Books for 10 year olds – a panel of educators from schools around the country asked 10 year olds to name their favourite book, and these are the results. For more details about how these books were selected, please see our Children’s Favourites article, which explains the survey process. This list includes titles by authors including Marcus Rashford, Adam Kay, Jacqueline Wilson, R.J. Palacio, Michael Morpurgo, Matthew Syed, Nick Arnold, Rachel Renée Russell, Jason Reynolds and B.B. Alston.
By 10, many readers are ready for longer books, more involved plots and subjects that feel a little broader or more ambitious than they did a year or two earlier. Some are still happiest with high-interest humour and accessible series, while others are beginning to reach for weightier fiction, stronger themes and more substantial nonfiction. This page is built around what children of this age most enjoy reading. For a school-focused selection aimed at older primary readers preparing for the move to secondary, see our Year 6 reading list.
Books for 10 year olds – favourites chosen by children
(In randomised order)
You Are A Champion – Marcus Rashford
Positive, empowering and packed with practical advice. You Are A Champion is a great book for 10-year-olds to read before SATS or the transition to secondary school.
Hunt for the Golden Scarab by M.G. Leonard
Sim’s life is full of moves and mysteries, but nothing prepares him for the night he discovers his mum can open doors through time. Joined by friends Nelson and Jeopardy, he steps into Ancient Egypt in search of Nefertiti’s lost tomb and a golden scarab. Music becomes their key to travelling through time as they face the powerful Council of Keys. With striking black and white art by Manuel Šumberac, this fast-paced adventure brings history to life.
Ember Spark and the Thunder of Dragons by Abi Elphinstone, illustrated by Kristina Kister
When magical-beast vet Rusty Fizzbang needs an apprentice, adventure-seeking Ember Spark is recruited for a job unlike any other. Together with her unlikely new friend Arno, she is sent to help a baby dragon whose parents have disappeared. Keeping magical creatures hidden is challenging enough, but villain Jasper Hornswoggle is determined to cause trouble. Abi Elphinstone fills the story with dragons, magical creatures, danger and comic invention, while Kristina Kister’s illustrations bring the fantastical world to life. 10+ year olds who enjoy imaginative quests and creature-filled fantasy will find plenty to explore in this opening Ember Spark adventure.
Kay’s Marvellous Medicine series by Adam Kay
Fabulously revolting, horrible, gruesome, strange, funny, informative and real; this is a series that 10-year-olds won’t be able to resist.
Space Band by Tom Fletcher
Space Band follows George, Neila, and Bash, three hopeless musicians with big dreams of winning their school’s Battle of the Bands. But when they start playing, they’re whisked away to space, where they must face off against alien bands in an intergalactic contest. With Earth’s fate at stake, they must conquer self-doubt and discover their true potential. Packed with humour, heart, and a soundtrack by McFly, this adventure celebrates friendship, embracing differences, and believing in yourself. Perfect for young readers who love music and space.
Tracy Beaker series by Jacqueline Wilson
10-year-old Tracy Beaker guides readers through her life in a children’s home, exploring how she experiences life and overcomes obstacles. Accessible, and illustrated, these books explore challenging themes with a unique and compelling blend of humour, adversity and pathos. Published in 1991, The Story of Tracy Beaker is a modern classic.
Dork Diaries: Sister Showdown by Rachel Renée Russell
Nikki Maxwell is hoping for a fresh start at Westchester Prep, but Brianna has other ideas. Her younger sister steals clothes, puts up an embarrassing drawing, and gets hold of Nikki’s phone and diary, leaving Nikki panicking about what might be shared before term even begins. With Chloe and Zoey beside her and Brandon still on her mind, the pressure is building before day one. Part of an epically popular illustrated middle grade series.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Exploring differences, disfigurement and self-image this worldwide bestseller is popular both at home for independent reading, and at school when studied as a text in literacy lessons. A moving and thought-provoking middle-grade novel, there’s also a film adaptation and graphic novel spin-offs.
I Am Rebel by Ross Montgomery
Rebel loves his quiet life on the farm with his human, Tom, and cannot understand why anyone would want things to change. But when war comes dangerously close, Tom decides to join the rebellion against the king’s men. Determined to protect him, Rebel sets out to bring Tom home before it is too late. Told through the loyal dog’s distinctive perspective, Ross Montgomery’s adventure combines danger, humour and a moving exploration of friendship, courage and belonging. The novel gives 10 year olds an involving animal adventure centred on the powerful bond between a dog and his human.
Kensuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo
A chapter book that’s perennially popular both in classrooms and at home, Kensuke’s Kingdom is perfect for ten-year-old independent readers. There’s also a brilliant audiobook version.
Minecraft series and annuals by Mojang
Based on the computer, online and video games, the publisher Mojang has released a plethora of Minecraft-related books, from annuals, maps, and character activities to educational titles including maths and English workbooks. Perennially a hit with 10-year-olds, these books make ideal gifts or school library books.
You Are Awesome series by Matthew Syed
This uplifting and practical motivational guide has been in and out of the children’s bestseller lists since 2018. A must-read for 10-year-olds, this is a book that will travel around the classroom or family home until everyone has read it.
Horrible Science series by Nick Arnold
Packed with short bursts of facts, fun illustrations and often disgusting details, the multi-award-winning Horrible Science titles have sold over 4 million copies in the UK alone. They’re great to inspire 10-year-olds to find out about science.
Where’s Spidey? by Marvel Entertainment International Ltd
Where’s Spidey is a thrilling search-and-find adventure set in New York City, where Spider-Man is nowhere to be seen, despite chaos caused by villains like Green Goblin and Doctor Octopus. Readers must hunt for Spidey in the bustling crowds while trying to spot hidden details. With a mix of classic and modern references, this book is the perfect challenge for young fans.
Special mention
These books received a very high number of votes in some schools but did not make the top 10 overall.
Track series by Jason Reynolds
Comprising Ghost, Patina, Sunny and Lu – each title in this gripping chapter book series follows an athlete from a different background as they fight for a spot on a highly competitive sports team. A challenging and rewarding read for 10-year-olds.
The Wrong Shoes by Tom Percival
Will knows his leaking shoes and worn coat make him stand out at school, but changing his circumstances is far from simple. Life at home is difficult too, and the pressures of poverty affect his friendships, confidence and the choices he has to make. Tom Percival’s illustrated novel for 10+ year olds tackles child poverty without losing sight of hope, friendship and the difference that empathy can make. Will’s experiences offer plenty to discuss about inequality, asking for help and the assumptions people make about others whose lives may look very different from their own.
Amari series by B.B. Alston
With powerful and relatable characters set in a deliciously supernatural and magical world, the highly entertaining Amari books are both fast-paced and addictive.
Books for 10 year olds – buy the set or order in bulk
Click one of the buttons below to buy a pack of all or some of the books in this list, or to order class sets of book(s) in this list from uk.bookshop.org, an organisation that supports local bookshops, or Amazon.co.uk. Great for gifts or your classroom library.
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If you liked our list of books for 10 year olds, have a look at our KS2 books list, and our Year 6 books list.
