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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect spark to ignite your 10-year-old's imagination? Look no further than magic books for 10-year-olds, a gateway to worlds where anything is possible. These books are not just stories; they're adventures waiting to happen, packed with enchantment and wonder that will keep young readers hooked. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of magic books that are sure to captivate and inspire your young reader!

Fun Magic Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book introduces us to Harry Potter, an eleven-year-old boy who discovers that he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here, he makes friends, faces adversaries, and uncovers the truth about his past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gateway to the magical world that promotes imagination and the value of friendship and courage.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and a good adventure story.

• The Magic Tree House Series: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Time Travel
  • Synopsis: Jack and Annie discover a tree house filled with books that can transport them to different times and places. Their first adventure takes them back to the age of dinosaurs.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines history with magic, making learning fun and engaging. The series encourages a love for reading through fast-paced, exciting narratives.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who enjoy history and adventure.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt. He must embark on a quest to find the real thief and prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling mix of modern adventure and classic mythology, perfect for getting kids excited about ancient cultures while keeping them entertained.
  • Perfect for: Action lovers and mythology buffs who enjoy fast-paced stories.

• Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Siblings Kendra and Seth visit their grandparents' estate, Fablehaven, only to discover it's a sanctuary for magical creatures. They must navigate through adventures and dangers to protect the sanctuary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s full of magical creatures and thrilling adventures that keep the pages turning. It also teaches important lessons about responsibility and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love exploring magical worlds and learning about mythical creatures.

• The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Best friends Sophie and Agatha find themselves in a school where students are trained to become fairy tale heroes or villains. Their friendship is tested as they confront their true destinies.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fresh take on fairy tales and explores themes of friendship, identity, and the nature of good and evil.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy twisted fairy tales and stories about friendship and self-discovery.

Educational Magic Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Enchanted Wood by Enid Blyton
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Three siblings, Joe, Beth, and Frannie, move to the countryside and discover an enchanted wood where a magical tree, the Faraway Tree, stands. The tree is a gateway to various magical lands and introduces them to whimsical characters.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, imagination, understanding of narrative structures
  • Why we recommend this book: It captivates with its imaginative settings and the concept of ever-changing magical lands atop the Faraway Tree.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love endless possibilities and magical adventures.

• The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Mildred Hubble, a student at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches, is well-meaning but disaster-prone, often finding herself in chaotic situations despite her best efforts to succeed in her magical studies.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, resilience, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor and magic, making it a delightful read that also teaches valuable lessons about perseverance and self-acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about underdogs and humorous magical mishaps.

• The Akhenaten Adventure by P.B. Kerr
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: John and Philippa Gaunt, twelve-year-old twins who discover they are descended from a long line of djinn (genies), embark on a journey to find and recover a lost relic of a pharaoh, navigating various challenges and meeting historical figures along the way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, cultural awareness, strategic thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends magic with historical facts, providing a thrilling adventure that educates about ancient civilizations.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who are fascinated by history and magic.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: In a tale of magic and witchcraft, 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: Critical thinking, emotional intelligence, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's beautifully written with complex characters and deep themes about love, growth, and sacrifice.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate beautifully crafted narratives and deep, meaningful storytelling.

• The Thickety: A Path Begins by J.A. White
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Dark Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Kara Westfall lives in a village on the edge of the Thickety, a forbidden forest filled with dark magic. When she discovers a powerful grimoire, her life changes forever, leading her into the depths of magic and its complexities.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Analytical thinking, understanding of moral dilemmas, imaginative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping, atmospheric fantasy that explores the dark side of magic and the moral complexities it brings.
  • Perfect for: Older children who enjoy dark, suspenseful tales with a strong female lead.

Challenging Magic Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Nathaniel, a young magician's apprentice, summons the powerful djinni Bartimaeus to aid him in a risky revenge plot against a ruthless magician, but soon finds himself in over his head.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex political intrigue and a sophisticated narrative structure that alternates between the perspectives of Nathaniel and Bartimaeus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines witty dialogue, a thrilling plot, and a unique magical system that deepens the reader's understanding of power dynamics and ethical dilemmas.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who enjoy multifaceted characters and plots with a blend of humor and fantasy.

• The Neverending Story by Michael Ende, illustrated by Roswitha Quadflieg
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Epic
  • Synopsis: Young Bastian Balthazar Bux discovers a mysterious book that draws him into the fantastical world of Fantastica, a land facing destruction by The Nothing. As he reads, he becomes a part of the story.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores deep themes such as the nature of reality and the power of imagination through intricate and dense narrative layers.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a profound exploration of self-discovery and the impact of our choices in fantastical settings, making it a rewarding read for those who delve into its depths.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love stories within stories and are intrigued by metaphysical questions.

• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Meggie learns that her father, Mo, has the ability to bring book characters to life by reading aloud. When an evil ruler from a storybook seeks to exploit this power, Meggie must navigate a dangerous adventure.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex characters with morally ambiguous traits and a plot that intertwines reality with literary fiction.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the love of books and reading while offering a gripping adventure that challenges the reader's perception of fiction and reality.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are also book lovers and enjoy stories that blend the real world with the fantastical.

• A Tale of Magic... by Chris Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Brystal Evergreen discovers a hidden book that reveals her magical abilities and leads her to a secret school for magic. As she learns to harness her powers, she uncovers a conspiracy that could destroy everything she holds dear.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses social issues like injustice and oppression through a magical narrative, requiring readers to think critically about real-world parallels.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling tale that encourages understanding and activism through a magical adventure, inspiring readers to believe in their ability to make a difference.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young activists and fans of magic schools and heroic quests.

• The Golden Compass (Northern Lights) by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Steampunk
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua embarks on a perilous journey to the Arctic, driven by her quest to rescue kidnapped children and discover the secret behind a mysterious substance called Dust.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a richly developed universe with complex philosophical underpinnings and a narrative that challenges societal norms and authority.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a blend of adventure, science, and philosophy, packaged in an exciting story that encourages questioning and exploration.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy thought-provoking narratives and strong, adventurous protagonists.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the enchanting world of magic books and you're around 10 years old, you're in for a treat! To make the most out of your magical reading adventure, here are some exercises designed to develop good reading habits. Not only will these make reading more fun, but they'll also help you become a wizard at understanding and enjoying stories!

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and builds a steady reading habit.
  • Tips: Start with a small, manageable goal and increase it gradually as you get more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner or area in your home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a dedicated, comfortable space that can enhance focus and enjoyment of reading.
  • Tips: Include comfy seating, good lighting, and a shelf for your favorite books.

• Read Aloud to Someone
  • What it is: Share a story by reading it aloud to a family member, friend, or even a pet.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading skills.
  • Tips: Try using different voices for different characters to make it more fun and engaging.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club where you and your friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and comprehension through discussion.
  • Tips: Meet regularly, perhaps once a week, and come prepared with questions or favorite parts to share.

• Illustrate a Scene
  • What it is: Draw a scene or a character from the book you are reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the text and sparks creativity.
  • Tips: Don't worry about artistic perfection; focus on expressing how you visualize the story.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Make predictions about what you think will happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Engages analytical thinking and makes reading more interactive.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many of them come true as you read.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

So, grab your wand (or maybe just your favorite pen), and try out these exercises as you explore your magical books. Each of these activities will not only enhance your reading experience but also help you develop skills that are as magical as the stories you're diving into. Happy reading!