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

Are you on the hunt for award-winning books for 8-10-year-olds that can captivate, educate, and inspire young minds? You've come to the right place! Discovering the perfect read for this curious age group can be a game changer, sparking a lifelong love of reading. Keep reading to explore our carefully curated lists of award-winning books for 8-10-year-olds, each promising to be a hit with young readers.

Fun Award Winning Books for 8-10-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Animal story
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows a young girl named Fern who befriends a piglet named Wilbur and his spider friend, Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages in her web to persuade the farmer to spare his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life in a gentle, accessible manner.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who appreciate stories of friendship and compassion.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy tale
  • Synopsis: This story centers around Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with big ears who loves music and stories, and his adventures within a castle as he seeks to rescue a beautiful human princess.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming adventure that promotes courage and honor, ideal for inspiring young readers to face their fears.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and any child who enjoys fairy tales and heroic quests.

• Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Folklore
  • Synopsis: In this beautifully illustrated book, Minli embarks on a journey to find the Old Man of the Moon to ask how she can change her family's fortune. This story is interwoven with Chinese folktales and rich illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with lessons about gratitude and determination.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and fans of rich, cultural folklore.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal story
  • Synopsis: Inspired by true events, this novel is about Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall, and his journey towards finding a better life. It's told from Ivan's perspective, giving readers a unique look into his mind.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of friendship and animal rights through a touching narrative that encourages empathy and activism.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young activists who are passionate about animal welfare.

• Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by K.G. Campbell
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: The story follows Flora Belle Buckman and a squirrel named Ulysses who gains superpowers after an accident. Together, they embark on an adventure full of quirky characters and comic-style illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and whimsical tale that celebrates the power of friendship and imagination.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories with a mix of humor, adventure, and unexpected superhero antics.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic
  • Synopsis: This enchanting book tells the story of a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally enmagicked as a baby. She grows up to confront the truth about her magic, her family, and the sinister forces that threaten her community.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a complex narrative that weaves together magic, adventure, and the importance of questioning and understanding the world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magical stories and are ready for a more challenging and intricate plot.

Educational Award Winning Books for 8-10-Year-Olds

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Copenhagen during World War II, this story follows ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she helps her Jewish friend Ellen escape the Nazis and relocate to safety in Sweden.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, empathy, understanding of World War II and the Holocaust
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a sensitive and appropriate introduction to the horrors of the Holocaust through the eyes of a child.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and stories of bravery and friendship in challenging times.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Nobody "Bod" Owens, a boy who is raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is murdered. As he grows up, he encounters various adventures and dangers within and beyond the graveyard.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, courage, and understanding of themes like life and death
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling and mysterious tale that captivates and stimulates the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Children who love spooky stories with a strong sense of adventure and mystery.

• Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure, Coming-of-age
  • Synopsis: This narrative weaves together the emotional journey of 13-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle, who travels across the country to find her mother, with the stories she tells of her friend Phoebe Winterbottom and the lessons she learns about love and loss.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, storytelling, understanding complex family dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends humor and sadness, offering young readers insights into dealing with grief and the importance of family.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate emotional depth and stories about personal growth and self-discovery.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Comedy
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' detention center where the boys are forced to dig holes every day. Through these bizarre tasks, Stanley uncovers his family's history and the mystery behind the camp.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding of themes like justice and fate, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inventive and engaging story with rich themes that resonate with readers of all ages.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and anyone who loves a good mystery with a twist of humor.

• The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Humor, Family
  • Synopsis: This book follows the humorous and touching experiences of an African American family from Flint, Michigan, during their visit to Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963, a pivotal time in the American civil rights movement.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical awareness, racial issues, family dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a blend of comedy and dramatic historical context, making it a compelling read for understanding important social issues.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy family stories with historical significance and a mix of laughter and learning.

Challenging Award Winning Books for 8-10-Year-Olds

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a spoiled and ill-tempered child, is sent to live with her uncle in a gloomy mansion in Yorkshire. There, she discovers a neglected garden and, along with her cousin Colin, begins restoring it. The garden's transformation mirrors her own emotional healing.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative uses rich, descriptive language and explores deep themes of loss, healing, and friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to find beauty and joy in their surroundings and shows the transformative power of nature and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of personal growth and magical transformations.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child neglected by her crude and distant parents. At school, she faces the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Matilda discovers she has a special telekinetic power that allows her to stand up to the adults who mistreat her and her friends.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex characters and a sophisticated plot that deals with themes of abuse and resistance.
  • Why we recommend this book: Matilda's resilience and intelligence make her a fantastic role model for young readers, promoting the importance of standing up for oneself and others.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories with a mix of magic, humor, and justice.

• Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the friendship between Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke, two neighbors who create a magical forest kingdom called Terabithia, where they rule as king and queen. Their friendship helps them deal with the realities of their lives until a tragedy strikes.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex emotions and themes such as grief, friendship, and the power of imagination.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches about coping with loss and the importance of friendship in a sensitive, impactful way.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are dealing with or curious about heavy emotional experiences and enjoy imaginative storytelling.

• From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Claudia and her brother Jamie run away from home to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. There, they become engrossed in solving the mystery of a statue that may be the work of Michelangelo.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story involves complex problem-solving, historical references, and intricate plot developments.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages curiosity and determination, as the siblings use their wits and resources to uncover a fascinating art history mystery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love art, mysteries, and stories of independence and adventure.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and disinterested Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, a surreal region filled with bizarre characters and illogical rules. His journey teaches him the importance of learning and the joy of discovery.
  • Why this book is challenging: It plays with language and concepts in ways that require creative and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative adventure that celebrates the wonders of learning and the power of a curious mind.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy clever wordplay, whimsical adventures, and intellectual challenges.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking for ways to get the most out of reading award-winning books for 8-10-year-olds, here are some fun and effective exercises to help develop good reading habits. These activities are not only enjoyable but also enhance comprehension and retention. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Calendar
  • What it is: Schedule specific times and days for reading.
  • How it helps: Ensures consistent reading, which can improve focus and comprehension.
  • Tips: Let your child pick the times, making it more exciting and personal for them.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes or characteristics of favorite characters from the books.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the characters and story, making reading more engaging.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more fun and immersive experience.

• Book Club for Kids
  • What it is: Form a book club with a few friends who read the same book.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and critical thinking about the book.
  • Tips: Host a monthly meeting where everyone discusses what they liked or didn’t like about the book.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw or create a map that outlines the story’s setting, plot, and characters.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding and remembering the story structure.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to make the map visually appealing and easier to understand.

• Reading Reflections
  • What it is: Write a short summary or personal reflection after finishing a book.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and provides a space to express thoughts and feelings about the story.
  • Tips: Keep it fun by using creative booklets or colorful pens for these reflections.

• Vocabulary Hunt
  • What it is: Identify and look up new words found in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Create a “new words” journal to track all the interesting words and their meanings.

These exercises are designed to make reading a fun and integral part of your child’s daily routine. By incorporating these activities, your child will not only enjoy reading more but also gain deeper comprehension and a love for literature. So, grab some books, get set, and let the reading adventure begin!