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

Hey there! Are you on the hunt for the perfect growing up books for 10-year-olds? Whether you're a parent, guardian, or a young reader yourself, finding books that resonate and inspire can be a game-changer during this exciting phase of life. Keep reading as we dive into a variety of captivating growing up books for 10-year-olds that promise to engage, educate, and entertain!

Fun Growing Up 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 wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte crafts clever plans to save his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life, making it a great introduction to more complex themes.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who are beginning to explore deeper emotional narratives.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: The story centers on August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who goes to public school for the first time in fifth grade and strives for acceptance and kindness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes empathy and understanding, showing how diverse experiences can shape one's character. It's also a compelling read that hooks readers right from the start.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are learning about diversity and inclusion, and those facing their own challenges of acceptance.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This first book in the iconic series introduces Harry Potter, a young wizard who attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, makes friends, and uncovers a dark mystery linked to his past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It opens up a magical world of imagination while addressing themes of bravery, friendship, and the importance of choices.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic and adventure, and anyone looking to get lost in a detailed, fantastical world.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod and is swept into a world of Greek mythology where he must prevent a war among the gods by finding Zeus's stolen lightning bolt.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thrilling adventure that also educates about Greek mythology, making learning fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Adventure seekers and mythology buffs who enjoy fast-paced stories with humorous and relatable characters.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: An orphaned girl named Mary Lennox moves to her uncle's remote country estate where she discovers a mysterious, neglected garden. As she brings the garden back to life, she also transforms the lives of her new family.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of healing and resilience through the beauty of nature, encouraging readers to find magic in their own surroundings.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about personal growth and the transformative power of nature.

Educational Growing Up Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This novel is based on the true story of Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. His perspective changes when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare awareness, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching and beautifully written tale that encourages compassion towards animals and consideration of their emotional lives.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in animal rights.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This story follows a bored young boy named Milo who unexpectedly receives a magic tollbooth one afternoon and drives through it in his toy car. The world beyond is full of weird and wonderful adventures that challenge his perception of life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, vocabulary, mathematical and linguistic concepts
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor, adventure, and learning in a unique way that keeps readers engaged and stimulates their minds.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy puzzles and word play, and those who need a fun boost to their learning.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, but her parents mistreat her and the headmistress at her school is a tyrant. She discovers she has telekinetic powers and uses them to stand up to the adults who do wrong.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading, critical thinking, empowerment
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of triumph over adversity, encouraging children to believe in themselves and stand up for what is right.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or underappreciated, and lovers of justice.

• Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel is about Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke, two friends who create a fantasy world called Terabithia, which they rule as king and queen. It deals with themes of friendship, imagination, and the experience of loss.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, creativity, coping with grief
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a moving and memorable novel that helps children grasp the complexities of emotions and relationships.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a deep, emotional story and those who enjoy escaping into imaginative worlds.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Fiction, School story
  • Synopsis: When Nick Allen decides to call his pen a "frindle," it sets off a chain reaction that changes his life and his town. The word becomes a huge success, showing the power of words and ideas.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, vocabulary, understanding of linguistics
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the impact of innovation and creativity in a fun and relatable school setting.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young innovators, as well as students who might be looking to make their mark.

Challenging Growing Up Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the mysterious Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must solve a series of puzzles and thwart a global disaster.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex puzzles and moral dilemmas that require advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages strategic thinking and teamwork while providing an exciting narrative that keeps readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle enthusiasts who enjoy cerebral challenges.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is 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 being different.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative's structure is sophisticated, involving multiple viewpoints and an intricate plot.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a tale of bravery, forgiveness, and redemption that also explores complex themes of light and darkness, both literal and metaphorical.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate fairy tales with depth and emotionally rich narratives.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1970s New York, this novel follows sixth-grader Miranda as she receives mysterious notes that predict the future and ultimately lead her to prevent a tragic death.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story involves sophisticated concepts of time travel and causal loops, paired with themes of friendship and coming-of-age.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of science fiction with a gripping mystery and provides a thoughtful reflection on the nature of time and fate.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and thinkers who enjoy unraveling complex plots and deep themes.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic Realism
  • Synopsis: A story about a young girl named Luna who is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As Luna grows, her magic begins to emerge, with dangerous consequences.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex narrative layers and themes dealing with sacrifice, power, and the consequences of actions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a richly woven tale that challenges perceptions about good and evil, interwoven with beautiful, poetic prose.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love beautifully told stories that blend magic with profound life lessons.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: Sixteen heirs are brought together to solve the mystery of Sam Westing’s death, guided by clues he left behind in his will, leading to a game that intertwines their fates and secrets.
  • Why this book is challenging: It involves intricate plot twists and a large cast of characters, each with their own distinct motivations and backgrounds.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book is a mental workout that offers mystery lovers a complex puzzle to solve, wrapped in an engaging whodunit.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle solvers and mystery enthusiasts who enjoy piecing together clues and delving into the psychology of characters.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of books about growing up, it's a fantastic journey of discovery for any 10-year-old. To make the most out of this experience, developing good reading habits is key. Here are some fun and effective exercises that can help young readers like you get the most out of your reading time. Let’s dive in!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Helps create a consistent reading habit and builds discipline.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in your home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and inviting space that can enhance concentration.
  • Tips: Make it cozy with pillows, good lighting, and minimal distractions.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club with a few friends who are also reading growing-up books.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and deeper understanding of the books.
  • Tips: Meet regularly, either in person or online, to discuss each book.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of the events in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps in visualizing the story and remembering key events and characters.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to make the map more engaging and easier to understand.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Before reading a chapter, guess what might happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances imaginative thinking and engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and compare them with the actual outcomes.

• Character Diary
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of a character in the book.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding of characters and their motivations.
  • Tips: Choose different characters to write about to see the story from multiple angles.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Spend some time reading the book aloud to yourself or to a family member.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps in understanding the text better.
  • Tips: Try using different voices for different characters to make it more fun.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine can not only make reading more enjoyable but also enhance your comprehension and retention of the books you read. So, grab your next book about growing up, pick a cozy spot, and let your imagination soar. Happy reading!