Choosing books for a ten-year-old is quite fun because they are at a mature reading level and understand many complex topics. They are typically wise enough to select their interests with a little bit of guidance and read entirely independently.
A ten-year-old girl will enjoy reading elaborate yet straightforward chapter books. They make their own interpretations from fairytales, mystery adventures, a little tween drama, and fun humor. Inspirational and development books for real-life guidance are additionally beneficial.
Below is a list of numerous exciting, thrilling, and heartwarming books that any ten-year-old young lady will want to delve into reading. There is an option for every interest, from stand-alone books to series, sensitive to humor, mysteries to fairytales, escapism to realism.
Related: Books for 5-Year-Old Girls | Books for 6 Years Old Girls | Books for 7 Year Old Girls | Books For 9 Year Old Girls | Books For 5-Year-Old Boys | Books for 6-Year-Old Boys | Books for 8-Year-Old Boys | Books For 10-Year-Old Boys
The House with Chicken Legs
- Author: Sophie Anderson
- Published: 2018
- Genre: Fantasy Fiction, Coming-of-Age
The book is a lovely read showing how sometimes when you want something so badly, it turns out to be not what you need because what you have is already something special.
The story is about Marinka, a twelve-year-old girl whose grandmother is a Yaga, and she is training to be the next Yaga. However, she badly wants a real friend and a stable life, unlike the nomad one she currently lives in her chicken-legged house.
She gets an opportunity to make a real friend and breaks all the rules, but there are consequences. Her grandma disappears, and Marinka has to find her, even if it means undertaking a dangerous journey to the afterlife.
The Tail of Emily Windsnap
- Author: Lizz Kessler
- Published: 2003
- Genre: Fantasy Fiction, Suspense
The Tail of Emily Windsnap is an enchanting fantasy. It surrounds loyal friendship, family secrets, and the convention-defying power of love. It is full of imagination with a light read.
The story is of a twelve-year-old girl, Emily, an adventurous yet shy girl who lives on a houseboat with her mother near the ocean. She has a hard time at school, and her first swimming lesson reveals her secret of being half-human, half mermaid.
Emily goes on a mission to find out her truth, who she is, where she truly comes from, all about her father she never knew, and speaking to her mother about their troubled family past. Emily wants to bring her family back together again, but she will face many challenges.
Asking About Sex & Growing Up
- Author: Joanna Cole
- Published: 1988
- Genre: Non-Fiction, Developmental, Biology, Coming-of-Age
The media is filled with information about sex, pregnancies, sexual organs, and everything surrounding it. It is incredibly easy for children to get misinformed about these topics through media and friends, and therefore essential to teach them honestly and appropriately beforehand.
This is a beautiful question-answer book with all the answers to children’s questions about sex. It is written primarily for preteens, and the format allows for precise information on various subjects related to sex and puberty.
The book is non-judgmental, approachable for kids, and makes it easier for caregivers and teachers to have appropriate, informed, healthy discussions on the topics.
A Long Walk to Water
- Author: Linda Sue Park
- Published: 2010
- Genre: Historical Fiction
A Long Walk to Water combines two mesmerizing stories told alternately – one from 1985 and the other unfolding in 2008. The story has a hopeful message – that even in a troubled, underprivileged country, being determined can make you a survivor and lead to the future of hope.
The story is about Nya, who walks eight hours every day to the pond to fetch water for her family, and Salva, who walks away from his war-torn village. He is a lost boy and refugee but is destined to cover Africa on foot, searching for his family and safety.
Nya and Salva are young eleven-year-olds in Sudan whose stories collide astonishingly and beautifully. The book is moving and has a triumphant climax which will stun young readers
Chronicles of Narnia
- Author: C. S. Lewis
- Published: 1950 – 1956
- Genre: Fantasy Fiction, Literature
The timeless classic of The Chronicles of Narnia has captivated readers for years. It has even been adapted into movies that have become fan favorites over the years.
The stories are based on four kids who are sent to a country house for safety during World War 2. One of the siblings finds a wardrobe that transports her into a magical world – Narnia. She comes back and then returns with her siblings.
The books take you on the adventures, experiences, and challenges the children face in Narnia, where there are fantastical talking creatures, battles between good and evil, and magical doorways into new lands.
President of the Whole Fifth Grade
- Author: Sherri Winston
- Published: 2010
- Genre: Fiction
The book is a heartfelt, hilarious novel that any preteen will resonate with in terms of the on and off friendship dynamics, competitiveness, and other drama that comes with being in middle school.
The book follows Brianna Justice, who is determined to become president of the fifth grade after discovering that her celebrity hero went through the same. She feels that becoming president will be the first step to her success and empire one day.
A new student, Jasmine, decides to also run for president, and Brianna feels threatened, realizing she has more competition than she thought. She has to decide if she will stick to her plans to work with her friends to win fairly or steal votes from the election.
The Enchanted Forest Chronicles
- Author: Patricia C. Wrede
- Published: 1985 – 1993
- Genre: Fantasy Fiction
The Enchanted Forest Chronicles is a beautiful, hilarious, and adventurous story about Cimorene, who finds that being a princess is boring. She refuses to be proper and avoid marrying; she runs away to work for a draconian – a dragon king, who happens to be female.
The characters in the stories always do the genuine thing, even if it is not deemed proper in society. The book covers feminism beautifully, without being anti-male. There is no foul language or gratuitous violence.
There are four books in the series, each one’s story getting better than the next. There is action, laughs, excitement, and the books are undoubtedly page-turners.
Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise
- Author: Dan Gameinhart
- Published: 2019
- Genre: Domestic, Road Fiction
This is a remarkable book full of girl power. Coyote’s bold and engaging voice brings moments of lyrical writing and folksy wisdom to the reader.
The story follows a young girl, Coyote, who has not been to her old home in five years. She has been living with her dad on the road, in an old school bus, moving around the nation. She lost her mom and two sisters in a car crash five years ago.
She finds out that the park in her old neighborhood, where she, her sisters, and mom buried a treasured memory box, so she unknowingly gets her dad to drive 3600 miles to Washington State in four days. Along the way, they pick up misfit travelers who become friends.
I’m a Girl, Special Me (2nd Edition)
- Author: Dr. Shelly Metten
- Published: 2019
- Genre: Realistic Fiction, Anatomy, Development
The Special Me book for girls is full of information about the body, anatomy, puberty, sexual organs, and pregnancy. It provides an understanding of where babies come from. The book is written by a Dr. and anatomist – this gives peace of mind knowing the information is correct and appropriate.
It is never too early to explain to kids how the body works and appropriately give them honest, healthy information. The media and friends can put out misinformation, leading to self-made conclusions, more curiosity, and unhealthy behavior in children.
The tween phase is vital, and girls are around the age of puberty. They need to understand what is going on in their bodies. When they have the correct information, they will better understand how to take care of their bodies.
Hilarious Jokes For 10 Year Old Kids
- Author: Hayden Fox
- Published: 2020
- Genre: Humor, Riddles, Literature
A little humor is all anyone needs from time to time. A ten-year-old should regularly enjoy unsophisticated fun and entertaining jokes to break away from the stressful, instruction-based educational daily experiences they feel from school.
It offers them a place to be and feel completely free and have tummy aching laughter with friends and family. It has jokes they can carry for years ahead.
The riddles are clean, engaging, and family-friendly with fresh, new, and silly jokes to give children unlimited entertainment.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
- Author: J.K. Rowling
- Published: 1997
- Genre: Literature, High Fantasy Fiction
From the timeless classic of the Harry Potter series, the Philosopher’s Stone has been a fan favorite through its books, movies, video games, and all that has come with it.
This is the first novel of the series where Harry discovers that he is a wizard and gets invited to Hogwarts, the school of magic. Harry makes great friends along the way but finds trouble and challenges awaiting him on his journey to wizardry.
Harry and his two mates, Ron and Hermione, conclude that a treasure called the Philosopher’s Stone can confer immortality – something that Voldemort is after. They have to save the stone and figure out what to do next.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- Author: J.K. Rowling
- Published: 1998
- Genre: Literature, Fantasy Fiction
The second book from the Harry Potter series, The Chamber of Secrets, includes an elf who tells Harry to expect trouble at Hogwarts during his second year. However, he cannot prepare for the fighting trees, flying cars, talking spiders, and blood-written deadly warnings on the walls of the school’s corridors.
The warnings say that The Chamber of Secrets has been opened and the heir of Slytherin would kill all the pupils who don’t come from all-magical families. It unleashes a monster that terrifies the school’s residents.
Harry finds an enchanted diary and talks to a snake, after which he believes he is the heir. They further find out the Chamber has been opened in the past, and there several continuous challenges that the students face along the way.
Dancing the Charleston
- Author: Jacqueline Wilson
- Published: 2019
- Genre: Historical Fiction
Dancing the Charleston is a story about a young girl, Mona, who lives with her aunt at the edge of the grand Somerset Estate in a tiny cottage. Her aunt is a dressmaker to the Lady of the house. Mona knows that living on the edge of the Estate means she will never have a life that includes beautiful dresses and riches. However, that changes very soon.
The Lady of the Somerset Estate dies, and a new family member comes into the house. Mona is then propelled into the life of glamorous, dazzling parties, new Bohemian friends, and stunning trips to London. Through all of this, Mona realizes that she cannot dance away from her past.
The story is heartfelt and takes you through a trip back in time. Fundamental issues like poverty, diversity, death, etc., are addressed, bringing realism. It sets the tone of compassion and additionally understanding that you can get through difficult times.
Snow Foal
- Author: Susanna Bailey
- Published: 2019
- Genre: Domestic Fiction
Snow Foal is a beautiful, heartfelt, heartwarming, and touching story of hope, healing, love, and friendship.
The plot is based on an eleven-year-old Addie who goes to live with a foster care family amid a freezing cold winter. They live on a remote Exmoor farm. Addie is filled with anger, hurt, and deep mistrust of everyone around her.
One day she rescues a tiny wild foal from the snow and discovers that she might not be so alone after all. The adventure and unexpected friendships bloom, and Addie is convinced and determined that they will both be home soon.
The Dream Team: Jaz Santos vs. the World
- Author: Priscilla Mante
- Published: 2021
- Genre: Sports Fiction
This is a delightful story about a young girl who just wants to play soccer to keep her parents together. Her school does not coach or provide funds for a team, so Jaz creates a team herself by convincing a group of friends to join her and raise money themselves.
The character of Jaz is spunky and lovable. She sometimes gets in trouble, like any other kid, but her intentions are always pure. She is a perfectly fitting heroine of the story.
The story contains terrific dialogue, and the plot will completely absorb the reader into the adventures of Jaz. It shows determination, friendships, family troubles, and big dreams. The story shows the diversity and real domestic issues.
The Story of Tracy Beaker
- Author: Jacqueline Wilson
- Published: 1991
- Genre: Literature, Fiction
Tracy Beaker is an exciting story that describes real-life and the good and bad aspects of living without family. Tracy lives in a children’s home and hopes that her mother will pick her up one day so they can share adventures together.
In the meantime, she writes her autobiography and her bad experiences living in foster homes. She also talks about her difficulty with friendships, the rivalry she faced, and many other things she went through.
The story is emotional and very unique. Tracy is a funny, witty character that will bring you a few tears and a whole lot of laughter. It portrays real-life domestic experiences. It is relatable and genuine.
Dork Diaries 1: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life
- Author: Rachel Renee Russell
- Published: 2019
- Genre: Realistic Fiction
Dork Diaries is the girl version of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. It is realistic fiction that includes a child writing all their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a diary. That also includes slightly ugly or what may be considered rude language.
The point of the books is the honest thoughts that kids have, the real emotions they experience and are unable to express because they would be shut down for being whiny and rude.
The diary entries, however, are super fun, hilarious, relatable, and quirky. The character, Nikki Maxwell, is beginning her adventure on the planet Wet]stchester Country Day, and she expects an everyday life with regular friends; however, it is not what she thinks.
Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great
- Author: Judy Blume
- Published: 1972
- Genre: Literature, Fiction
The story is based on Sheila, who doesn’t even know who she is herself. She often feels like Sheila the Great, yet other times, she is secretive and afraid of spiders, swimming, and dogs.
Her family decides to leave the city for a summer in the country, and Sheila has to suffer all her fears, from dogs with long ears to swimming lessons and creepy spiders. It is tall enough to drive her nuts, and she might be forced to admit that she is no supergirl.
The book is packed with witty and wacky disasters that children love to read because it makes them giggle. It describes the honest thoughts of a young child in an amusing way that brings humor and entertainment.
Island of the Blue Dolphins
- Author: Scott O’Dell
- Published: 1960
- Genre: Literature, Historical Fiction
Island of the Blue Dolphins is a story of a twelve-year-old girl who lives alone on a Pacific Island after jumping of a rescue ship. She has been isolated on the island for eighteen years. She searches for food, builds weapons, and fights predators.
She dresses in a feathered cormorant skirt and finds strength and peace in her isolation. It is a classic story of the discovery of solitude in seclusion.
The book teaches you that you can be strong and not live up to society’s standards. Initially, the girl was afraid to build and use weapons because she learned that females don’t do that. After fear and necessity, she overcame that mindset and made a life in peace for herself.
Anne of Green Gables
- Author: L. M. Montgomery
- Published: 1908
- Genre: Literature, Fiction, Bildungsroman
This is eight books from the collection of Anne of Green Gables novel series. It is based on the fictional character Anne, a lovable child in the world of books. She takes joy in everything around her and shares that happiness through her fantasies.
The story is about how Anne explodes into the lives of Marilla and Mathew Cuthbert. They are the owners of the farm Green Gables on Canadas Prince Edward Island. The Cuthberts were looking for a boy to help on the farm, and they got Anne instead.
She is full of mischief, but she has good humor and pure intentions. She enters their lives like a whirlwind and wins the hearts of everyone who gets to know her.
Inside Out and Back Again
- Author: Thanhha Lai
- Published: 2011
- Genre: Historical Fiction
Inside Out and Back Again is a moving novel about a girl, Ha, from Saigon. It follows her life in a year –one of change, grief, healing, and dreams and she takes a journey from one country to another after the Vietnam War reaches her home.
The war causes Ha and her family to flee. They board a ship and head towards hope. She has to leave the only home she knew for ten tears, the streets, the market, her close friends, the traditions, and her very own papaya tree.
The story portrays the truth and experiences of refugees and the pain and challenges they have to face. The character description brings humor and heartbreak, and the reader lives through the sorrows and anguish of Ha being an outcast. It is an enlightening novel and a must-read.
The Girl Who Drank the Moon
- Author: Kelly Barnhill
- Published: 2016
- Genre: High Fantasy Fiction
The story is based on the people of Protectorate. They leave a baby as an offering to the witch living in the forest, hoping that this act will prevent her from destroying their town. However, the witch is kind and shares her home with a wise Swamp Monster and a Tiny Dragon.
The witch, Xan, rescues the babies and gives them to families on the other side of the forest. She feeds the babies with starlight on the journey. One year she accidentally feeds a baby moonlight, filling the baby up with extraordinary magic.
The witch decides to raise the baby herself and names it Luna. The magic in Luna emerges as she approaches her thirteenth birthday. However, there are dangerous consequences. A volcano, which was still for centuries, starts to rumble beneath the surface of the earth. The novel is impossible to put down.
Crenshaw
- Author: Katherine Applegate
- Published: 2015
- Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Crenshaw is a beautiful, heartwarming novel about Jackson and his family that have fallen into hard times. They do not have any money for rent or much food, and they may have to live in their minivan again.
The imaginary, large, outspoken cat Crenshaw comes back into Jackson’s life to help him. The readers find out if having an imaginary cat friend is sufficient to save his family from losing everything they own.
The book’s tone is quirky, funny, and warm. It describes the real-life and effects of poverty and being vulnerable. It adds to vast imagination and brings out compassion and appreciation. It is both heartbreaking and entertaining and will keep children engaged.
It doesn’t matter if you are a teacher looking for classroom books or a parent/caregiver looking to add to your child’s library; the next time you’re book shopping or making a trip to the library, don’t forget this list.
You can let your child browse the list and see for themselves what they are interested in getting. With the variety of genres, there is an option for everyone. Not only will ten-year-olds enjoy these books, but adults can indulge in them and relive some of their own childhood.
