10+ Best Books for 9-10-Year-Old Boy w/ Exercises (2024)

Searching for the perfect books for a 9-10-year-old boy can be quite the adventure! Whether he’s into thrilling quests or funny escapades, finding books that will keep him hooked is key to nurturing his love for reading. In this blog, we've rounded up a variety of engaging books for 9-10-year-old boys that are sure to capture their imagination and keep those pages turning. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will perfectly match his interests and reading level!

Fun Books for 9-10-Year-Old Boy

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures and misadventures of Greg Heffley as he navigates middle school with his best friend Rowley. Greg's diary captures the trials and tribulations of being a kid trying to fit in and stand out.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's hilarious and relatable, making it a great pick to engage reluctant readers and show them that reading can be fun and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good laugh and stories about school life.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the popular series where young Harry Potter learns on his eleventh birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own.
  • Why we recommend this book: It opens up a magical world full of wonder and adventure, encouraging imagination and a love for reading through its engaging narrative and complex characters.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and a good adventure.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to Camp Half-Blood where he embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventures with Greek mythology, making it educational in a fun and exciting way.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure stories and mythology.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story follows Despereaux Tilling, a brave mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches lessons about courage, forgiveness, and the power of stories, all wrapped up in a beautifully written fairy tale.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories with moral lessons and enchanting characters.

• Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Drama
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Billy saves up to buy and train two hunting dogs in the Ozark Mountains, where he learns about life, loyalty, and heartache.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story that deals with themes of hard work, determination, and the bond between a boy and his dogs.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and kids who appreciate stories about personal growth and adventure.

Educational Books for 9-10-Year-Old Boy

• 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.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, and creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with adventure, engaging readers in complex problem-solving while delivering an exciting narrative.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and working as part of a team.

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Roz, a robot, finds herself alone on a remote, wild island. She must learn to survive and navigate the wilderness, eventually making friends with the island's animal inhabitants.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Adaptability, environmental awareness, technology and its interaction with nature
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that explores themes of survival, technology, and the environment in a unique setting.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in technology, nature, and stories about survival and friendship.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Fifth-grader Nick Allen knows how to make school more interesting. When he decides to rename his pen "frindle," it sets off a chain reaction that changes his life and his town.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, vocabulary, entrepreneurship, and the power of words
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and inventive story that encourages readers to think about language and creativity in new ways.
  • Perfect for: Young innovators and any kid who enjoys a good laugh while learning.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, an orphan boy named Hugo lives in the walls of a train station, maintaining the clocks. He becomes wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and a peculiar automaton.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, mechanical understanding, and problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: The novel's unique blend of text and illustrations pulls readers into a beautifully crafted historical mystery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are fascinated by history, machinery, and a good mystery.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley is an avid game fan, especially of the games made by the famous game maker Luigi Lemoncello. When Kyle wins a coveted spot to be one of the first to enter an amazing new library designed by Lemoncello, he finds out that getting out will require solving puzzles and winning the game.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logic, teamwork, and library skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging, game-filled adventure that promotes problem-solving and the use of library resources.
  • Perfect for: Gamers, puzzle enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a fun, interactive reading experience.

Challenging Books for 9-10-Year-Old Boy

• 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 strange land where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical puzzles.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story is rich in wordplay, puns, and abstract concepts that challenge readers to think critically and creatively.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages exploration of language and ideas, sparking imagination and intellectual curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, word games, and thinking outside the box.

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This prelude to the Lord of the Rings trilogy follows Bilbo Baggins as he joins a group of dwarves on a journey to recover their stolen treasure from the dragon Smaug.
  • Why this book is challenging: Tolkien's richly detailed world and the old-style English used can be complex for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating adventure that introduces readers to complex narrative structures and rich descriptions.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in epic tales and fantastical journeys.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a spoiled and sickly child, discovers a neglected garden on her uncle's estate and, along with her cousin Colin, begins restoring it. The garden brings transformation not only to her and Colin but also to her embittered uncle.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates themes of loss, rejuvenation, and the impact of the environment on one’s wellbeing, which are profound for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a beautiful exploration of friendship, healing, and the power of nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories about personal growth and the healing power of nature.

• 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, where they become involved in a mystery involving a statue that may be the work of Michelangelo.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book presents a complex plot involving historical and artistic references that require critical thinking and inference.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with a mystery that encourages curiosity about art and history.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and art lovers.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin are transported through time and space on a mission to save Meg's father from the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces concepts of physics, space, and time, intertwined with complex themes like good vs. evil and the power of love.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thrilling sci-fi adventure that stimulates the imagination and introduces sophisticated scientific ideas.
  • Perfect for: Science enthusiasts and readers who enjoy thrilling, thought-provoking stories.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help a 9-10-year-old boy develop good reading habits, you're in the right place. Building these habits early on can really boost their love for reading and help them in their academic journey. Here are some fun and effective exercises tailored for this age group that you can incorporate into their daily routine:

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or a set amount of time to read every day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and helps make reading a daily habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in the house just for reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and distraction-free environment that can enhance the reading experience.
  • Tips: Let him personalize the space with his favorite cushions, posters, or even a small tent.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club where he and his friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a social activity and can enhance comprehension through discussion.
  • Tips: Schedule regular meetings, whether in-person or virtual, to discuss the book.

• Read Aloud Time
  • What it is: Set aside time when you or a family member reads aloud to him.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and introduces him to more complex language and plots than he might read on his own.
  • Tips: Choose different genres to keep the sessions exciting and fresh.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize educational apps designed to enhance reading skills through interactive stories and activities.
  • How it helps: Engages him with technology while improving reading fluency and comprehension.
  • Tips: Look for apps that offer progress tracking and rewards for milestones.

• Reading Challenge with Rewards
  • What it is: Create a challenge where he has to read a certain number of books within a timeframe.
  • How it helps: Motivates him to read more and introduces a fun element of competition.
  • Tips: Offer meaningful rewards that will encourage him to participate eagerly, like choosing the next family movie night film.

These exercises are not just about reading more books; they're about making reading a fun and integral part of his daily life. By incorporating these activities, you'll help him develop a lifelong love for reading, which is truly a gift. So, why not start today and see where these adventures in reading take him? Happy reading!