Best Books for 10-Year-Olds: 2025 Picks

This Newbery Medal winner and New York Times bestseller draws inspiration from true events. Meet Ivan, a gorilla who has spent 27 years living in a glass enclosure at a mall. He is used to humans watching him and thinks he is happy.

Everything changes when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her home. Her arrival forces him to rethink his life and his purpose.

Children often don’t realize the reality of captivity, but this moving story gives them a fresh perspective on animal welfare. It is a tear-jerker, but it ends with hope.

Nan, a lonely orphan, works a dangerous and tedious job as a chimney sweep. When she gets stuck in a chimney fire, she fears the worst. Instead, she wakes up unharmed and discovers a golem has joined her.

Bonding as outcasts, Nan and the golem rely on each other for survival. This beautifully written tale explores the deep meaning of loyalty. It sparks the imagination while teaching kids that true friendship can be found in the most unlikely places.

This graphic novel gem is a Newbery Honor Winner that kids absolutely devour.

It follows 12-year-old Astrid, who does everything with her best friend, Nicole. Their dynamic fractures when Astrid signs up for roller derby camp while Nicole chooses dance. Astrid must learn to balance her new passion, a fading friendship, and the struggles of junior high.

This coming-of-age story speaks directly to tweens. It touches on friendship, popularity, and the courage to follow your own path.

Neil Gaiman strikes again with this masterclass in storytelling.

Odd is a young Viking who loses his father in a raid. After getting hurt, Odd escapes into the woods. There, he frees a trapped bear, not realizing he is actually liberating a Norse God.

With powerful new friends, he helps restore balance to his world and Asgard. This imaginative short novel introduces your 10-year-old to classic mythology while exploring themes of loss, survival, and kindness.

This hilarious mystery follows Teddy, a 12-year-old convinced that Henry the Hippo was murdered. The zoo claims Henry died of natural causes, but Teddy isn’t buying it.

Teddy and his friends attempt to crack the case, but the deeper they dig, the more danger they uncover. Ten-year-olds will love trying to solve this fast-paced, funny mystery right alongside Teddy.

Here is a cute story bound to put a smile on your 10-year-old’s face. It is a lighthearted adventure that is easy to read.

Gladys is an aspiring chef, but her parents love junk food and hate cooking. They ban her from the kitchen, but she gets a lucky break when she is mistaken for a food critic.

She gets an invite to write reviews for a major newspaper, but there is one catch: she has to sneak into New York City undercover. It is a recipe for fun that young foodies will love.

Maggie wants a puppy more than anything. She thinks it will finally make her feel at home in her busy family. But when she finally picks a cute fur baby, she has a terrible allergic reaction.

Can Maggie deal with her allergies and still find the perfect pet? Kids love this graphic novel because it wraps a heartwarming story about family and fitting in inside a relatable struggle.

James Patterson delivers another winner that captivates reluctant readers with high-stakes adventure.

The story follows the Kidd siblings, who grew up traveling the world with their adventurer parents. When their parents vanish on the job, the kids plunge into a hunt for the most valuable treasure yet: their mom and dad.

The siblings must fight pirates and outsmart rivals to survive. It is packed with action, humor, and enough illustrations to keep the pages turning fast.

Ten-year-olds will broaden their worldview with this touching story about disability and family dynamics.

Twelve-year-old Catherine feels like she can’t have a normal life because her family revolves around her autistic brother’s needs. She tries to teach him “rules” for behavior, but it rarely works.

When she makes two new friends, she learns she might be the one who is stuck in her ways. Her idea of “normal” gets challenged, helping her see her brother in a new light.

Bod would be a normal boy if he didn’t live in a graveyard. Raised by ghosts and protected by a supernatural guardian, he has plenty of adventures among the tombstones, but he can never leave.

If he steps outside the gates, he faces Jack, the man who killed Bod’s family and wants to finish the job. It is a feast for the imagination that teaches kids about courage, memory, and the definition of family.

After an administrative mix-up, troublemaker Donovan Curtis gets enrolled in a special school for gifted students. He tries to trick everyone into thinking he belongs, but he is definitely not an academic genius.

However, Donovan proves he might be exactly what the school needs. Through robot fights and school dances, he finds his own way to shine.

Be aware that this book relies on some stereotypes about “gifted kids” and “jocks,” but it serves as a great conversation starter about labels and expectations.

This Newbery Medal winner has been a staple in libraries for decades. It is a sci-fi fantasy adventure that still charms modern readers.

Meg and Charles must travel through time and space to find their father, a scientist who disappeared during a secret experiment. With the help of three mysterious celestial beings, they set out to save their dad from a darkness threatening the universe.

Sophie isn’t keen on moving to a farm. She feels totally out of place until she discovers the chickens have telekinetic powers. When a local farmer tries to steal her flock, Sophie has to protect them and keep their powers hidden.

The story unfolds through letters, to-do lists, and sketches. It is a perfect example of how heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Ten-year-olds will love the ridiculous concept and root for Sophie and her super-powered poultry.

Katherine Applegate writes beautiful stories, and this one is no exception. It tackles poverty and family struggles in a way that is accessible and gentle for 10-year-olds.

Jackson’s family falls on hard times again, and he is dreading the struggle. To cope, Jackson creates Crenshaw, a giant, imaginary cat. But can an imaginary friend help his family when the real world gets too tough?

This story of sibling rivalry is told through texts, screenshots, and photos, making it feel modern and fun. Twelve-year-old twins, Claudia and Reese, are total opposites, but they share a determination to win their escalating prank war.

When the battle goes too far, the two must reconsider why they are fighting. They have to decide if winning is worth destroying their relationship. It is the first in a series, so there is plenty more content if your child gets hooked.

Written by actor Jason Segel, this book is an inspiring story about conquering fear. It manages to be spooky and funny at the same time.

Charlie has problems. His dad married a woman Charlie is convinced is a witch, and he has to live in her creepy purple mansion. Worse, his nightmares have started entering the real world.

Charlie must face his fears to stop the nightmares from taking over. It has a powerful message about courage that 10-year-olds really respond to.

This full-color graphic novel adaptation of the Baby-Sitter’s Club breathes new life into the classic series. Adapted by Raina Telgemeier, it is a New York Times bestseller for a reason.

Follow four friends as they launch a babysitting business and face grumpy toddlers, scary neighbors, and prank calls. They also navigate family drama and school stress, proving they always have each other’s backs.

If your 10-year-old loves fairy tales, they will adore this modern retelling of the classic “Snow White and Rose Red.”

Snow and Rose don’t know they are in a fairy tale. After their father disappears, they must venture into the enchanted woods to break a series of curses.

The artwork is striking, and the characters feel relatable despite the magical setting. It captures the imagination while focusing on the bond between sisters.

Dive into this exciting tale of a girl and her dragon.

Grisha is a dragon living in a world where humans have forgotten how to see him. But Maggie is different. She can see him, and magic bonds them together to solve a dark mystery troubling their town.

They team up to figure out what happened to the rest of the dragons. It is rich, funny, and heartwarming. Ten-year-olds will love the mystery and the unique friendship.

This Newbery Medal winner remains a classroom staple. It follows 10-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen in Denmark during World War II. When the Nazis attempt to relocate the Jewish population, Annemarie’s family takes Ellen in and risks everything to save her.

This inspiring story shows that ordinary people can make immense changes when they stand up for what they believe in. It is a fantastic introduction to WWII history that focuses on bravery rather than graphic violence.

Dig into this mystery about a boy sent to a detention center for a crime he didn’t commit. His daily task? Digging holes exactly five feet wide and five feet deep.

Stanley Yelnats suspects the warden isn’t just building character; she is looking for something. Stanley has to figure out the truth about the dried-up lake and his family’s curse without getting into deeper trouble. It is a masterpiece of puzzle-piece storytelling.

I wish I had read this as a child, but even discovering it later was magical. Your child will fall in love with the bond between the four March sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy.

Between them, there are arguments, attic plays, illness, heartbreak, and plenty of laughter. It is a cozy, substantial read that teaches incredible lessons about growing up, sacrifice, and finding your own path.

At this age, your child can start appreciating lyrical prose and deeper emotional themes. This book delivers both excellent writing and a story that sticks with you forever.

It follows two friends, Jess and Leslie, who invent an imagined kingdom called Terabithia in the woods. But when tragedy strikes, Jess must learn to cope with grief. It is a sad one, so have tissues ready, but it is an essential read about loss and friendship.

The Tuck family is immortal after drinking from a magical spring. When Winnie discovers their secret, they must convince her not to drink from it and expose them to the world.

This classic story opens up deep conversations: If you could live forever, would you? What are the consequences? I found this incredibly interesting as a kid, and the philosophical questions still hold up today.

Pippi is famous for her superhuman strength and hilarious antics. Eccentric and mighty, she lives a life free of rules. With no parents to tell her what to do and a pet monkey by her side, she goes on one wild adventure after another.

It is perfect for children who want a humorous fantasy story about a free-spirited girl who refuses to conform.

The I Survived series is great because you can read the books in any order. This installment follows Lucas and his first-hand experience with the events of September 11, 2001.

On the day of the attacks, Lucas is at his uncle’s firehouse and witnesses the world change forever. These books are gripping, action-packed, and a fantastic way to introduce your child to difficult historical events safely.

Shel Silverstein is a legend, and this book is a must-have for any bookshelf. His poetry is humorous and engaging, making it perfect even for kids who think they hate poetry.

Inside this collection, you will meet bizarre characters like Long-Leg Lou, Short-Leg Sue, and a man with too many tattoos. It is weird, wonderful, and timeless.

If your child likes Shel Silverstein, they need this book next. It is full of hilarious, witty poems accompanied by fantastic illustrations.

You will find rhymes about Toby-filled islands and the difference between grown-ups and children. It is clever, packed with wordplay, and an excellent tool for cultivating your child’s appreciation for language.

Written partially in prose and partially in poetry, this novel follows Calliope June, a girl with Tourette syndrome. When she moves to a new school, she tries to hide her tics, but her classmates soon notice her differences.

She meets a neighbor who sees her for who she really is, but is he brave enough to be her friend in public? This novel is perfect for kids who appreciate stories about being true to themselves.

Children need to laugh, and this collection will make them giggle. These easy-to-read poems come with illustrations that help the reader understand the jokes. Once they get into it, they will be sharing these delightful poems with you; and you’ll be chuckling, too!

Hopping off the poetry train, I recommend this hilarious novel about an unusual school. Accidentally built vertically, Wayside School is 30 stories high with one classroom per floor.

The novel focuses on the bizarre events on the 30th floor. Each chapter is dedicated to a different student or teacher, sharing the absurd and magical things that happen in their daily lives.

As if Amanda wasn’t dreading her 11th birthday enough, she now has to relive it. Again. And again.

Can Amanda break this time loop and figure out why her birthday keeps repeating? It is a “Groundhog Day” style novel about time, forgiveness, and friendship. If your child likes magical realism, they will devour this one.

A good teacher makes all the difference. When seven varied kids land in Mr. Terupt’s class, only he can bring them together. He isn’t a typical teacher; he encourages each child’s unique abilities.

But when Mr. Terupt is involved in a horrible accident, can his students remember the lessons he taught them? It is a touching school story told from multiple perspectives.

Fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson will love this series about a magic school in the sky.

When a criminal escapes prison, 11-year-old Ella becomes a suspect, and her teacher mysteriously disappears. Ella must use her unique magic powers and her friends’ help to clear her name. It is a diverse, fast-paced fantasy adventure.

Seven is anticipating the Black Moon Ceremony where she will be placed in a coven. But at the ceremony, she is devastated to discover she is a “Spare”, an outcast with fewer powers.

There is one solution: if she can work with the other Spares to complete an impossible task, they will gain full powers. If they fail, they turn into toads forever. It is an empowering story about friendship and proving people wrong.

If you want a book with a strong message about self-love, this is the one.

This graphic novel follows Marlene, whose mother drags her to the salon every weekend to straighten her hair. Marlene goes on a journey to uncover why her curls aren’t considered beautiful by her family. It is a wonderful message about accepting yourself, frizz and all.

Ghost wants to be the fastest sprinter on his school’s track team. He has natural talent and the potential to be the best in the city. But he also has a lot of anger and a troubled past.

Will his history catch up to him and ruin his chances? This tender novel is fast-paced enough for readers to feel like they are sprinting right alongside Ghost.

This gripping novel is split between the past and the present. It follows Brandon on the day of the 9/11 attacks in New York, and Reshmina 18 years later in Afghanistan.

The stories weave together to touch on war, family, and trauma. It is an emotional, heavy read, so you might want to read it first, but it is incredibly powerful. Grab a box of tissues before you dive in.

Calling all paranormal fans! Lockwood & Co. is an agency of kids working to battle a ghost epidemic in London. To save their business, they have to spend the night in the country’s most haunted house.

Warning: this is genuinely spooky. But it is also a well-written page-turner about friendship, ghosts, and swords.

This inspiring true story tells the tale of four Black female mathematicians who helped launch the first astronauts into space. Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Christine Darden, and Katherine Johnson fought for gender equality and recognition within NASA.

Adapted specifically for young minds, this non-fiction book is fantastic for readers who want to learn about real-life heroes.

Ellie has been bullied about her weight for years. She lives by strict rules to avoid attention until she discovers her safe place: the swimming pool.

With the support of her dad, a therapist, and a neighbor, Ellie embarks on a journey of self-worth. She learns to own her space in the world. Praised for its honesty, this novel-in-verse is poignant, though it does deal with emotional abuse and bullying.

Marjorie feels invisible, but Wendell is literally a ghost. When they meet, Wendell uses Marjorie’s family laundromat as a nighttime playground, causing chaos in Marjorie’s life.

This graphic novel tells a sweet story about a girl trying to keep it together and a ghost trying to enjoy the afterlife. It is fast-paced and features stunning pastel illustrations.

Told from the perspective of the book itself, this genre-defying story is excellent for quirky 10-year-olds. It is hard being a book, especially when everyone judges you by your cover.

A funny, interactive journey begins when a curious reader picks the book up. If you have an avid reader, they will delight in the fourth-wall-breaking humor.

The sequel to The One and Only Ivan, this book takes readers on a risky adventure as Bob the dog searches for his long-lost sister. With Ivan the gorilla and Ruby the elephant helping out, Bob faces a hurricane to reach his goal.

If your child loved the first book, they will enjoy this heartwarming follow-up about friendship, hope, and bravery.

Whether your child has started junior high or is about to, this book makes for a great companion. In graphic novel form, it follows identical twins Tegan and Sara as they try to find their place in a new school.

Loosely based on the musicians’ real lives, it touches on growing up, identity, and exploring queerness. The illustrations are fun, and the story feels authentically messy and real.

This is a positive, inclusive book that teaches children about bodies, gender, and feelings. It uses bright illustrations to explain boundaries, respect, and the changes associated with puberty.

It is an award-winning resource, but parents should preview it first to ensure it aligns with their family’s conversations about these topics.

Jacqueline Woodson shares her life story in this gorgeous memoir told in verse. She explains what it was like growing up Black in America during the 1960s and 70s.

The poems are accessible and emotional. It portrays her challenges with reading as a child and how she found her voice to become a celebrated author.

If your child wants to know more about the Civil Rights Movement, this picture book makes it accessible. It documents the story of Mamie Till-Mobley and her son, Emmett Till.

Mamie ensured her son’s tragedy became a catalyst for change. This illustrated book is poignant, handling a heavy subject with grace and dignity suitable for older children.

A retelling of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, this novel-in-verse is a lyrical book about first love, navigating middle school, and mental health.

It is breathtakingly beautiful and important for young queer girls looking for representation on the shelf.