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

Are you on the hunt for moral books for 10-year-olds that not only entertain but also teach valuable life lessons? You’ve come to the right place! Navigating the world of children's literature can be overwhelming, but we’ve compiled a variety of lists featuring books that are perfect for helping your young reader develop a strong moral compass. Keep reading to discover our top picks for moral books for 10-year-olds that are sure to captivate and inspire!

Fun Moral Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Animal story
  • 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 writes messages praising Wilbur in her web to persuade the farmer to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life, all wrapped up in a beautifully written narrative.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who appreciate stories about friendships and moral challenges.

• The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Picture book
  • Synopsis: This story explores the relationship between a boy and a tree as they both age. The tree gives everything to the boy at different stages of his life, asking for nothing in return.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant look at selflessness and unconditional love, making it a great conversation starter about giving and receiving.
  • Perfect for: Young readers learning about empathy, generosity, and environmental stewardship.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: The novel centers on August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Auggie strives to be treated as an ordinary kid but his extraordinary journey teaches everyone around him about acceptance and kindness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that promotes understanding and acceptance of differences, encouraging readers to be kinder and more inclusive.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are navigating friendships and social dynamics, and anyone looking to be inspired by a courageous protagonist.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's fiction
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child neglected by her crass and ignorant parents. She develops telekinetic powers, which she uses to overcome obstacles and stand up against the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence, creativity, and the power of standing up against unfair treatment, all while being incredibly fun to read.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories with magical elements and underdog heroes.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Children's fiction
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It's about his adventures, as well as his quest for honor and a fight against darkness in the form of rats and misguided humans.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written fairy tale that emphasizes the themes of bravery, forgiveness, and the importance of being true to oneself.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous young readers who enjoy stories of heroes, quests, and overcoming adversity.

Educational Moral Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Stone Soup by Marcia Brown
  • Genre(s): Folklore, Children's fiction
  • Synopsis: In this retelling of an old folk story, three hungry soldiers enter a village and cleverly trick the wary villagers into sharing their food by making a soup from stones.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, cooperation, sharing
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the value of sharing and working together to achieve a common goal through a clever and engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with a moral and fans of classic folk tales.

• A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams
  • Genre(s): Family, Picture book
  • Synopsis: This heartfelt story follows a young girl, her mother, and grandmother as they save up their coins to buy a comfortable chair after a fire destroys their home.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Family values, saving money, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights themes of perseverance, family support, and the importance of saving for something valuable.
  • Perfect for: Children who are learning about financial responsibility and the importance of family.

• The Empty Pot by Demi
  • Genre(s): Folklore, Picture book
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Ping loves flowers and dreams of winning a contest issued by the emperor to grow the most beautiful flower. When his seed does not sprout, he must confront the emperor with an empty pot.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Honesty, integrity, courage
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautiful story that emphasizes the importance of honesty and doing your best under pressure.
  • Perfect for: Young gardeners and any child facing the challenges of meeting expectations.

• Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
  • Genre(s): Picture book, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Alice Rumphius, who longs to travel the world, live by the sea, and do something to make the world more beautiful. She accomplishes all these things by planting lupines all around her town.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental stewardship, self-improvement, adventure
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to think about how they can contribute positively to the world, wrapped in a story of adventure and beauty.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and young environmentalists who are inspired to make their own mark on the world.

• The Quiltmaker's Gift by Jeff Brumbeau, illustrated by Gail de Marcken
  • Genre(s): Picture book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A generous quiltmaker, who makes quilts only for the poor and needy, changes the heart of a greedy king who believes happiness can be bought.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Generosity, kindness, transformation
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a vividly illustrated, heartwarming tale that teaches the joy of giving and the transformational power of kindness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate stories about kindness and the true meaning of happiness.

Challenging Moral Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows a bored young boy named Milo who unexpectedly receives a magic tollbooth that transports him to the Kingdom of Wisdom. Here, he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and moral lessons.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in wordplay, puns, and abstract concepts that challenge readers to think critically about language and meaning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages exploration and appreciation of language, while also teaching important lessons about the value of learning and the dangers of apathy.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who love puzzles and language-based humor.

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set during World War II, this story follows 10-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she helps her Jewish friend Ellen escape from Copenhagen to safety in Sweden.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of war, persecution, and bravery under dangerous circumstances.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling introduction to the history of World War II and the Holocaust, teaching important lessons about courage and the importance of standing up for others.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and stories of heroism.

• Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Drama
  • Synopsis: This novel explores the friendship between Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke who create a magical forest kingdom called Terabithia, where they rule as king and queen until tragedy strikes.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses mature themes such as friendship, loss, and coping with grief.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant exploration of friendship and imagination, along with dealing with loss, which can provide a profound emotional growth experience for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers dealing with or curious about complex emotional experiences and the power of friendship.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, transforms alongside a neglected garden she discovers, as she forms friendships with a local boy Dickon and her cousin Colin.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative involves themes of self-redemption, healing, and the impact of the environment on one's well-being.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of transformation and the healing power of nature, encouraging personal growth and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about personal development and the mysteries of nature.

• 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 to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, where she and her brother unravel the mystery of a beautiful statue.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot involves complex problem-solving and historical research, challenging young readers to think critically and analytically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with a deep appreciation for art and history, inspiring curiosity and a desire to learn.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and art lovers who thrive on solving puzzles and learning about history.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

When you're diving into the world of moral books for 10-year-olds, it's not just about reading the stories. It's about engaging with them in a way that promotes good reading habits and helps internalize the values they teach. Here are some fun and effective exercises to enhance your reading experience:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and helps complete books in a systematic manner.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Character Role-Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book, taking on the roles of different characters.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of the characters' motivations and moral decisions.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role-play more engaging and fun.

• Discussion Group
  • What it is: Form a group with friends to discuss the book's themes and characters.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and allows exploration of different perspectives.
  • Tips: Prepare a list of questions about the book to guide the discussion.

• Story Mapping
  • What it is: Create a visual map of the story’s events and characters.
  • How it helps: Helps in visualizing the story structure and understanding the sequence of events.
  • Tips: Use drawings or symbols to represent different parts of the story on the map.

• Moral Reflection Journal
  • What it is: Keep a journal to reflect on the moral lessons learned in each reading session.
  • How it helps: Encourages deeper thinking about how the lessons apply to personal life.
  • Tips: Write about how you would act in a similar situation as the characters.

• Book Review Blogging
  • What it is: Write short reviews of the books you read and post them online.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking and communication skills.
  • Tips: Include both what you liked and didn’t like about the book to provide a balanced view.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, not only will you enjoy the stories more, but you'll also gain valuable skills and insights. So grab your favorite moral book, pick an exercise, and start exploring deeper into the world of reading!