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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect fiction books for a 10-year-old girl? Whether she's a voracious reader or just getting started, finding books that captivate and inspire can be a game-changer. From magical adventures to relatable heroines, we've rounded up a diverse selection of tales that are sure to spark her imagination and love for reading. Keep reading to discover our top picks for fiction books for 10-year-old girls that are not to be missed!

Fun Fiction Books for 10-Year-Old Girl

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: This story centers around Matilda, a brilliant and sensitive child neglected by her family. When Matilda starts school, she discovers she has magical powers. Her kind teacher, Miss Honey, also sees her potential and helps her face the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a celebration of intelligence, creativity, and the power of standing up for oneself. It also shows how kindness can change lives.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about justice and using one’s unique abilities to overcome challenges.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: This tender novel follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a clever spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte crafts messages in her web to persuade the farmer to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important values such as friendship, love, and the reality of life and death, all presented in a gentle and thoughtful way.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy heartwarming stories about friendships and animals.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, transforms when she discovers a neglected garden at her uncle's house. As she revitalizes the garden, she also brings healing to her ailing cousin and herself.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of rejuvenation and the healing power of nature, encouraging readers to find beauty and hope in the world around them.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are intrigued by mysteries and transformations, both in nature and in personal growth.

• Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Pippi Longstocking is an unconventional, super-strong, and fiercely independent young girl who lives alone with her horse and monkey. The book details her adventures and the unconventional way she looks at the world.
  • Why we recommend this book: Pippi's imaginative and rebellious spirit is infectious, making it a fun and inspiring read that celebrates individuality and adventure.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy stories about independence and challenging societal norms.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is accidentally sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, an elderly brother and sister who intended to adopt a boy to help them on their farm.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's zest for life and her ability to find wonder in everyday things can inspire readers to appreciate the world around them with fresh eyes.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love character-driven stories and watching characters grow and evolve through life’s challenges.

Educational Fiction Books for 10-Year-Old Girl

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This charming tale tells the story of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with large ears who loves music and stories, and his adventures within a castle as he seeks the human princess he loves.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, bravery, and understanding complex narratives
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written story that combines adventure, fantasy, and lessons about bravery and forgiveness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales and stories of unlikely heroes.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Animal Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: Based on a true story, this novel follows Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall, and his journey to improve conditions for himself and other animals.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy for animals, understanding animal rights, and creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a sensitive look at the lives of captive animals and the possibility of hope and change.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young activists interested in animal welfare.

• 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, and critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting and intellectually engaging story that challenges young minds to think creatively and work cooperatively.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and working as part of a team.

• Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel is based on the true story of a young Native American girl who lived alone for years on an island off the California coast. It explores her survival through courage and ingenuity.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-reliance, resilience, and historical context
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping survival story that also teaches about different cultures and the history of Native Americans.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are fascinated by survival stories and learning about different cultures and histories.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic Realism
  • Synopsis: In this enchanting book, a girl named Luna is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As Luna grows, so does her magic, leading to unforeseen consequences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of themes like sacrifice, love, and growing up
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical story with deep themes that can spark discussions about the complexities of growing up and the nature of good and evil.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magical stories and exploring deep, meaningful themes.

Challenging Fiction Books for 10-Year-Old Girl

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the journey of young Lyra Belacqua and her daemon Pantalaimon across a universe parallel to our own. Lyra is thrust into a dangerous adventure when she overhears a conversation about a mysterious substance called Dust.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative introduces complex themes such as freedom and predestination, blending advanced scientific and philosophical concepts with fantasy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and presents a thrilling exploration of bravery and discovery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy intricate plots and exploring philosophical questions through fiction.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a journey through time and space to rescue Meg's father from the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex concepts of physics, space, and time, intertwined with themes of good versus evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating adventure that melds scientific inquiry with the fight against darkness, fostering a love for science and literature.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and epic adventures.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and disillusioned, young Milo receives a magical tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical quests.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in wordplay, puns, and allegories, requiring a higher level of reading comprehension and an appreciation for nuanced language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively plays with language and ideas, promoting a love for reading and learning in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Readers who delight in wordplay and imaginative journeys.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: This timeless tale tells the story of a young prince who travels from planet to planet, meeting unique adults and learning about the oddities of adult behavior.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores profound themes such as loneliness, friendship, love, and loss through a deceptively simple story.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers deep reflections on life and human nature, presented in a gentle, poetic form that resonates with readers of all ages.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy stories that provide both whimsical adventures and deep philosophical insights.

• The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The first book in "The Chronicles of Prydain" series, it follows the adventures of Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper as he embarks on a quest to find a lost pig and becomes involved in a much larger and more dangerous mission.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces a complex fantasy world with its own history, languages, and rules, along with themes of heroism and self-discovery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping tale that combines action, humor, and wisdom, encouraging readers to find their own path and value in life.
  • Perfect for: Young fantasy lovers looking for a series that grows with them, offering more complex narratives and character development.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help a 10-year-old girl develop her reading habits while enjoying some great fiction books, here are a few fun exercises that can make reading even more engaging and beneficial. These activities are designed to enhance comprehension and make reading a habit she'll love for a lifetime!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and helps in achieving small, manageable victories.
  • Tips: Start with small goals and gradually increase as she gets more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in the house as a reading area.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and inviting environment that can make reading a special time.
  • Tips: Let her personalize the space with comfy cushions, her favorite toys, or decorations.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club where she and her friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and makes reading a social activity.
  • Tips: They can meet once a week and discuss their favorite parts of the book or any questions they might have.

• Illustrate a Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Boosts imagination and helps with understanding and retaining story details.
  • Tips: Provide colored pencils, markers, and paper to make this activity more enjoyable.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a short summary of each chapter after reading.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and memory of the story.
  • Tips: Keep the summaries brief and fun; they can even use bullet points or doodles.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next before reading the next chapter or section.
  • How it helps: Stimulates critical thinking and engagement with the storyline.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions and see if they turn out to be right, which can be quite exciting!

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of a character in the book.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of characters and enhances empathy.
  • Tips: Choose a different character each time to keep the exercise fresh and intriguing.

These exercises are not just about reading more books; they're about making reading an adventure that captivates and cultivates new skills. By integrating these activities into her reading routine, you'll help her not only improve her reading abilities but also enjoy the process immensely. Happy reading!