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

Are you on the hunt for engaging and relatable reads for your young reader? Dive into our latest roundup of realistic fiction books for 10-year-olds, where we explore stories that mirror real-life adventures and challenges, perfect for tweens eager to see themselves in the characters they read about. Keep reading to discover our carefully curated selections that promise to captivate and inspire your child’s imagination!

Fun Realistic Fiction Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: The story centers around August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Through his experiences, readers explore themes of kindness, acceptance, and friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that teaches empathy and the importance of accepting others, regardless of their appearance. This book can help young readers develop a sense of empathy and understanding towards people who look different from them.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are stepping into new social environments and those looking to understand and celebrate diversity.

• Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Family
  • Synopsis: This novel follows ten-year-old Opal as she finds a dog in a supermarket and decides to take him home. As they bond, Opal learns about her absent mother and makes new friends in the community.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates how friendships can arise in the most unexpected places and times. It also shows how pets can bring joy and help connect people.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and any child dealing with new environments or looking for a story about friendship and community.

• Freckle Juice by Judy Blume, illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Andrew wants to have freckles like his classmate Nicky, and an enterprising classmate offers him a secret recipe for "freckle juice." The results are humorous and lead to some important self-acceptance lessons for Andrew.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and light-hearted read that addresses the desire many kids feel to fit in or change something about themselves. It teaches self-acceptance in a humorous way.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a good laugh and those learning to appreciate their own unique traits.

• The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Family, Entrepreneurship
  • Synopsis: Brother and sister Evan and Jessie turn a lemonade stand into a full-blown business war. Through their rivalry, they learn about cooperation, the ups and downs of running a business, and the value of family.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces basic economic concepts in a fun and engaging way. This book is great for fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship and teaching about competition and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Young entrepreneurs and siblings who might be learning how to manage competition and collaboration at home or school.

• Rules by Cynthia Lord
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Family
  • Synopsis: This story follows twelve-year-old Catherine and her relationship with her autistic brother, David. It explores her struggles and desires for a normal life, alongside her friendships with Jason, a paraplegic, and the new girl next door.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story that promotes understanding and acceptance of differences. It helps readers see the world from the perspective of families with special needs.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are siblings of children with disabilities or anyone looking to understand more about living with and accepting various challenges.

Educational Realistic Fiction Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: The story follows Ally, a girl who has managed to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. She fears she might be dumb until a new teacher, Mr. Daniels, sees the bright, creative kid underneath and helps her understand that she has dyslexia.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading skills, understanding of dyslexia, empathy, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a hopeful message about finding one's own way and succeeding despite learning difficulties, encouraging readers to seek help and understand different learning abilities.
  • Perfect for: Students who face learning challenges and those who want to understand more about different learning styles and disabilities.

• The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ellie's grandfather, a scientist who has found a way to reverse aging, shows up as a teenager and turns her life upside down. Together, they explore the wonders of science and the question of whether or not eternal youth is a blessing.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific thinking, ethics in science, intergenerational relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It mixes humor with thought-provoking questions about life, science, and the nature of family relationships, making complex subjects accessible and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and any reader curious about the possibilities of science and the ethics that come with technological advancements.

• Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, LGBTQ+
  • Synopsis: The story presents the challenges and triumphs of Lily, a transgender girl, and Dunkin, a boy dealing with bipolar disorder. Their friendship helps them navigate the tough waters of school and personal challenges.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Awareness and understanding of mental health and gender identity, empathy, friendship dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles important and timely issues with sensitivity and realism, offering a window into the lives of individuals who might be different from the reader.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a story about friendship and acceptance, and those interested in understanding more about mental health and gender identity.

• Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Cultural Diversity
  • Synopsis: Joe and Ravi might be from very different places—one from the U.S. and one from India—but they find common ground in their quest to overcome a bully at school. Over the course of a week, they discover that they have more in common than they thought.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, anti-bullying strategies, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a compelling look at how friendship can bridge cultural divides and how two seemingly different kids can unite against a common adversary.
  • Perfect for: Kids dealing with bullying or cultural integration, and anyone interested in stories about friendship overcoming obstacles.

• The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: Natalie's mother is struggling with depression, and Natalie uses the scientific method to try to bring back her mother's happiness, documenting her findings in a science notebook.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, understanding of mental health, emotional resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively uses science as a lens to explore emotional challenges, making it a unique approach to discussing mental health with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring scientists and any young readers dealing with family issues or interested in how science can apply to everyday life.

Challenging Realistic Fiction Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: After her best friend dies in a drowning accident, Suzy is convinced that the true cause of the tragedy was a rare jellyfish sting. She retreats into silence, channeling her grief into a quest to prove her theory.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book deals with complex themes of grief, loss, and the search for meaning in tragedy, which are profound and thought-provoking for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses the difficult subject of loss with sensitivity and scientific curiosity, providing a cathartic way for readers to explore their own feelings about grief and healing.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in science and nature, and those who are dealing with or curious about grief and loss.

• Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Willow Chance is a twelve-year-old genius who is obsessed with nature and diagnosing medical conditions. Her life is tragically changed when her adoptive parents die in a car accident, leading her to find a surrogate family.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores themes of loss, adaptation, and resilience through the eyes of a gifted protagonist, which requires readers to engage with emotionally and intellectually complex scenarios.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of overcoming adversity and finding connection in unexpected places, which can motivate readers to think about how they relate to others.
  • Perfect for: Gifted children, those interested in psychology or medicine, and anyone who enjoys stories about personal growth and recovery.

• Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Melody, a brilliant girl with cerebral palsy, cannot speak or write. When she discovers a technological device that allows her to communicate, she is finally able to show her true potential to the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book provides a deep, first-person perspective on physical disabilities and societal perceptions, challenging readers to empathize with experiences that may be far from their own.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a powerful look at the challenges and triumphs of a disabled protagonist, encouraging understanding and advocacy for inclusion.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in stories about overcoming physical challenges, technology in aiding communication, and promoting inclusivity.

• Paper Things by Jennifer Richard Jacobson
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: When Ari's beloved older brother decides they should leave their foster home to live independently, she finds herself homeless and struggling to maintain her schoolwork while keeping their situation a secret.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles issues of homelessness and familial loyalty with a complexity that requires readers to consider moral and ethical dilemmas.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book highlights the resilience and challenges faced by young people in precarious living situations, fostering empathy and awareness among its readers.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in social issues, and readers looking for a story about resilience and the reality of homelessness.

• Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Caitlin, a young girl with Asperger's syndrome, struggles to understand emotions and social cues. After her brother's tragic death in a school shooting, she searches for closure and meaning through the concept of empathy.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into the complexities of neurodiversity and grief through a unique protagonist, offering readers insight into a different way of experiencing the world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sensitively portrays the journey of a neurodiverse individual learning to navigate a world full of complex emotions and relationships, promoting understanding and acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in neurodiversity, emotional development, and stories that address school violence and recovery.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of realistic fiction books and you're around 10 years old, you're in for an adventure. Not only is reading fun, but it can also help you develop some great habits that will benefit you in school and beyond. Here are a few exercises that can help you get the most out of your reading experience.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals, like one chapter a night.

• Read Aloud to Someone
  • What it is: Choose a book and read it out loud to a family member, friend, or even a pet.
  • How it helps: Improves your reading fluency and ability to understand the text.
  • Tips: Try to express the emotions of the characters as you read, which can make it more fun and engaging.

• Create a Book Club
  • What it is: Gather a few friends who enjoy reading, and choose books to read and discuss together.
  • How it helps: Encourages you to think critically about what you read and share your thoughts.
  • Tips: Keep the group small and manageable, and make sure everyone gets a chance to suggest books.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of the events in the book as you read.
  • How it helps: Helps you to better understand the plot and the relationships between events.
  • Tips: Use different colors or symbols to mark important events or turning points in the story.

• Character Diary
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of one of the characters in the book.
  • How it helps: Deepens your understanding of the character and their motivations.
  • Tips: Choose a character that you either relate to or find interesting to make the exercise more engaging.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your books more, but you'll also build skills that will last a lifetime. Whether you're mapping out a story, discussing books with friends, or diving deep into a character's thoughts, each step you take will bring those pages to life in exciting new ways. So grab your next book, pick an exercise, and start your reading adventure today! Happy reading!