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

Are you on a quest to find the perfect space books for 10-year-olds that will launch their imagination into the cosmos? You've landed in the right spot! Whether your young reader dreams of becoming an astronaut, or simply loves stories that are out of this world, our curated lists are packed with books that are sure to captivate and educate. Keep reading to discover our stellar selection of space books for 10-year-olds that are just waiting to be explored!

Fun Space Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: Join Ms. Frizzle and her class as they embark on a wild, educational ride through the solar system aboard the Magic School Bus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun adventures with factual space science, making learning about the universe exciting and accessible.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love science and adventure.

• AstroNuts Mission One: The Plant Planet by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Steven Weinberg
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in a series about four mutant animals who travel through space to find a new planet for humans to inhabit.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s packed with humor and action, plus it introduces important environmental themes in a kid-friendly way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy laughter with their learning and care about the environment.

• National Geographic Kids First Big Book of Space by Catherine D. Hughes, illustrated by David A. Aguilar
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This colorful book introduces young readers to the wonders of space, from the sun and the moon, to the planets in our solar system, and beyond.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s visually stunning and provides easy-to-understand information that will spark curiosity about space and science.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who are fascinated by space and eager to learn more about the universe.

• See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow the journey of 11-year-old Alex as he travels to a rocket festival to launch his iPod into space, recording a series of audio-logs along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a heartwarming, adventurous tale that encourages curiosity, resilience, and discovery.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and aspiring astronomers who love a good story.

• Hidden Figures Young Readers' Edition by Margot Lee Shetterly
  • Genre(s): Biography, History
  • Synopsis: This book tells the incredible true story of four African American women who helped NASA launch men into space.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an inspiring look at the challenges these women overcame and highlights their significant contributions to science.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and science, especially those who appreciate stories of unsung heroes.

Educational Space Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Girl Who Named Pluto: The Story of Venetia Burney by Alice B. McGinty, illustrated by Elizabeth Haidle
  • Genre(s): Biography, Historical
  • Synopsis: This charming picture book tells the true story of Venetia Burney, an eleven-year-old English girl who named the dwarf planet Pluto.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: History of astronomy, vocabulary, women in science
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the impact of a young girl's curiosity and intellect on the world of astronomy.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and space, and stories about impactful contributions by young individuals.

• The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield, illustrated by The Fan Brothers
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: Inspired by the childhood of real-life astronaut Chris Hadfield, who dreams of going to space but must first overcome his fear of the dark.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Overcoming fears, space exploration, personal growth
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully illustrated story that encourages kids to dream big and overcome their fears.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring astronauts and young readers who face their own fears.

• Exploring the Solar System: A History with 22 Activities by Mary Kay Carson
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This interactive book takes readers on a tour of the solar system, supplemented by 22 engaging and educational activities.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific concepts, hands-on learning, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines factual information with practical activities that enhance understanding and engagement.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love science and enjoy learning by doing.

• Planetarium by Raman Prinja, illustrated by Chris Wormell
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Reference
  • Synopsis: Part of the 'Welcome to the Museum' series, this book acts as a virtual planetarium with detailed illustrations and facts about the universe.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Astronomy, detailed observation, scientific facts
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a comprehensive and visually stunning exploration of the cosmos.
  • Perfect for: Young astronomers and anyone who appreciates detailed illustrations alongside learning.

• Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations by Jacqueline Mitton, illustrated by Christina Balit
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Astronomy
  • Synopsis: This book introduces children to the stars through the animal constellations in the night sky.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Constellation identification, mythology, basic astronomy
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively blends astronomy with storytelling, making it fun to learn about the stars.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love animals and stargazing.

Challenging Space Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young boy finds an airplane and takes it for a ride to space, only to run out of fuel on the moon. There, he meets a Martian who has also been stranded, and together they come up with a plan to return home.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative introduces themes of problem-solving and resilience through a space adventure, which requires readers to engage with abstract thinking and empathy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully illustrated story that encourages creativity and problem-solving, wrapped in a fun space adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about friendship and adventure in outer space.

• George's Secret Key to the Universe by Lucy and Stephen Hawking
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: George's adventures begin when he finds a secret key that opens up a whole new way to look at the universe. With the help of his new friends, he explores the cosmos and learns about the dangers and beauty of space.
  • Why this book is challenging: Written by renowned physicist Stephen Hawking and his daughter, this book introduces complex scientific concepts in a kid-friendly format, challenging young readers to expand their understanding of physics and the universe.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends real science with a thrilling narrative, making learning about the universe exciting and accessible.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring scientists and any young reader with a curiosity about space and physics.

• Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Oliver embarks on an extraordinary adventure involving moving islands (Seawigs), a nearsighted mermaid, and an albatross. His journey is both a quest to rescue his explorer parents and a test of his own ingenuity.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book encourages lateral thinking and creativity, with its imaginative setting and quirky characters pushing the boundaries of traditional children's literature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, inventive tale that promotes creativity and the spirit of adventure, perfect for encouraging young readers to think outside the box.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories filled with whimsy, adventure, and unusual friendships.

• Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Liam, a 12-year-old who looks much older than he is, accidentally ends up in space with a group of children after being mistaken for an adult. This comic adventure explores themes of friendship, family, and the challenges of growing up.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book tackles complex social and emotional issues through its unique premise and humorous narrative, presenting these themes in a manner that is both engaging and thought-provoking for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a mix of humor and heart, teaching important life lessons about responsibility and the value of being oneself.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a good laugh along with a touching story about growing up and finding one’s place in the universe.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey space explorers! If you're diving into space books and want to make the most out of your interstellar reading adventure, here are some fun exercises to help you develop solid reading habits. These will not only boost your understanding but also increase your enjoyment as you explore the universe through books.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Keeps you focused and helps in achieving consistent progress.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Space-Themed Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner of your room for reading space books.
  • How it helps: Enhances your reading experience by making it fun and special.
  • Tips: Decorate with space posters, comfy cushions, and maybe a model rocket or two.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books with friends or family who are interested in space too.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Try to share something new you learned from your reading each time you discuss.

• Sketch Scenes from the Book
  • What it is: Draw your favorite scenes or concepts from the space books you read.
  • How it helps: Enhances visual memory and helps you understand the content deeply.
  • Tips: Don't worry about artistic perfection; focus on the details that struck you the most.

• Use a Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Keep a list of new or interesting words you find in your space books.
  • How it helps: Expands your language skills and helps you understand more complex texts.
  • Tips: Try to use the new words in your daily conversations or in your reading journal.

• Predict the Next Chapter
  • What it is: Before starting a new chapter, guess what might happen next based on what you've read so far.
  • How it helps: Enhances analytical thinking and engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Write your predictions down and check how close you were after reading.

With these exercises, you'll not only rocket through your space books but also develop habits that can turn you into a lifelong reader. Remember, the universe is vast and so is the world of books—enjoy exploring both! Happy reading! 🚀📚