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

Are you on the hunt for thick books for 10-year-olds that will captivate your young reader's imagination and keep them hooked for hours? Finding the right book that is both engaging and age-appropriate can be a challenge, but don't worry—we've got you covered. In this blog post, we'll dive into a variety of thick books perfect for 10-year-olds, ensuring there's something for every young reader. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to be as page-turning as they are substantial!

Fun Thick Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: In the fourth book of the Harry Potter series, Harry is mysteriously entered into the Triwizard Tournament, a dangerous contest that pits him against older students and sees him facing deadly tasks.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling mix of magic, mystery, and friendship, which keeps readers engaged while expanding their imagination and understanding of complex themes like courage and loyalty.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic and adventure, and are looking to tackle longer, more challenging books.

• 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 where he embarks on a quest across the United States to find Zeus's stolen lightning bolt.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines Greek mythology with modern adventure, making it a captivating read that educates about classical myths in a fun, accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy fast-paced stories and learning about mythology in a modern setting.

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, illustrated by Pauline Baynes
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christian Allegory
  • Synopsis: Four siblings enter the magical world of Narnia through a wardrobe, where they encounter a wicked witch and a majestic lion named Aslan who leads them in a battle to save Narnia.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a magical, multi-layered tale that encourages imagination and exploration of moral and spiritual questions.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love epic tales and fantasy worlds, and those interested in stories with deeper moral underpinnings.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Hugo, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station, and the mysterious automaton that his late father left behind.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its unique combination of text and art offers a visually engaging reading experience, while the story itself is heartwarming and inspiring.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and any young reader who appreciates art and mystery intertwined with history.

• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: In Harry's fifth year at Hogwarts, he discovers more about his role in the magical world as he faces the challenges of the authoritarian Ministry of Magic and the threat of Lord Voldemort.
  • Why we recommend this book: It delves into themes of authority, rebellion, and loyalty, providing a rich, complex story that encourages critical thinking and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Older kids ready for more sophisticated themes and longer narratives, especially those who have enjoyed earlier books in the Harry Potter series.

Educational Thick 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 crisis.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, logical thinking, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery and adventure with intellectual challenges that engage young readers' minds in active problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and using their brains in adventurous ways.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time and strives to be treated as an ordinary kid.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of diversity, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches kindness and the importance of accepting others, no matter their physical appearance.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking to understand and appreciate individual differences and the challenges others face.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a spoiled and sickly child, transforms into a spirited and healthy girl as she discovers a neglected garden on her uncle's gloomy estate and brings it back to life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, appreciation for nature, personal responsibility
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that explores themes of healing and personal growth through the beauty of nature.
  • Perfect for: Children 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: The adventures of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is mistakenly sent to live with an elderly brother and sister on Prince Edward Island.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary, imagination, social and emotional learning
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's zest for life and her ability to find wonder in everyday situations make it a delightful read that encourages optimism and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy rich characters and vivid storytelling.

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable and unambitious life, is whisked away on an adventure by the wizard Gandalf and a group of dwarves to reclaim a stolen treasure.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Mythological literacy, understanding of hero's journey, narrative structure
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an epic adventure that introduces younger readers to classic fantasy elements in a more accessible format than Tolkien's later works.
  • Perfect for: Kids with a budding interest in epic tales and fantastical worlds.

Challenging Thick Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This beloved novel follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow up in Civil War-era America, facing challenges and maturing into young women.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative spans several years, featuring complex character developments and historical context that require attentive reading.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides timeless lessons on family, resilience, and personal growth, encouraging readers to consider various life perspectives.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about family dynamics and strong female characters.

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story depicts the adventures of anthropomorphic animals such as Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger in the English countryside.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses rich, descriptive language and explores themes of friendship, adventure, and morality in a nuanced manner.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its enchanting narrative and vivid descriptions foster imagination and a love for nature.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate nature and stories with moral lessons.

• Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: Told from the perspective of a horse, this novel chronicles the joys and hardships Black Beauty experiences with various owners throughout his life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses complex themes such as animal welfare, kindness, and the impact of human behavior on others through sophisticated narrative techniques.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and responsibility towards animals and others, promoting moral reflection.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and readers interested in a classic tale that encourages ethical considerations.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Children’s Literature
  • Synopsis: Bored young Milo receives a magical tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and whimsical characters.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story is rich in wordplay, puns, and abstract concepts that challenge readers to think creatively and critically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the joys of learning and the richness of language, stimulating intellectual curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy clever humor and imaginative adventures that challenge their thinking.

• David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
  • Genre(s): Classic, Bildungsroman
  • Synopsis: This autobiographical novel follows the life of David Copperfield from childhood to maturity, with his personal development and the various characters he encounters along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex characters and intricate plots, woven together with Victorian English that demands advanced reading skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a profound look into personal growth and resilience through rich storytelling and memorable characters.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who are interested in classic literature and intricate narratives.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Diving into thick books can be a thrilling adventure for 10-year-olds, but it can also be a bit daunting due to their length and complexity. To help young readers not only tackle but also enjoy these hefty reads, here are some exercises designed to develop good reading habits and enhance their reading experience.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Breaks down the book into manageable parts, making it less intimidating.
  • Tips: Choose a realistic goal that fits into your daily routine without feeling overwhelming.

• Use a Bookmark Craft Session
  • What it is: Create personalized bookmarks for use in your thick books.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading process fun and personal.
  • Tips: Use bright colors and materials that excite you, encouraging you to pick up the book often.

• Read Aloud Time
  • What it is: Dedicate time to read aloud from the book each day.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps in understanding complex sentences and vocabulary.
  • Tips: Alternate reading days with a parent or sibling to make it a shared activity.

• Chapter Summary Notes
  • What it is: Write a short summary of each chapter after reading it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries brief and in your own words to better remember the plot.

• Discussion Group
  • What it is: Form a small group to discuss the book on a weekly basis.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and perspective sharing.
  • Tips: Prepare one question or observation to bring to each discussion.

• Visual Reading Map
  • What it is: Create a visual map of the storyline or characters as you progress through the book.
  • How it helps: Helps in visually tracking the development of the plot and characters.
  • Tips: Use drawings, diagrams, or a storyboard format to make your reading map engaging and informative.

• Reading Breaks
  • What it is: Plan short breaks during reading sessions.
  • How it helps: Keeps you fresh and prevents feeling overwhelmed by the book’s length.
  • Tips: Use a timer to remind you to take a 5-10 minute break every 30 minutes or so.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll find that even the thickest books become less daunting and more enjoyable. Each step not only aids in comprehension but also makes reading a fun and interactive part of your daily life. So grab your next big book, and let's get started!