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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that celebrates the joys and challenges of friendship for your young reader? Dive into our curated selection of Friendship Books for 10-Year-Olds, each packed with stories that resonate with kids as they navigate their own friendships. Whether you're looking for a gift or just wanting to enrich your child's reading list, keep reading to discover our diverse picks that are sure to captivate and educate in equal measure!

Fun Friendship Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This beloved novel tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages in her web to persuade the farmer to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the natural cycle of life in a way that is accessible and touching for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who enjoy heartwarming stories.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Sophie befriends the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike other giants, does not eat children. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the man-eating giants from terrorizing the human world.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its imaginative plot and creative language make reading fun, encouraging young readers to explore more books.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love fantasy and adventures, and those who enjoy stories of unlikely friendships.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book is a diary of a middle-school boy, Greg Heffley, who navigates school and family life. The illustrations and Greg’s candid voice paint a hilarious picture of his trials and tribulations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s highly relatable and funny, making it a great pick to engage reluctant readers and show them that reading can be enjoyable.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate humor and those who might see themselves in the awkward stages of middle school.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Through multiple perspectives, the book explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and resilience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes empathy and understanding, and is a powerful story about accepting oneself and others.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a moving story that teaches kindness and the importance of looking beyond appearances.

• Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Drama
  • Synopsis: This novel follows two lonely children, Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke, who create a magical forest kingdom called Terabithia, where they reign as king and queen. It deals with themes of friendship, imagination, and the experience of loss.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and creativity, while also handling delicate topics of grief and loss in a way that is accessible to young minds.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy deep, emotional stories mixed with elements of fantasy.

Educational Friendship Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is told from the perspective of Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall. Ivan's life changes when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild. This story is about their friendship and a shared hope for a better life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare awareness, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that balances themes of friendship and animal rights, encouraging readers to think about the feelings and treatment of animals.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in stories that highlight compassion and resilience.

• Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick
  • Genre(s): Young Adult Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book follows two boys, Maxwell and Kevin, who are considered outcasts by their peers. Maxwell has learning difficulties, and Kevin has a physical disability. Together, they become "Freak the Mighty" and embark on quests that play to their strengths and forge a strong bond.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of disabilities, friendship dynamics, literacy and language skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the power of friendship and acceptance, teaching readers about overcoming adversity through mutual support.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about overcoming challenges and unlikely friendships.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a spoiled and ill-tempered girl, is sent to live with her uncle in a gloomy mansion after her parents' death. She discovers a neglected garden and, along with her cousin Colin and new friend Dickon, brings it back to life. The garden's transformation mirrors their own emotional growth and healing.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, historical context, gardening knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of healing and rejuvenation through nature and friendship, inspiring readers to find beauty and hope in the unexpected.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy transformation stories and classic literature.

• Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ten-year-old Opal Buloni moves to a new town and adopts a dog she finds at a local supermarket, whom she names Winn-Dixie. The dog helps her make new friends and reconnect with her estranged father.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, family relationships, community awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that highlights the importance of companionship and community in overcoming loneliness and building bridges.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love stories about friendship and family, and of course, dog lovers.

• My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Survival Fiction
  • Synopsis: Young Sam Gribley runs away from home to live in the Catskill Mountains. He learns to survive with the help of a peregrine falcon named Frightful and his neighbor, Bando, who becomes a mentor and friend.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Survival skills, independence, environmental awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages independence and a deep appreciation for nature, while also exploring the importance of friendship and self-reliance.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous young readers who dream of exploring the wilderness and learning about self-sufficiency.

Challenging Friendship Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After the murder of his family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him. Named Nobody Owens, he grows up among the dead and the undead, learning about both the living world and the afterlife.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of life, death, and identity, woven into a narrative that combines elements of horror, fantasy, and suspense.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a unique perspective on growth and survival, encouraging readers to think deeply about what it means to live fully.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy spooky stories with a strong sense of adventure and deep themes.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child neglected by her crude and distant parents. Her school life isn't much better under the tyrannical rule of Headmistress Trunchbull. Matilda's love for reading and learning helps her discover her own telekinetic powers, which she uses to defend her friends and punish the wicked adults in her life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features rich vocabulary and a plot that includes themes of rebellion, justice, and personal empowerment.
  • Why we recommend this book: Matilda's resilience and cleverness make her an inspiring protagonist, and her story promotes the importance of kindness, learning, and standing up for oneself.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who value intelligence, justice, and a bit of mischief.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and disinterested in life, young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond. He embarks on a quest that takes him through a world filled with puns, puzzles, and wordplay, learning valuable lessons about life, knowledge, and the importance of perspective.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in wordplay, puns, and philosophical ideas that require readers to think critically about language and meaning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to see the world in new ways and underscores the value of curiosity and learning.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, word games, and thinking outside the box.

• From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Claudia Kincaid, a precocious girl, decides to run away from home for an adventure. She and her younger brother, Jamie, take up secret residence in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, where they become entangled in a mystery involving a statue that may be the work of Michelangelo.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves complex themes of independence, family, and identity with an intriguing art historical mystery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a captivating adventure that also educates readers about art and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and art lovers who dream of adventure and mystery-solving.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict after passing a series of mind-bending tests. They go on a secret mission to infiltrate a mysterious institute to stop a global disaster.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex puzzles, codes, and ethical dilemmas that require advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a thrilling adventure filled with clever twists and turns that keep readers engaged and thinking critically.
  • Perfect for: Young strategists and thinkers who enjoy solving puzzles and cracking codes.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into some great friendship books and you're around 10 years old, you've got a fantastic journey ahead! Reading not only opens up new worlds but also builds strong habits that can help you throughout life. Here are some fun and effective exercises to enhance your reading experience and develop good habits. Let's make reading even more exciting!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many books you want to read in a month or how many minutes you want to read each day.
  • How it helps: Setting goals can motivate you to read regularly and make reading a habit.
  • Tips: Choose realistic goals that you can achieve without feeling overwhelmed.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in your home as your reading area.
  • How it helps: Having a dedicated space for reading can help you focus and make your reading time special.
  • Tips: Make it cozy with pillows, good lighting, and maybe even a small shelf for your books.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Start a book club where you and your friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Discussing a book with friends can enhance your understanding and make reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Rotate who picks the book each month to keep the selections diverse and interesting.

• Use a Reading Timer
  • What it is: Use a timer to keep track of how long you read each day.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused during reading time and builds endurance for longer reading sessions.
  • Tips: Start with short intervals like 15 minutes and gradually increase as you get more comfortable.

• Read Aloud to Someone
  • What it is: Read a book aloud to a family member, friend, or even a pet.
  • How it helps: Reading aloud improves your pronunciation and helps you process the story better.
  • Tips: Try to express the emotions of the characters as you read, which can make it more fun and engaging.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts, favorite quotes, and summaries of what you read.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of your thoughts and progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit to jot down a few lines after each reading session.

• Visualize While Reading
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read through the story.
  • How it helps: Visualization can make the reading experience more vivid and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Pause after a few pages to close your eyes and picture what you just read.

• Challenge Yourself With Different Genres
  • What it is: Try reading books from different genres than you normally would.
  • How it helps: Expanding your reading material can introduce you to new ideas and improve your reading skills.
  • Tips: Ask for recommendations from friends, teachers, or librarians to discover great books in other genres.

Reading isn't just about flipping through pages; it's about engaging with the content and growing your skills. These exercises are designed to make reading a more integral and enjoyable part of your daily routine. Give them a try, mix them up, and most importantly, have fun with your books! Happy reading!