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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect escape into royalty for your young reader? Look no further! Our curated selection of Princess Books for 10-Year-Olds offers a treasure trove of enchanting stories that will captivate the imagination of any child fascinated by crowns and gowns. Dive into our lists and discover the magical adventures that await! Keep reading to explore these regal reads.

Fun Princess Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Comedy, Coming of Age
  • Synopsis: A humorous account of Mia Thermopolis discovering she is the heir to the throne of a small European principality, Genovia. As she juggles her new royal duties, she must also deal with everyday teenage issues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and relatable story that combines the ordinary and the extraordinary, showing that everyone has their own challenges to face.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love a good laugh mixed with a bit of royal sparkle.

• Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This retelling of the Cinderella story features Ella, cursed with obedience but determined to take control of her own destiny. Her journey is filled with ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, and fairy godmothers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers young readers by showing the importance of autonomy and courage, wrapped up in a magical, adventurous story.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fairy tales who appreciate strong, proactive heroines.

• The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Follow the timid Princess Addie as she embarks on a perilous quest to save her beloved sister, Meryl, from a deadly illness that plagues their kingdom.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventure with a heartfelt story of sisterly love and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about quests and the bonds between siblings.

• Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Education, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Miri, a mountain girl, attends an academy to compete for the honor of becoming the prince's bride, only to find herself embroiled in a deeper discovery of her own identity and strength.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a tale of friendship, self-discovery, and empowerment, set against a background of mystery and political intrigue.
  • Perfect for: Those who love stories about overcoming obstacles and finding one's place in the world.

• Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Princess Cimorene teams up with a dragon to escape her tedious royal duties and an unwanted engagement. Together, they tackle wizards and other threats in a story filled with wit and adventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an unconventional princess tale that celebrates independence and thinking outside the box.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy quirky characters and a twist on traditional fairy tales.

Educational Princess Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story follows Princess Elizabeth who, after her castle and clothes are destroyed by a dragon, must wear a paper bag to rescue her fiancé, Prince Ronald, who is less than grateful.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, independence, self-worth
  • Why we recommend this book: It flips the traditional princess rescue story on its head, promoting strength and resilience in young girls.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy tales with a twist and a strong female lead.

• The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Early Chapter Book
  • Synopsis: Princess Magnolia has a secret—she's also the Princess in Black, a superhero who fights monsters. This series blends princess and superhero themes, captivating young readers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading confidence, understanding of dual identities, imaginative play
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging, action-packed series that encourages young girls to embrace all aspects of their identity, including those that defy stereotypes.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love superheroes and adventures.

• The Apple-Pip Princess by Jane Ray
  • Genre(s): Fairy Tale, Environmental
  • Synopsis: In a kingdom that has fallen into hard times, the king's three daughters must use their talents to bring their barren land back to life, with Serenity, the youngest, using an apple pip that grows into a fruitful tree.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, creativity, the importance of nurturing
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable lessons about stewardship of the earth and finding one's unique path to make a difference.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in nature and stories of renewal and hope.

• Zog and the Flying Doctors by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Princess Pearl, Sir Gadabout, and their dragon friend Zog form a team of flying doctors, treating various creatures until Pearl is captured by her uncle, the king, who believes princesses shouldn't be doctors.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, challenging gender roles, compassion
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor and adventure to challenge traditional roles, encouraging girls to pursue careers in science and medicine.
  • Perfect for: Children who dream of being doctors or enjoy stories with a mix of fantasy and real-world occupations.

• Princess Smartypants by Babette Cole
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Princess Smartypants enjoys being single and has no interest in finding a prince. She sets impossible tasks for her suitors to maintain her independence.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-sufficiency, breaking stereotypes, decision-making
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous take on the traditional princess story, promoting independence and the idea that not every princess needs a prince to live happily ever after.
  • Perfect for: Independent thinkers and young readers with a quirky sense of humor.

Challenging Princess Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling
  • Synopsis: An adaptation of the classic Grimm fairy tale, this novel follows Princess Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, Crown Princess of Kildenree, who is sent to marry a prince she has never met. When her identity is stolen, she becomes a goose girl and must find the strength within to reclaim her true role.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes of identity, betrayal, and the journey to self-acceptance.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a rich, deeply nuanced narrative that encourages readers to explore themes of resilience and personal integrity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy strong character development and intricate plots.

• The Princess Curse by Merrie Haskell
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Twelve princesses suffer from a mysterious curse that makes them dance each night away, and Reveka, a herbalist's apprentice, vows to break the spell. The story weaves elements of traditional folklore with a fresh twist.
  • Why this book is challenging: It intertwines various fairy tales and myths, requiring readers to engage with a layered narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating blend of mystery and fantasy that promotes critical thinking and problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love puzzles and folklore.

• Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Benevolence, known as Princess Ben, is trapped in a tower by her aunt, the queen, after the mysterious deaths of her parents. In the tower, she discovers a magical room that teaches her about her unexpected powers.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel deals with complex themes of loss, power, and responsibility.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a story of growth and empowerment, encouraging readers to find strength in adversity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy tales of transformation and magical adventures.

• Entwined by Heather Dixon
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling
  • Synopsis: Inspired by the fairy tale "The Twelve Dancing Princesses," this story follows Azalea and her eleven sisters who discover a magical passage in their castle that leads them to a nightly dance in a silver forest. But this enchantment carries a dark price.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores deep emotional themes and complex family dynamics, set against a richly woven magical backdrop.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book beautifully combines the allure of fantasy with the poignancy of personal loss and recovery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a blend of magic and emotional depth in their stories.

• The Wide-Awake Princess by E.D. Baker
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In this twist on the classic Sleeping Beauty tale, Princess Annie is immune to magic and must save her magically sleeping sister and the rest of her kingdom.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story challenges traditional fairy tale narratives and introduces a protagonist with a unique magical immunity that turns typical plots on their head.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to think creatively and value different kinds of strengths and abilities.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy fairy tales with a twist and stories of unconventional heroines.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

If you're diving into the magical world of princess books with your 10-year-old, you might be looking for ways to enhance their reading experience and develop strong reading habits. Here are some fun and effective exercises tailored just for this age group and genre:

• Create a Story Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that outlines the settings and key events of the princess story.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps visualize the story's structure.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to mark different places and events.

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of different characters in the book.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of characters and their motivations.
  • Tips: Choose both main and minor characters to explore different viewpoints.

• Book Club Discussions
  • What it is: Organize regular meetings to discuss the book with friends or family.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and verbal expression.
  • Tips: Prepare questions beforehand to guide the discussion.

• Vocabulary Hunt
  • What it is: Identify and look up new or interesting words found in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Keep a notebook specifically for new words and their meanings.

• Draw the Scene
  • What it is: Sketch or paint scenes from the book based on the descriptions given.
  • How it helps: Boosts creativity and helps with visual memory of the story.
  • Tips: Focus on scenes that capture important moments or emotions.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Make predictions about what will happen next after each chapter.
  • How it helps: Encourages active reading and logical thinking.
  • Tips: Write down predictions and check their accuracy as you read along.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you're not just reading a book; you're engaging with it on multiple levels. This not only makes the reading process more enjoyable but also more educational. Enjoy your journey through the enchanting world of princess stories, and watch as your young reader develops a deeper love for books and an enhanced set of reading skills!