50 Popular Books 10 Year Olds Will Choose for Themselves

Whether you already have a bookworm, or are trying to encourage your child to do more reading, these books for 10 year olds are guaranteed to have them reaching for the bookshelf instead of the tablet. They won’t be able to put them down until they’ve read the last page, they’re THAT good.

books for 10 year olds

Elementals: Ice Wolves

If you fancy a bit of fantasy then Elementals: Ice Wolves is the book for you. Twins, Anders and Rayna, have taken different paths in life, and opposite Elemental forms – Anders an Ice Dragon and his sister, a Scorch Dragon – everyone knows they’re sworn enemies but deep down he knows she’s nothing like them.

$10.50

The Seventh Wish

It starts when Charlie goes fishing in the frozen lake, hoping to make some cash for a much-wanted dress for her upcoming Irish dancing competition. This simple fishing trip turns her world as she knows it upside down when she catches a wish-granting, talking fish and realizes wishes aren’t a quick and easy fix.

$7.99

Unicorn on a Roll (Phoebe and Her Unicorn Series Book 2): Another Phoebe and Her Unicorn Adventure

Join Phoebe and Marigold in their second installment together: Unicorn on a Roll. Since being granted her wish (to have Marigold become her friend) life hasn’t changed that much; she’s still attending school, which means there are still clashes with her ‘frenemy’ Dakota, although now there’s a funny unicorn to listen to her crazy ideas.

$8.69

The Secret of the Fortune Wookie: An Origame Yoda Book

If you’re a fan of Star Wars, you need to give this hilarious book a read: The Secret of the Fortune Wookie (an Origami Yoda Book). Not long ago, in a school not far away, Sara arrives with Fortune Wookie: an advice giving, Chewbacca-shaped, Cootie Catcher, but Tommy thinks there’s something not quite right.

$1.95

Rules (Scholastic Gold)

Catherine is just a girl who longs for a normal life like everyone else, but with an autistic brother and a family who seem to just dote on him, she feels like that’s almost impossible. When her own actions shock her after meeting a friend she’s always wanted, she’s left asking “what is normal?”.

$7.99

All Four Stars

It’s no easy life for Gladys, whose secret passion has always been baking, but after a creme brulee accident and a ‘little’ fire, she’s no longer allowed her allowance, or to be in the kitchen. After receiving an accidental job offer, she quickly takes it up, but soon realizes juggling everything is quite the challenge.

$8.99

The Player King

Any lover of English history will instantly be hooked by this amazing, attention-seizing book: The Player King, written by the award-winning author, Avi. Based upon the true story of Lambert, who is really Prince Edward (the true heir to the English throne), and his role to overthrow King Henry VII, this book will captivate and enthral.

$12.89

Key Hunters: The Mysterious Moonstone

You will definitely become ‘locked’ inside Key Hunters, The Mysterious Moonstone. Cleo and Evan become sleuths to help a new detective interview a whole mansion full of possible suspects, but they have to put their skills to the test and catch the crook and key, or they could be stuck in this mystery for eternity.

$4.69

Good Dog

Dogs are loyal companions, we all know that, and even though Brodie has passed those pearly gates, he can’t seem to forget the owner he loved so very much, and who loved him back – ‘the boy’. Boy is in trouble, so Brodie breaks the rules of Heaven and goes back to save him, as a spirit.

$14.16

The War That Saved My Life

Ada has lived with her mother and brother in a 1 bedroom apartment her whole life, being stuck inside as her mother is too embarrassed by her twisted foot to let her out. But when her brother, Jamie, is evacuated because of war, she takes her chance, escapes, and bonds with her lovely new carer.

$9.99

The Lightning Thief

Kids are sure to enjoy this exhilarating book for 10 year olds. Percy Jackson has a LOT going on; not only is he being kicked out of boarding school AGAIN, but it seems the people in his Greek Mythology study book are literally coming to life, and he’s the prime suspect for Zeus’ missing lightning bolt.

$5.97

The Hobbit

Celebrate the 75th anniversary of The Hobbit with this special edition release of the popular book. Of course, we all know the main story, but to refresh your memory: one day Gandalf the wizard and a few dwarves arrive on the unsuspecting Bilbo Baggins doorstep, to take him on a quest to raid Smaug’s treasure.

$11.91

Framed!

This is Framed! A brilliant book all about Florian Bates, a kid who’s managed to work his way onto the director of the FBI’s contacts. THEY need HIS help, and are always texting him for a helping hand, but he still needs to study for his grades, so what does he do? Both, of course.

$7.17

The Same Stuff as Stars

Angel Morgan has a hard life; she and her siblings have been abandoned by their mother, and their daddy’s in jail – now, they’re dumped upon their old and useless grandmother who couldn’t care less. It’s left to poor Angel to look after them all…but there is a light in the darkness.

$7.99

Ella Enchanted

Girls will love Ella Enchanted, a mysterious, honor-winning book by Trophy Newbury. At her birth, Ella was given the most stupid of gifts from a fairy: obedience. Since being born, she’s had to obey any order that was thrown her way, no matter how odd it might be – but she refuses to accept her fate.

$7.99

Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer

Kids won’t be able to put down this ‘eggciting’ read, all about a normal 12 year old girl named Sophie Brown and her new life on the farm, not to mention her mind-boggling, crazy chicken – a chicken that can move small and large objects, or even hen houses, with just her tiny brain.

$7.79

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

If you’ve lived in a house your entire life, then you’ll understand why The Vanderbeekers don’t want to surrender their beloved home, when their landlord decides he doesn’t want to renew their lease. They’re left with just 11 days to try with all their might to change his mind.

$15.79

The First Rule of Punk

Starting at a new school is hard, especially if you dress like a punk, just like Malu does. On just her first day, she violates school dress code and disappoints her college professor mom, but with wise words from her dad “remember the first rule of punk: be yourself”, she learns to do just that.

$10.99

Treasure Hunters: Danger Down the Nile

Beck and his brothers and sisters are off on another globe-trotting adventure, this time they have to save their mom from dangerous pirates and find the treasure. The gang find themselves traveling down the River Nile, though this is no leisurely sailing as they come across many challenging obstacles and even a few hungry hippos.

$14.99

Crenshaw

With this book, kids learn just how much good friends mean when it comes to tough times, whether they’re real or imaginary. Jackson and his family are lacking in money – again – which means they all face bundling in and living in the caravan, including the dog. Could Crenshaw the cat really save the day?

$4.76

Awkward

Awkward is all about Penelope’s perplexing time at school, while also trying to follow 2 main rules: 1 – don’t get noticed by mean kids, 2 – seek out groups with similar interests and join them. When Peppi starts to like a boy who’s in a rival group, she realizes the rules are made to be broken.

$9.34

Refugee

This book for 10 year olds will have any reader completely engrossed. It’s all about 3 refugees; Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud (and their families) who, even though they’re all from separate decades, face similar perilous journeys involving unimaginable dangers and challenges, which at the end, ties them all together.

$9.74

Mockingbird

Mockingbird is all about Caitlin, a young girl who has Asperger’s, meaning to her the world is all very black and white and she struggles to see it any other way. The only help she got was from her brother Devon, but when he gets killed in a school shooting, her troubles really begin.

$7.99

In a Glass Grimmly

Following on from A Tale Dark & Grimm, is award-winning In a Glass Grimmly, another of Adam Gidwitz’ books following the crazy lives of brothers: Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen, and others. This time, they enter a whole new world of terrifyingly scary, and possibly even bloody, landscapes.

$7.99

Belly Up

Theodore is a normal boy; at least he was until he finds out that Henry the Hippo has died, and he doesn’t believe the zoo’s story, saying he went belly up from natural causes.Teddy believes he was murdered. so he teams up with his pal Summer to become detectives and find out who did the deed.

$6.99

Wonder

With 6 million people having read it, we don’t even have to try and encourage you to pick up this thought-provoking, gripping read: Wonder, about August. Born with a facial difference, August’s only wish is to be seen as normal, but after starting school, he soon realizes he was made to stand out.

$9.67

Everyday Angel #1: New Beginnings

You wouldn’t realize that Aria wasn’t your typical, middle-grade student, though she does appear that way. She so happens to be a guardian angel, a girl who can dream things into existence, use her shadow as a doorway, and even change the world. To earn her wings, though, she has to help 3 people first.

$5.22

Hero: Rescue Mission

It’s not unheard of for Ben and his dog, Hero to save the day – though they’ve never had to work on a case like this before. Convicts from prison have escaped and up until now, Ben’s dad has been working on it, but when he goes missing, so does the case and they’re left to solve it.

$7.99

Matilda

One of Roald Dahl’s most famous books, (which was also made into a fantastic movie) is Matilda, and the story of her difficult life. Not only does she have useless, uninterested parents, but she also has horrible teachers who are out to get her, except for one lovely teacher who may be her saving grace.

$6.68

A Wrinkle in Time

On a stormy night, Meg, her mother, and her brother, all made their way to the kitchen for a midnight snack when they were shocked to find an uninvited, and kind of disturbing guest sitting there – a guest who happens to reveal some information they never knew existed and may help find their missing father.

$6.99

The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan is a book to give the world a new view on a captive gorilla, as it’s told as if he wrote it. He lived his life in a glass enclosure, inside of a shopping mall, but when he meets an elephant snatched from the wild, he begins to see everything differently.

$6.96

Hero

For those who love dogs, this is the perfect book for 10 year olds. ‘Hero’ is about a retired search-and-rescue dog, who, until now, has always been the apple of Ben’s eye. When a new puppy, Scout, comes on the scene, Hero knows it’s up to him to find the new pup when he disappears.

$7.99

The Baby-Sitters Club Box Set

Spoil them with The Baby-Sitters Club (TBC) Box Set, which contains 4 full color books, all about the gang: Stacey, Kristy, Mary-Anne and the others; a group of girls who spend their free time babysitting kids while also confronting oddities, from cranky toddlers and massive dogs, to scary prank calling thieves.

$23.46

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Here we have book 2 from the well-known and loved The Chronicles of Narnia – The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. This is also a gorgeous paperback edition, which features amazing art from medal-winning David Wiesner, that’s sure to stand out, and look impressive, on any child’s bookshelf.

$1.24

Holes

From Louis Sachar, Holes is an amazing book (and now, movie), all about Stanley Yelnats and a group of other young boys, who are sent to a dusty old detention center way out in Camp Green Lake, to dig huge holes, day in, and day out; but why are these big holes needed?

$4.67

The Graveyard Book

Winning both the Newbery and the Carnegie Medal is The Graveyard Book, a gripping read that’s sold over 1 million copies. Telling the story of Bod, who so happens to be the only living resident of a graveyard, who from infancy has been raised by wolves, ghosts and other spooky cemetery spirits.

$8.99

Number the Stars

When German troops begin to ‘relocate’ the Jewish population of Denmark, 10 year old Annemarie Johansen’s family decides to take in her friend, Ellen Rosen, and pass her off as her own. An incredible tale of bravery and compassion, seen through the eyes of a child, as a nation smuggles almost 7000 Jews out of Denmark.

$7.99

Beetle Boy

This book is bound to change any reader’s perception of creepy crawlies, beetles in particular, as they find out all about how one huge beetle and Darkus Cuttle become best friends, and embark on one odd and hilarious journey to uncover the disappearance of his missing dad.

$6.99

Amal Unbound

Amal is just your usual girl from her Pakistani village, trying to pursue her goal of one day becoming a teacher. That was until one day, everything turned upside down when the landlord of the village demands that she become one of his servants to pay off her family’s debts, resulting in a life of servitude.

$9.99

Lost in the Pacific, 1942: Not a Drop to Drink

In the middle of World War II, a crew, along with America’s greatest living war hero, are on a secret mission, but their plane has become lost, and fuel is running out FAST. The only option is to drop to the ocean and become stranded without supplies – can they make it out alive?

$13.49

Bridge to Terabithia

Jess and Leslie quickly become friends when they bond over their love for running. After school, they spend all their free time in Terabithia – an enchanted land they invented themselves in the woods. One day, Leslie decides to go there by herself, but when tragedy strikes, will Jess be able to deal with it?

$6.99

The New Captain Underpants Collection

The Captain Underpants Series are great books for 10 year olds as they are insanely funny, creating rip-roaring laughter with every page. Why not treat them to the new collection of 5 awesome books about the crazy underpants-wearing hero’s wacky adventures, fighting the evil Professor Poopypants. Dr. Diaper, and even take on the talking toilets?

$19.98

Tangerine

From Edward Bloor comes Tangerine, the tale of Paul Fisher and his new life in the rather odd and fishy town of Tangerine County, Florida. He quickly discovers there are some very unusual goings-on, like the WHOLE school being swallowed by a sinkhole, lightning striking at the same place every day, and even more.

$8.99

Harry Potter Complete Book Series Boxed Set

Do you know an avid Harry Potter enthusiast? Why not surprise him/her with the amazing limited edition complete box set; nothing could ever put such a magical smile on their faces as this collection. The box set looks absolutely stunning, as it’s covered in Kazu Kibuishi’s incredibly intricate artwork, making it a must-have for collectors.

$70.00

Smile

Smile’ is Raina Telgemeier’s graphic memoir based upon her very own rather embarrassing childhood. It all starts fairly normally until she trips and lands on her face, injuring her two front teeth, which results in a long and severely frustrating path of braces, weird headgear, false teeth and other awkward (boy related) life issues.

$9.00

The Magic Misfits

Here we have a mysterious New York Times Bestseller – The Magic Misfits, by award-winning actor, Neil Patrick Harris. Not only is this a brilliant book all about a group of magicians becoming best friends and working together to save the town from bandits, but there’s also fun secret codes for you to work out.

$8.69

The Door by the Staircase

Mary despises the orphanage, hence her trying to escape through the stove pipe, which doesn’t end too well. Soon after, the mysterious Madam Z comes to adopt her, and Mary can’t believe her luck when she’s treated like royalty. After exploring her new town with friend Jacob, she discovers all isn’t as it seems.

$7.99

Peter and the Starcatchers

For fans of Peter Pan, Peter and the Starcatchers is a book that’ll pull all readers in like teeth to toffee! Readers are slowly fed information and mysterious secrets about the famous Peter Pan himself, in a story of treacherous thunderstorms at sea, insane scary battles with fearless pirates, and much more.

$9.19

The Worst Class Trip Ever

Written in Wyatt Palmer’s voice, The Worst Class Trip Ever tells the story of a rather unusual school trip, which starts with a group of odd-looking men who they first encounter on the plane, their patience-less teachers, and maybe even saving the president from a possible attack; who knows what could happen next?

$12.12

10 Epic Diy Bookmarks for 10 Year Olds

Diy Pokemon Corner Bookmark

On Red Ted Art is an easy step-by-step guide to make these 9 DIY super adorable Pokemon Bookmark Corners. With the current popular obsession with Pokemon GO, these bookmarks will certainly ‘GO’ down a treat with the kids, and they can even get involved with the making – yay.

Diy Magnetic Washi Tape Bookmarks

If you’re looking for a quick and simple make to occupy and entertain the kids for a few minutes, then these Magnetic Washi Tape Bookmarks are just what you’re after (though if you have some funky scrapbook paper you like, you can use that instead).

Diy Bow Bookmark

From Sugarbeecrafts are these uber-adorable Bow Bookmarks. Not only are they a great way of sprucing up books for 10 year olds (and making reading more fun) but they’re also pretty cool to make, so kids will love getting involved and crafty with this rather ‘bowtiful’ DIY.

Diy Tassel Bookmarks

Want a way to fancy up your bookcase, or just want to make your reading choice look snazzy? Then try out these DIY Tassel Bookmarks. You can create them in any color you like, so you could coordinate them to match your school bag, or if you’re the stylish type, then maybe even your outfit!

Diy Free Printable Coloring Page Bookmarks

With these Free Printable Coloring Page Bookmarks, other than a printer, some paper and a few coloring pens, you don’t need any other supplies, so these make a great, cheap and ultra easy activity to set up for the kids – and they’ll really enjoy customizing their very own collection of bookmarks, too.

Diy Journal Pen Holder

When using them for study, you don’t want to have to carry a bunch of heavy books, supplies, lunch and everything else around, so why not lighten the load a little with these Journal Pen Holders? Not only do they save you the effort of carrying a pencil case, but they look cute, too.

Diy Origami Monster Corner Bookmarks

If you don’t fancy any of those pre-made designs, why not think up and create your very own; by following this tutorial you can find out how to make the base for adorable origami corner bookmarks, so whether you just want a snazzy pattern, a creepy monster or maybe even a shark, you can DIY it.

Diy Bookmarks for Girls

On Krokotak you’ll find these simply darling bookmarks for girls. Simply print them out onto your preferred color of cardstock, cut them out and let the kids color them in however they like. Jazz them up with some sequins, stickers, or even glitter and voila – adorable, customized bookmarks that they’re bound to love.

Diy Basic Sewing Ribbon Bookmark

Why not teach the kids some fun and basic sewing skills with this uncomplicated, but fun, Ribbon Bookmark tutorial? All you need is a measured length of ribbon (to fit your favorite book), needle and thread, a matching color hair elastic, and a pretty button for it to loop over.

Diy Papercut Animal Bookmarks

No kid, especially an animal lover, could resist these super precious DIY Papercut Animal Bookmarks. There are 3 lovely animals to choose from: a bear, kitty cat, or bunny, or, if you have multiple books going at any one time, why not make all 3? Simply print and cut them out and they’re ready to use.