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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect girly books for 10-year-olds? Whether you're looking to gift a little reader or want to stock up your tween's bookshelf with tales that sparkle with fun, friendship, and adventure, you've come to the right place! Keep reading as we dive into various lists of girly books that are sure to captivate and inspire young minds. Let's get started and find that next great read!

Fun Girly Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Illustrator: Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Matilda, a brilliant and sensitive child unappreciated by her crude, distant parents. At school, she meets the lovely Miss Honey and the terrifying Miss Trunchbull. Matilda discovers she has a special telekinetic power that she decides to use against the injustices in her life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, showing how they can be used to overcome obstacles and stand up against wrongs. It's also incredibly fun and engaging, keeping young readers hooked.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about justice, and kids who feel different or misunderstood.

• The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Humor
  • Synopsis: Mia Thermopolis is an average teenager who discovers she is actually the princess of a small European country. This book follows her hilarious and heartwarming journey as she learns how to balance her ordinary school life with her royal responsibilities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a light-hearted and humorous look at the trials and tribulations of adolescence mixed with the fantasy of royalty. It's great for encouraging reluctant readers with its engaging narrative.
  • Perfect for: Girls who enjoy humorous stories and anyone who has ever dreamed of being a princess.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming of Age
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is accidentally sent to live with an elderly brother and sister in Avonlea. The story explores her adventures, friendships, and mishaps in the small town.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that highlights the importance of imagination, friendship, and perseverance. Anne's adventures can inspire readers to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their dreams with gusto.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers, creative souls, and anyone who enjoys stories about growing up and finding one's place in the world.

• Ivy + Bean by Annie Barrows
  • Illustrator: Sophie Blackall
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This series starts with the unexpected friendship between two opposite girls, Ivy and Bean, who never thought they would be friends. The books follow their escapades and fun experiments in and around their neighborhood.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to chapter books for young readers, with plenty of humor and adventure to keep them engaged. The stories also emphasize the value of friendship and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are just starting to read independently and enjoy stories about friendship and adventures.

• Dork Diaries by Rachel Renée Russell
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Humor, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Follow the life of Nikki Maxwell as she navigates the ups and downs of middle school, including dealing with mean girls, crushes, and fitting in. Told in a diary format with doodles and drawings throughout, it's relatable and entertaining.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun illustrations with a relatable narrative that tackles real issues faced by girls during their pre-teen years. It's also highly engaging and can help to build confidence in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Pre-teens who love drawing and writing, or anyone dealing with the challenges of middle school life.

Educational Girly Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers around Mary Lennox, a lonely and spoiled girl who is sent to live with her uncle in a gloomy mansion in Yorkshire. She discovers a neglected garden and, alongside her sickly cousin Colin and new friend Dickon, brings it back to life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, responsibility, the healing power of nature, and interpersonal relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless tale that explores themes of healing and personal growth through the transformation of a garden, paralleled with the characters' development.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of transformation and nature.

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming of Age
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow up in Civil War America. The story is a poignant exploration of love, loss, ambition, and the bond between sisters.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, family dynamics, individual growth, and resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a look into the challenges and triumphs of growing up, with each sister providing a different perspective on womanhood and personal aspirations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy historical settings and stories about family and personal growth.

• Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
  • Illustrator: Ingrid Vang Nyman
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Pippi Longstocking is an unconventional, super-strong, and cheerful girl who lives alone with her horse and monkey. The book recounts her adventures with her neighbors Tommy and Annika.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Independence, creativity, and unconventional problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: Pippi's imaginative adventures and strong, independent nature make this book a fun and inspiring read for young girls.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories of adventure and characters who defy norms.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
  • Illustrator: Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It's a tale about bravery, forgiveness, and the importance of being true to oneself.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Moral lessons, bravery, and compassion
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fairy tale elements with deep moral questions, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales with deep, meaningful themes.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
  • Illustrator: Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This beloved book 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 praising Wilbur in her web to persuade the farmer to save him.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Friendship, compassion, and the cycle of life
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches about the power of friendship and the impact of kindness.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and stories about friendships that overcome challenges.

Challenging Girly Books for 10-Year-Olds

• A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows Sara Crewe, a young girl who is left in a boarding school by her wealthy father. When her father dies, leaving her penniless, Sara is treated as a servant. Despite her hardships, she maintains her kindness and imagination.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style and vocabulary are more sophisticated, reflecting the period in which it was written.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches resilience and the importance of staying true to oneself despite difficult circumstances.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy rich narratives and stories about resilience and imagination.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Luna, a girl who is accidentally enmagicked as a baby. She is raised by a witch, a tiny dragon, and a swamp monster. As Luna's magic begins to emerge, she faces challenges that she must overcome to protect her family.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes of love, sacrifice, and power, woven into a multi-layered plot.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written, magical story that encourages critical thinking and exploration of deeper themes.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and stories with strong, magical heroines.

• The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Coming of Age
  • Synopsis: In 1899 Texas, Calpurnia Tate is a curious 11-year-old girl who, rather than focusing on domestic skills, develops a close relationship with her grandfather, an avid naturalist. Together, they explore the natural world around her and challenge the boundaries of society's expectations for girls.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces scientific concepts and historical perspectives that require critical thinking and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity, scientific exploration, and challenges gender norms, making it a great read for young girls interested in science and history.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring scientists and historians, or any young reader with a curious mind.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1970s New York, the story follows Miranda as she navigates friendship, family, and unexpected mysterious notes that seem to predict the future. The plot twists around time travel and the connections between various characters.
  • Why this book is challenging: The nonlinear narrative and the integration of complex themes such as time travel require advanced reading skills and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping mystery that also explores deep themes like friendship and fate.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy puzzles, mysteries, and science fiction.

• Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling
  • Synopsis: This retelling of the Cinderella story follows Ella, who is cursed with obedience. She must navigate her world carefully, trying to find a way to break the curse while dealing with ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, and a charming prince.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores themes of autonomy, consent, and personal strength with rich language and a strong narrative voice.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique twist on a familiar fairy tale, empowering young readers to think about the importance of independence and self-determination.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fairy tales looking for a strong female protagonist and a story that encourages thinking about personal values and ethics.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into some girly books and want to make the most of your reading experience, why not try out some fun exercises? These can help you build and maintain great reading habits while enjoying your favorite stories. Here’s a list of exercises tailored just for you:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much reading you want to do each day or week.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and committed to reading regularly.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special place in your home where you can read comfortably.
  • How it helps: Creates a dedicated space for reading, free from distractions.
  • Tips: Make it cozy with pillows, good lighting, and all your reading materials.

• Read Aloud to a Friend or Family Member
  • What it is: Share your reading experience by reading a book aloud to someone else.
  • How it helps: Improves your reading and pronunciation skills.
  • Tips: Choose a fun and engaging book that you think both of you will enjoy.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from the books you read.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of what you read and how you felt about it.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day or after finishing a book.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in a book club where members read the same book and discuss it together.
  • How it helps: Encourages you to read more and exposes you to different perspectives.
  • Tips: Look for a book club at your school, library, or start one with your friends.

• Bookmark Craft Time
  • What it is: Create your own bookmarks using craft supplies.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading experience more personal and fun.
  • Tips: Use materials like cardstock, markers, stickers, and ribbons to make your bookmarks unique.

• Challenge Yourself With a Reading List
  • What it is: Make a list of books you want to read over a certain period.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and excited about reaching your reading goals.
  • Tips: Include a variety of genres and authors in your list to keep things interesting.

These exercises aren't just about improving how much or how well you read, but also about making reading a fun, integral part of your daily life. Give them a try, and see how they transform your reading sessions into something even more enjoyable and rewarding. Happy reading!