10+ Best Books for 10-Year-Old Girls w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect books for 10-year-old girls? Whether you're looking to inspire, educate, or simply entertain, finding the right books can be a game-changer in a young girl's life. From captivating adventures to heartwarming stories, we've rounded up a diverse selection that promises to capture their imagination and keep those pages turning. Keep reading to discover our top picks for books that are sure to be a hit with the young reader in your life!

Fun Books for 10-Year-Old Girls

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
  • Synopsis: The story of a brilliant and sensitive girl named Matilda, who uses her extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers to overcome the obstacles posed by her neglectful parents and tyrannical school principal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of reading and the resilience of children, encouraging young readers to believe in their own abilities.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories of triumph and have a keen sense of justice.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children’s Literature
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a wise spider named Charlotte, who concocts a plan to save her friend from being slaughtered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches lessons about friendship, love, and the cycle of life.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and any child dealing with themes of friendship and loss.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Fiction, 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 in Prince Edward Island.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne’s zest for life, her imagination, and her resilience are inspiring for young girls, highlighting the importance of positivity and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and anyone who enjoys stories about growing up and finding one's place in the world.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: An orphaned girl named Mary Lennox is sent to live at her uncle's house, where she discovers a mysterious and neglected garden that she decides to restore.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of healing and friendship through the transformative power of nature and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Nature lovers and any child who enjoys stories about exploration and personal growth.

• Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The book chronicles the adventures of Pippi Longstocking, a quirky and super-strong girl who lives alone with her horse and monkey, as she takes on the adult world with her irrepressible spirit.
  • Why we recommend this book: Pippi’s unconventional adventures and strong, independent nature make it a fun and empowering read for young girls.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who enjoy humorous stories and strong, unconventional female characters.

Educational Books for 10-Year-Old Girls

• The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: In 1899 Texas, 11-year-old Calpurnia Tate discovers a passion for science and nature through her explorations with her grandfather, which challenges the traditional expectations of a young girl in her time.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Science, history, critical thinking, gender roles
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages curiosity and scientific inquiry, showing the importance of questioning and exploring the world around us.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and history buffs who are interested in nature and the turn of the 20th century.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: A story about a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As Luna grows, her magic begins to emerge, with dangerous consequences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, creative thinking, emotional intelligence
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that combines magic, adventure, and emotion, teaching about the complexities of human nature and the power of love.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love magical stories and exploring complex characters and themes.

• The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Music, Cultural Heritage
  • Synopsis: Maria Luisa (Malú) moves to a new city and struggles with her identity as she tries to fit into her predominantly Mexican-American community while also embracing her love for punk music.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, self-expression, social adaptation
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends music, culture, and coming-of-age challenges to encourage self-acceptance and the celebration of one's heritage.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are exploring their own identity and those interested in music and diverse cultures.

• Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Zita finds herself a reluctant heroine when she's transported to a distant world besieged by aliens and she must rescue her kidnapped friend.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, bravery, friendship
  • Why we recommend this book: Its engaging graphic novel format and thrilling space adventure plot captivate readers while teaching about courage and loyalty.
  • Perfect for: Fans of graphic novels and space adventures, and readers who enjoy stories about heroism and friendship.

• Ivy + Bean by Annie Barrows, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor, Friendship
  • Synopsis: This series follows two unlikely friends, Ivy and Bean, who are complete opposites but find common ground in their adventures and mischief.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading fluency, understanding of friendships, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging series that highlights the value of friendships and the adventures that come with them.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about friendship and playful escapades.

Challenging Books for 10-Year-Old Girls

• The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Set in an alternative 19th century England overrun by wolves, the story follows cousins Bonnie and Sylvia as they face cruel governesses and plot their escape from a dire situation.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel features complex narrative structures and rich, descriptive language that require advanced reading skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also touches on themes of resilience and courage in the face of adversity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical settings and suspenseful plots.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This story follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin as they travel through time and space to rescue their father from a mysterious and malevolent force.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex concepts such as quantum physics and the battle between good and evil, presented through an intricate plot.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages a deep curiosity about science and the universe while promoting the importance of love and family.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and fantasy adventures.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and listless Milo receives a mysterious 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 philosophical ideas that require a sophisticated understanding of language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative journey that celebrates the joys of learning and the richness of language.
  • Perfect for: Children who love puzzles, word games, and creative thinking.

• 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.
  • Why this book is challenging: The intricate puzzles and moral questions posed in the book require critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping series that tests its characters' wit, courage, and loyalty, providing readers with a sense of accomplishment as they solve puzzles alongside the protagonists.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy solving mysteries and engaging in complex problem-solving.

• The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: September, a young girl from Omaha, is whisked away to Fairyland where she encounters witches, dragons, and other fantastical creatures on her quest.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel is written in a lyrical style with rich vocabulary and a complex world that demands an advanced reading level.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a whimsical yet deep narrative that explores themes of bravery, self-discovery, and the complexities of growing up.
  • Perfect for: Readers who delight in poetic language and imaginative, otherworldly adventures.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 10-year-old girl develop great reading habits, here are some fun and effective exercises that you can introduce. These activities are designed not just to improve her reading skills but also to make reading a more enjoyable and integral part of her daily life.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy corner dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a personal space that can make reading a more enjoyable and anticipated activity.
  • Tips: Let her personalize the space with comfy cushions, her favorite toys, or posters.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Organize a weekly book club for her and her friends.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and deeper understanding of the books they read.
  • Tips: Rotate the role of the book chooser and discussion leader among the friends.

• Reading Challenge
  • What it is: Set a challenge with a specific number of books to read in a month or year.
  • How it helps: Motivates her to read more and exposes her to different genres.
  • Tips: Offer a small reward for completing the challenge, like a new book or a trip to her favorite place.

• Storytelling Time
  • What it is: Allocate a time when she tells the story she read in her own words.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and verbal expression skills.
  • Tips: Encourage her to use props or draw scenes from the story to make her narration more engaging.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Spend time reading a book aloud together.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and helps her learn pronunciation and intonation.
  • Tips: Choose books that are slightly above her reading level to gradually improve her skills.

• Interactive Reading Apps
  • What it is: Use educational apps that are designed to make reading interactive and fun.
  • How it helps: Integrates technology with reading, making it more appealing to young readers.
  • Tips: Set limits on screen time to ensure that digital reading complements traditional reading.

• Reading Reflections
  • What it is: Encourage her to write a short reflection or summary after finishing a book.
  • How it helps: Helps with retention and understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Keep the reflections fun and light; they shouldn't feel like homework.

These exercises are not just about reading more books; they're about making reading a diverse and enriching experience. You can mix and match these activities based on what your young reader enjoys the most. Remember, the goal is to foster a lifelong love of reading, so keep the activities fun and engaging!