10+ Best Interesting Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for interesting books for 10-year-olds that will keep your young reader hooked? Finding the right book can be a game-changer at this age, sparking a lifelong love of reading. Whether your child is into thrilling adventures, mysterious tales, or something entirely unique, we've compiled a variety of lists that cater to all interests. Keep reading to discover our top picks for interesting books for 10-year-olds that are sure to captivate their imagination and keep those pages turning!

Fun Interesting Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the famous Harry Potter series, where young Harry learns that he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here, he makes friends and foes and uncovers the truth about his past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces a magical world that is both engaging and imaginative, encouraging creativity and a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love magic, mystery, and adventure.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This tender story follows a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte, who tries to save him from being slaughtered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that teaches about friendship, love, and the cycle of life, enhancing emotional intelligence.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and stories about friendships.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to a camp for demigods where he embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with action and rooted in Greek mythology, which is a great way to introduce historical and cultural knowledge in a fun way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy thrilling adventures and learning about mythology.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story tells the tale of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written saga about bravery and forgiveness that also enhances vocabulary and comprehension skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate fairy tales and stories of unlikely heroes.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book is a journal of Greg Heffley as he navigates his way through middle school, dealing with bullies, family dynamics, and friendships.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's relatable and funny, making it an excellent choice for engaging reluctant readers and encouraging a habit of reading.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy laughter and can relate to the ups and downs of school life.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, but her parents are too caught up in their mundane lives to notice her. At school, she meets a kindred spirit in her teacher, Miss Honey, and together they confront the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence, creativity, and the courage to stand up against unfairness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood and dream of a place where they are appreciated.

Educational Interesting Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: This novel is narrated by Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall. Ivan's life changes when a baby elephant named Ruby arrives and he starts to see his surroundings and his art in a new light.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare awareness, creative expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story that encourages compassion towards animals and highlights the importance of a supportive community.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young artists who are inspired by creativity and the power of change.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • 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
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with adventure and brain teasers, making it a thrilling yet intellectually stimulating read.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and working as part of a team.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic
  • Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences, as he attends school for the first time in fifth grade and strives to be treated as an ordinary kid.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of diversity, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartfelt and inspiring story that promotes acceptance and the understanding that true beauty comes from within.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are learning about kindness, acceptance, and the challenges faced by those who appear different.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Fiction, School Story
  • Synopsis: Fifth-grader Nick Allen invents a new word, "Frindle," for what is commonly known as a pen, sparking a series of events that captures the nation's attention.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, vocabulary, understanding of language and its evolution
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the power of words and creativity, encouraging readers to think about language in new and exciting ways.
  • Perfect for: Young innovators and any kid who’s ever wondered about the power of language and invention.

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Roz the robot discovers herself alone on a remote, wild island and must learn to survive and navigate the challenges of the natural environment and its animal inhabitants.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Adaptation to new environments, technology, environmental awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends technology with the natural world in a narrative that explores themes of survival, friendship, and what it means to be alive.
  • Perfect for: Fans of technology and nature, and readers who enjoy stories about unexpected friendships and resilience.

Challenging Interesting Books for 10-Year-Olds

• 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 enters a whimsical world where he embarks on a quest that teaches him the value of learning and curiosity.
  • Why this book is challenging: It plays with language and mathematics in a way that encourages critical thinking and creative problem-solving.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative journey that highlights the importance of education and an adventurous spirit.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, word play, and whimsical adventures.

• 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 across dimensions to save Meg's father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex concepts of physics and metaphysics, blended with heavy thematic elements.
  • Why we recommend this book: This classic novel expands imagination and encourages exploration of complex scientific ideas and the battle between good and evil.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and epic adventures.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, discovers a neglected garden after moving to her uncle's house. As she brings the garden back to life, she transforms along with it.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with themes of loss, neglect, and redemption, requiring readers to grapple with deep emotional and personal growth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story about healing and the transformative power of nature and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate stories about personal change and the beauty 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 to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they uncover a mystery involving a statue possibly sculpted by Michelangelo.
  • Why this book is challenging: It involves complex plotting and cultural references that require a higher level of comprehension and inference.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages independence and critical thinking, wrapped up in a captivating museum mystery.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and art lovers.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl, is mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, a brother and sister who wanted to adopt a boy to help with farm work in Prince Edward Island.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel uses rich language and explores themes of identity, belonging, and transformation.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's adventures and misadventures teach valuable lessons about perseverance, friendship, and the importance of imagination.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy character-driven stories and exploring emotional and social growth.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking for ways to make reading more engaging and beneficial for your 10-year-old, you've come to the right place. Below are some fun and effective exercises designed to help young readers develop excellent reading habits. Let's dive in!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of books to read each month.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Start with a manageable goal and gradually increase it.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a special corner or area for reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and makes reading a special part of the day.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with comfy seating and good lighting.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club where your child and their friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Promotes social interaction and deeper engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Organize monthly meetings where they can discuss the book and share ideas.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading a book aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves listening and comprehension skills.
  • Tips: Choose engaging and age-appropriate books to maintain interest.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Use a variety of materials like colored pencils or markers to make it more fun.

• Use Technology
  • What it is: Incorporate e-books or reading apps into your child's reading routine.
  • How it helps: Makes reading accessible and interactive.
  • Tips: Set time limits to balance screen time with physical books.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

These exercises aren't just tasks; they're stepping stones to a lifelong love of reading. By incorporating these into your child’s routine, you're not only enhancing their reading skills but also their creativity and critical thinking. So, pick a couple to start with, and watch your young reader flourish! Happy reading!