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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for a bright young reader in your life? Finding the right book can be a game-changer, especially for 10-year-old girls who are eager to explore new stories and ideas. Our carefully curated lists of popular books for 10-year-old girls feature a variety of picks that are sure to captivate and inspire. Whether she loves adventure, mystery, or anything in between, there’s something here for every reader. Keep reading to dive into our diverse selections and find her next favorite book!

Fun Popular Books for 10-Year-Old Girls

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: This story centers on Matilda, a brilliant and sensitive child neglected by her family. When Matilda discovers she has the power of telekinesis, she begins to defend her friends from the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, and change her own destiny.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, showing that anyone can make a significant change, regardless of age or size. The humorous writing and imaginative plot make it a joy to read.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories of triumph and magical adventures.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, is sent to live at her uncle's estate where she discovers a mysterious, neglected garden. As she revitalizes the garden, she also transforms her life and that of her new friends.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a tale of healing and personal growth, illustrating how nurturing something can help heal one's own heart and soul. It's also a testament to the power of friendship and nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about transformation and the healing power of nature.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This book follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is mistakenly sent to live with siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert at Green Gables. Her vibrant personality dramatically affects those around her.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's imaginative adventures and misadventures teach important life lessons about friendship, perseverance, and the joy of life. It's a heartwarming story that encourages readers to dream big.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and those who appreciate stories with rich, character-driven narratives.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with oversized ears and a big heart, who loves music and stories. His love for a human princess sets him on a dangerous quest from his mouse-world to a dungeon and beyond.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a tale of bravery and forgiveness, teaching readers about the importance of courage and the power of stories. The beautifully crafted narrative and illustrations make it captivating.
  • Perfect for: Anyone who loves fairy tales and stories of unlikely heroes facing great challenges.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Harry Potter, an eleven-year-old orphan, discovers that he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he makes friends, enemies, and discovers his fate linked to the dark wizard Voldemort.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book opens up a magical world full of wonder and excitement, encouraging imagination and the belief in the power of good. It also teaches the value of friendship and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy magical adventures and stories about friendship and courage.

Educational Popular Books for 10-Year-Old Girls

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: This enchanting story revolves around a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally imbued with moon magic and raised by a witch. As Luna grows, her magic becomes stronger and more unpredictable.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, empathy, understanding of complex narratives
  • Why we recommend this book: It's beautifully written, full of magic and emotion, and it tackles themes of love, family, and sacrifice.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love magical stories and strong, complex characters.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Through multiple perspectives, readers experience themes of acceptance and friendship.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, social awareness, kindness
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes understanding and acceptance of differences, encouraging readers to be kinder and more inclusive.
  • Perfect for: Those looking to understand and appreciate diversity and the challenges others face.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • 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 disaster.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, logical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that tests the intellect and courage of its characters, making it a compelling read for young problem solvers.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and anyone who loves puzzles and suspense.

• Ivy + Bean by Annie Barrows, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Friendship
  • Synopsis: This series features two unlikely friends, Ivy and Bean, who are complete opposites but find common ground and embark on various adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, relationship dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's fun and relatable, showcasing the ups and downs of friendships through engaging and humorous stories.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about friendship and mischief.

• 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' lightning bolt. He must embark on a quest across the United States to catch the real thief and resolve the conflict among the gods.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge of Greek mythology, strategic thinking, moral reasoning
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines exciting adventures with Greek mythology, making ancient stories accessible and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure and mythology, and those who enjoy fast-paced, fantastical tales.

Challenging Popular Books for 10-Year-Old Girls

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow up in Civil War-era America. Each sister has distinct personality traits and dreams, navigating through the challenges and delights of growing up.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative spans several years and explores complex themes such as poverty, gender roles, and personal growth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a rich, layered exploration of family dynamics and individual aspirations. Readers can learn about resilience and personal integrity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical settings and stories about family bonds and personal development.

• 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 their father from the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex scientific and philosophical concepts like tesseracts and the battle between good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and critical thinking, blending scientific concepts with a compelling narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science fiction and epic adventures.

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie—are evacuated to the countryside during WWII, where they find a wardrobe that leads to the magical world of Narnia. Here, they are caught up in a struggle between the noble lion Aslan and the evil White Witch.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story incorporates allegorical elements and deep moral questions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a rich tapestry of fantasy and myth, combined with themes of courage, loyalty, and redemption.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love epic tales and moral challenges.

• 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, a surreal region filled with peculiar characters and absurd situations that challenge his understanding of the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It plays with language and mathematics in a way that is both playful and intellectually stimulating.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and whimsical journey that celebrates the joys of learning and the richness of imagination.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy puzzles, word play, and whimsical adventures.

• 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 engrossed in solving the mystery of a beautiful statue's origin.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story requires readers to think critically and piece together clues alongside the protagonists.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a captivating mystery and a look at growing up and finding one's identity through adventure and curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and lovers of art and mystery.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking for ways to help your 10-year-old girl develop good reading habits while exploring some popular books, you've come to the right place. Here are a few fun and effective exercises designed just for her age group. These will not only enhance her reading skills but also make her reading sessions more enjoyable.

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or a set amount of time to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and helps build a reading routine.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in the house just for reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and inviting space dedicated to reading.
  • Tips: Let her personalize the space with comfy cushions and her favorite things.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club with a few of her friends who read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and makes reading a social activity.
  • Tips: They can take turns choosing the book to read and hosting the discussion.

• Illustrate a Scene
  • What it is: Draw or paint a scene from the book she is currently reading.
  • How it helps: Boosts imagination and helps with understanding and remembering the story.
  • Tips: Encourage her to share her artwork and explain why she chose that particular scene.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a short summary of each chapter after reading it.
  • How it helps: Improves retention and helps in grasping the plot and characters better.
  • Tips: Keep the summaries brief and in her own words.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Make predictions about what might happen next before starting the next chapter or book.
  • How it helps: Stimulates critical thinking and engagement with the storyline.
  • Tips: Discuss her predictions with her after finishing the chapters to see if she was right.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Spend some time reading aloud from her book.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps in understanding the text better.
  • Tips: Alternate reading pages or chapters to make it more interactive.

These exercises are not just about reading more; they're about making reading a fun and integral part of her life. Encourage her to try different exercises and find out what she enjoys the most. Happy reading!