25 Best Books for 10 Year Old Boys | Must-Reads They’ll Love

If your 10-year-old loves action, humor, and a little bit of the undead, The Last Kids on Earth is a must-read. This fast-paced series follows Jack and his friends as they battle zombies and build the ultimate treehouse fortress. It’s part apocalypse, part adventure, and completely addictive for young readers!

John Grisham brings his legal-thriller expertise to kids with Theodore Boone, a series that turns courtroom drama into an adventure. My son was hooked on Theo’s ability to crack cases long before the adults around him caught on. It’s perfect for mystery-loving kids who enjoy solving puzzles and uncovering secrets.

Eragon is a gateway to epic fantasy, filled with dragons, magic, and destiny. My son couldn’t put this down—the thrill of a farm boy discovering his dragon and setting off on a dangerous quest was too good. If your child loves Percy Jackson but wants something more immersive, this is it.

Greg Heffley’s middle school misadventures never get old. This series is pure fun, packed with hilarious drawings and relatable moments about friendships, embarrassing parents, and school chaos. Even reluctant readers get hooked because it feels more like flipping through a journal than reading a traditional book. A guaranteed laugh-out-loud favorite!

Before my son got into modern mysteries, he loved The Hardy Boys—a classic series that still holds up. Each book is a new case, with brothers Frank and Joe solving crimes with sharp instincts and a little daring. The stories are fast-paced, engaging, and perfect for kids who love adventure.

Greek mythology meets modern humor in Percy Jackson, a series that instantly captivated my son. Percy’s sarcastic wit and action-packed quests make learning mythology fun. If your kid enjoys magic, prophecies, and heroics, this series is impossible to put down. Bonus: it’s great for kids with ADHD, just like Percy!

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For kids obsessed with video games, this series is like stepping inside one. My son raced through these books, which blend gaming action with real-life adventure. Jesse, the main character, has to outsmart virtual traps and villains to escape—kind of like Jumanji but with way more boss battles!

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This book combines a thrilling mystery with a real-life national park setting. My son loved the mix of outdoor adventure and detective work, and it sparked an interest in visiting national parks. If your child enjoys solving puzzles and uncovering hidden clues, this one’s a fantastic pick!

Roy’s life is dull by day but completely wild by night, and this book captures every hilarious moment. My son loved the unpredictable adventures and the way Roy’s imagination turned ordinary days into something extraordinary. Perfect for kids who enjoy quirky humor and a touch of fantasy in everyday life.

Dan Santat’s The Aquanaut is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel with an oceanic twist. It’s a heartfelt story about family, conservation, and unexpected friendships. My son was drawn to the adventurous sea creatures running the show, and the mix of humor and emotion made this one unforgettable.

My son couldn’t resist a book where a kid literally has to battle his way through a video game to rescue his sister. This fast-paced adventure has puzzles, monsters, and virtual mayhem—everything a gamer could want in a book. Great for kids who prefer digital quests over traditional reading!

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Part mystery, part superhero story, Shadow Jumper is about a boy with a rare condition who discovers he can jump through shadows. It’s packed with suspense, action, and an emotional journey about friendship and family. My son loved the unique concept and raced through it in just a few days.

This one’s for young athletes with big dreams. Leo gets a shot at joining an elite soccer academy, but the competition is brutal. My son, who’s into sports, found this incredibly relatable. It’s about perseverance, teamwork, and proving yourself when the odds are stacked against you.

Roz, a robot stranded in the wild, learns survival skills and forms surprising friendships with animals. This book feels different from any other—thought-provoking, emotional, and surprisingly heartwarming. My son loved how it made him think about nature, technology, and what it means to belong. A fantastic mix of adventure and philosophy.

A middle school ninja? My son thought this was the coolest concept ever. Chase Cooper gets recruited into a secret ninja society at his school, and chaos follows. This series is packed with humor, action, and tons of ridiculous moments. Great for kids who like Wimpy Kid but want more adventure!

Historical fiction at its best, this book transported my son to colonial Maine. Left alone in the wilderness, Matt must learn survival skills with the help of an Indigenous boy. It’s a powerful story about friendship, resilience, and different cultures. Perfect for kids who enjoy adventure with real-world history.

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A mix of book and video storytelling, Skeleton Creek is part mystery, part ghost story. My son loved the interactive element—he could read Ryan’s journal and then watch the videos Sarah recorded. It’s spooky, suspenseful, and completely different from anything else on this list.

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This book is packed with real-life sports stories that inspired my son to look beyond the scoreboard. From legendary athletes to underdog victories, the bite-sized chapters make it easy to read in short bursts. A must-have for young sports fans who love learning about the greatest moments in athletics!

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This book is full of real-world wisdom, from building confidence to handling friendships. My son called it "like having an older brother giving advice." It’s a fun, easy-to-read guide that covers everything from setting goals to staying positive—great for kids figuring out life’s next steps.

If your child loves random facts and trivia, this book is a goldmine. My son kept stopping mid-read to tell me fun facts I never knew! It’s engaging, educational, and perfect for kids who prefer short, punchy reads over long stories.

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National Geographic never disappoints, and this book is packed with jaw-dropping facts, crazy science, and fascinating history. It’s visually stunning and impossible to put down. My son spent hours flipping through it, and it sparked so many interesting conversations.

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My son and his friends had way too much fun with this book. It’s full of gross, hilarious, and impossible “Would You Rather” questions that keep kids laughing for hours. Great for road trips, family game nights, or anytime they need some silly fun!

This book turns joke-telling into a competition—who can hold in their laughter the longest? My son loved testing his friends and trying to keep a straight face. It’s a fantastic way to build confidence in reading aloud and guarantees lots of giggles.

A joke book is always a hit, and this one is packed with punchlines that actually make kids laugh. My son kept sneaking up on us to tell jokes from this book, and it became a household favorite. A perfect pick for kids who love making people smile.

If your child constantly asks “Why?” about everything, this book is their dream come true. With over 1,000 questions and answers, it covers everything from science to history. My son read it cover to cover and still brings up random facts from it months later.

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