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

Are you on the hunt for engaging and cost-effective ways to entertain your ten-year-old? Look no further! Our roundup of free audio books for 10-year-olds is the perfect resource to keep your young reader hooked, all without breaking the bank. From thrilling adventures to captivating tales, we've scoured the internet to find the best audio books available at no cost. Keep reading to discover our top picks and find the perfect listen for your child!

Fun Free Audio 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 a young pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte, who tries to save him from being slaughtered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important values such as friendship, love, and the cycle of life through a simple yet profound narrative.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who appreciate stories about friendship and loyalty.

• 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 and discovers his magical heritage.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination and creativity while introducing themes of bravery, friendship, and the importance of choices.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and anyone who loves magical worlds and heroic quests.

• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Four siblings enter the magical world of Narnia through a wardrobe and find themselves caught up in a battle between good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating adventure that also imparts lessons about courage, self-sacrifice, and the battle between right and wrong.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy epic tales and exploring mythical lands.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a bright and curious girl who, with the help of a kind teacher, overcomes her unkind parents and a brutal school principal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of reading, encourages resistance against unfair authority, and showcases the impact of kindness and intelligence.
  • Perfect for: Young intellectuals and anyone who roots for the underdog.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod and is thrust into a world of Greek gods and monsters, embarking on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It mixes exciting adventures with Greek mythology, making it educational in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Fans of mythology and readers who enjoy fast-paced, action-packed stories.

Educational Free Audio 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 at her uncle's remote estate where she discovers a mysterious and neglected garden. As she revitalizes the garden, she also transforms her own life and that of her sickly cousin.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, responsibility, the healing power of nature, and personal growth
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that explores themes of healing and friendship through the beauty of nature and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of transformation and the magic of nature.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows 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. Her adventures and misadventures in the small town of Avonlea are both heartwarming and humorous.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, vocabulary, social relationships, and emotional intelligence
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's zest for life and her ability to find wonder in everyday situations make this book a delightful read that also teaches important life lessons.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and anyone who appreciates a good, character-driven story.

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This classic tale follows the adventures of four anthropomorphized animals—Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger—as they explore and enjoy life along a river in the English countryside.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Friendship, adventure, and moral lessons; appreciation for nature
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines gentle humor with exciting adventures and poignant moments, offering readers a chance to escape into a whimsically crafted world.
  • Perfect for: Nature lovers and fans of classic animal stories.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Alice falls through a rabbit hole into Wonderland, a bizarre and nonsensical world where she encounters a series of peculiar characters and surreal adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, problem-solving, and understanding of literary nonsense and satire
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a wildly imaginative book that encourages thinking outside the box and offers endless amusement and intrigue with its clever wordplay and fantastical plot.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and anyone who enjoys puzzling through a good, quirky story.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This story centers on Despereaux Tilling, a brave mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It explores his adventures as he navigates a world filled with darkness and fraught with danger.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Bravery, compassion, and literacy; understanding themes of light versus darkness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that combines adventure with deeply emotional themes, all while championing the underdog.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fairy tales and rooting for unlikely heroes.

Challenging Free Audio Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Watership Down by Richard Adams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A group of rabbits escape their doomed warren and journey to find a new home, facing numerous threats along the way. This epic tale explores themes of survival, leadership, and society.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel introduces complex social structures and uses a sophisticated vocabulary that challenges young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an engaging adventure story while teaching about perseverance, leadership, and ethical decision-making.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in detailed, thought-provoking stories.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, linguistic oddities, and philosophical insights.
  • Why this book is challenging: It plays with language and introduces metaphors that require critical thinking and a strong vocabulary to fully appreciate.
  • Why we recommend this book: The book is not only fun but also enriches vocabulary and critical thinking skills through its clever play on words and concepts.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy wordplay, puzzles, and imaginative adventures.

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a seemingly utopian society where everyone conforms to rules and there is no pain or fear, a boy named Jonas is selected to inherit the position of Receiver of Memories, and he discovers the dark secrets behind his community's existence.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as conformity, control, and the loss of individuality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking novel that encourages questions about personal freedoms, society, and ethical dilemmas.
  • Perfect for: Young thinkers and readers interested in science fiction and exploring profound social and ethical issues.

• 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 that threatens the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel incorporates advanced scientific concepts like tesseracts and deals with complex themes of good versus evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines science fiction with a deep emotional story, encouraging both scientific curiosity and philosophical reflection.
  • Perfect for: Science enthusiasts and readers who enjoy thrilling adventures intertwined with deeper questions about the universe.

• The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Taran, an Assistant Pig-Keeper in the mythical land of Prydain, embarks on a dangerous quest to find a stolen pig, a journey that turns into a fight against the evil Horned King.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces a complex fantasy world with its own history and mythology, requiring readers to keep track of various characters and their developments.
  • Why we recommend this book: This is the first book in a series that offers a rich, immersive fantasy experience with strong moral lessons.
  • Perfect for: Fans of epic fantasy and young readers looking for a deep, engaging series.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of free audio books for your 10-year-old, that's fantastic! Audio books can be a great way to improve literacy, enhance listening skills, and just enjoy the magic of stories. To make the most out of this experience, here are some fun exercises that can help develop good reading habits while keeping the journey enjoyable.

• Set a Daily Listening Time
  • What it is: Dedicate a specific time each day for listening to audio books.
  • How it helps: Creates a routine and helps form a daily reading habit.
  • Tips: Choose a time when your child is usually relaxed and attentive, such as after dinner or before bed.

• Listen and Draw
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the story while listening.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and makes the listening experience interactive.
  • Tips: Provide a variety of art supplies and encourage creativity without worrying about accuracy.

• Chapter Summaries
  • What it is: After each chapter, summarize what happened.
  • How it helps: Improves retention and understanding of the story.
  • Tips: Keep the summaries brief and fun; consider using bullet points or fun charts.

• Character Maps
  • What it is: Create a map or a chart that shows the relationships between different characters.
  • How it helps: Helps in understanding complex stories and character development.
  • Tips: Use a large poster board and markers to add new characters and connections as the story progresses.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Pause the audio book at intervals and predict what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and engagement with the story.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions and see how the story unfolds to check accuracy.

• Retell the Story
  • What it is: After finishing an audio book, retell the story in your own words.
  • How it helps: Reinforces memory and understanding of what was heard.
  • Tips: Use voice recording tools to capture the retelling and play it back.

Incorporating these exercises into your child's listening routine can significantly enhance the benefits of audio books. Not only do they make listening more interactive, but they also strengthen literacy skills in a fun and engaging way. So, why not give them a try and see how your child's love for stories grows? Happy listening!