If you’re feeling overwhelmed while selecting books for your 10-year-old, you are not alone! It can be challenging to sort through hundreds of titles to find age-appropriate vocabulary and content that appeal to your child’s interests. After teaching elementary students for several years and leading elementary and middle school book clubs, I have put together a list of 25 book recommendations for your 10-year-old reader. Together, we will explore impactful themes, engaging genres, appropriate reading levels, and more.
1. Search for WandLa
The Search for Wondla by Tony DiTerlizzi is the first book in the WondLa book series. It is filled with adventure as the main character, Eva Nine, solves a mystery involving space, robots, and human life. The themes explored in this thrilling story are community and belonging.
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2. Finding Langston
Finding Langston is an award-winning novel that may just become your young reader’s new favorite book. It is an inspiring story about an 11-year-old boy and his journey moving from Alabama to Chicago after experiencing the death of his mother.
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3. Restart
Restart is an interesting book about a young boy named Chase who loses his memory. Readers will follow Chase’s journey to relearn everything, including his name, who he was, and figuring out who he will become.
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4. The First Rule of Punk
The first rule of punk is to always remember to be yourself! I love this story because it teaches children to embrace individuality, express creativity, and always stay true to themselves. This is a must-read for young learners who may not feel they “fit in” with their peers.
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5. Holes
Holes by Louis Sachar, is one of my all-time favorite books for young readers. This book won many awards including a Newbery medal. Stanley Yelnats inherited a family curse and is forced to dig holes at a detention center. Stanley will work to figure out what they are really looking for.
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6. The Amelia Six
The Amelia Six features an eleven-year-old girl named Amelia Ashford, known as “Millie,” to her friends and family. Millie receives the opportunity of a lifetime to spend a night in the childhood home of the one and only Amelia Earhart. What will she find?
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7. Because of Mr. Terupt
Mr. Terupt is a fifth-grade teacher who makes a big difference to a group of seven students. Mr. Terupt’s students form a strong bond and remember the lessons taught by Mr. Terupt.
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8. Booked
Booked is a poetry-style book that is perfect for 10-year-old readers. Poetry is beneficial for students to develop literacy skills, improve memory, and build brain power. This book will interest readers that have a love of soccer.
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9. Wishtree
Wishtree has received recognition in the Washington Post’s Best Books of the Year & New York Times Bestseller. The themes explored in this poignant story include friendship, hope, and kindness.
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10. Rain Reign
Rose Howard is the main character in this story and she loves homonyms! Rose decides to come up with her own list of rules and names her dog Rain. One day, Rain goes missing, and Rose sets off on a search to find him.
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11. Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus
This story is about Aven Green, a spunky young girl who was born without arms. She makes a friend named Connor who has Tourette’s syndrome. They join together to solve a theme park mystery.
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12. The Smartest Kid in the Universe
Jake is a sixth grader who also happens to be the smartest kid in the universe. Check out this book to find out how Jake became so smart and what happens as he navigates being in the spotlight.
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13. When You Trap a Tiger
This book received the 2021 Newbery Honor award and was certainly a well-deserved winner! This is a beautiful story based on Korean folklore. Readers will join Lily on a mission to save her grandmother while meeting a magical tiger along the way.
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14. Ghosts
Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier is an entertaining graphic novel for young readers. Catrina, or “Cat” for short, is moving to the coast of California with her family. Her sister has cystic fibrosis and would benefit from being near the ocean, but they hear their new town may be haunted!
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15. Sunny Side Up
Sunny Side Up is a fantastic addition to book club book lists for third through seventh-grade reading levels. This graphic novel is about a girl named Sunny who takes on a new adventure by traveling to Florida for the summer.
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16. Pie
Do you have an appetite for a good book? Pie by Sarah Weeks will not disappoint! However, this book may prompt new interest in baking the homemade pie! When Alice’s Aunt Polly passes away, she leaves her famous secret pie recipe to her cat! Can Alice find the secret recipe?
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17. Bee Fearless
Bee Fearless is a nonfiction book by Mikaila Ulmer. It is a true story written by the young founder and CEO of Me & The Bees Lemonade company. Mikaila is an inspiration to young entrepreneurs around the world as this book teaches children that they are not too young to make a difference.
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18. Serafina and the Black Cloak
Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty is about a brave young girl named Serafina who secretly lives in the basement of a grand estate. Serafina works with her friend, Braedan, to solve a dangerous mystery.
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19. Amina’s Voice
Amina is a young Pakistani American that faces challenges within her friendships and identity. The themes include embracing diversity, friendships, and community. I recommend this poignant story for students in 4th grade and up.
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20. Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher
Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher by Bruce Coville is about a sixth grader that discovers a magic shop. He brings home a marbled egg but does not realize it will soon hatch a baby dragon! Can you imagine what is in store for Jeremy and his new pet?
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21. Inside Out & Back Again
Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai is a Newbery Honor book. This powerful story is based on true events from the author’s childhood experience as a refugee. I recommend this book to teach children about immigration, bravery, and family.
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22. StarFish
Star Fish is about a girl named Ellie who has been bullied for being overweight. Ellie finds a safe space in her backyard pool where she is free to be herself. Ellie finds a great support system, including a mental health professional, that helps her through her challenges.
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23. The Missing Piece of Charlie O’Reilly
This book is about a boy who suddenly wakes up one day, and it’s as if his younger brother never existed. He sets out on a mission to find answers and save his brother while taking on many challenges. The themes of this story are love, family, loss, and forgiveness.
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24. As Brave As You
Genie and his brother Ernie are leaving the city for the very first time to visit their grandfather in the country. They learn about country living and discover a surprise about their grandfather!
25. Soar
This is a sweet story about a boy named Jeremiah and the love he has for baseball and his community. This book is recommended for young readers who are interested in baseball or affected by adoption. Jeremiah is a good example of staying positive through difficult times.
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