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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that captures the sweet innocence of young love? Look no further! Our carefully curated selection of Romance Books for 10-Year-Olds is just what you need. From heartwarming friendships to delightful first crushes, these books are sure to resonate with young readers. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will not only entertain but also gently introduce the themes of affection and friendship.

Fun Romance Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: This retelling of the Cinderella tale follows Ella, who is cursed with the "gift" of obedience. She must navigate her world while trying to break the curse that forces her to obey any direct order she is given.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and enchanting read that empowers young readers to think about autonomy and the importance of standing up for oneself.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fairy tales with a twist and strong female protagonists.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Romance, Mystery
  • Synopsis: An orphaned girl named Mary Lennox is sent to live at her uncle's remote country estate where she discovers a hidden, neglected garden. She begins to bring the garden back to life, and in the process, she transforms her own life and that of her sickly cousin.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of healing and friendship, with a subtle romantic element as the characters grow and learn together.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about personal growth and the healing power of nature.

• Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
  • Genre(s): Romance, Comedy
  • Synopsis: This novel explores the lives of two youngsters, Juli Baker and Bryce Loski, as they navigate their feelings for each other from grade school to junior high. Told in alternating points of view, their perceptions of events differ dramatically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a light-hearted, engaging story that captures the complexities of young love and the journey of understanding another person.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are beginning to explore romantic feelings and enjoy stories with multiple perspectives.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) and together they embark on an adventure to capture the evil, man-eating giants who have been invading the human world.
  • Why we recommend this book: While primarily an adventure, the friendship that blossoms between Sophie and the BFG carries a tender, almost romantic quality that showcases the beauty of understanding and loyalty.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy thrilling adventures and stories about unlikely friendships.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Romance, Drama
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte, who crafts words into her web to save her friend from being slaughtered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches about friendship, love, and the cycle of life, with gentle romantic elements seen in the characters' deep care and sacrifice for one another.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate stories of friendship and the magic of everyday life.

Educational Romance Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
  • Genre(s): Family, Friendship, Romance
  • Synopsis: The story centers around 10-year-old Opal who adopts a stray dog she names Winn-Dixie. The bond they form helps Opal make new friends and reconnect with her estranged father.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, understanding of family dynamics, community interaction
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates how love and friendship can emerge from unexpected places and teaches important lessons about forgiveness and acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy heartwarming stories about animals and community.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
  • Synopsis: This poetic tale tells the story of a young prince who travels the universe gaining wisdom. Along his journey, he encounters a stranded pilot in the desert and shares profound insights about love and human nature.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Philosophical thinking, empathy, imaginative exploration
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers deep reflections on love and loss that resonate with readers of all ages, wrapped in a simple yet captivating story.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy philosophical stories and exploring deep themes.

• Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Romance
  • Synopsis: Sarah answers an ad from a widowed farmer seeking a wife and mother for his children. When she arrives, her relationship with the family and the adjustment to her new life form the heart of the story.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, emotional adjustment, family relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle introduction to historical perspectives and deals with themes of change and belonging in a sensitive, age-appropriate manner.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in history and stories about family dynamics.

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
  • Synopsis: Edward Tulane, a china rabbit, goes on a transformative journey from the depths of the ocean to the streets of Memphis, learning about love and loss from the people he meets.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, resilience, understanding of emotional depth
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores deep emotional truths through Edward's journey, teaching about the importance of love and the pain of loss in a way that's accessible to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are ready for a deeper emotional story about love and transformation.

Challenging Romance Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Romance, Coming-of-age
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is accidentally sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, a brother and sister who wanted to adopt a boy to help them on their farm in Prince Edward Island.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative uses rich, descriptive language and explores complex themes such as identity, belonging, and transformation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of youthful ambition and the blossoming of first love, along with the protagonist's spirited nature that will inspire and entertain advanced readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy vivid storytelling and character-driven novels.

• The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
  • Synopsis: Princess Irene discovers a secret stairway in her castle leading to a baffling labyrinth of unknown passages with strange people and dangerous goblins.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features intricate plot lines and a richly developed fantastical world that requires advanced reading comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: The story promotes bravery and loyalty, wrapped up in a thrilling narrative that also touches on the gentle nuances of young love.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy with elements of romance and mystery.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who loves music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It follows his journey from the darkness of his mouse community to the castle where he meets and falls in love with Princess Pea.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book’s narrative structure includes complex themes of destiny, love, and redemption that are explored through multiple viewpoints.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an enchanting tale that encourages courage and compassion, while exploring the depth of love and the consequences of actions.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy multi-layered narratives and characters that grow and change.

• A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Drama, Romance
  • Synopsis: Sara Crewe, a wealthy, intelligent, and kind-hearted girl, is sent to a boarding school in London. When her father dies and his fortune is lost, Sara’s life takes a drastic turn from riches to rags.
  • Why this book is challenging: The transformation of Sara’s life and how she handles her hardships involve complex character development and rich, descriptive language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a profound look at resilience and the power of kindness, along with the subtle development of romantic elements through heartfelt friendships.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who appreciate stories of hardship and triumph and enjoy rich, emotional narratives.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of romance books and you're around 10 years old, it's a fantastic time to develop some great reading habits. Here are a few exercises that can make your reading experience even more enjoyable and effective. Let's get started!

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Helps create a consistent reading routine.
  • Tips: Choose a realistic goal that fits into your daily schedule.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special place at home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and makes reading time special.
  • Tips: Include comfy seating, good lighting, and maybe even some decorations!

• Read Aloud to Someone
  • What it is: Share your reading by reading a book aloud to a family member or a pet.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading.
  • Tips: Try using different voices for different characters to make it fun.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and allows you to see different perspectives.
  • Tips: Think of questions you can ask others about the story.

• Draw Scenes from the Book
  • What it is: Sketch your favorite scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Boosts imagination and helps you remember details of the story.
  • Tips: Don't worry about perfect art; just express how you visualize the story.

• 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.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enhance your enjoyment of romance books but also develop skills that will benefit your overall literacy. So, grab your favorite book, find a cozy corner, and let your reading adventure begin!