while coming up with excellent excuses for his homework being late.
  • Why we recommend this book: With its doodle-filled pages and hilarious plots, it's perfect for keeping readers entertained and engaged.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy creative storytelling and humorous tales.

• Can You See Me? by Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age
  • Synopsis: Told through the diary entries of an autistic girl named Tally, this book explores her struggles and triumphs in navigating school and social expectations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique insight into the life of a young person with autism, promoting understanding and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories about diverse experiences and overcoming challenges.

Educational Diary Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Popularity Papers by Amy Ignatow
  • Genre(s): Humor, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: This series is presented in diary format, featuring the friendship and adventures of Lydia Goldblatt and Julie Graham-Chang as they navigate the complexities of middle school.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, artistic expression through varied illustrations, understanding of friendship dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and visually engaging book that tackles real-life issues with humor and sensitivity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories about friendship and social navigation.

• My Life as a Book by Janet Tashjian, illustrated by Jake Tashjian
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Comedy
  • Synopsis: Derek Fallon finds a way to make summer vacation exciting by accidentally discovering a mystery hidden in his mother’s book.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, creative problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a compelling mystery, making reading both fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love solving puzzles and discovering secrets.

• Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen, Will Travel by Ruth McNally Barshaw
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Ellie McDoodle journals her camping trip with her family, filled with quirky observations and sketches of her experiences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Drawing and journaling skills, observational skills, appreciation for nature
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and a love for nature through journaling and drawing.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and aspiring artists.

• The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Tommy and his friends explore the mystery of an origami Yoda puppet that seems to possess wisdom and insight.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, creativity in problem-solving, understanding of peer dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a uniquely entertaining story that combines humor with a touch of mystery.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy quirky stories and those interested in origami and crafts.

• Amelia's Notebook by Marissa Moss
  • Genre(s): Journal, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Amelia records her thoughts and experiences in a notebook, offering insights into her life and the challenges she faces.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Expressive writing, emotional intelligence, personal reflection
  • Why we recommend this book: It serves as a great introduction to journaling and personal expression through writing.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are discovering their own voices and the power of writing.

Challenging Diary Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, illustrated by Ellen Forney
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Deciding to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex themes of identity, poverty, and racism, presenting these issues through the lens of a young Native American.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an authentic and sometimes humorous perspective on serious social issues, encouraging awareness and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Readers ready to explore significant real-world issues through compelling storytelling.

• Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Young Harriet Welsch is a spy. She writes her observations about everyone she knows in her notebook, but when the notebook is found by her classmates, her thoughts are no longer safe.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book delves into complex themes of privacy, trust, and betrayal through the eyes of a young girl, requiring readers to consider multiple perspectives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a classic that challenges readers to think about the consequences of their actions and the importance of empathy.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring writers and detectives who aren’t afraid of a little introspection.

• Coraline by Neil Gaiman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: Coraline Jones finds a magical door in her new home that leads to another world that mirrors her own but with sinister differences. She must use all her wits and courage to return to her own life and save her family.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores deep themes of fear, bravery, and self-reliance in a fantastical context, which can be both intriguing and challenging for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that teaches about courage and the importance of being careful what you wish for.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love a good scare and a strong, relatable heroine.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: As sixth-grader Miranda begins receiving mysterious notes, she doesn’t know who they’re from, or how they know things no one else does. But she must follow the clues to prevent a tragic death.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel features complex narrative structures and themes involving time travel, which require careful reading and thought to piece together.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of mystery and science fiction in a way that captivates and stimulates young minds.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy puzzles and mind-bending stories.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: In 1930s Paris, young orphan Hugo lives in the walls of a busy train station, maintaining the clocks. His survival depends on secrets and anonymity, but when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric girl and the owner of a small toy booth, his hidden life and his most precious secret are put in jeopardy.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel’s intricate plot and substantial length, combined with detailed illustrations, offer a complex reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visually stunning and emotionally engaging story that promotes creativity and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love art and mystery intertwined in their stories.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of diary books, it's not just about reading. To really get the most out of your books, especially for 10-year-olds, developing good reading habits is key. Here are some fun and effective exercises to help you along the way:

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or a set amount of time to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and builds a reading routine.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable 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 and makes reading time special.
  • Tips: Make sure it's well-lit and free from distractions.

• Book Discussion with Friends
  • What it is: Organize a weekly book chat with friends who are reading the same book.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and gives multiple perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Prepare questions about the book to discuss beforehand.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and helps remember details of the story.
  • Tips: Don't worry about artistic skill; focus on how the scenes made you feel.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Before reading a chapter, guess what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Engages analytical thinking and anticipation skills.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many were right after reading.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after reading it.
  • How it helps: Boosts memory retention and understanding of the plot.
  • Tips: Keep summaries short and highlight major events.

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

Wrapping up, these exercises aren't just tasks; they're stepping stones to becoming a better reader and thinker. By integrating these activities into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your diary books more but also sharpen your mind. So, grab your book, pick an exercise, and let's dive into the adventure!