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I am so excited to share my list of the best books for 10 year old boys! As a mom of a 10 year old boy, I am always on the hunt for good reads for my son to keep him engaged and wanting to read. We’re not hugely into video games, but all parents still find themselves with reluctant readers at some point.
I hope this list of the best books for 10 year old boys will help you find the right book for your 10 year old boy or any kid in the age group that would be at a 5th grade reading level.
23 Best Books For 10 Year Old Boys
I am always on a quest to find more books that my kids love to read, and as you may know, that can sometimes be hard when it comes to young boys! 10-year-old boys can be particularly picky when finding the perfect book to keep their interest. This book list has 24 awesome books that should reel them in and keep their attention!
1. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
First up on the list of the best books for 10 year old boys, Wonder! This heartwarming and thought-provoking novel tells the story of August Pullman, a young boy born with a facial deformity that has made him the subject of stares and whispers. The book explores August’s journey as he embarks on his first year of mainstream school, facing the challenges of making friends, coping with bullies, and learning to navigate a world that can be unkind. Told from multiple perspectives, including those of August, his family, and his classmates, “Wonder” offers a powerful message about empathy, acceptance, and the beauty of kindness. It is a touching and inspirational tale that encourages readers of all ages to look beyond appearances and embrace the uniqueness that makes each person special.
2. Explorer Academy by Trudi Trueit
These books even got me hooked! This series is on many of my book lists; there is a good reason! “Explorer Academy” is a book series by National Geographic Kids that offers young readers an exciting adventure into science, exploration, and mystery. The series was written by Trudi Trueit and is designed to entertain and educate children aged 8 to 12. Read my full book review here.
3. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
“The Hobbit” is a tale of bravery, friendship, and the allure of the unknown, with themes of heroism and the power of a good heart. It is a prelude to Tolkien’s larger work, “The Lord of the Rings.” Readers of all ages belove it for its captivating storytelling, rich world-building, and memorable characters. This novel has enchanted generations with its enduring magic and is a must-read for anyone who dreams of embarking on a grand adventure in a world of fantasy and wonder.
4. The Adventures of Tintin series by Hergé
The Adventures of Tintin is next on the list of the best books for 10 year old boys! This series, created by the Belgian cartoonist Hergé (pseudonym of Georges Remi), is a beloved and enduring collection of comic books that follow the escapades of Tintin, a young and brave journalist, and his loyal canine companion, Snowy.
5. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
“The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan is the exhilarating first book in the “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series, which takes readers on a thrilling modern-day adventure through Greek mythology. The story follows Percy Jackson, a twelve-year-old boy with a troubled past, who discovers he is a demigod—half-human, half-god—son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea.
6. The Giver by Lois Lowry
“The Giver” by Lois Lowry is a thought-provoking and dystopian novel set in a seemingly perfect but highly controlled society. The story revolves around Jonas, a young boy who lives in a community that has eliminated all pain, suffering, and emotions, striving for sameness and predictability.
7. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
“The Maze Runner” by James Dashner is a gripping and suspenseful dystopian novel that introduces readers to a mysterious and dangerous world. The story centers around a teenage boy named Thomas, who awakens in a place known as the Glade, a small enclosed area surrounded by massive stone walls.
8. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
“The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate is a heartwarming and poignant children’s novel that tells the extraordinary story of a captive silverback gorilla, Ivan. Ivan resides at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, where he entertains visitors daily.
9. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
“The Tale of Despereaux” by Kate DiCamillo is a charming and enchanting children’s novel that weaves together the stories of several endearing characters in a magical world. At the heart of the story is Despereaux Tilling, a small and unusually brave mouse with big ears who doesn’t fit in with his cautious, mouse-like kin.
10. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
“The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a timeless classic of children’s literature that transports readers to a world of magic, healing, and transformation. The story revolves around Mary Lennox, a spoiled and lonely girl who is sent to live with her reclusive uncle in a vast and mysterious mansion on the Yorkshire moors after the death of her parents.
11. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
“Artemis Fowl” by Eoin Colfer is a thrilling and imaginative fantasy novel that introduces readers to a young and brilliant antihero named Artemis Fowl II. A twelve-year-old criminal mastermind, Artemis is from a family of wealthy criminals. When he discovers the existence of fairies and their hidden underground world, he hatches a daring plan to exploit their magical technology and regain his family’s fortune.
12. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
“The Mysterious Benedict Society” by Trenton Lee Stewart is a thrilling and brain-teasing adventure novel that centers around four gifted children recruited to save the world from a mysterious and sinister plot. The story begins when the brilliant and resourceful orphan Reynie Muldoon, the incredibly talented Kate Wetherall, the exceptionally gifted Sticky Washington, and the remarkably strong Constance Contraire, are selected to participate in a secret mission by the enigmatic Mr. Benedict.
13. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
“A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle is a beloved and groundbreaking science fantasy novel that takes readers on an extraordinary journey through time and space. The story follows Meg Murry, a young and intelligent girl who, along with her gifted younger brother Charles Wallace and their friend Calvin, embarks on a quest to rescue her missing scientist father, Mr. Murry.
14. Matilda by Roald Dahl
“Matilda” by Roald Dahl is a beloved children’s novel that tells the story of a remarkable and intelligent girl named Matilda Wormwood. Born into a family of neglectful and ignorant parents, Matilda is a brilliant young girl with an insatiable love for reading and learning. She discovers her exceptional intellect and telekinetic powers, which she uses to navigate the challenges of her life and seek justice for those around her.
15. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
“The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster is a whimsical and imaginative children’s novel that takes readers on a fantastical journey through the Kingdom of Wisdom. The story follows Milo, a young boy bored with life and finds everything dull and uninteresting. One day, he discovers a mysterious tollbooth in his room that transports him to the enchanting world beyond.
16. Holes By Louis Sachar
This is an amazing book for 10 year olds and has become a New York Times Bestseller! Even if your kiddo is not an avid reader, this is a great read and needs to be one of the new books you buy. The main character is sent to a boys detention center and forced to dig holes with the other teen boys all day. They are unsure why they are being told to keep digging, but they soon realize it is because the warden is searching for something. It is one of my son’s favorite books and keeps his attention span throughout.
17. Diary Of A Wimpy Kid By Jeff Kinney
This is one of the best book series, I have linked the whole series here for you but you can also get each book individually. There are 20 great books in this series that you can get the young girls or boys in your house to read.
18. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone By J.K. Rowling
The Harry Potter series is full of great chapter books for kids and is all about wizards! If your kiddos are looking for a really fun read and a way to dive into the magical world for their next book, this series would be great. It starts with the first book, then goes onto the second, the Chamber of Secrets. It is a great read for 8-year-old boys and girls and up!
19. Magic Tree House Series By Mary Pope Osborne
The books in this collection offer a fun mystery during each read. The two siblings are always finding themselves in situations where they have to find new ways to escape after entering their magical tree house. They are fun books and should be part of your children’s reading lists for the new school year!
20. The Chronicles of Narnia By C.S. Lewis
This series follows a group of kids through a dangerous journey of the magical kingdom of Narnia. They work with a talking lion while trying to fight off a witch. It is a great book series for your fifth grade boy and your other kiddos to read.
21. Charlie and The Chocolate Factory By Roald Dahl
It is Charlie’s lucky day when he finds a golden ticket in his chocolate bar that gives him access to a chocolate factory for the day. At no extra cost to him, he can go see the new chocolate factory with 4 other lucky winners. It is a good book with a movie that was made with incredible graphics! Charlie and his new friends explore all the fun parts of the chocolate factory and see things like the funny oompa loompas.
22. Diary Of A 6th Grade Ninja By Marcus Emerson
The main character is the new kid at his middle school, he knows only his cousin! Up until recently, he has always been the skinny little kid but ninjas recruited him and now, he is faced with dangerous missions! It is a fun read and a great book for your 10 year old if they love thriller type of books.
23. Inspirational Sports Stories for Young Readers By Kurt Taylor
If your kids love sports, this book is great for them to read! Sometimes in sports, you can get knocked down or not think that you will make it far, etc and this book is all about great athletes that have overcome challenges that they were facing and still made it to where they are now. What better way for your child to learn perseverance than by hearing quotes and stories from their favorite athletes?
Books For Your Boys
So, there you have it, a great list of books that are must reads for your 10-year-old boy! Whether your child is an animal lover, going through hard times, or into sports, there is a book that will suit them perfectly within this list.
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Hi, I’m Jessica! I am wife to Chris, and mom to Kaiper, Alana and Koa. I am a graphic designer, website developer and aspiring author. In this space, I share about everything from parenting, working from home, food we cook, and lots of things for kids! Learn more about me here.
