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

Are you on the hunt for exciting books for 10-year-olds that will keep your young reader hooked? Look no further! Whether they love thrilling adventures, mysterious tales, or stories that make them laugh out loud, finding the perfect book can be a game changer. Keep reading to discover our top picks of exciting books for 10-year-olds that are sure to captivate their imagination and keep those pages turning!

Fun Exciting Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the globally beloved series where young Harry Potter discovers he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here, he makes friends, enemies, and begins to uncover his destiny.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces magic and fantasy in such an engaging way that it turns even reluctant readers into avid ones. The themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery resonate well with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love magic and adventure, and anyone new to fantasy novels.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This touching story follows a pig named Wilbur and his spider friend, Charlotte, as they form a unique bond in a barnyard. Charlotte crafts words into her web in an effort to save her friend from being slaughtered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that teaches lessons about friendship, loss, and redemption. The simple yet profound narrative is perfect for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about animals and those dealing with themes of friendship and compassion.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is no ordinary boy but a demigod, and is whisked away to Camp Half-Blood where he learns about his divine heritage. He embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods by finding Zeus's stolen lightning bolt.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling mix of modern adventure and ancient Greek mythology, making it a captivating read that also educates about classical myths.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who enjoy fast-paced stories and learning about mythology.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story centers around Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with large ears, who loves music and reading, and his quest to save a human princess.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with heart and beautifully crafted prose, encouraging readers to be brave and follow their dreams.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales with a twist and stories of unlikely heroes.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: The book is a journal of Greg Heffley as he navigates his way through middle school, detailing his trials and tribulations along with the awkward moments that make up his daily life.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its humorous take on everyday school life and family dynamics is relatable and can make reading fun and engaging for kids.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate humor and those who might enjoy reading about the ups and downs of school life.

Educational Exciting Books for 10-Year-Olds

• 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 solve a series of puzzles and stop a global crisis.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with brain-teasers and moral questions, making it not only fun but also intellectually stimulating.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and working as part of a team.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic, Coming of Age
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Luna is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As she grows, she must confront her powers and the truths of her past in a world filled with magic and danger.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, understanding complex narratives, and ethical reasoning
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a beautifully written tale that explores complex themes like love, growth, and sacrifice with a magical twist.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fascinated by magic and stories with strong, complex characters.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences, as he attends school for the first time in fifth grade and strives to be treated as an ordinary kid.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, social skills, and understanding diversity
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches kindness and the importance of accepting others, regardless of appearance, in a way that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who are learning about empathy and the value of kindness.

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Roz the robot discovers herself alone on a remote, wild island. She must adapt to her environment and learn from the island's hostile animal inhabitants to survive.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Adaptability, problem-solving, and understanding environmental science
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thrilling adventure that also imparts valuable lessons about technology, nature, and the interconnectivity of life.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in robots, nature, and survival stories.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, an orphan boy named Hugo lives in the walls of a train station, tending to the clocks and trying to repair an automaton left by his father, uncovering a mysterious connection to a toymaker.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, mechanical understanding, and storytelling through visuals
  • Why we recommend this book: The novel's unique integration of text and full-page illustrations provides a cinematic experience that captivates and educates.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy visually driven narratives and mysteries intertwined with historical elements.

Challenging Exciting Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Milo is bored with life until a mysterious tollbooth appears in his room. Driving through it, he finds himself in a fantastical world where he embarks on a quest that teaches him the value of learning and curiosity.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel plays with language and mathematics in a way that encourages deeper thinking and engagement with the text.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative journey that promotes creativity and the importance of education, making it perfect for young readers looking to expand their minds.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love whimsical adventures and wordplay.

• 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 their father from an evil force with the help of three mysterious beings.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces concepts of theoretical physics within a complex narrative structure.
  • Why we recommend this book: This classic novel combines science and fantasy in a way that challenges the imagination while addressing themes of family and individuality.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and thinkers interested in a blend of adventure and science.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, discovers a neglected garden after moving to her uncle's remote country estate. As she revives the garden, she transforms her life and that of her sickly cousin.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores complex themes of loss, healing, and growth through detailed, descriptive prose.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story that shows the restorative power of nature and friendship, encouraging empathy and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of transformation and the beauty of nature.

• From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Claudia Kincaid and her younger brother Jamie run away from home to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they become involved in a mystery involving a statue that may be the work of Michelangelo.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book requires readers to think critically and piece together clues alongside the characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with a historical art mystery, making it both educational and thrilling.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and art lovers who enjoy a good puzzle.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This poetic tale features a young prince who travels from planet to planet, exploring themes of loneliness, love, and loss through his encounters with various inhabitants.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with philosophical questions and abstract concepts that require introspection and a mature understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound insights into human nature and relationships, presented through a simple yet captivating story.
  • Perfect for: Deep thinkers and young philosophers who appreciate stories that make them reflect on life's big questions.

• The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a city shrouded in darkness, two children, Lina and Doon, discover clues that could lead their people to the outside world they never knew existed.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative builds a complex world that requires readers to engage with concepts of societal organization and the implications of human actions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping story that explores themes of perseverance and hope in the face of adversity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science fiction and stories about dystopian societies.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of books with your 10-year-old, it's a great idea to incorporate some fun exercises to enhance their reading experience. These exercises are designed not just to keep them engaged, but also to develop strong, lifelong reading habits. Let's check them out!

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

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in the house just for reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and distraction-free environment.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions or posters.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Start a book club where your child and their friends read the same book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and promotes social skills.
  • Tips: Host a monthly meeting where they can discuss the book and share ideas.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Dedicate time to read aloud from the book each day.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading out loud.
  • Tips: Take turns reading with your child to make it more interactive.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Boosts comprehension and makes the reading experience more vivid.
  • Tips: Use a variety of materials like crayons, markers, or paints to keep it exciting.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next in the story before reading further.
  • How it helps: Stimulates critical thinking and engagement with the narrative.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions and see how they match up as you read along.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a dynamic and integral part of your child's daily life. By incorporating these activities, you're helping your child develop a love for books that can last a lifetime. So, grab a book and let's make reading even more exciting for your little one!