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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect English story books for 10-year-olds? Whether you're looking to spark a love of reading in your child or find new adventures to fill their bookshelves, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a diverse selection of captivating reads that are sure to engage young minds and keep those pages turning. Keep reading to discover our top picks of English story books for 10-year-olds that can't be missed!

Fun English Story 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 wise 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, loyalty, and the cycle of life in a gentle and accessible way that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who appreciate stories about friendship and survival.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The first book in the Harry Potter series introduces Harry Potter, a young wizard who attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry faces various challenges and uncovers mysteries linked to his past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination and creativity, while also highlighting the importance of courage, friendship, and the battle between good and evil.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and epic adventures.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to Camp Half-Blood where he embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventure with Greek mythology, making it a captivating read that also educates about classical myths.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure stories and mythology enthusiasts.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This story follows Despereaux Tilling, a brave mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It explores themes of bravery, forgiveness, and redemption.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written fairy tale that emphasizes the importance of courage and the power of stories.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fairy tales and rooting for the underdog.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a young girl with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers. She overcomes neglectful parents and a cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, using her wit and abilities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the resilience and ingenuity of a young girl, encouraging readers to believe in their own power to overcome obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or underappreciated, and those who love stories of triumph over adversity.

Educational English Story Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: An orphaned girl named Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle in Yorkshire, where she discovers a hidden, neglected garden. As she revitalizes the garden, she also transforms the lives of her uncle and his sickly son.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, responsibility, and an appreciation for nature
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the healing power of nature and friendship, and the personal growth that comes from caring for others.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about transformation and the magic of nature.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A bored young boy named Milo receives a magical tollbooth that transports him to the Kingdom of Wisdom. There, he embarks on a quest that brings excitement and a new appreciation for knowledge.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, vocabulary, and appreciation for learning
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor, adventure, and learning, making it a fun and engaging way to explore the importance of education and curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love whimsical adventures and learning through storytelling.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Through multiple perspectives, the book explores themes of kindness, acceptance, and friendship.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, social skills, and understanding of diversity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartfelt story that promotes understanding and acceptance of differences, encouraging readers to be kinder and more inclusive.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are learning about empathy and the value of accepting everyone for who they are.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • 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 solve a series of puzzles and stop a global crisis.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of mind-bending puzzles and clever twists, making it a thrilling read that also sharpens the intellect.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle lovers who enjoy stories about teamwork and adventure.

• Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson, illustrated by Donna Diamond
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of a friendship between Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke, two neighbors who create a magical forest kingdom called Terabithia, which they rule as king and queen. The story deals with themes of friendship, imagination, and the experience of loss.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, creativity, and coping with grief
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses complex emotions and situations in a sensitive and meaningful way, helping readers navigate their own feelings about loss and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are dealing with or curious about complex emotions and those who love imaginative play.

Challenging English Story Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Set in an alternative 19th-century England, this novel follows cousins Bonnie and Sylvia as they battle cruel governess Miss Slighcarp and a pack of wolves that have overrun England.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features complex plot twists and rich language that require advanced reading skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also teaches about resilience and courage in the face of adversity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy historical settings and suspenseful stories.

• 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 ghosts and other supernatural beings raise him.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with dark themes and complex concepts about life and death.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique coming-of-age story that is both captivating and deeply moving.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like spooky stories with a heart.

• 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 save Meg's father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex scientific and philosophical ideas.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines science fiction with a deep emotional core, encouraging readers to think critically while exploring universal themes of love and family.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and thinkers who are ready to explore more challenging concepts.

• The Sword in the Stone by T.H. White
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Arthurian Legend
  • Synopsis: A young King Arthur, known as Wart, is tutored by the wizard Merlin and prepares for his future reign.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates elements of medieval literature and deep philosophical questions about leadership and morality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical tale that also educates about the complexities of growing up and taking on responsibilities.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love mythology and stories of knights and wizards.

• 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 become entangled in a mystery involving a statue possibly sculpted by Michelangelo.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is rich in cultural and historical references that require a higher level of comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating adventure that also imparts a wealth of knowledge about art history.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are curious about art and mysteries.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 10-year-old develop good reading habits with some fun English storybooks, here are a few engaging exercises that can make reading a more enriching experience. These activities not only boost reading skills but also make the process enjoyable and meaningful.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and helps in building a reading routine.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to keep motivation high.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific, comfortable spot at home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and makes reading time special and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions or posters.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a small reading group with friends to discuss books.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and analytical skills through discussion.
  • Tips: Choose a regular time each week for meetings, and rotate who gets to pick the book.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book after reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and recall of the story, and sparks creativity.
  • Tips: Use a variety of materials like crayons, markers, or digital tools for drawing.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Make predictions about the plot before and during reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages active reading and critical thinking.
  • Tips: Discuss your predictions with others to see different perspectives.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Take turns reading parts of the book aloud with a parent or sibling.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading out loud.
  • Tips: Use different voices for different characters to make it more fun.

• Keep a Vocabulary Notebook
  • What it is: Write down new words and their meanings while reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and better understanding of the language.
  • Tips: Try to use the new words in sentences to reinforce learning.

These exercises are designed to make reading a habit that's both educational and enjoyable for your child. By incorporating these activities into their routine, your 10-year-old will not only improve their reading skills but also develop a lifelong love for books. Happy reading!