10+ Best Fantasy Books for 8-10-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 roundup of fantasy books for 8-10-year-olds is packed with enchanting tales that are sure to spark imagination and adventure. Whether your child is a budding wizard or an aspiring hero, these stories are crafted to captivate and inspire. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that promise to keep those pages turning!

Fun Fantasy Books for 8-10-Year-Olds

• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Illustrator: Pauline Baynes
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four siblings stumble upon a magical wardrobe that serves as a portal to the enchanted world of Narnia. Here, they join a noble lion, Aslan, in a battle against the evil White Witch.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating tale that sparks imagination and teaches important values like bravery and loyalty.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magical adventures and epic battles between good and evil.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
  • Illustrator: Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This touching story follows a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte, who tries to save him from being slaughtered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends fantasy with real-life lessons about friendship, loss, and growing up.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy heartwarming stories about animals and the value of friendship.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Illustrator: Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a bright young girl who, despite being mistreated by her family and school principal, discovers she has telekinetic powers that help her stand up to bullies and change her destiny.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to believe in themselves and their abilities, and it highlights the impact of kindness and intelligence.
  • Perfect for: Kids who feel misunderstood or underestimated, and who love stories where children triumph over adversity.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl
  • Illustrator: Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A little girl named Sophie befriends the Big Friendly Giant (BFG), and together they embark on an adventure to stop the other giants from eating children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and whimsical tale that promotes creativity and the importance of friendship and courage.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fantastical worlds and stories about unlikely friendships.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
  • Illustrator: Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with big ears who loves music and stories, and his quest to rescue a beautiful human princess.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches lessons about bravery, forgiveness, and the power of stories to transform lives.
  • Perfect for: Those who love fairy tales with heroic quests and charming protagonists.

Educational Fantasy Books for 8-10-Year-Olds

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Illustrator: Yuta Onoda
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic
  • Synopsis: A story about a young girl named Luna who is accidentally infused with moon magic and must learn to control her powers while uncovering the truths about her family and the mystical world around her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, empathy, understanding of complex narratives
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines magic with emotional depth, exploring themes of love, growth, and sacrifice.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy intricate storytelling and magical adventures.

• The Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson
  • Illustrator: Sue Porter
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Beneath a busy train station lies a magical island accessible only every nine years. When the island's young prince is kidnapped, a rescue team embarks on a daring mission to retrieve him.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, imaginative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that promotes the importance of cooperation and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories about magical worlds and heroic quests.

• Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
  • Illustrator: Brandon Dorman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Siblings Kendra and Seth discover their grandparents' property is actually a sanctuary for mythical creatures. They must navigate a world of magic and danger to protect the creatures and themselves.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, understanding of mythology, strategic thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a mix of excitement and learning, with a strong emphasis on the consequences of one's choices.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are fascinated by mythical creatures and environmental conservation.

• The Night Fairy by Laura Amy Schlitz
  • Illustrator: Angela Barrett
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Flory, a tiny night fairy who loses her wings, must learn to survive in the daylight among the giant creatures in the garden.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Adaptability, resilience, understanding of nature
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating tale of courage and self-discovery that highlights the strength required to adapt to new challenges.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about overcoming adversity and finding one's place in the world.

• The Doll People by Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin
  • Illustrator: Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A doll named Annabelle Doll embarks on a quest to find her missing aunt, leading to adventures that challenge the very rules of her dollhouse world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Family history, courage in facing the unknown, imaginative play
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery and adventure, encouraging readers to think creatively and bravely.
  • Perfect for: Children who love dolls and stories that blend the everyday with the extraordinary.

Challenging Fantasy Books for 8-10-Year-Olds

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
  • Illustrator: Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Nobody Owens is raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is mysteriously murdered. As he grows, he learns about the living and the dead, and the challenges of fitting into either world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel deals with complex themes of life, death, and identity, woven through a narrative that requires a mature understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on life and growing up, wrapped in an engaging and mysterious tale.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a touch of the supernatural mixed with deep, thought-provoking stories.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Illustrator: Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Adventure
  • 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 nothing is quite as it seems.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot contains intricate puzzles and tests that challenge both the characters and the readers' intellect.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, all within an exciting and mysterious narrative.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and using their brains to solve complex problems.

• The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
  • Illustrator: Roswitha Quadflieg
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Epic
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Bastian finds a magical book that immerses him in the fantastical world of Fantastica, a land requiring a hero to save it from destruction.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story explores deep themes of escapism, self-realization, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a rich, immersive tale that promotes imagination and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are not only looking for adventure but also a story that stretches the boundaries of traditional narrative.

• The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi
  • Illustrator: Tony DiTerlizzi
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When the Grace children move to their great-great-uncle's house, they discover a field guide to faeries and a world of magical creatures hidden from the human eye.
  • Why this book is challenging: The series introduces a complex world filled with a detailed faerie lore and language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a gateway to a richly imagined world that encourages exploration and respect for nature’s hidden aspects.
  • Perfect for: Readers who delight in discovering hidden worlds and the mysteries that lie within them.

• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
  • Illustrator: Cornelia Funke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Meggie learns that her father Mo, a bookbinder, can "read" fictional characters into life. One of these characters abducts them to fulfill a vengeful plot that unfolds within the pages of a magical book.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, involving multiple storylines that intertwine reality with fictional worlds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of books and reading while offering a thrilling adventure that tests its characters' bravery and bonds.
  • Perfect for: Young book lovers and aspiring storytellers who dream of their favorite characters coming to life.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the enchanting world of fantasy books, especially for kids aged 8-10, you're in for a treat. To make the most out of this magical reading journey, here are some fun exercises to develop good reading habits. These activities not only enhance the reading experience but also boost comprehension and retention. Let’s get started!

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Designate a special place at home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a comfortable and inviting environment that encourages regular reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or even a small tent.

• Book Character Dress-Up
  • What it is: Dress up as a favorite character from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the character and makes reading more interactive and fun.
  • Tips: Use items around the house for costumes, and don’t forget to act out favorite scenes!

• Story Mapping
  • What it is: Draw a map or a timeline based on the story’s setting and plot.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding the sequence of events and the relationship between different parts of the story.
  • Tips: Use large paper and colored markers to make it more engaging and visually appealing.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club where a group of friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and deeper understanding of the book.
  • Tips: Host meetings where everyone shares their favorite parts or discusses what puzzled them.

• Reading Out Loud
  • What it is: Take turns reading the book out loud with a parent, sibling, or a friend.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps the reader gain confidence in reading aloud.
  • Tips: Use different voices for different characters to make the reading session more lively and entertaining.

• Illustrate a Scene
  • What it is: Draw or paint a scene from the book.
  • How it helps: Boosts creativity and helps with visualizing the text.
  • Tips: Don't worry about artistic skills; focus on expressing how the scene made you feel.

• Question Jar
  • What it is: Write questions about the book on slips of paper and keep them in a jar.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and curiosity about the story.
  • Tips: Pull out a question to discuss over dinner or any family time.

These exercises are designed to make reading fantasy books not just an activity but an adventure that goes beyond the pages. Encourage your young reader to try out these activities, and watch their love for reading grow. Happy reading!