10+ Best Scholastic Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for your ten-year-old? Look no further! Our roundup of Scholastic Books for 10-Year-Olds is packed with picks that promise to captivate their minds and spark their imagination. Whether your young reader is into thrilling adventures, mysterious tales, or heartwarming stories, we've got something that will catch their eye. Keep reading to discover our various lists of Scholastic Books for 10-Year-Olds that are sure to be a hit!
Table of Contents
Fun Scholastic Books for 10-Year-Olds
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio
- Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
- Synopsis: The story revolves 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.
- Perfect for: Kids who are transitioning into new social environments and those looking to understand and celebrate differences.
- The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket (Illustrator: Brett Helquist)
- Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Humor
- Synopsis: This is the first book in "A Series of Unfortunate Events," which follows the tumultuous lives of the Baudelaire orphans. The siblings encounter a villainous relative, Count Olaf, who is after their family fortune.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines dark humor with a thrilling narrative that keeps readers engaged and eager to solve the mystery alongside the protagonists.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a mix of humor and mystery, and those who like stories with resilient young characters.
- Charlotte's Web by E.B. White (Illustrator: Garth Williams)
- Genre(s): Fiction, Classic, Animal story
- Synopsis: This beloved tale tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages praising Wilbur in her web to persuade the farmer to save him.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a beautiful story about friendship and sacrifice, filled with lessons about love and loss.
- Perfect for: Animal lovers and any child dealing with themes of friendship and the circle of life.
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: This is the first book in the Harry Potter series, where young Harry learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers himself. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to learn about his past and his destiny.
- Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to a magical world with relatable themes like friendship, bravery, and the choice between good and evil.
- Perfect for: Young readers who dream of adventure and magic, and anyone new to the fantasy genre.
- The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate (Illustrator: Patricia Castelao)
- Genre(s): Fiction, Animal story
- Synopsis: Inspired by a true story, this novel follows Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a mall and hardly ever thinks about his life in the wild—until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild. Ivan begins to see their home, and his own art, through new eyes.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that promotes understanding and compassion for animals, encouraging readers to think about how we treat other living beings.
- Perfect for: Young animal lovers and any reader interested in stories of resilience and change.
Educational Scholastic Books for 10-Year-Olds
- The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Young Adult
- Synopsis: This enchanting story follows Luna, a young girl raised by a witch, who must learn to wield her magical powers responsibly as she grows up.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, creativity, understanding of narrative structure and character development
- Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines magic, adventure, and emotion, teaching lessons about love and responsibility.
- Perfect for: Readers who love magical stories and exploring complex characters and themes.
- The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
- Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
- Synopsis: Roz, a robot, finds herself alone on a remote island and must learn to survive and adapt to the wild environment while making friends with the island's animal inhabitants.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, environmental awareness, empathy
- Why we recommend this book: It’s a heartwarming tale that combines technology with nature, encouraging readers to think about how they interact with the environment.
- Perfect for: Kids interested in technology, nature, and stories about survival and friendship.
- Pax by Sara Pennypacker (Illustrator: Jon Klassen)
- Genre(s): Fiction, Animal story
- Synopsis: The story of a boy named Peter and his pet fox Pax. When they are separated by war, both go on separate journeys to reunite with each other.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, understanding of conflict and resolution, nature and wildlife appreciation
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant look at the impacts of war and the powerful bond between a child and his pet.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy emotional stories and those interested in themes of friendship and loyalty amidst adversity.
- The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
- Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
- Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the mysterious Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must stop a plot that could have global consequences.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Logical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving skills
- Why we recommend this book: It’s a thrilling adventure with clever puzzles and diverse characters that promote the value of intelligence and courage.
- Perfect for: Young detectives and any reader who loves solving puzzles and uncovering secrets.
- The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo (Illustrator: Timothy Basil Ering)
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
- Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with a big heart, who sets out on a quest to rescue a human princess.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding themes of bravery and love, narrative analysis, character development
- Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written fairy tale that celebrates the virtues of bravery and forgiveness.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy classic fairy tales with a modern twist and stories of unlikely heroes.
Challenging Scholastic Books for 10-Year-Olds
- The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (Illustrator: Dave McKean)
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
- Synopsis: The novel follows the story of Nobody "Bod" Owens, a boy who is raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is murdered. As he grows up, he encounters various creatures and must learn to navigate the dangers both inside and outside the graveyard.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, incorporating elements of fantasy, horror, and mystery, and it explores deep themes such as life, death, and belonging.
- Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique setting and imaginative storytelling that captivates and challenges young readers to think about larger life questions.
- Perfect for: Fans of supernatural stories and young readers looking for a thrilling, thought-provoking tale.
- The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster (Illustrator: Jules Feiffer)
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: This classic tale features Milo, a bored boy who receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, a surreal region where he embarks on a quest to rescue the princesses Rhyme and Reason.
- Why this book is challenging: The book is filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical ideas that require a higher level of reading comprehension and abstract thinking.
- Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and critical thinking through its clever use of language and its exploration of themes such as the importance of learning and the absurdity of bureaucracy.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy clever wordplay and whimsical adventures that stimulate the mind.
- When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
- Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
- Synopsis: Set in the 1970s in New York City, the story revolves around Miranda, a young girl who starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future and reveal secrets about her life and the people around her.
- Why this book is challenging: The plot involves complex concepts of time travel and the interconnectivity of events, which require careful and thoughtful reading to fully understand.
- Why we recommend this book: It masterfully blends elements of science fiction and mystery, providing a gripping and intellectually stimulating experience.
- Perfect for: Young readers who love puzzles and time-travel stories that make them think critically about the flow of time and causality.
- The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
- Synopsis: In 1930s Paris, an orphan boy named Hugo lives in the walls of a train station, maintaining the clocks. He becomes wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and a peculiar automaton.
- Why this book is challenging: This novel is told through a combination of text and intricate illustrations that require the reader to interpret visual elements to fully grasp the story.
- Why we recommend this book: It's an innovative reading experience that combines visual and textual storytelling to create a captivating mystery.
- Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a visually immersive experience and stories that blend history with mystery.
- The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: September, a young girl from Omaha, is spirited away to Fairyland where she encounters witches, dragons, and other fantastical creatures on her quest to retrieve a witch's stolen spoon.
- Why this book is challenging: The novel features richly poetic language and a complex world filled with intricate lore and characters, requiring advanced reading skills and imagination.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a richly woven tapestry of fairy tale and adventure that encourages deep engagement with the text and its beautifully crafted world.
- Perfect for: Young readers who delight in lush, imaginative worlds and stories that transport them to magical places.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're looking to help your 10-year-old develop great reading habits with Scholastic books, here are some fun and effective exercises to try. These exercises are designed to make reading a more engaging and enriching experience. Let's dive in!
- Create a Reading Corner
- What it is: Designate a special place at home just for reading.
- How it helps: Creates a comfortable and distraction-free environment that can enhance concentration.
- Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, posters, or even a small bookshelf.
- Book Club with Friends
- What it is: Start a mini book club where your child and their friends read the same book and discuss it.
- How it helps: Encourages discussion and deeper understanding of the book.
- Tips: Host a monthly meeting where they can talk about the book, eat snacks, and suggest the next read.
- Set Reading Goals
- What it is: Help your child set specific and achievable reading goals, like a number of books per month.
- How it helps: Provides motivation and a sense of accomplishment upon completing each goal.
- Tips: Use a chart or a calendar to visually track progress and celebrate achievements.
- Read Aloud Together
- What it is: Spend some time reading a book aloud with your child.
- How it helps: Improves vocabulary and reading comprehension.
- Tips: Change your voice for different characters to make the reading session more interesting and engaging.
- Visualize and Draw
- What it is: Encourage your child to draw scenes or characters from the book they are reading.
- How it helps: Enhances imagination and helps with recall.
- Tips: Provide colored pencils, markers, and paper to make this activity more enticing.
- Reading Challenge with Rewards
- What it is: Create a challenge where your child has to read books of various genres over a period of time.
- How it helps: Broadens reading interests and introduces them to a variety of literary styles.
- Tips: Offer small rewards like an extra hour of playtime or a small toy after completing each challenge.
By incorporating these exercises into your child's reading routine, you're not only boosting their reading skills but also making the whole experience enjoyable and rewarding. Happy reading!