10+ Best Popular Books for 10-Year-Old Girl w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for a young reader? Discovering the right popular books for a 10-year-old girl can be a magical journey into new worlds and adventures. From captivating tales that spark imagination to stories that build courage and empathy, we’ve gathered a variety of must-reads that she won't be able to put down. Keep reading to explore our curated lists of popular books for a 10-year-old girl, and find the perfect match to keep her hooked on reading!

Fun Popular Books for 10-Year-Old Girl

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story follows Matilda, a brilliant and sensitive child unappreciated by her crude and distant parents. Matilda discovers she has magical powers and decides to use them to deal with her tyrannical school principal and change her destiny.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence, creativity, and the courage to stand up for oneself, all wrapped up in Dahl's signature humorous and whimsical style.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about justice and using one's wits to overcome obstacles.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This tender novel tells the story of Wilbur, a pig destined for the butcher, and Charlotte, a clever spider who becomes his savior. Through her web-weaving skills, Charlotte writes messages to persuade the farmer to spare Wilbur's life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that explores themes of friendship, loss, and redemption, making it a perfect read for young hearts learning about compassion and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy touching stories about animals and the beauty of friendships.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, finds a neglected garden and, alongside her cousin Colin, brings it back to life. The garden's transformation mirrors their own, as they grow healthier and happier.
  • Why we recommend this book: It illustrates the healing power of nature and friendship, encouraging readers to find beauty and hope in the world around them.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate stories of transformation and the enchanting power of nature.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is thrust into a world of Greek mythology come to life. He embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods by finding Zeus's stolen lightning bolt.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting introduction to Greek mythology, packed with adventure and humor, which makes it incredibly engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who love epic stories and learning about mythology.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl, is mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert at Green Gables. Her adventures and misadventures in the small town of Avonlea endear her to readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's zest for life and her ability to find wonder in the everyday make this book a delightful read that encourages optimism and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and anyone who enjoys stories about growing up and finding one's place in the world.

Educational Popular Books for 10-Year-Old Girl

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: This charming tale revolves around Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with large ears, who loves music and stories, especially of chivalry. He breaks the rules of mouse behavior by falling in love with a human princess named Pea.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, understanding of themes like bravery and forgiveness, vocabulary expansion
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written story that combines adventure, morality, and a heartwarming narrative, ideal for inspiring young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales with a twist and stories of unlikely heroes.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla named Ivan, who lives in a shopping mall. Through his eyes, we see his interactions with the other animals and his efforts to change their circumstances.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare awareness, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches compassion and the importance of seeing life through someone else's eyes, wrapped up in a touching story.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in animal rights and friendships.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial deformity, as he attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Auggie's journey is one of struggle and acceptance, both by himself and his peers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, understanding diversity and kindness, emotional intelligence
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful narrative that promotes the importance of being kind to everyone, regardless of their appearance.
  • Perfect for: Children learning about empathy, courage, and the value of accepting others.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric 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 stop a global crisis.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, logical thinking, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery and adventure with puzzles and brain teasers that keep readers engaged and thinking critically.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and stories about teamwork and adventure.

• Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel is based on the true story of a young girl, Karana, who survives alone for years on an island off the California coast. It details her survival strategies, her encounters with animals, and her emotional journey.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, survival skills, environmental awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a tale of resilience and resourcefulness, offering a captivating look at human strength and the bond between humans and nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history, survival stories, and strong female protagonists.

Challenging Popular Books for 10-Year-Old Girl

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Nobody "Bod" Owens, a boy who is raised in a graveyard by ghosts after his family is murdered. As he grows up, he encounters various creatures and must face the man who killed his family.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, incorporating elements of mystery, fantasy, and horror, all while exploring deep themes like life and death.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique setting and an intriguing plot that captivates and challenges young readers, encouraging them to think deeply about the story's themes.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy spooky stories with a strong sense of adventure and mystery.

• 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 deals with complex concepts of physics, space, and time, intertwined with themes of good versus evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that stimulates the imagination and introduces young readers to scientific and philosophical questions.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and anyone interested in stories that blend science with fantasy.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and disinterested in his everyday life, young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, puzzles, and wordplay.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in wordplay, puns, and metaphors, requiring a higher level of reading comprehension and a love for language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively plays with language and ideas, encouraging critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for the nuances of words.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love language, puzzles, and imaginative adventures.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic Realism
  • Synopsis: In this tale, a witch named Xan accidentally feeds a baby moonlight instead of starlight, filling the ordinary child with extraordinary magic. Xan decides she must raise this girl, whom she calls Luna, as her own.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves complex themes of magic, morality, and power with rich, poetic language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written story that explores the complexities of love and growth, filled with magical realism that challenges and delights the reader.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy intricate storytelling and magical tales.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1970s New York, this story follows sixth-grader Miranda as she receives mysterious notes that seem to predict the future and ultimately compel her to prevent a tragic death.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot involves time travel and complex narrative structures that challenge the reader to piece together clues and understand the sequence of events.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping mystery that combines elements of science fiction with real-life issues, providing a compelling and thought-provoking read.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love mysteries and stories that make them think.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 10-year-old girl develop great reading habits while exploring some popular books, you're in the right place. Here are a few fun and effective exercises that can make reading a more engaging and beneficial part of her daily routine. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy spot dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a physical space that encourages and excites her about reading.
  • Tips: Let her personalize the space with comfy cushions, good lighting, and her favorite book accessories.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Establish clear, achievable reading goals, like a number of books to read each month.
  • How it helps: Provides motivation and a sense of accomplishment as she meets her targets.
  • Tips: Use a visual progress chart or calendar to mark each completed book.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Organize a small book club with her friends where they read and discuss a book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and gives her a chance to socialize and share ideas.
  • Tips: They can take turns choosing books and hosting discussions.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Dedicate time to read stories aloud together.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and makes reading a shared, enjoyable experience.
  • Tips: Encourage her to read aloud to younger siblings or even pets to build confidence.

• Themed Reading Days
  • What it is: Choose days to read books related to specific themes or topics she enjoys.
  • How it helps: Keeps reading exciting and allows exploration of different subjects.
  • Tips: Themes can be anything from adventure days to fairy tale Fridays.

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

By incorporating these simple exercises into her reading routine, your 10-year-old will not only enhance her reading skills but also develop a lifelong love for books. Happy reading!