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

If you’re looking for the best books for 10 year old boys, this list is packed with exciting reads that will keep them hooked from start to finish.

As a mom of a book-loving son, I know how important it is to find stories that not only entertain but also inspire a love of reading.

Whether your child enjoys action-packed adventures, laugh-out-loud humor, or thrilling mysteries, these books have something for every young reader.

From bestselling series to hidden gems, this collection of the best books for tweens includes stories that have stood the test of time, along with new favorites that will spark curiosity and imagination.

Let’s explore some must-read books that are sure to become instant favorites!

A bright and colorful image featuring the covers of popular books for 10-year-old boys, with bold text in the center reading “25 Books for 10 Year Old Boys.” Highlighted titles include 5,000 Awesome Facts, National Park Mystery Series, The Academy, The Aquanaut, Would You Rather? Eww Edition, 101 Things Every Boy Needs to Know, and Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja. The image promotes engaging, adventurous, and humorous reads for middle-grade readers.

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Top Books for 10 Year Old Boys

Finding the perfect book for a 10 year old can be a challenge, especially when every reader has their own unique interests.

Whether your child loves action-packed adventures, laugh-out-loud humor, or mysterious thrillers, this list has something to keep them hooked.

From bestselling series to unforgettable standalones, these books are packed with excitement, imagination, and stories that will spark a lifelong love of reading.

These are some of the best books for kids at this stage, stories that will entertain, inspire, and keep them coming back for more!

The Last Kids on Earth

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!

Theodore Boone

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.

The Inheritance Cycle

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.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

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!

Hardy Boys

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.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians

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!

Related: Greek Gods timeline worksheets

Escape from a Video Game

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!

Related: Best escape board games

Mystery In Rocky Mountain National Park

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!

The Boring Days and Awesome Nights of Roy Winklesteen

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.

The Aquanaut

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.

A Videogame Stole My Sister

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!

Related: Best puzzle books for kids

Shadow Jumper

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.

The Academy

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.

The Wild Robot

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.

Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja

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!

The Sign of the Beaver

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.

Related: This is often studied in all secular homeschool curriculum

Skeleton Creek

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.

Spectacular Stories for Curious Kids Sports Edition

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!

Related: Summer Olympics worksheet

101 Things Every Boy Needs To Know

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.

Interesting Facts For Curious Minds

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.

Related: Books about inventions

5,000 Awesome Facts (About Everything!)

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.

Related: Best history books for kids

Would Your Rather? – EWW Edition

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!

The Don’t Laugh Challenge – 10 Year Old Edition

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.

Hilarious Jokes For 10 Year Old Kids

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.

Why?

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.

More Great Gift Ideas for Boys

Looking for the perfect gift? Whether your child loves books, toys, or hands-on activities, these guides will help you find something fun, engaging, and age-appropriate:

From exciting games to creative activities, these recommendations are packed with ideas to keep kids entertained and inspired!

Last Updated on 8 April 2025 by Clare Brown

Top Books for 10 Year Old Boys

More Great Gift Ideas for Boys

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