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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect manga books for 10-year-olds? You’ve come to the right place! Whether your young reader is just starting their manga journey or looking to add new titles to their collection, we’ve got a variety of choices that are sure to captivate and engage. Keep reading to discover our carefully curated lists of manga books that are ideal for 10-year-old enthusiasts!

Fun Manga Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Pokémon Adventures by Hidenori Kusaka, illustrated by Mato and Satoshi Yamamoto
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This manga follows the adventures of various trainers as they strive to become Pokémon Masters, encountering different Pokémon and battling other trainers along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the thrill of adventure and the joy of discovering new creatures, making reading a fun and engaging experience for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Fans of Pokémon and young readers who enjoy action-packed stories.

• Yotsuba&! by Kiyohiko Azuma
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Slice of Life
  • Synopsis: The series depicts the everyday adventures of a quirky and energetic young girl named Yotsuba as she explores the world around her with a sense of wonder.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its light-hearted and humorous approach makes reading enjoyable and can help develop a love for reading through relatable situations and fun antics.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy funny stories and exploring the world through the eyes of a child.

• Chi's Sweet Home by Kanata Konami
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Slice of Life
  • Synopsis: This charming series follows the misadventures of a sweet and energetic kitten named Chi as she gets adopted into a new family and explores her new surroundings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers delightful storytelling with adorable illustrations that can capture the hearts of young readers and encourage a habit of reading.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who enjoy heartwarming tales.

• Doraemon by Fujiko F. Fujio
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Comedy
  • Synopsis: A robotic cat from the future named Doraemon comes to help a young boy, Nobita, navigate the challenges of life with the help of futuristic gadgets from his four-dimensional pocket.
  • Why we recommend this book: The imaginative gadgets and the timeless themes of friendship and problem-solving make it a captivating read that stimulates creativity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love science fiction and inventive stories.

• Hikaru no Go by Yumi Hotta, illustrated by Takeshi Obata
  • Genre(s): Drama, Sports
  • Synopsis: Hikaru Shindo is a young boy who discovers an old Go board inhabited by the spirit of a Go master. As Hikaru learns the game, he begins to aspire to become the best Go player in the world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to the strategic game of Go in an engaging way, promoting critical thinking and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in games and those who enjoy stories about personal growth and ambition.

Educational Manga Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Zoo in Winter by Jiro Taniguchi
  • Genre(s): Drama, Slice of Life
  • Synopsis: This manga tells the story of a young man who leaves his mundane job to pursue his passion for drawing at a zoo, where he finds inspiration from the animals and the people he meets.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Artistic inspiration, understanding of zoology, personal development
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the journey of following one's dreams and the inspiration that can be drawn from the natural world.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young artists and animal lovers.

• Barakamon by Satsuki Yoshino
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Slice of Life
  • Synopsis: A calligrapher is sent to a remote island as punishment for his arrogance at a calligraphy competition, where his interactions with the island's quirky residents lead to personal growth and understanding.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, artistic appreciation, interpersonal relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches about the importance of community and finding inspiration in unexpected places.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy humorous stories with a meaningful message.

• Silver Spoon by Hiromu Arakawa
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Educational
  • Synopsis: Set in an agricultural high school in Hokkaido, this manga follows the life of a city boy who enrolls at the school and learns about farming, food production, and rural life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Agricultural knowledge, environmental awareness, food production
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an informative look into agricultural practices and the importance of understanding where food comes from.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in science, nature, and how things work.

• Nichijou by Keiichi Arawi
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Slice of Life
  • Synopsis: This manga series showcases the ordinary lives of several high school students, which are often punctuated by absurd and fantastical events.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, humor appreciation, everyday physics
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends everyday life with surreal comedy, making it a fun and engaging read that sparks imagination.
  • Perfect for: Students who enjoy quirky humor and creative storytelling.

• Non Non Biyori by Atto
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Slice of Life
  • Synopsis: A slice-of-life story that follows a group of students in a rural Japanese village as they go about their daily lives, experiencing the beauty and calm of the countryside.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural understanding, appreciation of nature, rural community life
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the peaceful and scenic aspects of rural life, offering a relaxing and picturesque reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate nature and stories about friendship and community.

Challenging Manga Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Cardcaptor Sakura by CLAMP
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This series follows Sakura Kinomoto, a young girl who accidentally unleashes a set of magical cards and must retrieve them to prevent catastrophe. Each card grants different magical abilities and challenges.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates complex themes of fate and responsibility interwoven with Japanese folklore and mythology.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines magical adventures with lessons about courage, friendship, and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy magical stories and strong female protagonists.

• My Neighbor Seki by Takuma Morishige
  • Genre(s): Comedy, School Life
  • Synopsis: The story focuses on Rumi Yokoi, a diligent student constantly distracted by her classmate Seki, who creates elaborate distractions at his desk.
  • Why this book is challenging: The manga presents subtle humor through visual storytelling, requiring readers to pay close attention to details.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and creativity, showing how even mundane environments can become settings for incredible adventures.
  • Perfect for: Students who appreciate humor and are imaginative thinkers.

• Flying Witch by Chihiro Ishizuka
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Slice of Life
  • Synopsis: This charming series follows Makoto Kowata, a young witch-in-training, as she moves to rural Aomori to live with her relatives and hone her magical skills in everyday life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The manga blends real-life elements with magical ones, offering a nuanced understanding of Japanese cultural practices related to nature and spirituality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle introduction to fantasy elements combined with real-world settings, promoting an appreciation for nature and simplicity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about witchcraft and rural life.

• Komi Can't Communicate by Tomohito Oda
  • Genre(s): Comedy, School Life
  • Synopsis: Shoko Komi, a seemingly perfect and beautiful girl, struggles with extreme social anxiety and a goal to make 100 friends, with the help of her classmate Tadano.
  • Why this book is challenging: The series addresses the complexities of social anxiety and communication barriers in a relatable way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It fosters empathy and understanding for individuals with communication difficulties while providing humor and heartwarming moments.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who might feel shy or have trouble communicating with peers.

• Astra Lost in Space by Kenta Shinohara
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Set in 2063, this manga follows a group of students on a planetary camp who find themselves transported thousands of light-years away and must survive and find their way back home.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex scientific concepts and survival strategies, intertwined with an intriguing plot.
  • Why we recommend this book: The story combines thrilling space exploration with teamwork and problem-solving, making it exciting and educational.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers and fans of science fiction and mystery.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the colorful world of manga books with your 10-year-old, you're in for a treat. Manga not only entertains but can also boost reading skills. To make the most out of this experience, here are some fun exercises that can help develop good reading habits. These are simple, engaging, and perfect for young readers.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of manga books or pages to read each week.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to keep motivation high.

• Create a Manga Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Write down new or interesting words found in the manga.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of the story.
  • Tips: Use a notebook specifically for this purpose to keep it organized.

• Manga Reading Time
  • What it is: Set aside a specific time each day dedicated to reading manga.
  • How it helps: Builds a routine and makes reading a daily habit.
  • Tips: Choose a quiet and comfortable spot for uninterrupted reading.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the manga with friends, family, or a reading group.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and analytical thinking.
  • Tips: Ask questions about the plot, characters, and what might happen next.

• Draw Favorite Characters or Scenes
  • What it is: Sketch scenes or characters from the manga.
  • How it helps: Enhances creative thinking and deeper engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Share drawings with others to discuss each scene’s significance.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Guess what might happen in the next chapter or volume.
  • How it helps: Develops inferential skills and anticipation.
  • Tips: Write predictions in a notebook and check them as you read.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine can make manga reading more fun and educational. They not only keep the reading habit exciting but also enhance comprehension and analytical skills. Give them a try, and watch your young reader thrive!