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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect resources to spark a love of writing in young minds? Look no further! Our guide on Writing Books for 10-Year-Olds is tailored to help you find the best tools to inspire creativity and enhance writing skills in children. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or mentor, these books are designed to engage and educate. Keep reading to discover our carefully curated lists of writing books that are just right for 10-year-olds!

Fun Writing Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte crafts clever messages in her web to save her friend.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches values of friendship, love, and the importance of life, perfect for encouraging emotional growth and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who appreciate stories about friendship and loyalty.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Milo is bored with life until a mysterious tollbooth appears in his room. Driving through it, he finds himself in a fantastical world where he embarks on a journey that teaches him the value of learning and curiosity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor, adventure, and learning, making it a fun way to explore new vocabulary and concepts.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who love puzzles and wordplay.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a bright young girl with awful parents and an even worse school principal. Using her intelligence and telekinetic powers, she fights back against their cruelty and changes her destiny.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's empowering and funny, encouraging readers to stand up for themselves while nurturing a love for reading and learning.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of triumph and kids who feel different or misunderstood.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with large ears, who loves music and reading. He embarks on a heroic adventure in a castle to rescue a beautiful human princess.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written fairy tale that celebrates bravery and the power of being different.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and anyone who loves fairy tales with unlikely heroes.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures and misadventures of Greg Heffley as he navigates middle school with his best friend Rowley. Told through diary entries and humorous illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's relatable and laugh-out-loud funny, making it a great choice for reluctant readers and anyone looking for a light, entertaining read.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate humor and stories about school life.

Educational Writing Books for 10-Year-Olds

• My Weird School by Dan Gutman, illustrated by Jim Paillot
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This series centers around A.J. and his oddball teachers at Ella Mentry School. Each book introduces a quirky teacher and the hilarious misadventures that ensue.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading fluency, comprehension, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's incredibly funny and engaging, which keeps children interested in reading and learning about school life.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy school stories and humorous characters.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Stories
  • Synopsis: This novel is based on the true story of Ivan, a gorilla who lived for 27 years in a shopping mall before being moved to a zoo. The story is told from Ivan's perspective, focusing on his friendships with the other animals.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare awareness, storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that fosters empathy and an understanding of animal emotions and rights.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in true animal stories.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, School Story
  • Synopsis: Nick Allen invents a new word, "frindle," for what is commonly known as a pen, sparking a series of events that captures the nation's attention.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary building, creativity, understanding of language and social dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and shows the power of words and ideas.
  • Perfect for: Students who are imaginative and interested in language and how it evolves.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this illustrated novel follows young orphan Hugo as he tries to repair an automaton left by his father, uncovering a mysterious story that transforms his life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, problem-solving, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: Its unique blend of text and detailed illustrations creates a captivating reading experience that also educates about history and technology.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love mysteries and stories with rich visual storytelling.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who goes to public school for the first time and strives to be seen as just another student.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of diversity and acceptance, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartfelt story that promotes kindness and acceptance of differences.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are transitioning into new social environments and those who value stories about overcoming challenges.

Challenging Writing 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: It features complex puzzles and codes, along with advanced vocabulary and themes, that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages teamwork, perseverance, and intellectual curiosity, making it a thrilling and enriching read for young minds.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and young detectives who enjoy a good challenge.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic Realism
  • Synopsis: A story about a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally infused with moon magic, and the witch who raises her. As Luna approaches her thirteenth birthday, her magic begins to emerge with unexpected consequences.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure includes multiple viewpoints and a sophisticated plot with interwoven themes of power and sacrifice.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's beautifully written with deep, poetic language and themes that explore the complexity of love and growth.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love magical stories and rich, descriptive narratives.

• 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.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with dark themes and complex emotions, layered within a series of short stories that connect to form the boy's life story.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on the concepts of life and death, and the importance of community, wrapped in a captivating, spooky adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who aren't afraid of a ghost story and enjoy tales of growth and survival.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1970s New York, this novel follows Miranda as she receives mysterious notes that seem to predict the future and unravel the events surrounding a key moment in her life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot involves time travel and complex themes of friendship and destiny, requiring readers to pay close attention to detail and think critically about the sequence of events.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking puzzle that beautifully blends real-life issues with science fiction elements.
  • Perfect for: Fans of mysteries and science fiction, and readers who like stories that make them think.

• The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Set in an alternative history of England, two cousins, Bonnie and Sylvia, navigate a series of misadventures after their estate is seized by the villainous Miss Slighcarp.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel features rich, evocative language and a complex plot with themes of resilience and bravery against adversity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers thrilling adventure and a vivid setting that captivates and transports readers to a different time and place.
  • Perfect for: Young historians and adventurers who enjoy tales of courage and survival against the odds.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 10-year-old develop strong reading habits, you've come to the right place. Here are some fun and effective exercises that are perfect for young readers. These activities not only make reading enjoyable but also enhance their comprehension skills and love for books. Let's dive in!

• 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 that encourages regular reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the nook with comfy cushions, favorite toys, or posters.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a small book club with a few of your child’s friends.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and deeper understanding of the book.
  • Tips: Host a monthly meeting where they can discuss a book they've all read.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw or create a map that outlines the story’s plot.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding the sequence of events and the structure of the story.
  • Tips: Use colors and pictures to make the map visually engaging and easier to remember.

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of a character in the book.
  • How it helps: Develops empathy and deeper understanding of characters.
  • Tips: Choose a different character each time to explore various viewpoints.

• Reading Challenge Poster
  • What it is: Create a poster to track the number of books read over a period.
  • How it helps: Motivates continuous reading and setting goals.
  • Tips: Offer a small reward for every milestone reached, like 5 or 10 books.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Set aside time for your child to read aloud to you.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading.
  • Tips: Be patient and correct mispronunciations gently, praising their efforts frequently.

• Visual Vocabulary Board
  • What it is: Make a board or a scrapbook page with new words and their meanings.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and makes learning new words fun.
  • Tips: Include illustrations or pictures to represent each new word for better retention.

There you have it—fun and creative ways to boost reading skills in 10-year-olds. By incorporating these exercises into their routine, you'll help them not only improve their reading abilities but also foster a lifelong love for books. So, grab some books, and let's get started on making reading a blast for your young reader! Happy reading!