Tap a cover to jump to that book
At ten, children are in Year 6, preparing for secondary school and ready for books that match their growing maturity. The best stories for this age are gripping, funny and moving, and many deal honestly with friendship, change and growing up.
The short answer
- The one to start with
- The Explorer by Katherine Rundell — A deliciously satisfying adventure with a redoubtable set of characters…
- A favourite to share
- The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett — A Carnegie Medal winner that is the perfect introduction into the comic…
- For keen readers
- Beetle Boy by M. G. Leonard — Very original concept and a brilliant plot that reflects the authors…
What to look for at age 10
Look for books with strong characters and real stakes, from fantasy quests to stories about family and school. This is a good age to try a classic alongside new releases, and to keep reading aloud the books that are just a little beyond them.
Our pick of the best books for 10 year olds
The Explorer by Katherine Rundell
A deliciously satisfying adventure with a redoubtable set of characters surviving a plane crash into a very realistic jungle with an intriguing mystery at its heartReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett
A Carnegie Medal winner that is the perfect introduction into the comic, yet thought-provoking, Discworld created by the late lamented Sir Terry Pratchett.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamBeetle Boy by M. G. Leonard
Very original concept and a brilliant plot that reflects the authors genuine passion for beetles.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamWhen Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
A true tale of resilience and hope brought to life in this graphic novel memoirReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamMe, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow by Benjamin Dean
A truly heart-warming, funny and positive debut about a son’s way of dealing with his father’s coming outReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamUtterly Dark and the Face of the Deep by Philip Reeve
A roller coaster of a story with the survival of orphaned Utterly Dark, one of the most charming and feisty young heroines, at its heartReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamOnyeka and the Academy of the Sun by Tolá Okogwu
Black Panther meets Percy Jackson in this action-packed and empowering middle-grade series about a British-Nigerian girl who learns that her Afro hair has psychokinetic…Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamMy Life on Fire by Cath Howe
A sensitive and perceptive story of a family crisis and the deep impact it has upon their daughterReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamNic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy by Angie Thomas
Alive with African American history and folklore, this first thrilling book in a fantasy series is remarkably innovative and inspirationalReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamGhostlight by Kenneth Oppel
This gripping ghost story melds an ancient mystery with modern adventure.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Light in Everything by Katya Balen
A glowing story about learning to find room in your heart for new life and new loveReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Final Year by Matt Goodfellow
Navigating family and friendship issues make for a tough final year of primary schoolReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamImpossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
An epic adventure set in a world of wonderful, mythological creatures, sometimes benign but frequently savageReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamEntangled by Emma Rea
With dastardly kidnappings, elaborate costume parties and kids saving themselves, this is an exciting adventure story not to be missed.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamOutlaws by E. L. Norry
A heartwarming slice of middle grade social realism, Outlaws is a story about friendship and family and about getting the strength and self-belief that enables you to…Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamWildheart by Bec Manser
Can the bond between two sisters survive this thrilling nature-inspired, inclusive, magical adventure?Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamStrike by Mitch Johnson
A fast-paced football story that tackles modern-day slavery, grief and social justice. Perfect for fans of Matt Oldfield and Tom Palmer.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Ocean and the Bones by Genevieve Carver
A completely absorbing Stone Age adventure from an exciting new talent.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Ministry of Manners by David Solomons
All the fun of a Solomons’ adventure combined with a thought-provoking examination of contemporary issuesReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
This darkly comic, yet profound, Gothic adventure justifiably won multiple awards and is perfectly complimented by the stunning illustrations. A macabre triumph!Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids team
-261x400.jpg)
These 20 books come from our Year 6 reading list of 44 titles for the 2026/27 school year. Looking for a little younger or older? See books for 9 year olds and books for 11 year olds, or our guide to The Best Books for 9-12 Year Olds.
Chosen by experts, not an algorithm
Every title here comes from our Year 6 reading list, chosen by LoveReading4Kids’ children’s-book specialists — people who match books to real children every day. We’ve recommended on merit since 2005, and through our Schools Reading Programme we see which stories genuinely land with this age group. When you buy through us, up to 25% of the cover price can go to a school of your choice.
Each is named, with a photograph and full biography, on our editorial experts page.
Members of the panel include:
Julia Eccleshare MBEAward-winning children’s literature expert and former Guardian Children’s Editor
Andrea ReeceChildren’s literature expert, editor and former children’s publisher
Tricia AdamsFormer Director of the School Library Association and Carnegie & Kate Greenaway judging Chair
Deborah MaclarenLoveReading CEO and literary prize judge, championing books and reading for pleasure
Your questions answered
What should a 10 year old read?
Our editors recommend starting with The Explorer by Katherine Rundell, The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett and Beetle Boy by M. G. Leonard, all from our Year 6 reading list. The full list of 20 books is on this page.
Which school year is a 10 year old in?
In England, most children turn 10 during Year 6, so these books come from our Year 6 list. Children read at very different levels, so look at the ages either side too.
How are these books chosen?
By LoveReading4Kids’ children’s-book specialists, including former Carnegie judges and school librarians, not by sales rank or an algorithm. We have recommended books on merit since 2005.
What if my child is a reluctant reader?
Try shorter, funnier or illustrated books first, and let them choose. Our guide to the best books for reluctant readers has picks chosen to win children round.