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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for your eager young reader? Dive into our latest roundup of popular books for 10-year-olds, where we've gathered some of the most captivating titles that promise to engage and inspire. Whether your child is a budding adventurer or a curious thinker, you'll find something in our lists that will keep them hooked. Keep reading to explore our top picks in popular books for 10-year-olds and discover their next favorite book!

Fun Popular Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This first book in the Harry Potter series introduces Harry Potter, a young wizard who discovers his magical heritage on his eleventh birthday when he receives a letter of acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks the imagination with its magical world and relatable themes of friendship, bravery, and the importance of choice.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and a good underdog story.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: This beloved novel tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte who tries to save him from being slaughtered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important values such as friendship, love, and the cycle of life in a gentle and captivating way.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy heartwarming stories and learning about farm life.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • 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 combines thrilling adventures with Greek mythology, making it educational and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Adventure seekers and mythology buffs who enjoy fast-paced, action-packed stories.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story follows Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who loves music and stories, on his quest to rescue a beautiful human princess.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a tale of bravery and forgiveness with beautifully drawn characters and an uplifting message.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories of unlikely heroes and the power of love and courage.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Family, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: The story centers on Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial difference who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes empathy and understanding for people who look different and highlights the importance of kindness.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are stepping into new social environments or anyone looking to understand more about acceptance and friendship.

Educational Popular Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: This novel is based on the true story of Ivan, a gorilla who lived in a shopping mall for 27 years without seeing another of his kind before he was moved to a zoo. The story is told from Ivan's perspective, offering an insight into his thoughts and feelings.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy towards animals, understanding of animal rights, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written, poignant story that helps children understand the importance of compassion and the value of promises.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers 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 thwart a nefarious plot.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges young minds with complex puzzles and mysteries while emphasizing the value of intelligence, courage, and loyalty.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and working as part of a team.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements
  • Genre(s): Fiction, School Story
  • Synopsis: When fifth-grader Nick Allen invents a new word for the pen — "frindle" — he unwittingly creates a series of events that escalates into a nationwide craze, complete with its own set of consequences and rewards.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity in language, understanding of semantics, entrepreneurial thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and inventive story that encourages children to think about words and language in an entirely new way.
  • Perfect for: Young linguists and creative thinkers.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sickly and unloved 10-year-old girl, is sent to live with her uncle in a gloomy, secluded manor. She discovers a locked, neglected garden and, with the help of new friends, brings it back to life along with her own transformation.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of emotional growth, the healing power of nature, interpersonal relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless tale that explores themes of healing and personal growth through the nurturing of a forgotten garden.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of renewal and the transformative power of nature.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' detention center where the boys are forced to dig holes every day in the hot sun, supposedly to build character — but there is something deeper happening, and Stanley decides to dig up the truth.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding of justice and perseverance, historical awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines an intriguing mystery with strong themes of friendship, justice, and fate.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and any reader who enjoys a story that makes them think.

Challenging Popular Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows a bored young boy named Milo who unexpectedly receives a magic tollbooth one afternoon and, driving through it in his toy car, finds himself in the Kingdom of Wisdom, a fantastical place filled with peculiar characters and intellectual adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story is rich with puns, wordplay, and a deeper exploration of themes such as the importance of learning and thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively combines humor with a journey of self-discovery and the appreciation of knowledge, making it a stimulating read for young minds.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love word games, puzzles, and imaginative 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 through space and time to save Meg's father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel introduces complex concepts of physics, space, and time, intertwined with themes of good versus evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages scientific curiosity and perseverance while dealing with complex themes of love and family.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and readers interested in science and adventure.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: This poetic tale features a young prince who travels from planet to planet, meeting unique adults and learning about the peculiarities of adult behavior through a child's eyes.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative layers philosophical reflections on life and human nature into a simple story, making it a profound read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers timeless wisdom through the exploration of themes like love, loss, and friendship from a fresh, innocent perspective.
  • Perfect for: Thinkers and dreamers who enjoy delving into deeper questions about life through a simple yet profound narrative.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a precocious young girl who uses her intelligence and telekinetic powers to overcome neglectful parents and a tyrannical school principal.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features rich vocabulary and a number of literary devices, along with themes of rebellion and personal empowerment.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the resilience and ingenuity of a young girl, encouraging readers to believe in their own powers and stand up against injustice.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate stories of triumph over adversity and those who enjoy a touch of magic.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: A group of heirs gather to solve the mystery of who murdered Samuel W. Westing, according to his will, through a series of clues leading to a $200 million inheritance.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is complex with an intricate plot and a large cast of characters, each with their own secrets and motives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing puzzle that also explores themes of identity, trust, and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Mystery lovers and young strategists who enjoy piecing together clues and solving puzzles.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into some popular books for 10-year-olds, why not boost the experience with a few fun exercises? These activities are designed to help young readers develop strong reading habits while keeping their engagement levels sky-high. Check them out!

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy spot dedicated just for reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a physical space that encourages and invites regular reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with comfy cushions, good lighting, and their favorite books.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Organize a small group of friends to read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and gives motivation to read through social interaction.
  • Tips: Schedule regular meetings to discuss the book, and maybe include some fun related activities like drawing or role-playing.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Pause at pivotal moments in the story and predict what will happen next.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and engagement with the storyline.
  • Tips: Use clues from the text to make informed guesses, discussing why you think things will unfold in certain ways.

• Character Journal
  • What it is: Keep a journal from the perspective of a character in the book.
  • How it helps: Develops empathy and deeper understanding of the characters.
  • Tips: Choose a different character for each book to explore various viewpoints and thoughts.

• Reading Timer Challenge
  • What it is: Set a timer for a quiet reading session, gradually increasing the time spent reading.
  • How it helps: Builds concentration and stamina for reading longer books.
  • Tips: Start with short, manageable times and slowly increase as comfort with reading grows.

These exercises aren't just about reading more; they're about reading better and having fun while doing it! Encourage your 10-year-old to try a few of these out, and watch their love for reading blossom. Happy reading!