As I mentioned in my post on read aloud books for 9-year-olds, it is a real joy to read aloud to older kids. Not only can you begin choosing more sophisticated reading material, like the titles on this list of read aloud books for 10-year-olds, but you can have in-depth conversations about mature topics.
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Books to Read Aloud to 10-Year-Olds
Your ten-year-olds may have very definite opinions as to what genre book they want to listen to. Does your 10-year-old like fantasy? Comedy, history or realism? Whatever their tastes, there is a book on this list to suit them!
Catherine Called Birdy by Karen Cushman
In the 13th century, 14-year-old Catherine, the daughter of a landed knight, has a little more gumption than a girl in her world is supposed to have. Her father is trying to marry her off to enrich his coffers but Catherine would rather run around with the peasants on the manor and thwart his efforts. This hilarious short novel is written in a diary format. Spend time discussing the differences and similarities of how girls are treated in the middle ages versus. today.
The Pushcart War by Jean Merrill
Merrill may have penned this classic tale of underdogs in 1964, but its appeal endures. Narrated as a pseudo-historical documentary, the story follows the fate of pushcart vendors in New York Cit after they dare to stand up to the truck drivers who are taking over the city streets. The vendors sabotage the trucker bullies with a Pea Shooter Campaign. The Pushcart War offers so much to talk about with your kids. Discuss the writing style and humor as well as the larger theme of big guys versus small guys.
Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee
Dee's book addresses a difficult, but necessary topic, and one you should discuss with your kids. The boys in Mila's class are harassing her, making unwanted comments and touching her in a way that makes her feel uncomfortable. Some of her peers think she is overreacting, and Mila doesn't know what to do. With the help of a karate class and a new friend, she gains the confidence she needs to address the situation head on. Few children's books address the subject of sexual harassment, but most girls have experienced in one form or another, even those as young as 10-year-olds, which means its important to discuss with your 10-year-old boys, as well as girls.
Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez
My son listened to this on audiobook and loved it! He was alternating between gasping in astonishment and laughing uproariously. Salvador Vidón is the new kid in school and has the ability to open portals into alternate universes with his mind. He meets Gabi Reál who is a bit suspicious of his explanation about the mysterious things that happen when he is around. This is a really fun book, with lots of fast-paced action and crazy humor. Highly recommended!
A Place to Belong by Cynthia Kadohata
After World War II, thousands of Japanese-born American citizens were coerced into renouncing their citizenship and forced to emigrate to Japan. This is the story of one family's experience told through the eyes of 12-year-old Hanako. She and her brother, along with their parents, move in with her grandparents who are tenant farmers in a small Japanese village. Discuss with your children the right of citizenship, the struggle of immigrants, and the experiences of living in an unfamiliar country. You can also chat about the value of familial relationships between generations.
The Journey of Pale Bear by Susan Fletcher
Arthur, a boy living in medieval Norway, runs away from his abusive stepfather and stepbrothers. He has a letter from his Welsh cousins, which he assumes is asking him to return to Wales and claim his birthright. Unfortunately, he can't actually read the letter. In the port town of Bergen he encounters a caged polar bear and two ruffians shove him in the cage. When Arthur soothes the bear instead of being mauled by it, he is enlisted to accompany the bear on a ship to England. The bear is a gift from King Haakon to King Henry. Hair-raising, heart-searching and page-turning adventure follows. The story was inspired by a 13th century "pale bear" who lived in the Tower of London menagerie, a gift from Norway.
Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack
I read this aloud and my son absolutely loved it. Set in medieval Russia where the common use of magic is now against the law, Anya still hopes that her own magic talent will reveal itself to her. Because her family is Jewish, they are outsiders in their village and the local magistrate is trying to force them out. When Ivan and his family, a family who is allowed to use magic, come to the town they enlist Anya’s help in tracking down a mysterious water dragon. Anya agrees to help them in order to save her family's farm. Anya and Ivan must protect the dragon from others who want to destroy it. Pasternack skillfully draws upon story elements from Russian, Slavic and Jewish folklore.
I Can Make this Promise by Christine Day
This was a terrific read! Edie lives in a loving family, but she knows her mother doesn't like to talk much about her own ancestry. Her mother, of mixed Native American heritage, was adopted by white parents. One day, Edie discovers a box of letters signed "Edith" and wonders who her mysterious namesake is. The story follows Edie's journey as she learns the truth and reconnects with her Suquamish/Duwamish heritage. Be sure to talk with your kids about how important it is to read stories which counteract the harmful stereotypes of American Indians that are too often taught, albeit unwittingly, in school.
Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed
This is an important book that reminds our children there are still boys and girls around the world being denied an education and the freedom that brings. In her Pakistani village, Amal dreams of becoming a teacher one day, but an unfortunate event changes her life and she must live as an indentured servant in the household of the village's corrupt landlord. Amal is a strong protagonist who takes matters into her own hands, determined to achieve her goals, despite her circumstances.
The Best Man by Richard Peck
This book is full of the same trademark humor that earned Richard Peck a Newbery Honor for A Long Way From Chicago. Archer looks up to a few men in his life and tries to learn from them: his grandfather, his dad, his uncle Paul, and his teacher, a former military man. His relationships with these men help him navigate the perils of living on the edge of adolescence as he deals with friendships, bullies and general kid stuff.
As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds
Both my kid and I loved this book about 11-year-old Genie and his brother who have come to rural Virginia to spend the summer with their grandparents. Genie is a boy who loves to ask questions and when he learns about his grandfather's blindness he has a lot to ask! During the summer Genie struggles with making sure he makes the right decisions as he uncovers the secrets of his family's history.
Front Desk by Kelly Yang
Mia Tang lives in a motel where her immigrant parents are the managers for an exploitative owner. Mia wants to be a writer but worries about her English skills. She takes over running the front desk of the motel and makes friends wherever she goes. She dreams of winning a writing contest so her parents can own their own hotel instead of working endlessly for little pay. Yang based the novel on her own experiences growing up in similar circumstances. A winning, funny and heartwarming novel, not to be missed.
Sharlene Habermeyer says
Excellent list1 Can't wait to start reading these--especially interested in "A Place to Belong," --for personal reasons, but thank you again for all your research and finding amazing books for all of our children/grandchildren to enjoy!
Erica says
You will love A Place to Belong. Happy reading!
M says
Great list - I'm not certain if this is just a Canadian and American difference but maybe that's all it is - when describing characters in I Can Make This Promise, referring to them as Indians wouldn't be the best term to use - I know Canadians use First Nations and Indigenous peoples
Erica says
Thanks for your comment. I believe it is a difference between the US and Canada. Many Native Americans here in the States do use the term "American Indian." I personally use "Native American," when I am speaking or writing if I don't know the exact name of the Nation (like Sioux, Navajo, etc.) but will change that if I'm ever told differently. I think I must have used the term "American Indian" here because the author used it, but I can't remember.