56 Must-Read Books for 10-Year-Old Kids

Finding the right book for a 10-year-old can feel like opening a door to new worlds. At this age, kids are ready for stories that challenge their imagination, make them laugh, or help them see life from another perspective.

The best books for kids this age aren’t just about keeping them entertained; they also shape values, spark curiosity, and build lifelong reading habits.

Whether your child loves fantasy, humor, history, or real-life stories, there’s something here to keep them turning the pages.

Today, I’ll share carefully chosen titles that speak to different interests and personalities.

Best Books for 10-Year-Olds

Finding the right book for a 10-year-old can be tricky, but it makes a huge difference. At this age, kids want stories that are exciting but still easy to follow. Below, I’m sharing top picks across genres to match every need.

Fantasy and Adventure

These books take kids into exciting worlds filled with magic, quests, and new discoveries. Each story is fun to read and gives kids something meaningful to think about.

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – J.K. Rowling: A boy finds out he’s a wizard and enters a world full of magic, friends, and challenges. Kids enjoy the sense of wonder and adventure. It also shows the importance of friendship, courage, and standing up for what’s right.

2. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief – Rick Riordan: Percy learns he’s the son of a Greek god and must face dangerous quests. Kids love the action, humor, and mythological twist. It builds interest in history and shows how teamwork, bravery, and persistence help in tough times.

3. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – C.S. Lewis: Four siblings step through a wardrobe into a magical world ruled by good and evil. Kids enjoy the mystery, magical creatures, and talking animals. It highlights loyalty, courage, and the power of working together against challenges.

4. A Wrinkle in Time – Madeleine L’Engle: A girl travels across space and time to save her father with the help of friends. Kids enjoy the mix of science, magic, and suspense. The story encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and believing in your own strength even when afraid.

5. The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell – Chris Colfer: Twins fall into a world where fairy tales come alive, meeting familiar characters in new ways. Kids love the fast-moving adventure and creative spin on old stories. It sparks imagination and shows how courage and clever thinking solve problems.

6. Artemis Fowl – Eoin Colfer: A genius boy enters a hidden world of fairies and advanced technology. Kids enjoy the clever tricks, action, and humor. The story keeps readers hooked while showing how intelligence, planning, and quick thinking can change the outcome of any challenge.

7. Dragon Pearl – Yoon Ha Lee: A sci-fi adventure mixed with Korean myths, following a girl searching for her missing brother. Kids enjoy the magic, space battles, and cultural details. It encourages curiosity about new cultures and highlights bravery, persistence, and never giving up on family.

8. The Wild Robot – Peter Brown: A robot wakes up alone on an island and learns to live with animals and nature. Kids enjoy the survival adventure and the mix of technology with the natural world. It teaches kindness, adaptability, and the value of community.

Relatable & Contemporary Stories

These books focus on everyday challenges, friendships, and personal growth. They help kids see themselves in characters while learning empathy and resilience.

1. Wonder – R.J. Palacio: Auggie, a boy with a facial difference, starts school and faces challenges with kindness and courage. Kids connect with his story of acceptance and friendship. It teaches empathy, compassion, and how being kind can make a big difference in someone’s life.

2. Out of My Mind – Sharon M. Draper: Melody has cerebral palsy and cannot speak, but she’s incredibly smart. Kids admire her determination and strength. The story builds empathy and understanding while showing that everyone has talents, even if they communicate or move in different ways.

3. The Boy at the Back of the Class – Onjali Q. Raúf: This story follows a refugee boy starting at a new school. Kids learn about kindness, friendship, and welcoming others. It’s relatable and heartwarming, helping young readers understand compassion and the importance of including those who feel left out.

4. The One and Only Ivan – Katherine Applegate: Ivan, a gorilla living in captivity, tells his story of friendship and hope. Kids enjoy the unique voice and emotional journey. It encourages empathy for animals, appreciation for friendship, and the belief that change is always possible.

5. Frindle – Andrew Clements: A boy invents a new word as a school project, and it spreads quickly. Kids love the humor and creativity in the story. It shows the power of ideas, imagination, and how one small action can make a big impact.

6. Ways to Make Sunshine – Renée Watson: Ryan Hart is a cheerful girl who finds joy even when life gets tough. Kids relate to her family, school, and friendships. The story encourages positivity, resilience, and looking for small ways to bring happiness into daily life.

7. Because of Winn-Dixie – Kate DiCamillo: A girl adopts a stray dog, changing her summer and helping her make new friends. Kids enjoy the sweet bond between the girl and her dog. It teaches compassion, friendship, and how pets can help us heal and connect.

8. New Kid – Jerry Craft: A graphic novel about Jordan, a boy starting at a new private school where he feels out of place. Kids enjoy the humor, artwork, and relatable struggles. It shows the value of staying true to yourself and respecting differences.

Graphic Novels & Humor

These books are packed with laughs, fun drawings, and easy-to-follow stories. They’re great for reluctant readers and kids who enjoy quick, funny reads.

1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid – Jeff Kinney: Greg Heffley shares his middle school ups and downs with humor and cartoons. Kids enjoy the silly situations and funny thoughts. The mix of text and drawings makes reading less intimidating, helping even reluctant readers feel comfortable and engaged.

2. Dog Man – Dav Pilkey: A part-dog, part-man hero takes on wild adventures in comic-style stories. Kids love the humor, action, and quirky art. It’s lighthearted and fun, building reading confidence while showing how imagination and silliness can turn into great storytelling.

3. El Deafo – Cece Bell: A graphic memoir about a girl with hearing loss who imagines herself as a superhero. Kids enjoy the colorful art and relatable challenges. The story builds empathy, understanding, and confidence by showing that differences can be powerful strengths.

4. Guts – Raina Telgemeier: A true story about Raina dealing with anxiety and stomach troubles. Kids connect with the honesty and humor in her experiences. It encourages discussions about feelings, bravery, and finding ways to manage worries while knowing they’re not alone.

5. The Bad Guys – Aaron Blabey: A group of “bad guys” tries to do good, but chaos follows. Kids love the silly characters, fast action, and cartoon style. The series is fun and quick to read, showing that anyone can change if they try.

6. Smile – Raina Telgemeier: Raina tells her story of braces, accidents, and growing up. Kids enjoy the humor, honesty, and expressive art. It helps readers feel less alone during awkward stages, while also showing resilience and the importance of self-acceptance.

7. Lunch Lady – Jarrett J. Krosoczka: A school lunch lady turns out to be a superhero who fights villains with kitchen gadgets. Kids enjoy the mix of humor, action, and fun drawings. It makes school life exciting while showing that heroes can come from unexpected places.

8. Big Nate – Lincoln Peirce: Nate is a mischievous middle schooler who is always getting into trouble. Kids laugh at his antics and quick jokes. The comic style keeps things light and easy to follow, while showing how humor and creativity make everyday life more fun.

Classics Every 10-Year-Old Should Read

These classic stories have been loved for generations. They carry strong themes, memorable characters, and lessons that stay with kids long after the last page.

1. Matilda – Roald Dahl: Matilda is a bright girl with unkind parents and a cruel teacher, but she discovers her own special strength. Kids love her cleverness and courage. This story shows that intelligence, kindness, and determination can help overcome even the toughest challenges.

2. Charlotte’s Web – E.B. White: The friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a wise spider, Charlotte, makes this story unforgettable. Kids enjoy the humor, farm setting, and heartwarming bond. It teaches lessons about loyalty, kindness, and the circle of life in a gentle way.

3. The BFG – Roald Dahl: A young girl teams up with a friendly giant to stop villains. Kids love the giant’s silly language and the mix of humor with adventure. It sparks imagination while showing the power of friendship, bravery, and standing up for what’s right.

4. Anne of Green Gables – L.M. Montgomery: Anne is an orphan with a big imagination who finds a home at Green Gables. Kids enjoy her funny mistakes and positive spirit. The story encourages creativity, resilience, and the idea that kindness and optimism can change lives.

5. The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett: A lonely girl discovers a hidden garden that slowly brings healing to her and others. Kids enjoy the mystery and transformation in the story. It shows the beauty of nature, friendship, and the power of hope in difficult times.

6. Little House in the Big Woods – Laura Ingalls Wilder: Based on Wilder’s childhood, this book shows life on the American frontier. Kids enjoy learning about daily chores, family traditions, and survival. It gives a glimpse into history while teaching resilience, resourcefulness, and the value of family bonds.

7. The Phantom Tollbooth – Norton Juster: Milo enters a magical land where words and numbers come alive. Kids love the playful puns, riddles, and adventures. It sparks curiosity, imagination, and appreciation for learning, making it both fun and meaningful for young readers.

8. A Little Princess – Frances Hodgson Burnett: Sara Crewe goes from riches to hardship but never loses her kindness and imagination. Kids connect with her struggles and admire her strength. The story teaches compassion, resilience, and the belief that goodness matters, even in hard times.

Historical & Thought-Provoking Reads

These books give kids a window into history and deeper life lessons. They build empathy and help young readers understand courage, resilience, and hope.

1. The War That Saved My Life – Kimberly Brubaker Bradley: A girl escapes her abusive home during World War II and discovers freedom, friendship, and self-worth. Kids connect with her strength and growth. The story shows how kindness and resilience can change a life, even in the hardest times.

2. A Long Walk to Water – Linda Sue Park: Two stories, one of a Sudanese girl searching for water, another of a boy escaping war, come together. Kids find the journeys powerful and moving. It raises awareness about global struggles while teaching perseverance, hope, and the importance of compassion.

3. Brown Girl Dreaming – Jacqueline Woodson: Written in verse, this memoir shares the author’s childhood during the civil rights era. Kids enjoy the lyrical style and personal voice. It introduces themes of identity, race, and family while encouraging self-expression and pride in one’s roots.

4. Number the Stars – Lois Lowry: A Danish girl helps her Jewish friend escape the Nazis during World War II. Kids are drawn to the suspense and bravery in the story. It teaches the importance of courage, loyalty, and standing up for what is right.

5. Esperanza Rising – Pam Muñoz Ryan: After her father’s death, Esperanza leaves Mexico for farm labor in California. Kids relate to her struggles with change and hardship. The story builds empathy for migrant families and shows how hope and hard work can carry someone through difficult times.

6. Inside Out & Back Again – Thanhhà Lai: Told in verse, this book shares a young girl’s experience of fleeing Vietnam and adjusting to life in America. Kids connect with her feelings of loss and hope. It teaches empathy, resilience, and the challenges many immigrant families face.

7. When You Reach Me – Rebecca Stead: A mix of mystery, time travel, and friendship set in 1970s New York. Kids enjoy the puzzle-like clues and relatable characters. It stretches imagination while highlighting themes of trust, friendship, and the ways small choices can shape the future.

8. Lifeboat 12 – Susan Hood: Based on a true story, a boy is rescued after a ship carrying children to safety is torpedoed. Kids are drawn to the suspense and survival theme. It shows courage, hope, and the willpower needed to survive against the odds.

Non-Fiction & Activity Books

These books are great for curious kids who love facts, puzzles, and real-life stories. They mix learning with fun and keep young readers engaged.

1. Brain Games for Clever Kids – Gareth Moore: Packed with puzzles, riddles, and logic challenges, this book keeps kids thinking while having fun. They enjoy testing themselves and solving problems. It’s perfect for building focus, memory, and problem-solving skills in a playful, screen-free way.

2. Women in Science – Rachel Ignotofsky: This illustrated book introduces groundbreaking women in STEM fields. Kids enjoy the fun graphics and inspiring stories. It highlights real role models, encourages curiosity about science, and shows how determination can break barriers in any field.

3. National Geographic Kids Almanac 2025 – National Geographic: Filled with facts, photos, and fun activities, this almanac covers everything from animals to space. Kids enjoy flipping through colorful pages. It builds knowledge, sparks curiosity, and encourages kids to keep exploring the world around them.

4. Kid Scientists – David Stabler: This book shares childhood stories of famous scientists, showing their early struggles and passions. Kids enjoy the funny, surprising details. It helps them see that even the greatest minds started as curious kids with big dreams.

5. Hidden Figures Young Readers’ Edition – Margot Lee Shetterly: The true story of African American women mathematicians who helped NASA succeed in space. Kids enjoy the mix of history and science. It inspires resilience, teamwork, and shows the power of intelligence and persistence.

6. I Am Malala: Young Readers Edition – Malala Yousafzai: Malala shares her fight for girls’ education and her incredible bravery. Kids admire her courage and strength. The story encourages standing up for fairness, appreciating education, and believing that one voice can spark change.

7. Minecraft: The Island – Max Brooks: A survival story set in the Minecraft world, mixing fiction with lessons on problem-solving. Kids enjoy the game-inspired adventure. It builds creativity, persistence, and resilience while connecting reading with a hobby many kids already love.

8. The Big Book of Fun for Kids – Various: A collection of jokes, puzzles, and activities to keep kids entertained. They enjoy the variety and the chance to share laughs with friends or family. It’s light, engaging, and a great way to build a positive connection with reading.

Diverse & Inclusive Stories

These books highlight different cultures, voices, and experiences. They help kids see the world through new perspectives while finding characters they can relate to.

1. Ghost – Jason Reynolds: Ghost is a boy with a tough past who joins a track team. Kids enjoy his humor, fast-paced voice, and struggles. The story shows resilience, teamwork, and how sports can give kids a positive outlet and sense of belonging.

2. Front Desk – Kelly Yang: Mia helps her immigrant parents run a motel while chasing her dream of writing. Kids connect with her challenges and determination. The story teaches empathy, courage, and the importance of speaking up for what’s fair, even when it’s hard.

3. The Jumbies – Tracey Baptiste: Inspired by Caribbean folklore, this spooky adventure follows Corinne as she faces magical creatures. Kids love the suspense, cultural myths, and brave heroine. It introduces new traditions while showing that courage and heart are stronger than fear.

4. The Night Diary – Veera Hiranandani: Set during India’s partition, this diary-style story follows a girl caught between two worlds. Kids are drawn to the heartfelt writing and historical setting. It builds empathy, understanding, and shows how hope and kindness can survive even in troubled times.

5. Amari and the Night Brothers – B.B. Alston: Amari discovers a secret world of magic and mystery after her brother goes missing. Kids enjoy the action, fantasy, and relatable heroine. It blends adventure with themes of self-belief, determination, and breaking through stereotypes.

6. Stella Díaz Has Something to Say – Angela Dominguez: Stella feels shy about speaking English in class, but learns to find her voice. Kids relate to her struggles and victories. The story encourages confidence, inclusion, and celebrating bilingual and bicultural identities.

7. The First Rule of Punk – Celia C. Pérez: Malú loves punk rock and struggles to fit in at a new school. Kids enjoy her creativity, music, and bold personality. It shows the importance of being yourself, finding your voice, and valuing self-expression through art.

8. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky – Kwame Mbalia: Blending African American folklore with West African myths, Tristan enters a magical world of gods and heroes. Kids love the action and cultural richness. It sparks pride in heritage while teaching courage, resilience, and the value of storytelling.

9. Inside Out and Back Again – Thanhhà Lai: A Vietnamese girl shares her journey of fleeing war and adjusting to life in America. Kids connect with her struggles and hopes. The verse style makes it engaging, and it builds empathy for immigrant experiences and resilience in tough times.

10. The Parker Inheritance – Varian Johnson: A mystery about hidden history, family secrets, and social justice in a small Southern town. Kids enjoy solving puzzles while uncovering important truths. It encourages critical thinking, empathy, and awareness of racial history in an engaging, age-appropriate way.

11. Black Brother, Black Brother – Jewell Parker Rhodes: Donte, one of two biracial brothers, faces racism at school but finds confidence through fencing. Kids enjoy his journey of strength and fairness. It highlights identity, courage, and fighting for equality while offering a hopeful, empowering message.

These stories let kids celebrate diversity, understand new perspectives, and see heroes who reflect different backgrounds and cultures.

How to Choose the Right Book for a Ten-Year-Old

Finding the right book can feel tricky sometimes. You want something that’s fun, but it also has to match your child’s reading level. I’ve learned that when kids get the right mix, they enjoy reading a lot more.

Reading Levels Explained

Most 10-year-olds read around a 4th–5th grade level. That usually lines up with a Lexile score between 600L and 890L.

If you’re not sure about Lexile levels, think of them as a way to measure how challenging a book is. Many books list the Lexile range or recommended age on the back or in the description online.

You don’t have to match it perfectly. Just use it as a guide, not a rule.

Signs a Book is Too Easy or Too Hard

It helps to watch how your child reacts to the book. Here’s what I look for:

• Too easy: They finish it quickly without much effort, skip ahead, or seem bored.
• Too hard: They stumble over many words, avoid reading, or lose track of the story.
• Just right: They can read most words smoothly, understand the story, and stay interested.

Kids are more likely to keep reading when the books feel enjoyable, so I try to keep a balance between fun and meaningful stories.

Mixing light titles like Diary of a Wimpy Kid with deeper reads like Wonder works well, and adding a variety of genres, such as fantasy, humor, history, or even graphic novels, keeps things fresh.

Reading for joy builds confidence, and the learning side naturally follows when a child stays curious and excited to pick up the next book.

Tips for Parents & Teachers

Kids are more likely to enjoy reading when it feels natural and fun. You can make that happen with a few simple habits.

• Let your child choose books that match their interests.
• Build a steady routine with short daily reading times.
• Mix independent reading with family read-aloud sessions.
• Keep a variety of books at home: fiction, comics, and non-fiction.
• Celebrate their progress by asking about favorite parts or characters.

Little steps like these help reading feel less like a task and more like a favorite pastime.

Wrapping Up

At age ten, kids are ready for stories that stretch their minds and build lasting interests.

The best books for 10-year-olds offer more than simple entertainment; they build empathy, encourage curiosity, and give children confidence as independent readers.

With so many strong titles available, you can match books to their unique personality, whether they enjoy fantasy, history, or humor.

The most important part is creating an environment where reading feels exciting and personal. By choosing thoughtfully, you’re giving your child tools that can shape how they see the world.

For more tips and book ideas, read my other blogs today.