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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to keep your 10-year-old engaged and entertained? Look no further than audio books! Audio books for 10-year-olds offer a fantastic blend of fun and education, perfectly tailored to curious young minds. Whether your child is a budding reader or just looking for a new adventure, we've compiled a variety of lists that cater to their interests and age. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to captivate and inspire your young listener!

Fun Audio Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the famous series where young Harry learns he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, embarking on a magical journey of friendship and self-discovery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gateway to the magical world that boosts imagination and introduces themes of courage and loyalty.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and epic adventures.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This touching tale follows a young pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte, who helps him avoid a grim fate.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important lessons about friendship, sacrifice, and the cycle of life in a gentle, accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy heartwarming stories and learning about the value of friendships.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod and is thrust into a world of Greek gods and monsters, going on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventures with Greek mythology, making learning about ancient myths fun and exciting.
  • Perfect for: Adventure seekers and mythology buffs who enjoy fast-paced, fantastical tales.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child unappreciated by her dim-witted family. She develops telekinetic powers and uses them to overcome bullies, including her school's tyrannical principal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, and it's a testament to the power of individuality.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood and those who appreciate tales of justice and cleverness.

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christian Allegory
  • Synopsis: Four siblings enter the magical world of Narnia through a wardrobe and find themselves caught in a struggle between good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a captivating adventure that also subtly teaches about bravery, loyalty, and morality.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy epic tales and exploring mystical lands with rich backstories.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book is a journal of Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges and misadventures of middle school life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's relatable and humorous, providing a light-hearted, entertaining view of everyday school life.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy comedy and realistic stories about school and family life.

Educational Audio Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This enchanting tale follows Despereaux Tilling, a brave mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. Despereaux embarks on a heroic quest that pits him against rats and humans alike.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, bravery, and understanding complex narratives
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written saga that combines adventure with themes of love, redemption, and what it means to be a hero.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales and rooting for underdog characters.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this novel follows Hugo, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station and is wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, history of cinema, and mechanical understanding
  • Why we recommend this book: The story is engaging and the unique mix of text and illustrations provides a captivating reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and visually stimulating stories.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story centers on August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time and strives for acceptance and kindness.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, social skills, and resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important values about acceptance and the strength of the human spirit in a compelling and accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Children who are learning about diversity, kindness, and overcoming challenges.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the mysterious Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission to infiltrate a nefarious organization using only their wits and teamwork.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, teamwork, and creative problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that celebrates intelligence and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and strategists who love solving puzzles and cracking codes.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: Inspired by true events, this story is told from the perspective of Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and starts to see his world through new eyes with the arrival of a baby elephant named Ruby.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Compassion for animals, understanding of animal welfare, and artistic expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant tale that encourages readers to view the world through the eyes of others, fostering empathy and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young activists who are passionate about animal rights and conservation.

Challenging Audio Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: The novel follows the story of Nobody "Bod" Owens, a boy raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is murdered. As Bod grows, he encounters various supernatural and human challenges.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book introduces complex themes of life, death, and belonging, woven through a narrative that includes a variety of literary allusions and a sophisticated vocabulary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique, imaginative story that combines elements of horror and fantasy in a way that is both educational and captivating.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who enjoy spooky stories and exploring deep, philosophical questions about growth and survival.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This classic novel follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin as they travel through space and time to rescue their father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex scientific and mathematical concepts, including tesseracts and space-time travel, alongside themes of good versus evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: The story encourages critical thinking and imagination, offering a blend of adventure and science that challenges the mind.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and fantasy, and those who like stories about family and resilience.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored young Milo receives a mysterious, magical tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and wisdom.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in wordplay, puns, and allegorical content, requiring a higher level of reading comprehension and an appreciation for nuanced language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and intellectually stimulating journey that celebrates the joys of learning and the richness of language.
  • Perfect for: Children who love puzzles, word games, and creative stories that challenge the way they think about the world.

• 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 enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As Luna grows, the magic within her begins to emerge, with far-reaching consequences.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex narrative structures, sophisticated themes about power and corruption, and rich, poetic language.
  • Why we recommend this book: This beautifully written tale weaves together elements of magic, adventure, and emotion, promoting deep thinking about love, responsibility, and the nature of evil.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate beautifully crafted narratives and magical storytelling.

• The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The first book in the Chronicles of Prydain series, this story follows Taran, an Assistant Pig-Keeper who embarks on a quest to find a lost pig and becomes involved in a much larger adventure.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces readers to a complex fantasy world with its own history, rules, and language, along with themes of heroism and self-discovery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a rich, immersive world with well-developed characters and an epic storyline that encourages perseverance and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Fans of epic fantasy and young readers looking for a series to grow with.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 10-year-old get the most out of their audiobook experience, here are some fun and effective exercises to develop good reading habits. These activities are designed to engage young listeners, enhance comprehension, and make reading a habit they'll love.

• Listen and Draw
  • What it is: Listen to a chapter and then draw scenes or characters based on the narration.
  • How it helps: Enhances visualization skills and helps with recall.
  • Tips: Provide a variety of art supplies to make this exercise more exciting and creative.

• Chapter Summaries
  • What it is: After listening to each chapter, summarize it in a few sentences.
  • How it helps: Improves retention and understanding of the story.
  • Tips: Encourage the use of their own words to foster creativity and personal engagement.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Pause the audiobook at key points and predict what will happen next.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking and anticipatory skills.
  • Tips: Discuss why they think the story will unfold in that way, linking clues from the narrative.

• Character Maps
  • What it is: Create a map or chart that describes different characters and their relationships.
  • How it helps: Aids in understanding complex narratives and character development.
  • Tips: Use a large poster board and markers to make a visual and colorful character map.

• Audio Journal
  • What it is: Keep a journal dedicated to reflections and reviews of audiobooks listened to.
  • How it helps: Encourages expression and critical thinking about what they've heard.
  • Tips: Make it a routine to update the journal after finishing an audiobook or a significant chapter.

These exercises aren't just about listening; they're about transforming listening into an interactive, imaginative, and enriching experience. Give these a try and watch your young reader's love for books deepen. Happy listening!