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

Are you on the hunt for philosophy books for 10-year-olds that can spark curiosity and encourage deep thinking? Finding the right resources to introduce complex ideas in a kid-friendly way can be a challenge. Luckily, we've compiled a variety of engaging philosophy books perfect for young thinkers. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to make philosophy both accessible and fun for your budding philosopher!

Fun Philosophy Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Sophie Amundsen begins receiving mysterious letters that introduce her to the world of philosophy, leading her on an intriguing journey through the history of philosophical thought.
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies complex philosophical ideas into engaging stories and discussions that are accessible for younger readers.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who enjoy unraveling mysteries and exploring deep questions about life and existence.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This timeless tale follows the adventures of a young prince who travels from planet to planet, learning about the bizarre behavior of adults and discovering profound truths about love and friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers layers of philosophical insight through simple yet profound narratives and enchanting illustrations, encouraging readers to ponder life's great questions.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and thinkers of all ages who appreciate stories that speak to both the heart and the mind.

• The Philosophy Files by Stephen Law, illustrated by Daniel Postgate
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book breaks down complex philosophical questions into engaging puzzles and challenges that are designed to stimulate young minds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes philosophy accessible and fun, encouraging critical thinking and curiosity among young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love to question the world around them and enjoy solving puzzles.

• Oh, The Thinks You Can Think! by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Children’s Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book celebrates the imagination and encourages readers to think about thinking, exploring the endless possibilities that the mind can conceive.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses playful rhymes and whimsical illustrations to inspire creativity and philosophical thinking in a fun and accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers and Dr. Seuss fans who enjoy whimsical stories that spark the imagination and encourage thinking outside the box.

Educational Philosophy Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Big Ideas for Curious Minds: An Introduction to Philosophy by The School of Life
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book introduces important philosophical concepts through real-life situations that children can relate to, helping them to understand and navigate their emotional and social worlds.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, critical thinking, ethics, and interpersonal understanding
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps children grasp complex philosophical ideas in a simple, relatable manner, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and others.
  • Perfect for: Young thinkers who are beginning to explore their own feelings and relationships with others.

• Philosophy for Kids: 40 Fun Questions That Help You Wonder About Everything! by David White
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Educational
  • Synopsis: This interactive book poses engaging questions that prompt children to think deeply about philosophical topics like justice, truth, and knowledge.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, reasoning skills, and philosophical inquiry
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages active participation in philosophical discussion, helping children to develop their reasoning and argumentative skills.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who enjoy discussing big questions and learning through dialogue.

• What Do You Think? by Marie-Aude Murail, illustrated by Serge Bloch
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book poses thought-provoking questions about everyday situations, inviting children to think about their own opinions and the reasons behind them.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-expression, ethical reasoning, and personal reflection
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a platform for children to express their thoughts and learn the value of considering different perspectives.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are starting to form their own viewpoints and appreciate the importance of thoughtful discussion.

• The Kids' Book of Questions by Gregory Stock
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This book includes a series of questions ranging from ethical dilemmas to everyday choices, designed to spark conversation and reflection among young readers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Ethical decision-making, social skills, and critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges kids to think critically about their choices and the implications of their actions in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Children who love to ask "why" and are eager to explore different answers to their questions.

Challenging Philosophy Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Harry Stottlemeier's Discovery by Matthew Lipman
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Educational Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows a group of students who, led by their teacher, embark on a journey of philosophical inquiry, tackling big questions about knowledge, ethics, and reasoning.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces formal logic and philosophical reasoning at a level that is unusual for young readers, presenting complex ideas that require deep thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to engage in critical thinking and philosophical discussion, enhancing their cognitive and analytical skills.
  • Perfect for: Young philosophers and critical thinkers who are ready to explore deeper and more complex ideas.

• The If Machine: Philosophical Enquiry in the Classroom by Peter Worley
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book presents a series of thought experiments designed to inspire philosophical questioning and dialogue among children.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses abstract and hypothetical scenarios to provoke deep thinking and debate, which can be intellectually demanding for young minds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a practical approach to introducing philosophical concepts, fostering a love for inquiry and debate.
  • Perfect for: Inquisitive kids who enjoy exploring hypothetical situations and developing their argumentative skills.

• Thinking Through Myths: Philosophical Perspectives for Children by Kevin DeLapp
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: This book explores various myths from different cultures and examines the philosophical questions they raise about human nature and the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It links complex philosophical ideas with ancient myths, requiring readers to analyze and interpret multiple layers of meaning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It connects philosophical inquiry with storytelling, making it an engaging way for children to think critically about timeless human questions.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fascinated by myths and stories and are eager to explore the philosophical lessons they contain.

• Children Philosophize Worldwide: Theoretical and Practical Concepts by Eva Marsal, Takara Dobashi, and Barbara Weber
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Educational Theory
  • Synopsis: This compilation offers insights into how children around the world engage with philosophical ideas and practices, showcasing various methods and outcomes of philosophical education.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents a global perspective on philosophical education, incorporating complex theories and diverse educational practices.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a broad and multicultural view of how philosophy can be taught and understood by children, inspiring inclusivity and global thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young scholars interested in how their counterparts around the world engage with big ideas.

• Philosophy and Children's Literature edited by Peter R. Costello
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Literary Criticism
  • Synopsis: This collection of essays analyzes children's literature through a philosophical lens, exploring themes such as ethics, identity, and reality in popular children's books.
  • Why this book is challenging: It requires readers to apply philosophical concepts to the literature they are familiar with, which involves a higher level of analytical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It deepens the understanding of familiar stories by exploring their philosophical dimensions, enhancing both literary and philosophical appreciation.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love literature and are curious about exploring deeper meanings in their favorite stories.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Introducing philosophy books to 10-year-olds can be a fantastic way to expand their thinking and encourage curiosity about the world around them. To make the most out of their reading experience, here are some engaging exercises that can help develop good reading habits while exploring philosophical concepts.

• Create a Concept Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that connects different ideas and characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of complex relationships and themes.
  • Tips: Use colored pens or markers to differentiate between themes or ideas.

• Question and Answer Session
  • What it is: After reading, think of questions about the story and try to answer them.
  • How it helps: Promotes critical thinking and comprehension.
  • Tips: Write down the questions and answers to review later.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after reading.
  • How it helps: Helps retain information and grasp the main points of the chapters.
  • Tips: Keep summaries short and to the point; aim for three to four sentences.

• Role-Play Scenarios
  • What it is: Act out different scenarios or debates from the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages deeper understanding of philosophical arguments and viewpoints.
  • Tips: Use costumes or props to make the role-play more engaging and fun.

• Connect to Personal Experiences
  • What it is: Relate themes or situations from the book to personal life experiences.
  • How it helps: Enhances personal connection to the material and aids in understanding abstract concepts.
  • Tips: Keep a diary to jot down any personal reflections or thoughts that relate to the reading.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about thinking deeply and connecting ideas. By engaging in these activities, young readers can develop a richer understanding of philosophy and its relevance to everyday life. So, grab that philosophy book, dive in, and let the journey of exploration begin!