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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that will captivate and educate your young reader about bravery and history? Look no further! Our carefully curated selection of military books for 10-year-olds is just what you need. From tales of heroic deeds to stories of strategic minds, these books are sure to spark curiosity and admiration. Keep reading to discover our top picks for military books that are ideal for 10-year-olds, and find the perfect match to keep your young reader turning pages!

Fun Military Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, War
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Henry Fleming, a young soldier fighting in the American Civil War, who struggles with his fears and his need to prove his courage.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a concise yet powerful exploration of bravery and self-doubt, making complex themes accessible and engaging for younger readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and understanding the personal impacts of war.

• I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863 by Lauren Tarshis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book follows Thomas, a young boy who finds himself in the middle of the harrowing Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines historical facts with thrilling storytelling, making it a great way to spark interest in history through immersive, personal experiences.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love action-packed stories and are curious about significant historical events.

• War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, War
  • Synopsis: Set during World War I, this novel follows Joey, a farm horse who is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of the war, experiencing the conflict from both sides of the trenches.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on war through the eyes of a horse, providing emotional depth and a different take on the impact of war.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in war stories that focus on loyalty and friendship.

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, War
  • Synopsis: During World War II, ten-year-old Annemarie learns about bravery and sacrifice as she helps her Jewish friend escape from the Nazis in Copenhagen, Denmark.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle introduction to the themes of war and resistance, highlighting the courage and resilience of young people.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a moving story about friendship and heroism during challenging times.

• The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure, Comedy
  • Synopsis: This humorous book follows the adventures of Homer P. Figg as he sets out to find his brother who has been illegally sold into the Union Army during the American Civil War.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends history with humor and adventure, making it an entertaining and enlightening read for younger audiences.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good laugh while learning about significant historical events.

Educational Military Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, War
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Ida Mae Jones, a young African American girl who dreams of flying just like her pilot father. During World War II, she joins the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) but must pass as white to do so, exploring themes of identity, dreams, and racial discrimination.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of historical racial dynamics, empathy, perseverance, and introduction to women's roles in military history.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that highlights an often overlooked part of history—the role of women, especially women of color, in wartime efforts.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history, aviation, and stories about overcoming barriers.

• Guts & Glory: The Vikings by Ben Thompson, illustrated by C.M. Butzer
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, History
  • Synopsis: This book provides a thrilling look at the lives of Vikings, exploring their culture, conquests, and legacy through engaging narratives and vivid illustrations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge of Viking history, cultural understanding, critical thinking about historical myths vs. realities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes history accessible and exciting, encouraging a deeper interest in historical study and critical examination of sources.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love adventure and are fascinated by warriors and explorers.

• Soldier Dog by Sam Angus
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, War
  • Synopsis: The story is set during World War I and follows Stanley, a young boy who joins the army to escape his harsh home life. He becomes a messenger dog handler, bonding with his dog amid the horrors of trench warfare.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, understanding of World War I, the role of animals in war.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a touching portrayal of loyalty and bravery between a boy and his dog in the backdrop of a tumultuous time in history.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who like stories of friendship and resilience.

• The Amazing Life of Benjamin Franklin by James Cross Giblin, illustrated by Michael Dooling
  • Genre(s): Biography, History
  • Synopsis: This illustrated biography provides a comprehensive look at one of America's founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, highlighting his inventions, his role in the American Revolution, and his impact on American history.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge about the American Revolution, scientific curiosity, understanding of political and social contributions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines detailed historical facts with engaging storytelling and vibrant illustrations to make learning about history fun and inspiring.
  • Perfect for: Young historians and budding inventors interested in America's past and revolutionary ideas.

• Nathan Hale: Revolutionary Spy by Nathan Olson, illustrated by Cynthia Martin and Brent Schoonover
  • Genre(s): Biography, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel brings to life the story of Nathan Hale, one of America's first spies during the Revolutionary War, using vivid illustrations and compelling narrative to detail his courageous acts and ultimate sacrifice.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of espionage, American Revolution history, graphic literacy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It presents historical events in a format that is both visually engaging and easy to understand, making it perfect for visual learners.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy graphic novels and stories of heroism and adventure.

Challenging Military Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Set in Roman Britain, this novel follows a young Roman officer who embarks on a dangerous quest to discover the fate of his father's legion, the Ninth, which vanished in the Scottish mists.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book incorporates detailed historical context and complex themes of duty, honor, and identity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping adventure that also educates about Roman history and the concept of personal legacy.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love historical mysteries and learning about ancient civilizations.

• The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, War
  • Synopsis: This story focuses on a group of Polish siblings who traverse war-torn Europe during World War II in search of their parents, guided only by a paperknife shaped like a silver sword.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with the harsh realities of war and the resilience required to navigate such a tumultuous period.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a poignant tale of survival and perseverance that highlights the impact of war on children.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in World War II and stories of courage and family bonds.

• The Machine Gunners by Robert Westall
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, War
  • Synopsis: Set during World War II, this novel follows a group of children in a British town who find a crashed German plane with a machine gun, leading them to set up their own fort.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores complex themes of morality, war, and childhood innocence in a conflict setting.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique child’s perspective on war, filled with adventure and moral dilemmas.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy action-packed stories with deeper ethical questions.

• The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is about two girls living in Los Alamos during the development of the atomic bomb in World War II, exploring their friendship and the secretive world of military science.
  • Why this book is challenging: It combines historical and scientific complexities with personal and ethical issues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers insights into a pivotal moment in history through the lens of young protagonists, blending science with human stories.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and history buffs intrigued by military history and ethical questions.

• Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two by Joseph Bruchac
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, War
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of a Navajo boy who becomes a Marine and uses his native language to create unbreakable codes during World War II.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses complex historical events and cultural issues, including the role of Native Americans in military history.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an inspiring story of heroism and cultural importance that celebrates the contributions of Navajo Marines.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in military strategy and Native American history.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of military books, it's not just about enjoying the stories but also about developing good reading habits that can last a lifetime. Here are some fun and effective exercises tailored for 10-year-olds to enhance their reading experience:

• 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 to finish books regularly.
  • Tips: Choose a realistic goal that fits into your daily routine without feeling overwhelming.

• Character Connection
  • What it is: Pick a character in the book and write about how you relate to them.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and empathy by connecting personal experiences with the character’s challenges.
  • Tips: Think about how the character's decisions and feelings compare to what you might feel or do in similar situations.

• Visual Vocabulary
  • What it is: Create a visual dictionary with drawings or cut-outs of new words found in the book.
  • How it helps: Builds vocabulary and aids in remembering new words through visual association.
  • Tips: Use a notebook specifically for this activity and add to it with each new book you read.

• Question Corner
  • What it is: Write down questions that come to mind while reading and research or discuss them later.
  • How it helps: Stimulates curiosity and deeper understanding of the book’s content and context.
  • Tips: Keep a small notepad handy while reading to jot down questions as they arise.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: After finishing a chapter, write a brief summary of the key events.
  • How it helps: Improves retention and comprehension by reinforcing what was read.
  • Tips: Keep summaries short and sweet; think of them as a quick recap of what’s most important.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Dedicate time to read out loud to a family member or friend.
  • How it helps: Enhances pronunciation skills and makes reading a shared, social activity.
  • Tips: Try to express the emotions of the story with your voice to make the session more engaging.

Remember, the key to becoming a great reader is consistency and engagement. These exercises aren't just tasks; they're stepping stones to a lifelong adventure in reading. So, grab your favorite military book, pick an exercise, and start your journey today! Happy reading!