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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for your young reader? Dive into our curated selection of famous books for 10-year-olds that promise to captivate, educate, and inspire. Whether your child is a budding bibliophile or just starting their reading journey, these top picks are sure to spark their imagination and keep them turning pages. Keep reading to discover our various lists of famous books for 10-year-olds and find the perfect match for your eager reader!

Fun Famous 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 spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages praising Wilbur in her web to persuade the farmer to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the cycle of life in a gentle manner that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children who appreciate stories about friendship and loyalty.

• 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 and adventure, and anyone new to fantasy novels.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod and is accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt. He must embark on a quest to find the real thief and resolve a conflict among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines action-packed adventure with Greek mythology, making it both educational and exciting.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure and mythology, and readers who enjoy fast-paced, action-filled stories.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Orphaned Mary Lennox comes to live at her uncle's estate where she discovers a mysterious, neglected garden. As she brings the garden back to life, she also transforms the lives of those around her including her sickly cousin Colin.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of healing and friendship through nature, and encourages readers to find beauty and hope in the unexpected.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories of transformation and nature lovers.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a young girl with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers who uses her abilities to overcome neglectful parents and a tyrannical school principal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of reading and intelligence, and encourages readers to stand up against unfair treatment.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or underappreciated, and anyone who loves a story where the underdog triumphs.

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four siblings enter the magical world of Narnia through a wardrobe and find themselves caught up in a battle between good and evil, guided by the noble lion, Aslan.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a captivating adventure full of deep moral and spiritual lessons, set in a wonderfully imaginative world.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy epic tales of good versus evil and exploring magical worlds.

Educational Famous Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This enchanting tale tells the story of Despereaux Tilling, a brave mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. Despereaux faces numerous challenges, including being banished to a dungeon for speaking with a human.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, empathy, courage, and understanding complex narratives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written story that combines adventure with themes of bravery, redemption, and forgiveness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fairy tales and stories of unlikely heroes.

• Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Friendship, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the friendship between Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke who create a magical forest kingdom called Terabithia, where they rule as king and queen. It explores the themes of friendship, imagination, and the experience of loss.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, creativity, dealing with grief, and friendship dynamics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a profound exploration of friendship and loss, encouraging young readers to appreciate the transformative power of imagination and emotions.
  • Perfect for: Children dealing with or learning about loss and those who appreciate deep, emotional storytelling.

• From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Claudia Kincaid and her brother Jamie run away from home to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They become engrossed in solving the mystery of a beautiful statue, possibly the work of Michelangelo.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, historical knowledge about art, and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery and adventure with a unique setting, engaging young readers in art history and problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and any child who dreams of adventure in extraordinary settings.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Milo, a bored young boy, receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest to rescue the princesses of Rhyme and Reason. Along the way, he learns the importance of knowledge, curiosity, and perspective.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary, mathematical concepts, and philosophical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a whimsical journey that cleverly integrates lessons on language, math, and the importance of learning, making it both fun and educational.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds and lovers of language and puzzles.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: Inspired by true events, this story is told from the perspective of Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a mall. Ivan rarely misses his life in the jungle—until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare awareness, and creative storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that fosters compassion and awareness about animal rights and the power of friendship.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in stories told from unique perspectives.

Challenging Famous Books for 10-Year-Olds

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel follows young Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe as they travel through space and time to rescue Meg's father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as good versus evil, and it incorporates advanced scientific concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and critical thinking, and it portrays strong, intelligent characters overcoming fears.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and readers who enjoy stories about time travel and adventure.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • 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 global crisis.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features intricate puzzles and moral dilemmas that require critical thinking and creativity to solve.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that tests the limits of teamwork, intelligence, and courage.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and young readers who enjoy clever, suspenseful mysteries.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This story details the life of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is mistakenly sent to live with siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert at Green Gables.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative uses rich vocabulary and explores complex emotional growth and social relationships.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers timeless lessons about love, friendship, and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy character-driven stories and exploring emotional and social development.

• 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 layered with philosophical insights about the absurdities of adult behavior.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features metaphorical and philosophical content that prompts deep thinking about life and human nature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages reflection on personal values and the essence of human connections.
  • Perfect for: Young philosophers and readers who appreciate deep, thought-provoking narratives.

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The book follows Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is drawn into a quest to reclaim a treasure guarded by the dragon Smaug, alongside a group of dwarves and the wizard Gandalf.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces high fantasy with complex language, detailed settings, and elaborate lore.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating introduction to epic fantasy, filled with rich descriptions and exciting adventures.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are ready to explore more complex fantasy worlds and epic storytelling.

• Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The novel is based on the true story of a young Native American girl, Karana, who survives alone for years on an island off the California coast.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses themes of survival, solitude, and resilience through sophisticated narrative techniques.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping survival story while also exploring themes of independence and connection to nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and survival stories, and those who appreciate strong, resourceful characters.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 10-year-old develop great reading habits while exploring some famous books, I've got just the thing. Below are some fun and engaging exercises that can make reading a more enjoyable and enriching experience. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Designate a special place at home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a comfortable and distraction-free environment that can enhance concentration.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with comfy seating and their favorite decorations.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Set specific, achievable goals such as the number of books to read each month.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and gives a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Book Club for Kids
  • What it is: Organize a weekly book club with friends or classmates.
  • How it helps: Provides an opportunity to discuss and interpret stories collectively, enhancing comprehension.
  • Tips: Choose books that are age-appropriate and engaging for all members.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention by translating text into visuals.
  • Tips: Use a variety of materials like crayons, markers, or paints to keep it exciting.

• Act Out Scenes
  • What it is: Perform a scene from the book with family or friends.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding of dialogue and character motives.
  • Tips: Don't worry about getting it perfect; focus on having fun and being expressive.

• Reading Timer Challenge
  • What it is: Set a timer and challenge your child to read without interruption until the timer goes off.
  • How it helps: Builds focus and the ability to read for longer periods.
  • Tips: Start with short intervals and gradually increase the time.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

These exercises aren't just about reading more; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of your child’s life. By incorporating these activities, your child will not only improve their reading skills but also develop a lifelong love for books. Happy reading!