10+ Best Fantasy Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you on the hunt for the perfect escape into magical realms for your young reader? Look no further! Our guide to the best fantasy books for 10-year-olds is packed with enchanting stories that spark imagination and adventure. Whether your child loves wizards, dragons, or mystical lands, we've curated a variety of captivating books they won't be able to put down. Keep reading to discover our top picks for fantasy books that are just right for 10-year-olds!
Table of Contents
Fun Fantasy Books for 10-Year-Olds
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: Four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, discover a magical world called Narnia through a wardrobe in an old country house. In Narnia, they embark on a quest to defeat the evil White Witch with the help of Aslan, a noble lion.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating tale that introduces young readers to the concept of good versus evil and the importance of courage and integrity.
- Perfect for: Young adventurers and those who love stories about magical worlds.
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery
- Synopsis: Young Harry Potter discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to learn about his past and his destiny.
- Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination and creativity, while also teaching lessons about friendship, bravery, and the importance of making choices.
- Perfect for: Kids who dream of magic and wonder, and anyone who enjoys tales of heroism and friendship.
- Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
- Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to Camp Half-Blood where he and his friends embark on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventures with Greek mythology, making it an exciting and educational read for young readers.
- Perfect for: Aspiring heroes and mythology buffs who love fast-paced stories.
- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable and quiet life, is whisked away on an adventure by Gandalf the wizard and a group of dwarves to win a treasure guarded by a dragon, Smaug.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to epic fantasy and encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones and explore new worlds.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy tales of adventure and anyone new to fantasy novels.
- Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery
- Synopsis: Siblings Kendra and Seth Sorenson visit their grandparents' estate, Fablehaven, and discover it's a sanctuary for magical creatures. They must navigate through various adventures to keep the sanctuary safe from dark forces.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a mix of suspense, mystery, and fantasy, perfect for stimulating the imagination and keeping pages turning.
- Perfect for: Kids who love stories about magical creatures and secret worlds.
Educational Fantasy Books for 10-Year-Olds
- The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic
- Synopsis: This enchanting story revolves around a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally infused with moon magic. As Luna grows, her magic becomes increasingly unpredictable, and she must learn to control it with the help of a wise swamp monster and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, emotional intelligence, understanding of themes such as sacrifice and personal growth
- Why we recommend this book: It's beautifully written, filled with complex characters and rich themes that challenge and inspire young readers.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy magical tales and stories about personal discovery and growth.
- The Neverending Story by Michael Ende, illustrated by Roswitha Quadflieg
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: This novel follows Bastian, a shy and bullied boy who discovers a magical book that not only immerses him in the fantastic world of Fantastica but also becomes part of his reality. As he reads on, he finds himself on a quest to save the realm from destruction.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, empathy, reading skills, and understanding of narrative structure
- Why we recommend this book: It invites readers into a richly imaginative adventure while teaching them about bravery, self-discovery, and the power of storytelling.
- Perfect for: Children who love immersive, world-building stories and adventures that reflect on personal growth.
- The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
- Synopsis: Bored and disinterested in learning, young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond. There, he embarks on a whimsical journey that challenges his perception of education and the world around him.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, vocabulary, appreciation for mathematics and language arts
- Why we recommend this book: It creatively blends fantasy with lessons on the importance of learning and thinking, presented in a fun and engaging way.
- Perfect for: Kids who might find academic subjects dull or challenging and need a creative boost to see their value.
- Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Folklore
- Synopsis: Inspired by Chinese folklore, this story revolves around Minli, who lives in a poor village but sets off on a journey to find the Old Man of the Moon to ask how she can change her family’s fortune. It’s a rich tapestry of adventure and magic, woven with elements of classic folklore.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, storytelling skills, and understanding of folklore
- Why we recommend this book: It combines traditional elements with a unique storyline, offering a vibrant adventure that also educates about a different culture.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in other cultures and stories that blend fantasy with folklore.
- The Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: Beneath a forgotten railway platform, a magical island is accessible only for a few days every nine years. When the prince of the island is kidnapped, a rescue team of magical beings is assembled to bring him back from London.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, and creative thinking
- Why we recommend this book: It’s a fun and fantastical adventure that highlights the importance of collaboration and the wonders of a hidden magical world.
- Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about magical adventures and rescues.
Challenging Fantasy Books for 10-Year-Olds
- The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Magic
- Synopsis: Nathaniel, a young magician's apprentice, summons the powerful djinni Bartimaeus to aid him in a risky revenge plot against a ruthless magician, but soon finds himself in over his head.
- Why this book is challenging: It features complex characters and a sophisticated plot, requiring readers to follow intricate political maneuvers and magical laws.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling read that combines humor, magic, and political intrigue, making it an engaging and thought-provoking book.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy detailed magical systems and clever, witty dialogue.
- The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
- Synopsis: This story tells of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with big ears who loves music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It explores his adventures as he navigates a world filled with darkness and danger to save the princess.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is sophisticated, with multiple viewpoints and an intricate plot that weaves together various characters’ stories.
- Why we recommend this book: It teaches important values such as bravery, forgiveness, and the power of storytelling, all wrapped up in a beautifully written fairy tale.
- Perfect for: Young readers who love classic fairy tales with a modern twist and deep, meaningful lessons.
- Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery
- Synopsis: Meggie learns that her father Mo, a bookbinder, can "read" fictional characters into life. One night, he accidentally brings out a villain from a book who kidnaps them. Meggie must learn to harness the magic that has put her family in danger.
- Why this book is challenging: It features a complex plot with layers of narrative that include a story within a story, requiring strong reading comprehension and attention to detail.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating and imaginative adventure that celebrates the power of books and reading, encouraging readers to become more avid and thoughtful.
- Perfect for: Book lovers and young readers who appreciate stories about magical adventures and the consequences of our choices.
- The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology, Adventure
- Synopsis: On his eleventh birthday, Will Stanton discovers that he is no ordinary boy but the last of the Old Ones, immortals dedicated to keeping the world safe from the forces of evil. The Dark is rising, and he must embark on a dangerous quest to gather the tools needed to fight it.
- Why this book is challenging: It incorporates complex themes of good versus evil and integrates Arthurian and Celtic mythology, requiring readers to engage with a dense narrative and historical context.
- Why we recommend this book: This series offers a deep, symbolic story that combines thrilling adventure with a profound exploration of moral questions.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy mythology and stories that blend magical elements with a deeper look at the battle between light and darkness.
- The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: Young William receives a miniature castle that includes a knight who comes to life and speaks to him. When his beloved nanny is magically transported back to the medieval world of the castle, William follows to rescue her.
- Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as independence, loyalty, and the transition from childhood to adolescence, layered within an engaging fantasy plot.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a magical adventure that also gently addresses the process of growing up and taking responsibility.
- Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about knights and castles, and those dealing with changes in their own lives.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're diving into the magical world of fantasy books and you're around 10 years old, you're in for a treat! Fantasy books not only take you on epic adventures but also help you develop some great reading habits. Here are a few exercises to make your reading experience even more enchanting:
- Create a Reading Nook
- What it is: Designate a special corner in your home as your reading spot.
- How it helps: Provides a comfortable and quiet environment that can make reading more enjoyable.
- Tips: Add some cozy pillows, good lighting, and maybe even a small shelf for your fantasy books.
- Set Reading Goals
- What it is: Decide how many pages or chapters you want to read each day or week.
- How it helps: Helps you stay motivated and make reading a regular part of your day.
- Tips: Keep your goals achievable; starting with a chapter a day can be a good beginning.
- Use a Fantasy Map
- What it is: Use the map often found in fantasy books to track the journey of the characters.
- How it helps: Enhances comprehension and makes the story more engaging and real.
- Tips: Before starting a new section, review the map to see where the upcoming events take place.
- Discuss What You Read
- What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family who are also reading it or have read it.
- How it helps: Improves understanding and memory of the story, and can also introduce different perspectives.
- Tips: Try to discuss what you read each week, perhaps during meal times or on a family book night.
- Predict the Plot
- What it is: Before you start a new chapter, guess what might happen next in the story.
- How it helps: Enhances creativity and keeps you engaged with the narrative.
- Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many of them were right as you read.
- Illustrate a Scene
- What it is: Draw one of your favorite scenes from the book.
- How it helps: Helps with memory and gives a deeper understanding of the setting and atmosphere.
- Tips: Don't worry about artistic skills; focus on how the scene felt to you.
By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enhance your enjoyment of fantasy books but also develop strong reading habits that will benefit you throughout life. So, grab your book, find your nook, and let the adventure begin! Happy reading!