Great books for 10-year-old boys who don't like to read:
- 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' by Jeff Kinney
- 'The Story of Matthew Buzzington' by Andy Stanton
- 'The Adventures of Ook and Gluk, Kung-fu Cavemen from the Future' by Dav Pilkey
With the rapid development of technology, reading has, unfortunately, become a rarity for kids of today. But a lot of grownups will agree when I say that we still cherish and reminisce our childhood summers spent reading a classic novel or an entertaining fictional novel that transported us to a magical land.
Nevertheless, the habit of reading not only increases the vocabulary, but also triggers the child's creativity and imagination. He/She can take a cue from the writing styles, genres of different authors, and develop his own style of writing. Especially, if your child is a budding writer, he should be encouraged to read on a wide range of subjects, not limiting to a particular genre. Needless to mention, this can be a much better mode of entertainment, than watching television and playing computer games.
Of course, each kid is unique and he will have his preference, the following is a list of books that we recommend for 10-year-old boys. While it is assumed that boys love action and adventure themed books, even books depicting intricate and deep emotions of childhood can appeal to your little boy. It is not necessary to generalize; therefore pick something that will suit his choice.
#1: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
by C.S. LewisThis classic fantasy novel tells the story of four siblings: Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, and their adventures in the magical land of Narnia, which is ruled by the 'White Witch'. This novel has also been adapted to the silver screen through the 'Chronicles of Narnia' series.
#2: The Hobbit
by J.R.R. TolkienAnother classic fantasy novel for a 10-year-old, Hobbit tells the story of a Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, who lives in a comfortable hole. However, he is induced by a wizard named Gandalf to go on a quest of an adventure. The book narrates Bilbo's adventures and experiences.
#3: Boy: Tales of Childhood
by Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrator)This book encompasses the early life of author Roald Dahl. He shares some insights on his boyhood, his growing up years in England, a blend of both sad and good times. This book gives us glimpse of the early memories of Dahl's childhood. After all, even grownups had an awesome childhood once!
#4: Diary of a Wimpy Kid
by Jeff KinneyThis is a series of satirical fiction of a character named Greg Heffley, a middle schooler. It is a book with illustrations, and if your little boy does not particularly love reading books, this is one book he is sure to love. The book won the 'Blue Peter Book Award' in 2002.
#5: 'The Tapper Twins Go To War'
by Geoff RodkeyThis book tells the story of two twins who cannot stop getting on each other's nerves. Meet Claudia and Reese, twelve-year-old fraternal twins who are at war with each other. The book comes with interesting illustrations and photographs. I'm sure, if your kid has a sibling, he'll certainly relate to this book.
#6: The Underwear Dare: Nerd vs. Bully!
by The Nardini Sisters, Gina Christoffel (Illustrator)Okay, the name itself reveals all. This is about two kids: Eddie, a bully, and his poor victim Josh. Unfortunately for Josh, his father marries Eddie's mother. Hence, he is left with no other option than to live with his bully. When Josh's father tells him that the attic will soon be converted into a room, they both set dares for each other to win the room.
#7: The Saturday Boy
by David FlemingA book depicting an intricate story about a boy who longs to see his father coming back home from the war, and how he feels his father's presence through the letters sent by his father.
#8: The Real Boy
by Anne Ursu, Erin Mcguire (Illustrator)This is the story of boy named Oscar who lives in the city of Asteri, a city which is protected by magical walls. However, Oscar has to leave the comforts of his house, to make an attempt to ward off the evil monster who has been creating havoc in the magical city.
#9: The Adventures of Tintin
by HergéThis is a comic series that explores the adventures of Tintin, a reporter and adventurer, who with his intelligence can combat any situation. He is usually accompanied by his dog Snowy. Other characters include Captain Haddock, who is addicted to alcohol, and Thomson and Thompson, the twin detectives who are a major source of humor in the series.
#10: The Little Prince
by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Richard HowardThe narrator of the story, crashes his plane in the middle of the Sahara desert. Here, he meets a little blond boy, who actually belongs to an asteroid. The book explores how he visits different planets, and narrates his experiences. Interestingly, every planet actually depicts and symbolizes a human characteristic/trait.
Other Recommended Books
#11: Ghost Cadet by Elaine M. Alphin
#12: The Day My Butt Went Psycho by Andy Griffiths
#13: The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
#14: Wonder by R.J. Palacio
#15: The Book of the King by Jerry B. Jenkins, Chris Fabry
#16: The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
#17: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
#18: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
#19: Graveyard Scavenger Hunt by Brian Barnett
#20: Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrator)
If your child is fussy about reading, choose a book that contains more illustrations. If you have any other suggestions of good books to read for 10-year-old boys, do mention them in the comments section below.
