25 Best Books for 10 Year Old Boys That They Won’t Put Down

• Genre: Action/Adventure, Fantasy
• Author: Max Brallier
• Number of Pages: around 260 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 8-12

The Last Kids on Earth series follows 13-year-old Jack Sullivan and his friends as they navigate a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies and monsters. In the first book, "The Last Kids on Earth," Jack and his friends create their own treehouse fortress and set off on daring missions to fight off the monsters that threaten their survival.

As the series progresses through books 2 and 3, "The Last Kids on Earth and the Zombie Parade" and "The Last Kids on Earth and the Nightmare King," Jack and his friends encounter new challenges and epic battles as they try to save their town from the evil King Wretch.

• Genre: Mystery, Legal Thriller
• Author: John Grisham
• Number of Pages: around 270 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 9-12

The Theodore Boone series introduces readers to Theodore Boone, a 13-year-old aspiring lawyer with an uncanny ability to solve mysteries. In the first book, "Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer," Theodore finds himself in the middle of a high-stakes murder trial that has the whole town on edge.

As the series progresses, Theodore tackles more thrilling cases, from uncovering hidden evidence in "Theodore Boone: The Abduction" to exposing corruption in "Theodore Boone: The Accused." With his sharp legal mind and determination, Theodore proves that age is just a number when it comes to fighting for justice.

• Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
• Author: Christopher Paolini
• Number of Pages: varies but about 550 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 10 and up

The Inheritance Cycle is an epic fantasy series that begins with "Eragon," the story of a young farm boy named Eragon who discovers a mysterious blue stone that turns out to be a dragon egg.

When the dragon hatches, Eragon becomes a Dragon Rider and is thrust into a world of magic, adventure, and danger. As the series progresses through "Eldest," "Brisingr," and "Inheritance," Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, face daunting challenges, battle dark forces, and ultimately become key players in a war for the freedom of their land.

• Genre: Humor, Realistic Fiction
• Author: Jeff Kinney
• Number of Pages: Around 250 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 8-12

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series follows the hilarious misadventures of Greg Heffley, a middle school student navigating the ups and downs of adolescence.

Through Greg's humorous and relatable diary entries, readers are taken on a journey through middle school, friendship troubles, family dynamics, and the everyday challenges of being a "wimpy kid."

From embarrassing moments to wild escapades, Greg's diary entries will have readers laughing out loud and empathizing with his unique perspective on life.

A number of these books have been featured on the New York Times best seller list for weeks at a time.

• Genre: Mystery, Adventure
• Author: Franklin W. Dixon (pseudonym for various authors)
• Number of Pages: Around 150 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 8-12

The Hardy Boys series introduces readers to the thrilling adventures of Frank and Joe Hardy, brothers who solve mysteries and uncover secrets. In the first book, "The Tower Treasure," the Hardy Boys investigate the theft of valuable jewelry and uncover a larger criminal operation.

As the series progresses through books 2 to 5, "The House on the Cliff," "The Secret of the Old Mill," "The Missing Chums," and "Hunting for Hidden Gold," Frank and Joe tackle various cases, using their detective skills and bravery to crack codes, follow clues, and outsmart criminals.

• Genre: Fantasy, Mythology
• Author: Rick Riordan
• Number of Pages: Around 350 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 9 and up

The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series takes readers on an exciting journey into the world of Greek mythology. The story centers around Percy Jackson, a twelve-year-old boy with dyslexia and ADHD who discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon.

Throughout the series, Percy and his friends face mythical monsters, unravel ancient prophecies, and engage in epic battles as they try to prevent a war among the gods. With a mix of action, humor, and captivating mythology, this series brings ancient legends to life in a modern and thrilling way.

Related: Greek Gods timeline worksheets

• Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
• Author: Dustin Brady
• Number of Pages: Around 160 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 8-12

The Escape from a Video Game series follows the adventures of Jesse Rigsby, a video game enthusiast who finds himself trapped inside different video games.

In each book, Jesse and his friends must navigate dangerous and thrilling digital worlds, solving puzzles, battling enemies, and trying to find a way back home. From battling zombies in "Trapped in a Video Game" to venturing into a high-tech spy game in "Robots Revolt," this series combines gaming and real-life action to create an exciting and immersive reading experience.

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• Genre: Mystery, Adventure
• Author: Aaron Johnson
• Number of Pages: Around 250 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 9-12

The Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park is part of the National Park Mystery series that introduces readers to Jack and Ashley Landon, siblings who find themselves in thrilling mysteries set within various national parks.

In this installment, the Landon siblings visit Rocky Mountain National Park, where they stumble upon a perplexing mystery involving a missing park employee and a valuable fossil discovery.

Jack and Ashley must unravel clues, face dangers, and work together to uncover the truth. With vivid descriptions of the national park setting and engaging mysteries, this series combines adventure, nature, and suspense.

• Genre: Comedy, Adventure
• Author: Sally Dill
• Number of Pages: 198 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 8-12

In The Boring Days and Awesome Nights of Roy Winklesteen, readers are introduced to the imaginative and adventurous world of Roy Winklesteen. Roy is an ordinary 10-year-old boy who finds himself bored with the mundane routines of daily life.

However, when night falls, Roy's world transforms into a thrilling and magical realm filled with wild adventures and extraordinary encounters. From battling imaginary monsters to exploring fantastical landscapes, Roy embarks on a journey that ignites his imagination and brings excitement to his life.

This charming and whimsical story celebrates the power of imagination and the joy of embracing the extraordinary in the ordinary.

• Genre: Adventure, Graphic Novel
• Author: Dan Santat
• Number of Pages: 256 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 8-12

Readers are introduced to Sophia, a young girl who is feeling down since her father's disappearance at sea. Her world takes an exciting turn when she encounters an unexpected visitor, an "aquanaut," who turns out to be a group of quirky sea creatures.

Sophia soon discovers that her family's marine theme park, Aqualand, has become something much darker than her father intended. Determined to make things right, Sophia joins forces with the aquanaut crew to save the captive marine life and restore the park to its original vision.

With vibrant illustrations and a whimsical storyline, this graphic novel takes readers on an imaginative and thrilling underwater adventure.

• Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
• Author: Justin M Stone
• Number of Pages: 158 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 8-12

For kids who love video games and seek thrilling adventures, A Videogame Stole My Sister by Justin M. Stone, a former video game writer, is the perfect choice.

Lucas is a typical tween who loves playing VR games. When his sister gets trapped inside one, he must race, battle creatures, and solve puzzles to save her.

This epic adventure is filled with excitement, survival challenges, and surprises. Perfect for kids who enjoy video games, it's an immersive and inspiring journey crafted by a former video game writer.

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• Genre: Mystery, Adventure
• Author: J.M. Forster
• Number of Pages: 210 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 10-14

Shadow Jumper follows the thrilling journey of Jack, a young boy who discovers he has the ability to jump into shadows and travel to different places.

When Jack's aunt goes missing under mysterious circumstances, he uses his unique powers to unravel the secrets surrounding her disappearance. As Jack delves deeper into a world of shadows and conspiracies, he must outwit dangerous enemies and solve perplexing puzzles.

This mystery adventure book offers an intriguing blend of suspense, supernatural elements, and page-turning excitement.

• Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
• Author: T.Z. Layton
• Number of Pages: 306 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 8-12

Leo K. Doyle, a talented soccer player from a small town, dreams of playing at the highest level. When he gets an unexpected opportunity to try out for the renowned London Dragons youth squad, known as The Academy, Leo embarks on a thrilling adventure.

However, with intense competition, a bully, and his own insecurities to overcome, Leo faces numerous challenges on his quest to make the team. Follow Leo's journey as he strives to prove himself and fulfill his dreams in this exciting page-turner filled with determination and growth.

• Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure
• Author: Peter Brown
• Number of Pages: 320 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 8-12

The Wild Robot introduces readers to Roz, a robot who finds herself stranded on a remote island. As Roz adapts to her new surroundings, she must learn to survive in the wild and navigate the challenges of living among the island's animal inhabitants.

With themes of friendship, nature, and what it means to be human, this heartwarming and thought-provoking story explores the bonds between humans, animals, and machines.

• Genre: Humor, Adventure
• Author: Marcus Emerson
• Number of Pages: 103 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 8-12

Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja follows the hilarious and action-packed diary entries of Chase Cooper, a regular sixth-grader who becomes an undercover ninja at his school. As Chase navigates the challenges of middle school life, he also faces off against bullies, solves mysteries, and takes on daring ninja missions.

With funny illustrations and relatable situations, this series combines humor and adventure, making it a favorite among young readers who enjoy funny and light-hearted stories.

• Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure
• Author: Elizabeth George Speare
• Number of Pages: 135 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 10-14

The Sign of the Beaver is a captivating historical fiction novel set in the wilderness of Maine in the late 18th century. It follows the story of Matt, a young boy left alone to guard his family's newly built cabin while his father travels back to their settlement for the rest of the family.

With the help of an Indigenous boy named Attean, Matt learns survival skills, friendship, and the importance of understanding different cultures. This timeless classic explores themes of resilience, trust, and acceptance.

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• Genre: Mystery, Horror
• Author: Patrick Carman
• Number of Pages: 187 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 10 and up

Skeleton Creek introduces readers to a unique blend of book and online video storytelling. The story revolves around Ryan and Sarah, best friends who uncover a mysterious secret in their small town.

As they dig deeper, they find themselves facing dangerous supernatural forces and unraveling a dark and haunting mystery. Through the combination of Ryan's written journal and Sarah's recorded videos, readers are engaged in a multimedia experience that enhances the suspenseful narrative.

Related: Skeletal system labeling worksheet

• Genre: Non-Fiction, Sports, Anthology
• Author: Jesse Sullivan
• Number of Pages: 226 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 8-12

Spectacular Stories for Curious Kids Sports Edition is a collection of inspiring and captivating true stories about remarkable athletes and their achievements.

From Olympic legends to unsung heroes, each story showcases the determination, perseverance, and triumph of these extraordinary sports figures.

Through engaging narratives, young readers will be inspired by tales of sportsmanship, dedication, and the power of pursuing one's dreams. This anthology encourages a love for sports and provides fascinating insights into the world of athletics.

Related: Summer Olympics worksheet

• Genre: Self-Help, Life Advice
• Author: Jamie Myers
• Number of Pages: 133 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 9 and up

101 Things Every Boy Should Know is the perfect gift for growing boys.

This book provides valuable guidance on self-acceptance, building relationships, setting goals, and more.

By empowering boys with knowledge and self-awareness, it helps them navigate boyhood and prepare for a successful future.

It's a practical and inspiring resource that encourages boys to embrace their true selves and create a fulfilling life.

• Genre: Non-Fiction, Trivia
• Author: Jordan Moore
• Number of Pages: 198 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 10 and up

Interesting Facts For Curious Minds is a fascinating compilation of mind-blowing facts from various fields, including history, science, pop culture, and more.

With over 1500 intriguing facts, this book takes readers on an engaging journey of discovery, satisfying their curiosity and expanding their knowledge.

From bizarre historical events to astonishing scientific phenomena, readers will be captivated by the breadth and depth of information presented in this entertaining and educational collection.

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• Genre: Non-Fiction, Trivia
• Author: National Geographic Kids
• Number of Pages: 224 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 8-12

5,000 Awesome Facts (About Everything!) is a fun and informative book that is filled with an abundance of interesting and surprising facts. From animals and nature to technology and history, this book covers a wide range of topics in a colorful and engaging format.

Packed with vibrant photographs and bite-sized pieces of information, readers will be entertained and educated by the countless amazing facts presented on every page. This book is a treasure trove of knowledge that will delight curious young minds.

Related: Best history books for kids

• Genre: Humor, Activity Book
• Author: Crazy Corey
• Number of Pages: 78 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 8-12

The Would You Rather? - EWW Edition is a hilarious activity book that will put kids' sense of humor to the test. Filled with gross, silly, and outrageous scenarios, readers must choose between two equally hilarious and "eww" options.

The book is designed to challenge kids to keep a straight face while attempting to resist laughter. With goofy illustrations and uproarious questions, this interactive book guarantees laughter and entertainment for young readers.

• Genre: Humor, Activity Book
• Author: Billy Boy
• Number of Pages: 80 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 8-12

The Don't Laugh Challenge - 10 Year Old Edition is an interactive joke book that challenges kids to keep a straight face while reading or listening to funny jokes.

Packed with a variety of jokes, riddles, and knock-knock jokes, this book is perfect for sharing with friends and family. With a contest-style format, kids can test their joke-telling skills and compete to see who can make others laugh the most.

This laughter-inducing book encourages creativity, confidence, and, of course, lots of laughs.

• Genre: Humor, Joke Book
• Author: Mike Ferris
• Number of Pages: 92 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 8-12
• Original Publication Date: 2021

Hilarious Jokes For 10 Year Old Kids is a side-splitting joke book filled with a wide range of funny jokes, tongue twisters, and knock-knock jokes. It guarantees laughter and amusement for young readers with its collection of rib-tickling humor.

Whether kids are looking for quick one-liners or entertaining stories, this joke book provides a variety of jokes to keep them giggling. It's a great choice for those who enjoy sharing jokes and bringing smiles to the faces of others.

• Genre: Non-Fiction, Reference
• Author: Crispin Boyer
• Number of Pages: 352 pages
• Reading Level: Ages 8-12
• Original Publication Date: 2019

National Geographic Kids Why? is an informative and engaging reference book that provides over 1,111 answers to a wide array of questions across various topics.

From science and nature to history and culture, this book covers a vast range of subjects in a captivating question-and-answer format. With stunning photographs, fun facts, and detailed explanations, young readers will satisfy their curiosity and expand their knowledge.

This science book is perfect for inquisitive minds seeking to discover fascinating facts about the world around them.