10+ Best Audio Books for 8-10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to entertain and educate your young ones? Look no further than audio books for 8-10-year-olds! These engaging audio adventures are a fantastic way to enhance your child's imagination and listening skills. Whether they're winding down for bedtime or embarking on a long family road trip, these stories are sure to captivate and delight. Keep reading to discover our top picks of audio books that will keep your 8 to 10-year-old hooked!

Fun Audio Books for 8-10-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows a young girl named Fern who befriends a pig named Wilbur and a wise spider named Charlotte. Together, they embark on a mission to save Wilbur from becoming dinner.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life in a way that is both touching and accessible to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who enjoy heartwarming stories.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the famous Harry Potter series, where young Harry learns of his magical heritage and attends the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its magical world and relatable themes like bravery, friendship, and the importance of choice.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and anyone new to fantasy novels.

• 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 with big ears, who loves music and stories, and his adventures within a castle's walls.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a celebration of courage and the power of storytelling, showing that even the smallest creature can change their own destiny.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and those who love tales of unlikely heroes and quests.

• 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. This story follows her as she discovers her telekinetic powers and battles the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers children to stand up against unfairness while celebrating intelligence and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood and those who appreciate tales of justice.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, transforms as she discovers a neglected garden and learns to bring it back to life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of healing and friendship through the beauty of nature, encouraging readers to find beauty in the world around them.
  • Perfect for: Nature lovers and any child who is discovering the joy of nurturing and growth.

• Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod and is thrust into an adventure to prevent a war among the gods by finding Zeus' stolen lightning bolt.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines Greek mythology with modern adventure, making it an exciting way for children to learn about classic myths.
  • Perfect for: Fans of action-packed stories and mythology enthusiasts.

Educational Audio Books for 8-10-Year-Olds

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is about Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and hardly ever misses his life in the jungle. His perspective changes when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare awareness, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautiful story of friendship, change, and the power of a promise, all told from a unique and poignant animal perspective.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in stories about resilience and compassion.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, kindness, acceptance of differences
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale that promotes understanding and acceptance, showing how everyone deserves kindness regardless of appearance.
  • Perfect for: Children learning about diversity and the importance of kindness.

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Roz the robot discovers herself alone on a remote, wild island. She learns to survive and adapt to the wilderness and its animal inhabitants.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Adaptation to change, problem-solving, environmental awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines technology and nature in a narrative that explores themes of survival, friendship, and what it means to be wild.
  • Perfect for: Young readers fascinated by technology and nature.

• Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by K.G. Campbell
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the adventures of Flora Belle Buckman and a superhero squirrel named Ulysses who possesses unique powers after a freak accident.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative writing, humor, understanding of graphic novel elements
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a whimsically illustrated and written story that encourages imagination and teaches about hope and the unexpected.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy quirky characters and a mix of text and graphic illustrations.

• 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.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of intriguing puzzles and mysteries that keep readers engaged while promoting critical thinking and cooperation.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle enthusiasts.

Challenging Audio Books for 8-10-Year-Olds

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This 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 concepts such as quantum physics and the battle between good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and critical thinking, presenting young readers with challenging scientific and moral questions.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and thinkers interested in science and adventure.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical insights.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in wordplay, puns, and abstract concepts that require a sophisticated understanding of 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: Kids who love puzzles, language, and whimsical adventures.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: This timeless tale tells the story of a young prince who travels from planet to planet, learning about the bizarre behavior of adults.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores deep themes such as loneliness, friendship, love, and loss through metaphorical storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound insights into human nature and the adult world through the eyes of a child, encouraging deep thought and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Young philosophers and anyone who enjoys thought-provoking stories.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Alice falls through a rabbit hole into a fantastical world where she encounters various peculiar creatures and baffling situations.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is filled with nonsensical logic and complex wordplay, challenging young readers to think creatively and abstractly.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful and mind-bending journey that encourages creativity and problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and anyone who enjoys surreal and imaginative tales.

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit living in a comfortable hobbit-hole, is whisked away on an adventure by Gandalf the wizard and a group of dwarves seeking to reclaim their mountain home from a dragon.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces high fantasy themes and an older style of English, along with complex characters and detailed world-building.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating introduction to epic fantasy, fostering a sense of wonder and adventure while expanding vocabulary and comprehension.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and future fantasy fans.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-10-year-olds get the most out of their audiobooks, here are some fun and effective exercises. These activities are designed to enhance listening skills and foster a love for stories, all while developing good reading habits. Let's dive in!

• Create a Listening Schedule
  • What it is: Set specific times for listening to audiobooks.
  • How it helps: Encourages routine and discipline in reading habits.
  • Tips: Choose a time of day when your child is most attentive, such as after school or before bedtime.

• Character Role-Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the audiobook with your child.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role-play more engaging and fun.

• Draw the Story
  • What it is: Have your child draw scenes or characters from the audiobook.
  • How it helps: Helps with visualization and memory.
  • Tips: Discuss the story with your child as they draw to reinforce details and plot points.

• Story Prediction
  • What it is: Pause the audiobook at various points and ask your child what they think will happen next.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking and anticipation skills.
  • Tips: Encourage detailed explanations and justifications for their predictions.

• Audiobook Review
  • What it is: After finishing an audiobook, your child writes a short review.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and expressive skills.
  • Tips: Help them structure their review with a simple template: what they liked, didn't like, and overall thoughts.

• Discussion Time
  • What it is: Set aside time to discuss the audiobook's themes, characters, and plot.
  • How it helps: Promotes analytical thinking and deeper understanding.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions that encourage your child to think and express themselves.

• Connect to Personal Experiences
  • What it is: Relate events or characters in the audiobook to your child’s own life.
  • How it helps: Enhances empathy and personal connection to the story.
  • Tips: Share your own experiences that relate to the story as a way to model this connection.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s audiobook routine can make listening both educational and incredibly fun. Not only will these activities help develop their reading habits, but they'll also deepen their appreciation for storytelling. Give them a try and watch your young reader flourish!