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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect English books for 10-year-olds that will keep your young reader engaged and excited? Finding age-appropriate and captivating books can be a challenge, but don't worry, we've got you covered. In this blog, we'll explore a variety of English books perfect for 10-year-olds, each promising to spark imagination and a love for reading. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to delight any young bookworm!

Fun English Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This beloved story follows a young pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte crafts clever messages in her web to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life in a gentle, approachable manner that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children who appreciate stories about friendship and bravery.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Harry Potter discovers he is a wizard on his 11th birthday and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he makes friends, learns about magic, and uncovers the truth about his past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical adventure that sparks imagination and introduces themes of bravery, friendship, and the importance of choices.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and epic adventures.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story follows Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with big ears, on his quest to save a human princess named Pea.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully told fairy tale that celebrates the virtues of bravery and forgiveness, and it encourages readers to dream big.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and anyone who enjoys tales of unlikely heroes and quests.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod and is accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt. He must embark on a quest across America to find it and restore order to Olympus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines Greek mythology with modern adventure, making it a thrilling read that also educates about classical myths.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure and mythology, and readers who enjoy fast-paced, action-packed stories.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, but her parents mistreat her and her school's headmistress is a tyrant. She discovers she has a special telekinetic power and uses it to stand up to the adults in her life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and heartwarming story of a young girl's resilience and her ability to overcome difficult situations with intelligence and courage.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of triumph over adversity, and anyone who loves a good laugh.

Educational English Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young orphan girl, Mary Lennox, discovers a mysterious, neglected garden after moving to her uncle's remote country estate. As she brings the garden back to life, she also transforms the lives of her sickly cousin and herself.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, responsibility, the healing power of nature
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless tale that explores themes of healing, friendship, and the joy of nurturing living things.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about discovery and personal growth.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of diversity, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes kindness and acceptance, and is a powerful story about the importance of being true to oneself.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a moving story that teaches compassion and acceptance of others.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A bored young boy, Milo, receives a magical tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest to rescue the princesses of Rhyme and Reason.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, vocabulary, appreciation for puns and wordplay
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an imaginative adventure that celebrates the joys of learning and the power of curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love clever wordplay and whimsical adventures.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this illustrated novel follows Hugo, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station and is wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, history of cinema, mechanical understanding
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visually stunning book that combines text and artwork to create a captivating mystery and an engaging historical exploration.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are interested in mysteries, history, and art.

• Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows two fifth-grade friends, Jess and Leslie, who create a fantasy kingdom called Terabithia where they rule as king and queen. The story takes a poignant turn when tragedy strikes.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, creativity, dealing with loss
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses complex topics like grief and imagination with sensitivity and grace, providing a profound emotional experience for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who are dealing with or curious about loss and those who enjoy stories about friendship and imaginary worlds.

Challenging English Books for 10-Year-Olds

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: The story follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe as they travel through time and space to rescue Meg's father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as good versus evil, conformity, and the power of love, intertwined with theoretical physics concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and imagination, and it presents a strong female protagonist who overcomes great challenges through bravery and intelligence.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and fantasy, and those who enjoy stories about adventures across different dimensions.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: This poetic tale tells the story of a young prince who travels the universe gaining wisdom. The story is framed as a conversation between the prince and a stranded pilot in the desert.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is layered with philosophical insights and metaphors that challenge young readers to think deeply about love, loss, and the essence of human nature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound insights into life and relationships that are meaningful at any age, wrapped in a simple but captivating story.
  • Perfect for: Thinkers and dreamers, and any child who enjoys stories that explore deeper meanings.

• From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two siblings, Claudia and Jamie, run away to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, where they become embroiled in a mystery involving a statue that may be the work of Michelangelo.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features sophisticated themes of self-discovery, family dynamics, and personal independence.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an adventure that also educates about art history and museum workings, encouraging independence and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and art lovers, and those who enjoy a mix of adventure and intellectual challenge.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • 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 stop a plot that could have global consequences.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features complex puzzles, codes, and ethical dilemmas that require advanced problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling, brain-teasing adventure that promotes teamwork, courage, and intellectual curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles and mysteries, and those who appreciate stories about teamwork and cleverness.

• 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 explores dark themes and complex ideas about life and death, presented through a unique narrative structure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of horror, fantasy, and mystery to create a captivating story about growing up and facing one's fears.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy spooky stories with a heart, and those interested in a different take on the coming-of-age genre.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help a 10-year-old develop great reading habits, you've come to the right place. Below, I've put together a few fun and effective exercises that are perfect for young readers. 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 minutes 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 Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner of the house as a reading area.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and distraction-free environment.
  • Tips: Let the child personalize the space with their favorite cushions or posters.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club where kids can discuss a book they've all read.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and promotes social skills.
  • Tips: Rotate who picks the book each month to keep it exciting and inclusive.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Boosts imagination and helps with remembering details of the story.
  • Tips: Use a variety of materials like crayons, markers, or digital tools for drawing.

• Read Aloud to Someone
  • What it is: Read a book aloud to family members or pets.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading skills.
  • Tips: Choose a regular time each day for this activity, like before bedtime.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize an app designed for book tracking and recommendations.
  • How it helps: Introduces new books that match the child’s interests and reading level.
  • Tips: Ensure the app is kid-friendly and secure.

• Flashcard Summary
  • What it is: Create flashcards summarizing each chapter or main points.
  • How it helps: Reinforces memory and helps in summarizing key information.
  • Tips: Use different colors for different types of information, like characters, settings, and important events.

By incorporating these exercises into a child's reading routine, you'll not only make reading more engaging but also support their overall literacy development. Remember, the key is to keep the activities fun and aligned with their interests. Happy reading!