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Finding the right books for ten year olds can be challenging.

We know reading is essential to your child’s intellectual development. It boosts their creativity and imagination. And it is certainly a great way for your kids to spend their spare time. Besides encouraging your children to read, introduce them to some of these great books for ten year olds. Even if they are not into literature yet, these might be the books that will make them fall in love with reading!

1. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

This classic is, following the narrator’s encounter with a strange boy from a distant planet, was always beyond a fairytale. For decades, this book is taking kids from all over the world to a journey through the outer space and introduces them to some of the life lessons they will remember forever. Buy here.

2. Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling

The modern classics about a young wizard’s battle against the evil forces is adjusted to the needs of the children of our time. Wrapped in a magical world, these books tell stories of friendship, compassion, persistence and love. You can get it here.

3. Wonder by R. J. Palacio

The book was an inspiration for a recent film, as well as for the Choose Kind movement, inspiring young people to accept and appreciate their peers who are somehow different from them. The protagonist, who is physically different than all the kids in school, teaches young readers how differences bring us together. Find it here.

4. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

Mark Twain’s free-spirited, mischievous boy is one of the most iconic characters in the history of children’s literature. First published in 1876, the book still hypnotizes with its timeless humor, capturing the very essence of childhood. My favorite copy is here.

5. Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Before there was Wall-E, children had Lorax to teach them the value of the environment. This book will help you raise an ecologically aware child who honestly appreciates nature. This fable is short and easy to read, so if you have younger kids, it is appropriate for them as well.  Get it here.

6. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh

Before your kids mature enough to get their hands on Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot books, they can enjoy the adventures of Harriet, a little detective/spy. The book depicts childhood milestones through the perspective of an exceptional child and nurtures curiosity in readers. Find it here. 

7. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

This book was turned into numerous films and TV series but none of them could really exceed the quality of the written version. While some would say Pippi is the female version of Tom Sawyer, Astrid’s character mesmerizes with her own charming behavior. Described as the strongest girl in the world, she encourages little girls to dream big. Buy here. 

8. Heidi by Johanna Spyri

Heidi can take your child to a time-traveling adventure that will show them a completely different world. It is a story of an orphaned girl who tries her best to find her happiness in circumstances that challenge her all the time. Deeply emotional, the story remained as fresh as it was when it was published – almost 140 years ago! This is a great copy.

9. Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

Published in 1994, the book explores family relationships, as well as love, death and grief. It is written in such a manner that children aged ten and above can easily understand these big subjects. The critics have praised it for its simplicity and incorporating some of the most important aspects of life into its narrative, and the book eventually received numerous awards. Get it here.

10. Rules by Cynthia Lord

This novel, published in 2006, is Lord’s debut novel and it is based on her own experiences. As she is a mother of a child with autism, that’s one of the topics she highlights. The book poignantly describes the similarities and differences between all of us, putting the story within a family frame, teaching the children some of the core values. Buy it here. 

Bonus #11! Middle School: The Worst Years Of My Life by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts

James Patterson, a prolific author primarily known for his mystery novels, joined his creative forces with Chris Tebbetts to deliver one of the funniest modern children’s books. It focuses on the problems many sixth graders are facing and gives them a comical twist, while it also addresses some serious issues such as bullying. Get your copy here. 

What was your favorite book when you were 10?

Feel free to expand the list – when your child reads the books above, we bet they will want to become marathon readers!