10+ Best Popular Books for 9-10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for popular books for 9-10-year-olds that will keep your young reader engaged and excited? Finding the right book can be a game-changer at this age, sparking a lifelong love of reading. Whether you're looking for a birthday gift, a library update, or just a new bedtime story, we've curated various lists of popular books for 9-10-year-olds that are sure to captivate their imaginations. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to be a hit!

Fun Popular Books for 9-10-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This touching story revolves around a 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 him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the cycle of life in a gentle way that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children who appreciate stories about friendship and loyalty.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the famous Harry Potter series, where young Harry learns on his eleventh birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own.
  • Why we recommend this book: It opens up a magical world full of adventure and mystery, sparking imagination and encouraging a love of reading.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and anyone who dreams of discovering a magical world.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to a camp for demigods like him. He soon embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods by finding the stolen lightning bolt of Zeus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines Greek mythology with modern adventure, making it an exciting and educational read.
  • Perfect for: Fans of mythology, adventure seekers, and anyone who enjoys fast-paced, action-packed stories.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It follows his adventures as he navigates a world filled with darkness and danger.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written fairy tale that celebrates bravery and the power of being different.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love fairy tales, heroic quests, and unlikely heroes.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who goes to a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Through multiple perspectives, the book explores themes of kindness, acceptance, and friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and the importance of accepting others, regardless of appearances.
  • Perfect for: Children who are learning about kindness and the value of accepting everyone for who they are.

Educational Popular Books for 9-10-Year-Olds

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is based on the true story of Ivan, a gorilla who lived in a shopping mall for 27 years without seeing another of his species. Ivan begins to see his surroundings differently through the eyes of Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal rights awareness, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that teaches compassion towards animals and the importance of a proper habitat for wildlife.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young activists.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements
  • Genre(s): Fiction, School Story
  • Synopsis: This book follows fifth-grader Nick Allen who invents a new word, "frindle," for what is commonly known as a pen. The word becomes a huge success, sparking a series of unforeseen events in his school and community.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, vocabulary, understanding of linguistics
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and shows the impact one individual can have on language and society.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young innovators.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • 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 disaster.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of puzzles and mysteries that keep readers engaged and thinking critically.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle lovers.

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set during World War II, this story follows ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she helps her Jewish friend Ellen escape from Copenhagen to Sweden to avoid relocation by the Nazis.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, empathy, bravery
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a sensitive and appropriate introduction to the Holocaust for young readers, highlighting themes of courage and friendship.
  • Perfect for: History enthusiasts and those interested in learning about bravery and selflessness.

• 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 at her uncle's house, as she forms friendships and begins to heal emotionally.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, appreciation for nature, interpersonal relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that explores themes of healing and personal growth through care for others and the natural world.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about transformation and the healing power of nature.

Challenging Popular Books for 9-10-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 land called the Kingdom of Wisdom, where he embarks on a quest to rescue the princesses Rhyme and Reason.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story is rich with puns, wordplay, and a complex narrative structure that challenges readers to think critically about language and logic.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages exploration and appreciation of language, while also providing a thrilling adventure that captivates and educates.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy puzzles, word games, and whimsical adventures.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: This poetic tale features a young prince who travels the universe gaining wisdom. The story is narrated by a pilot stranded in the desert who learns from the prince's stories about his travels from planet to planet and his encounters with different grown-ups.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style is metaphorical and philosophical, dealing with themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss that require a mature understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers deep life lessons through the innocent eyes of a young prince, making it a timeless story that resonates with all ages.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are reflective and enjoy stories that explore deep, philosophical questions about life.

• 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 save Meg's father from the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates complex scientific concepts, including tesseracts and dimensional travel, alongside advanced vocabulary and themes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends science fiction with real human emotions and relationships, offering a compelling narrative that challenges the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Science enthusiasts and young readers who appreciate complex narratives that make them think.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda Wormwood is a very bright young girl neglected by her shallow and ignorant parents. At school, she faces the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Matilda discovers she has a unique power and uses it to defend her friends and punish the wicked.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features rich language, a sophisticated narrative structure, and themes of rebellion and justice that require critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, and it's a heartening tale of a young girl using her talents to overcome adversity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of triumph and have a keen sense of justice.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After the murder of his family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own, naming him Nobody "Bod" Owens.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with dark themes and has a complex narrative that includes a variety of characters from different historical periods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique take on the coming-of-age story, providing suspense and philosophical insights in a supernatural setting.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like spooky stories with a heart and lessons about growing up.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 9-10-year-olds develop good reading habits, you've come to the right place. Here are some fun and effective exercises designed specifically for young readers. These will not only enhance their reading skills but also make the process enjoyable.

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or a set time to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and builds a daily reading routine.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to keep it fun and rewarding.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in the house as a reading area.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and dedicated space for reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions or posters.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club where your child and their friends read the same book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension through discussion and promotes social skills.
  • Tips: Organize monthly meetings where they can discuss the book and share ideas.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Incorporate technology by using an app that tracks reading progress.
  • How it helps: Makes reading interactive and tech-friendly, appealing to young digital natives.
  • Tips: Choose apps that provide rewards or badges for achievements to motivate readers.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Schedule times when you read together with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves vocabulary and pronunciation, and it's a great bonding activity.
  • Tips: Take turns reading pages to make it more engaging for your child.

• Theme-Based Reading
  • What it is: Pick books based on different themes each month, like science, history, or fantasy.
  • How it helps: Broadens knowledge and keeps the reading material exciting and varied.
  • Tips: Allow your child to choose the upcoming theme to increase their interest.

• Reading Challenge with Rewards
  • What it is: Set up a challenge, such as reading 10 books in a month, with a reward at the end.
  • How it helps: Encourages reading as a fun activity rather than a chore.
  • Tips: Keep the rewards simple and enjoyable, like a trip to the bookstore or extra playtime.

These exercises are not just about reading more books; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of your child’s daily life. Try them out and watch as your young reader's skills and love for books flourish!