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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect escape into a world of magic and wonder for your ten-year-old? Look no further than our curated collection of fairy books for 10-year-olds, where enchantment and adventure leap off every page! Whether your young reader is a budding bookworm or just starting their literary journey, these tales are sure to ignite their imagination. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that promise to keep them spellbound.

Fun Fairy Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling
  • Synopsis: This Newbery Honor book tells the story of Ella of Frell who is given the "gift" of obedience by a fairy named Lucinda. Ella must navigate her world with this curse, finding her way through various challenges to ultimately reclaim her life and destiny.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating twist on the Cinderella story that promotes themes of self-reliance and determination. It encourages readers to think critically about personal autonomy and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love classic fairy tales with a strong, resourceful heroine.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magical Realism
  • Synopsis: Every year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to the witch who lives in the forest, hoping this sacrifice will keep her from terrorizing their town. But the witch, Xan, is kind and rescues the children, feeding them starlight. One child, however, receives moonlight instead, gaining magical powers.
  • Why we recommend this book: This beautifully written tale is filled with magic, witchcraft, and adventure that keeps readers engaged while exploring complex themes like sacrifice and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy complex characters and magical, whimsical stories.

• Fairest by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: In the kingdom of Ayortha, Aza, the adopted daughter of innkeepers, longs to be beautiful, but she is considered ugly in a land that values beauty above all else. Her true gift is her voice, which can do amazing things. The story follows Aza's journey to accepting herself and uncovering her own unique beauty.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a wonderful story about self-acceptance and the power of inner beauty, encouraging readers to value their own unique qualities.
  • Perfect for: Young readers struggling with self-image or those who appreciate stories with a moral lesson.

• 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 in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It's about his adventures in a castle where he speaks of love and forgiveness and battles the darkness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with heartfelt themes, offering a tale of bravery and forgiveness that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who love stories of unlikely heroes and adventures within magical settings.

• Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Zita finds herself a stranger on a distant planet after she pushes a button that transports her into the universe. She embarks on a quest to rescue her friend who has been abducted by an alien cult.
  • Why we recommend this book: This graphic novel is packed with action and rich in detailed artwork, making it a fun and engaging read that helps develop a love for reading through visual storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fans of space adventures and strong female protagonists.

Educational Fairy Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Blue Fairy Book by Andrew Lang, illustrated by H. J. Ford
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale Collection
  • Synopsis: This collection features a variety of classic fairy tales including "Aladdin," "Beauty and the Beast," and "Little Red Riding Hood," among others.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, cultural knowledge, moral reasoning
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to a broad range of fairy tales from different cultures, enhancing their understanding of storytelling and moral lessons.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy diverse and classic fairy tales.

• The Ordinary Princess by M.M. Kaye
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Princess Amy is gifted with ordinariness at her christening by a fairy. As she grows up, she finds her own way in the world, proving that you don't need to be 'special' in the conventional way to lead a remarkable life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, creativity, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a charming story that promotes the value of being oneself and finding strength in what makes one unique.
  • Perfect for: Kids who feel the pressure of being perfect and could benefit from a tale that celebrates individuality.

• Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen, illustrated by Kay Nielsen
  • Genre(s): Fairy Tales, Classic Literature
  • Synopsis: This timeless collection includes beloved tales such as "The Little Mermaid," "The Emperor's New Clothes," and "The Ugly Duckling."
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, empathy, historical and cultural understanding
  • Why we recommend this book: Andersen's tales offer deep lessons about human nature and virtues through enchanting narratives, providing both entertainment and ethical guidance.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in classic tales that offer more profound moral lessons.

• The Complete Book of the Flower Fairies by Cicely Mary Barker
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Poetry
  • Synopsis: This collection combines delightful poems and beautiful illustrations of fairies, each accompanied by a different flower, exploring the natural world in a whimsical way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Botanical knowledge, poetic skills, artistic appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It merges the enchanting world of fairies with educational content about various flowers and plants, enhancing both imagination and knowledge of the natural world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a love for nature and fairy tales.

• The Fairy Rebel by Lynne Reid Banks
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story follows Jan, a woman who defies the strict laws of the fairy queen by befriending a rebellious fairy named Tiki, who agrees to help her have a much-desired child.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, moral reasoning, understanding of consequences
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging tale that emphasizes the importance of kindness, bravery, and fighting for what one believes is right.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about friendship and rebellion against unjust rules.

Challenging Fairy Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures of Artemis Fowl, a twelve-year-old genius and criminal mastermind, as he kidnaps a fairy to ransom her for gold. His actions trigger a dangerous war with the technologically advanced fairy world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel features complex plots and high-tech fairy magic that require critical thinking and attention to detail.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends magic with modern technology, offering a unique twist on the fairy genre that captivates and stimulates the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love a good mix of technology and fantasy with a brilliant young protagonist at the helm.

• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Meggie learns that her father, Mo, has the ability to bring characters from books into the real world when reading aloud. Their lives intertwine with a cast of characters brought out of a story called "Inkheart."
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is rich with intricate details, numerous characters, and a deep, multilayered plot.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that celebrates the power of books and reading, encouraging readers to imagine the possibilities beyond the written word.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are also avid fans of stories and storytelling.

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Classic
  • Synopsis: Four siblings enter the magical world of Narnia through a wardrobe and find themselves caught up in a battle between the noble lion Aslan and the evil White Witch.
  • Why this book is challenging: This classic novel explores deep themes such as betrayal, redemption, and sacrifice.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a rich, allegorical narrative that provides profound life lessons through a captivating fantasy adventure.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy epic tales of good versus evil and exploring mythical lands.

• The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When the Grace children move to the old Spiderwick estate, they discover a magical world of faeries and other creatures. They must protect a mysterious book from falling into the wrong hands.
  • Why this book is challenging: The series introduces a complex world filled with a wide variety of creatures and magical lore.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, enchanting series that encourages exploration and respect for the mysteries of the natural world.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers who delight in mysteries and the unseen world of fairy creatures.

• Stardust by Neil Gaiman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
  • Synopsis: Young Tristran Thorn promises to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved, venturing into the magical land of Faerie, where he encounters witches, outlaws, and a star with a temper.
  • Why this book is challenging: With its sophisticated language and complex interweaving of multiple storylines, it offers a rich and textured narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends the whimsical elements of fairy tales with the depth and darkness of adult fantasy.
  • Perfect for: Older children and teens ready to transition into more mature fantasy literature.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the enchanting world of fairy books with your 10-year-old, you're in for a treat! Not only are these stories filled with magic and adventure, but they also offer fantastic opportunities to develop strong reading habits. Here are some engaging exercises that can enhance this magical journey and foster a love for reading.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and helps complete books regularly.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Fairy Tale Map
  • What it is: Draw a map based on the settings of the fairy tales read.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and recall of the story’s details.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to mark important locations from the stories.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book as favorite characters.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of character motivations and story context.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role play more fun and engaging.

• Story Prediction
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next before reading the next chapter.
  • How it helps: Stimulates imagination and analytical thinking.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions with friends or family members who are reading the same book.

• Reading Aloud
  • What it is: Take turns reading the book aloud with a parent, sibling, or friend.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading skills.
  • Tips: Choose a comfortable and quiet place for reading sessions.

• Book-Themed Art Projects
  • What it is: Create artwork inspired by the fairy tales, such as drawings or crafts.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and provides a visual connection to the story.
  • Tips: Display the artwork at home to keep the story alive and prompt discussions.

• Discussion Time
  • What it is: Set aside time to discuss the book’s themes, characters, and plot with others.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and offers different perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions to encourage deeper thinking and conversation.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only make the experience more enjoyable but also enrich your child’s understanding and appreciation of fairy tales. So, grab your fairy books, pick a cozy corner, and let the magic unfold through both reading and these fun activities. Happy reading!