10+ Best Fantasy Books for 10-Year-Old Girl w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect escape into magical realms for your young reader? Discovering the right fantasy books for a 10-year-old girl can be a thrilling adventure in itself! From enchanted forests to mystical creatures, the stories we've gathered will spark imagination and inspire adventure. Keep reading to explore our curated lists of fantasy books that are just perfect for 10-year-old girls, ensuring their next reading adventure is as enchanting as the worlds waiting to be discovered in these pages.

Fun Fantasy Books for 10-Year-Old Girl

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the famous Harry Potter series, where young Harry learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own. He is summoned from his life as an unwanted child to become a student at Hogwarts, an English boarding school for wizards.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical gateway to the world of reading, sparking imagination with its rich, fantastical world and relatable themes of friendship and courage.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and adventure.

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christian Allegory
  • Synopsis: Four siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie—are evacuated to the countryside during the Blitz and discover the world of Narnia through a magical wardrobe in the home of an old professor.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines deep moral messages with captivating fantasy, ideal for fostering a child’s imagination and understanding of right and wrong.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about magical worlds and epic battles between good and evil.

• 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 across the United States to find Zeus's stolen lightning bolt.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thrilling mix of modern adventure and ancient Greek mythology, making it both educational and extremely fun to read.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love thrilling adventures and learning about mythology.

• The Neverending Story by Michael Ende, illustrated by Roswitha Quadflieg
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Bastian Balthazar Bux discovers a mysterious book that draws him into the magical world of Fantastica, a land of hopes, dreams, and adventures where he must save the realm from destruction.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a beautiful exploration of self-discovery and the power of imagination, perfect for encouraging creative thinking.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and any young reader who appreciates stories where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, but her parents mistreat her and the school headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, is just as cruel. Matilda discovers she has a special telekinetic power that helps her stand up to the bullies and protect her friends.
  • Why we recommend this book: It champions the idea that intelligence and kindness can overcome adversity, and it’s filled with humor and heart.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of triumph over adversity, and anyone who loves a good laugh along with their magic.

Educational Fantasy Books for 10-Year-Old Girl

• Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Princess Cimorene is tired of being a traditional princess and runs away to live with a dragon. She becomes involved in adventures that defy princess stereotypes.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, challenging stereotypes
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a refreshing twist on traditional fairy tales, promoting independence and intelligence over beauty and passivity.
  • Perfect for: Girls who enjoy stories with strong, smart female protagonists and a good mix of humor and adventure.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Luna is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As she grows, her magic becomes both a danger and a blessing to the people around her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, understanding consequences, ethical decision-making
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines elements of magic and mystery with complex moral questions, making it a thought-provoking read.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like their fantasy stories with depth and are intrigued by the complexities of magic and its impact on life.

• The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Tiffany Aching, a young witch-in-training, must use her wits and the help of the rowdy Wee Free Men to rescue her brother and prevent an invasion from Fairyland.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, humor, folklore
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a hilarious adventure that teaches resilience and resourcefulness, with a delightful mix of whimsy and wisdom.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love a good laugh while they learn about bravery and self-reliance.

• Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: Cursed with obedience as a child, Ella of Frell must navigate her world carefully to break the spell and gain her freedom, all while falling in love with a prince.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, self-determination, literary analysis
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a clever retelling of the Cinderella story that empowers its heroine to change her own fate.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy classic fairy tales with a twist and stories of empowerment and romance.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This tale follows Despereaux Tilling, a brave mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It intertwines his story with that of a servant girl and a rat who longs for a life above ground.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, bravery, storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a beautifully written story that celebrates the unlikely hero and explores themes of darkness and light, bravery and love.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate intricate narratives and characters who defy expectations.

Challenging Fantasy Books for 10-Year-Old Girl

• 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. This power thrusts them into a dangerous adventure involving a villain from a story called "Inkheart."
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel features complex characters and a multi-layered plot that intertwines reality and fiction, which can be sophisticated for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the magic of books and reading, encouraging readers to imagine the possibilities beyond the written word.
  • Perfect for: Young bookworms who dream of fantastical worlds and adventures beyond the page.

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Steampunk
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua embarks on a journey to the Arctic north to save her kidnapped friend and other children from terrible experiments, discovering a world of daemons, witches, and armored bears.
  • Why this book is; challenging: This book introduces complex themes including philosophy, theology, and science, demanding a higher level of comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thrilling adventure combined with a deep, thought-provoking narrative that challenges perceptions about our world.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy complex narratives and are ready to explore big ideas.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Artemis Fowl, a twelve-year-old genius and criminal mastermind, captures a fairy and holds her for ransom to exploit the magical Fairy People and restore his family's fortune.
  • Why this book is challenging: The series features high-tech gadgetry and a complex plot involving various mythical creatures and advanced technologies.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a mix of crime caper and fantasy, providing not only entertainment but also stimulating problem-solving and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a good mystery with a touch of magic and science fiction.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, 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 plot that could have global consequences.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel is filled with puzzles, riddles, and complex logic problems that require careful thought and creativity to solve.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to think independently and creatively, and it's full of suspense and intrigue that keep the pages turning.
  • Perfect for: Intelligent young readers who enjoy solving puzzles and cracking codes.

• The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: September, a twelve-year-old girl, is whisked away from her home to Fairyland where she encounters witches, dragons, and other fantastical creatures on her quest.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style is rich and lyrical, filled with allegories, metaphors, and a vocabulary that might be challenging for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written, imaginative tale that celebrates courage and the spirit of adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a love for poetry and stories that transport them to magical realms far beyond the ordinary.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the enchanting world of fantasy books, especially tailored for a 10-year-old girl, enhancing your reading habits can make the journey even more magical. Here are some fun and effective exercises to help you get the most out of your fantasy adventures. Let's make reading a habit that's as exciting as the stories you're about to explore!

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy corner dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a personalized space that encourages regular reading.
  • Tips: Decorate with comfy cushions, good lighting, and maybe some fantasy-themed decorations!

• Book Themed Dress-Up Day
  • What it is: Choose a day to dress up as a favorite character from the book you're reading.
  • How it helps: Deepens engagement and connection with the story.
  • Tips: Plan the outfit based on the character's description in the book and act out your favorite scenes!

• Chapter Summaries
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the plot and important details.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries creative and colorful; use markers or colored pencils to make it fun!

• Reading Challenge Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart to track the number of books or chapters read over a period.
  • How it helps: Motivates consistent reading and sets clear goals.
  • Tips: Reward yourself with a small treat or privilege for reaching milestones!

• Story Prediction Board
  • What it is: Before starting a new chapter, predict what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Stimulates imagination and critical thinking.
  • Tips: Write your predictions on sticky notes and compare them with the actual events after reading.

• Family Book Club
  • What it is: Organize a weekly book club with family members who are also interested in reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and deeper understanding of the book.
  • Tips: Choose a specific day and time for discussions and make sure everyone gets a chance to speak.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances visual memory and understanding of the story.
  • Tips: Use your drawings as bookmarks for the chapters they represent.

These exercises aren't just about reading; they're about making reading an integral and enjoyable part of your daily life. By engaging creatively with the books you read, you'll not only improve your reading skills but also develop a lifelong love for literature. So, grab your favorite fantasy book, and let's get started on this magical reading adventure!