Tween
The 50 Best Books for
9- and 10-Year-Olds
by Melissa Taylor
As kids hit 9 and 10 they’re experiencing many physical, emotional, and mental changes. It’s an exciting time for them, and an exciting time in their reading life too. With increased attention spans and logical thinking skills, kids this age are able to read harder books for longer amounts of time.
Since children this age are also placing a greater value on independence, they may be more interested in choosing books for themselves. Let them read through this list of expert recommendations for the 50 best books for 9- and 10- year-olds and select one (or 10) books to read.
Of course, you know your child best. So if you see a book that would be a good fit with his or her interests, buy it or borrow it and give it to your child. The more books, the more reading!
You can download the entire printable list here.
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Fantasy
Fantasy books are best known for their magic, mythical creatures, and ability to keep kids turning the pages! In the titles below, kids can look forward to magicians, ghosts, robots, perilous quests, and feats of bravery.
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The Graveyard Book
Also available from: A Tale Dark and Grimm
Also available from: The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Also available from: A Wrinkle in Time
Also available from: -
Ranger’s Apprentice Series
Also available from: Harry Potter Series
Also available from: Redwall Series
Also available from:
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Classics and Award Winners
These award winners all have one thing in common — they’re amazing, well-written books that will stay with readers long after the last page.
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Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIHM
Also available from: The Chronicles of Narnia Series
Also available from: A Long Walk to Water
Also available from: -
The One and Only Ivan
Also available from: Esperanza Rising
Also available from: Walk Two Moons
Also available from: -
The Wednesday Wars
Also available from: Because of Winn-Dixie
Also available from:
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Graphic Novels
Since we live in a visual culture, it makes sense that graphic novels, or stories told in sequential art, appeal so much to kids. In addition to their visual appeal, these graphic novels tell compelling stories in a variety of genres ranging from sci-fi to memoir to fantasy.
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The Stonekeeper (Amulet Book #1)
Also available from: Roller Girl
Also available from: Zita the Spacegirl
Also available from:
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Realistic
Realistic books, especially ones about other kids, invite children to put themselves into the story. This kind of identification helps kids build empathy and a greater awareness of themselves and others, and lets them know they are not alone.
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Love That Dog
Also available from: Out of My Mind
Also available from: -
Three Times Lucky
Also available from: -
Rain Reign
Also available from: Harriet the Spy
Also available from:
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Humor
Funny stories entice kids to read, even the most reluctant of readers. Because who doesn’t like to laugh?! (Besides Voldemort.)
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Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life
Also available from: Diary of a Sixth Grade Ninja
Also available from: Tales of Fourth-Grade Nothing
Also available from: Big Nate Series
Also available from: -
A Series of Unfortunate Events Series
Also available from: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series
Also available from: Wayside School Series
Also available from:
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Historical Fiction
Reading a story set in a historical period helps bring those events and times to life. Not only do kids learn more about the history, they see it through the eyes of a beloved character, which gives it a special kind of resonance.
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The Watsons Go to Birmingham — 1963
Also available from: Inside Out and Back Again
Also available from: The War that Saved My Life
Also available from: One Crazy Summer
Also available from: -
Number the Stars
Also available from:
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Nonfiction
With engaging writing about fascinating topics, these nonfiction books and memoirs will grow kids’ knowledge and expand their horizons.
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Brown Girl Dreaming
Also available from: Science Verse
Also available from: Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11
Also available from:
Learn more about the experts behind this reading list.
Get the printable version of the list.
Explore our 50 Best series to get great recommendations for other ages.