What is one book all kids should read before they’re 10 years old?
To help you build a reading list for your child before they turn 10, we asked avid readers this question for their best suggestions. From “The Little Prince” to “The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon,” there are several books for kids under 10 that will make an impression that may last a lifetime.
Here are 10 books for kids to read before turning 10:
- The One and Only Ivan
- The Magic Tree House Series
- Rosie Revere, Engineer
- Charlotte’s Web
- Peter Pan
- The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon
- Holes
- A Wrinkle in Time
- The Tale of Despereaux
- The Little Prince
The One and Only Ivan
Katherine Applegate’s book The One and Only Ivan is a moving story about Ivan, a gorilla who spent almost three decades behind a glass enclosure in a mall, and how his friendship with Ruby, a captive elephant, impacted his life. This New York Times bestseller, based on true events, teaches children about the effect humans have on animals after they are taken captive. I think this touching book provides great insight and adds value to children.
Rym Selmi, MiiRO
The Magic Tree House Series
The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne makes learning about history and different cultures fun for kids. These books were some of my all-time favorites as a child because they brought history to life! The series follows brother and sister Jack and Annie on their adventures back in time using their magic tree house. Some of the topics the book series covers include dinosaurs in prehistoric times, the Olympics in ancient Greece, World War II, tsunamis and natural disasters in Hawaii, and many more! This imaginative book series has something for every kid to enjoy!
Sophia Orlando, Markitors
Rosie Revere, Engineer
Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty is such a heart-warming tale about a young girl who is afraid of failing. As an aspiring engineer, Rosie loves inventing new items. However, she’s afraid of failing, so she hides her inventions under her bed. Throughout the story, we see her gain confidence and learn that “failure” isn’t the end of the road — it’s simply an avenue for innovation.
This is a lesson that should be introduced to all young people. I remember feeling the same way as a kid and I love how uplifting this book is. By recognizing the benefits of taking risks, they’ll be able to thrive.
Jason Brandt, Podopolo
The Little Engine That Could
I think that every kid should read The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper. It is a complete classic, written in 1930, but still has the greatest lesson people should learn: to never give up and to believe in yourself — even if others don’t. You need to be your own cheerleader in life, it is what you make it, not what others make of it.
Eric Gist, Awesome OS
Peter Pan
Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie is a children’s classic that will help broaden the mind of your 10-year-old. This book about an adventurous child who explores the world with pirates and makes friends along the way is a real character-builder that will make your boy or girl more imaginative and creative. For parents looking to ignite curiosity in their 10-year-olds, having them read this title will see your child develop a yearning for learning and exploring new topics.
Harriet Chan, CocoFinder
The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon
The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson is an adorable tale of a kid who uses his crayon to transform bedtime into fairytale gardens, balloon rides, a trip to Mars, and a circus. Playful word choices accompany engaging drawings in this must-read children’s book.
Vincent Bradley, Proper Wild
Holes
Holes by Louis Sachar is a must-read for young kids before they reach the age of ten. It’s a classic tale of Stanley Yelnats, who has been wrongly accused of stealing. He is sent to Camp Green Lake, a detention center, for his crime. However, the camp he is sent to is not much of a camp. And Stanley soon realizes that the camp’s warden is hiding something.
Tri Nguyen, Network Capital
A Wrinkle in Time
One book all kids should read before they’re 10 years old is A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. This book is a classic and won a Newbery Medal. It is a sci-fi-fantasy adventure that tells the story of how Meg and Charles must travel through time and space in order to locate their father after he disappears during a major scientific discovery. Three guardians help them as they rush to save their father. It offers all kinds of life lessons.
George Fraguio, Vaster Capital
The Tale of Despereaux
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo is one book that all kids should read before they’re 10 years old. The book is about Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who is just like a kid. He loves music, stories, and having fun. Not only this, but he also falls in love with a princess and longs to be a knight. He thinks that he cannot fulfill his dream because he is a small, tiny creature. However, as the story unfolds, Despereaux finds himself on an adventurous journey, which leads him to save the princess and finally become a knight.
This book is a must-read for every child before they’re 10 as it gives them the lesson that being small doesn’t mean that you are powerless. You can win great battles despite being small if you develop confidence in your abilities. With these empowering lessons, this book can teach children a lot about not belittling themselves. Moreover, the story is really interesting and can keep kids glued to the book.
Jessica Robinson, The Speaking Polymath
The Little Prince
I remember reading The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry at a young age and being mesmerized by its unique cast of characters: a rose, a fox, and a snake as well as a kingdomless king, an alcoholic who drank to forget his drinking problem, and a businessman who counted the stars to “own” them.
You will find it entertaining as a young child but you will discover its deeper meaning as you grow older and understand its critique of the adult world and society in general. This is definitely a book that stays with you even as you grow up and something I recommend that you let your kids read.
Jacob Villa, School Authority
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