10+ Best Must Read Books for 8-10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for your young reader? Dive into our curated selection of must-read books for 8-10-year-olds that promise to captivate, educate, and inspire. Whether they're into magical adventures, real-life heroes, or anything in between, we've got something that will catch their eye and hold their interest. Keep reading to discover our top picks in this exciting age group!

Fun Must Read Books for 8-10-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 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 his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life, all presented in a gentle manner suitable for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children who appreciate stories about friendship and compassion.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the renowned Harry Potter series, introducing Harry Potter, a young wizard who discovers his magical heritage on his eleventh birthday when he receives an acceptance letter from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
  • Why we recommend this book: It opens up a magical world full of wonder and adventure, encouraging imagination and a love for reading through its engaging narrative and relatable characters.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mysteries, and epic adventures.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story centers around Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with oversized ears and a big heart, on his quest to rescue a beautiful human princess from the rats.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written fairy tale that combines adventure with themes of bravery and forgiveness. It also enhances vocabulary and introduces readers to more complex narrative structures.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and anyone who enjoys stories of unlikely heroes and quests.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The book follows the adventures of an orphan named Sophie and her friend the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) as they set out to stop the man-eating giants that are terrorizing the human world.
  • Why we recommend this book: Dahl's unique linguistic playfulness and creative imagination make it a fun and engaging read that stimulates creativity and a love for quirky stories.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young readers with a big imagination.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: The book is a journal of Greg Heffley as he navigates his way through middle school, dealing with bullies, family dynamics, and the challenges of growing up.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its humorous take on everyday middle school problems makes reading enjoyable and relatable, which is great for engaging reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good laugh and can relate to the ups and downs of school life.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a precocious child with the gift of telekinesis, who uses her powers to overcome her neglectful parents and a tyrannical school principal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, and Matilda’s resilience and resourcefulness serve as an inspiration to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood and those who appreciate tales of triumph over adversity.

Educational Must Read Books for 8-10-Year-Olds

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is based on the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, who lived in a shopping mall for 27 years without seeing another of his kind. Through the narrative, Ivan shares his experiences and the impact of friendship and hope.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal rights awareness, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching and beautifully written story that offers rich lessons in friendship, hope, and the importance of a loving community.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in real-life animal stories.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction, School Story
  • Synopsis: The story follows fifth-grader Nick Allen who invents a new word, "frindle," for what is commonly known as a pen, sparking a series of unforeseen events and discussions about language and creativity.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, vocabulary, understanding of language and semantics
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages innovation and critical thinking, showing how youthful ideas can challenge and change conventional views.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and budding linguists.

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Edward Tulane, a porcelain rabbit, goes on a transformative journey from the depths of the ocean to the nets of a fisherman, learning about love and loss through his various owners.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, resilience, understanding of diverse life perspectives
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant story that teaches compassion and the importance of being open to change.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy emotional narratives and rich, descriptive storytelling.

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Roz, a robot, finds herself alone on a remote, wild island. She must learn to survive and navigate the wilderness, making unlikely friendships with the island's animal inhabitants.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Adaptability, problem-solving, environmental awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with lessons about technology, nature, and the power of friendship.
  • Perfect for: Tech-savvy kids and nature enthusiasts.

• Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Folklore
  • Synopsis: In this beautifully woven tapestry of Chinese folklore, Minli sets out on a quest to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask how she can change her family’s fortune.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, mythology, storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It's rich in adventures and embedded with Chinese folk tales, offering a magical reading experience while educating about another culture.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers and fans of mythology and folklore.

Challenging Must Read Books for 8-10-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 one afternoon and drives through it in his toy car. The tollbooth transports him to a magical land where he embarks on a quest that requires him to think differently and solve a variety of puzzles and riddles.
  • Why this book is challenging: It plays with language and mathematics in a way that challenges readers to think creatively and critically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative journey that promotes critical thinking and problem-solving through its clever play on words and numbers.
  • Perfect for: Young thinkers and anyone who enjoys a good puzzle along with their adventure.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sour-faced and disagreeable child, 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 a young gardener's apprentice, brings it back to life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The use of descriptive language and themes of loss, rejuvenation, and self-discovery are explored in a sophisticated narrative style.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a beautiful exploration of friendship, healing, and the transformative power of nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love stories of transformation and the magic of nature.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a journey through space and time to rescue Meg's father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex scientific concepts like tesseracts and deals with themes of good versus evil in a multi-dimensional universe.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that stretches the imagination and encourages readers to think beyond the visible world.
  • Perfect for: Sci-fi enthusiasts and young readers interested in science and adventure.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: This poetic tale tells the story of a pilot stranded in the desert who meets a young prince fallen to Earth from a tiny asteroid. The story is philosophical and includes social criticism, remarking on the strangeness of the adult world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores profound and existential questions about life, love, and human nature in a subtle way that intertwines with a simple narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers deep reflections on life and relationships, packaged in a simple yet profound story.
  • Perfect for: Deep thinkers and young philosophers, as well as those who appreciate a timeless tale.

• 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 with her younger brother Jamie. They hide in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, where they become embroiled in a mystery involving a statue that may or may not be the work of Michelangelo.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes of self-discovery, family dynamics, and personal independence.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book combines adventure with a mystery that challenges the mind and touches on art history, making it both educational and thrilling.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and art lovers.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-10-year-olds develop strong reading habits, you're in the right place. Here are some fun and effective exercises designed to make reading a regular and enjoyable part of their lives. Let's dive in!

• Set a Daily Reading Time
  • What it is: Dedicate a specific time each day for reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a routine, making reading a regular part of the day.
  • Tips: Choose a quiet time, such as after dinner or before bed, when distractions are minimal.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in the house as a reading area.
  • How it helps: Encourages reading by providing a comfortable and inviting space.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with cushions, a favorite chair, and good lighting.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a small book club where your child and their friends read the same book.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a social activity and encourages discussion and deeper understanding.
  • Tips: Host monthly book club meetings where they can discuss the book and share ideas.

• Reading Challenge
  • What it is: Set up a challenge with a list of books to read over a certain period.
  • How it helps: Provides motivation and a sense of achievement as they complete each book.
  • Tips: Include a variety of genres to keep it interesting and broaden their horizons.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Spend time reading a book aloud together.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and makes reading a bonding activity.
  • Tips: Choose engaging books with dialogue and action that are fun to read aloud.

• Library Visits
  • What it is: Schedule regular visits to the local library.
  • How it helps: Allows children to explore a wide range of books and develop a love for libraries.
  • Tips: Encourage them to participate in library events and borrow new books each visit.

• Book-Based Projects
  • What it is: Create projects based on the current book they are reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and makes reading more interactive.
  • Tips: Projects can be anything from drawing a favorite scene to writing a letter to a character.

These exercises are not just about reading more books; they're about making reading an exciting and integral part of your child's life. By integrating these fun activities, you're setting the stage for a lifelong love of reading. Happy reading!