Best Books for 10-Year-Olds

Now that your child is 10, they’ve developed their own unique interests, including a preference for the type of books they enjoy. However, these preferences can vary widely amongst middle-grade readers. 

Many kids at this age gravitate toward graphic novels, while others prefer chapter books. Some young readers love going on journeys with beloved characters in a popular series, and a few 10-year-olds may even be ready for their first novel.     

Whatever your child's reading level — and whether they enjoy books full of action and adventure or stories set in a historical period — you’re sure to find the perfect book to help grow your 10-year-old’s reading skills with our top picks.  

Graphic Novels and Comics for Young Readers

Graphic novels tell stories through both words and images — and can help children improve their reading comprehension, visualization, and critical thinking skills. If you’re the parent of a striving reader, then graphic novels are a great way to turn your child into an avid reader.

The Dog Man series from best-selling author Dav Pilkey follows the action-packed and hilarious adventures of the crime-biting protagonist, who’s part dog, part man, and all hero! There’s now 11 books in the series — with number 12 coming in March — and we guarantee that once your 10-year-old discovers the first fun story, they’ll be reading (and laughing!) all the way through the entire collection.    

For young fans of historical fiction, I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 is a graphic novel adaptation of the chapter book of the same name. The story follows the extraordinary adventure of 11-year-old Nathaniel Fox as he’s suddenly propelled into the heart of the Revolutionary War.   

The Baby-Sitters Club series has been adored by middle schoolers since 1986. And now a new generation of readers are following the adventures and friendship of the members of the exclusive club — in graphic novel form. For younger readers, try the Baby-Sitters Little Sister series, a spin-off centering on Kristy Thomas’ seven-year-old stepsister, Karen Brewer.      

Can’t-Miss Chapter Books

Chapter books come in many different styles and include various types of content. For example, some may include illustrations, while others may not. Either way, chapter books introduce children to more complex storytelling that helps develop inferential reading skills, which means comprehending information that is implied and not stated.   

And remember — just because your 10-year-old can read alone, it doesn’t mean they have to. Reading chapter books aloud together is a great way to continue enjoying family story time as your kids grow older.

The I Survived series from best-selling author Lauren Tarshis brings history to life through the eyes of the main child protagonist in each thrilling story. From the battlefields of the American Revolution and the Second World War to natural disasters like the Great Alaska Earthquake, all of these books take readers on an incredible journey through life-and-death situations.   

And then there’s the magical world of Harry Potter, the boy wizard destined to vanquish the evil Lord Voldemort with the help of his friends, Ron and Hermione. This beloved series of fantasy and adventure set in a school of wizardry has been captivating children ever since the first book in the series was released a quarter of a century ago. 

Best-Selling Series

When a child discovers a series they love, it opens up a world of possibilities for them. Not only does it get them hooked on reading, it improves their reading comprehension and expands their vocabulary. Whether your child is a fan of science fiction or loves getting lost in a fantasy series, all of these series will capture their imagination and harness their love of reading.   

The dragon fantasy novels in the Wings of Fire series by best-selling author Tui T. Sutherland are a surefire way to inspire young readers and grow their skills. The epic saga follows the tales of dragon tribes and their battles, prophecies, and friendships. You can dive into the first five books of the series with this Wings of Fire Boxset.   

Middle school fans of nonfiction will love exploring the Who Would Win? book series, which sees creatures go head-to-head in an imaginary battle. This is a great collection for teaching kids important animal facts while growing reading comprehension skills.