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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read aloud books for 10-year-olds that will keep them captivated during story time? You're in the right place! Whether you're a parent, teacher, or guardian, finding that perfect book can make all the difference. Keep reading to discover our diverse lists of read aloud books for 10-year-olds that are sure to spark imagination and joy in your young readers.

Fun Read Aloud Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows a young pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte crafts clever messages in her web to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life, all conveyed through simple yet profound narrative.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers looking for a touching, moral-driven story.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel features Milo, a bored boy who unexpectedly receives a magic tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond. He embarks on a quest full of puns, wordplay, and wisdom.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively plays with language and mathematics, making it a fun and educational read that sparks imagination.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy clever humor and imaginative adventures.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: The first book in the famous series introduces Harry Potter, a young wizard who attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry discovers his magical heritage and faces various challenges, including confronting the dark wizard who killed his parents.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging fantasy that fosters creativity and the importance of friendship and courage.
  • Perfect for: Readers new to fantasy genres and anyone looking for an entrancing story with memorable characters.

• Percy Jackson and 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's lightning bolt. He must embark on a quest to find the real thief and prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines Greek mythology with modern adventure, making ancient stories accessible and exciting.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure and mythology, or anyone who enjoys fast-paced, action-packed tales.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story centers on Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It intertwines his tale with that of a servant girl and a rat with darker aspirations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written fairy tale that explores themes of bravery, forgiveness, and the power of stories.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fairy tales and stories of unlikely heroes and heroines.

Educational Read Aloud Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: This novel follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. August faces challenges and triumphs as he strives for acceptance and kindness.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of diversity, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant story that promotes understanding and acceptance, encouraging readers to look beyond physical appearances.
  • Perfect for: Children learning about diversity and the importance of kindness.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Animal fiction
  • Synopsis: Inspired by true events, this story is about Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. His perspective changes when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Animal welfare awareness, creative thinking, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a touching narrative from the animal's point of view, fostering a strong sense of empathy and awareness about animal rights.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young activists interested in animal welfare.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Humorous
  • Synopsis: Fifth-grader Nick Allen knows how to make school more fun. After learning about how words are created, he decides to rename a pen "frindle." This simple act sparks a series of events that highlights the power of words and creativity.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary, creativity, understanding of language and communication
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging story that celebrates creativity and shows the impact one individual can have on an entire community.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy school stories and are curious about language and innovation.

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Copenhagen during World War II, this story follows ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she helps her Jewish friend Ellen escape the Nazis. The book beautifully portrays the bravery and friendship amidst the horror of war.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, ethical reasoning, bravery
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a sensitive and appropriate introduction to the Holocaust for young readers, emphasizing the importance of courage and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and stories of heroism and resistance during challenging times.

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Edward Tulane, a china rabbit, loves only himself until he is lost at sea. Through his journey, he meets many owners and discovers the joys and pains of caring for others.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, resilience, understanding of emotions
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a deeply moving tale about love and loss, teaching readers about the transformative power of opening one's heart.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy emotional growth and character-driven stories.

Challenging Read Aloud Books for 10-Year-Olds

• 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.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features complex riddles and puzzles that challenge critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages teamwork, perseverance, and intelligence, making it an exciting and educational read.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle enthusiasts who love a good intellectual challenge.

• 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 across dimensions to save their father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex concepts such as quantum physics and the battle between good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also teaches about the power of love and the strength of family.
  • Perfect for: Science enthusiasts and readers who enjoy stories about space and time travel.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a spoiled and sickly girl, discovers a mysterious, neglected garden after moving to her uncle's remote country estate. As she revitalizes the garden, she and her new friends heal emotionally and physically.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores deep themes of loss, healing, and transformation, written in an early 20th-century English style.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the restorative power of nature and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate nature and stories of personal growth and healing.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: This poetic tale tells the story of a young prince who travels the universe, gaining insights into human nature through his encounters with various adults.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in allegory and metaphor, discussing profound themes like love, loss, and the absurdity of adult behavior.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers timeless wisdom through a simple yet profound narrative, encouraging deep thought and reflection.
  • Perfect for: Young philosophers and thinkers, as well as any reader interested in a story that explores deeper truths about life and human nature.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive girl neglected by her family. At school, she meets a kindred spirit in her teacher, Miss Honey, and uses her telekinetic powers to overcome her oppressive parents and the cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features themes of rebellion and justice, with advanced vocabulary and a sophisticated narrative style that appeals to young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, and it's a compelling story of a young girl using her gifts to shape her own destiny.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or undervalued, and anyone who loves a good triumph-over-adversity story.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're exploring read aloud books with your 10-year-old, you're already on a fantastic path. Reading aloud isn't just about hearing stories; it's a great opportunity to engage deeper with reading and develop strong reading habits. Here are some exercises that can make this journey even more beneficial and fun:

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out characters from the book during or after reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and empathy by exploring characters' emotions and motivations.
  • Tips: Choose favorite scenes and use props to make it more engaging.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw or write out a map that outlines the story’s plot, settings, and characters.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the story structure and improves retention.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to differentiate between various elements like characters and settings.

• Predict the Next Chapter
  • What it is: Pause the reading at chapter ends and guess what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Encourages analytical thinking and attention to textual clues.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions and reasons behind them to deepen the analysis.

• Vocabulary Hunt
  • What it is: Keep a list of new or interesting words found during reading.
  • How it helps: Expands vocabulary and enhances language skills.
  • Tips: Use a notebook specifically for new words and look up definitions together.

• Reading Reflections
  • What it is: After reading, discuss or write down feelings and thoughts about the story.
  • How it helps: Improves critical thinking and personal connection to the text.
  • Tips: Encourage honesty in reflections and share your own thoughts as well.

• Question Exchange
  • What it is: Create questions about the story for each other to answer.
  • How it helps: Boosts comprehension and recall abilities.
  • Tips: Make this a fun activity by turning it into a game with points for correct answers.

Engaging in these exercises while exploring read aloud books can turn reading from a solitary activity into an exciting and enriching family bonding time. Not only will these activities enhance your child's reading skills, but they'll also create lasting memories. So, grab a book and start experimenting with these exercises today! Happy reading! 📚