what are the best books for 10 year olds

what are the best books for 10 year olds

As a parent or educator, it can be challenging to find the right books for 10-year-olds that will not only capture their attention but also help them develop a love for reading. This is a crucial age for children as they are transitioning from picture books to chapter books, and their reading skills are continuing to develop. With a plethora of options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best books for 10-year-olds. That’s why we have curated a list of the top books that are sure to engage, entertain, and inspire 10-year-olds.

1. “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling
There is no doubt that the Harry Potter series is a favorite among children of all ages. The first book in the series, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” introduces readers to the magical world of Hogwarts and its beloved characters. The story follows Harry Potter, a young wizard who discovers he is famous in the wizarding world and must confront his destiny to defeat the dark wizard, Lord Voldemort. This book is not only a fun and exciting read but also teaches valuable lessons about friendship, bravery, and standing up for what is right.

2. “Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan
Another popular series among 10-year-olds is the Percy Jackson series. The first book in the series, “The Lightning Thief,” follows the adventures of Percy, a demigod, as he discovers his true identity and must go on a quest to retrieve Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt. This book is filled with action, humor, and Greek mythology, making it a page-turner for young readers. It also teaches important lessons about acceptance, family, and overcoming challenges.

3. “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis
“The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” is the first book in the classic series, “The Chronicles of Narnia.” The story follows four siblings who discover a magical world called Narnia through a wardrobe in their uncle’s house. As they explore Narnia, they must help the lion, Aslan, defeat the evil White Witch and restore peace to the land. This book is not only a timeless classic but also a tale of adventure, courage, and good versus evil that will captivate 10-year-olds.

4. “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio
This New York Times bestseller tells the heartwarming story of August Pullman, a 10-year-old boy with a facial deformity, as he navigates his first year of school. “Wonder” is a powerful and moving story that teaches important lessons about kindness, empathy, and acceptance. It is a must-read for 10-year-olds, as it encourages them to be more compassionate and understanding towards others.

5. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl’s books are a favorite among children, and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is no exception. The story follows Charlie Bucket, a poor boy who wins a golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. This book is filled with whimsical characters, funny moments, and an imaginative world that will capture the imagination of 10-year-olds. It also teaches important lessons about greed, honesty, and the value of family.

6. “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate
“The One and Only Ivan” is a heartwarming and thought-provoking story inspired by a real-life gorilla named Ivan. The book follows Ivan, a silverback gorilla who lives in a shopping mall with other animals. When a baby elephant named Ruby is brought to the mall, Ivan forms a bond with her and begins to question his own life and the treatment of animals. This book is a must-read for 10-year-olds as it teaches important lessons about animal rights, friendship, and courage.

7. “Holes” by Louis Sachar
“Holes” is a Newbery Medal-winning novel that tells the story of Stanley Yelnats, a 10-year-old boy who is sent to a juvenile detention center for a crime he didn’t commit. At the detention center, Stanley and the other boys are forced to dig holes in the desert as punishment. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that there is more to this punishment than meets the eye. This book is a perfect blend of mystery, adventure, and humor, making it a favorite among 10-year-olds.

8. “The Invention of Hugo Cabret” by Brian Selznick
“The Invention of Hugo Cabret” is a unique book that combines both words and illustrations to tell a captivating story. The book follows Hugo, an orphan who lives in a train station in Paris, as he tries to uncover the mystery of a broken automaton left to him by his late father. This book not only encourages a love for reading but also teaches important lessons about forgiveness, family, and the power of imagination.

9. “The Mysterious Benedict Society” by Trenton Lee Stewart
“The Mysterious Benedict Society” is the first book in a series that follows four gifted children who must use their unique talents to save the world from a mysterious villain. This book is filled with puzzles, codes, and challenges that will engage and entertain 10-year-olds. It also teaches valuable lessons about teamwork, intelligence, and standing up for what is right.

10. “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster
“The Phantom Tollbooth” is a classic fantasy book that follows a young boy named Milo as he embarks on a journey to save the Kingdom of Wisdom from the evil demon, Azaz. Along the way, Milo meets a cast of quirky and memorable characters and learns important lessons about the power of words, imagination, and the joy of learning. This book is a must-read for 10-year-olds as it encourages them to think creatively and explore the world around them.

In conclusion, the best books for 10-year-olds are those that not only entertain but also teach valuable lessons and spark their imagination. These books are sure to engage 10-year-olds and instill a love for reading that will last a lifetime. So, whether your child is a reluctant reader or an avid bookworm, these books are sure to capture their attention and inspire them to dive into the magical world of literature. Happy reading!

fun apps to play in the car

Road trips can be a fun and exciting way to travel, whether you’re with friends or family. However, long hours in the car can sometimes lead to boredom and restlessness. This is where fun apps to play in the car come in handy. With the advancement of technology, there are now numerous apps that can keep you entertained and engaged during your journey. In this article, we will explore some of the best apps to play in the car that are guaranteed to make your road trip more enjoyable.

1. Road Trip Bingo
Road Trip Bingo is an app that is perfect for long car rides. It is a digital version of the classic bingo game and is suitable for players of all ages. The app provides you with a bingo card filled with different road trip-related items such as license plates, road signs, and landmarks. As you spot these items during your journey, you can mark them off on your virtual bingo card. The first person to get a complete line of marked-off items wins the game. This app not only keeps you entertained but also encourages you to pay more attention to your surroundings during the trip.

2. Heads Up!
Heads Up! is a popular app that can be played by a group of people in the car. It is a modern version of the classic game ‘Charades’ where one player has to guess the word or phrase that is displayed on the screen, while the other players give hints and clues. The app has a variety of categories to choose from, including celebrities, animals, and movies. It is a fun and interactive game that will keep everyone in the car engaged and entertained.

3. Spotify
Music is an essential part of any road trip, and Spotify is the perfect app to create the ultimate playlist for your journey. With a wide variety of songs, artists, and genres to choose from, you can curate a playlist that everyone in the car will enjoy. You can also download songs and listen to them offline, which is ideal for long drives in areas with poor internet connectivity.

4. Waze
Waze is a navigation app that not only helps you get to your destination but also makes the journey more fun. It provides real-time traffic updates, police sightings, and road closures, ensuring that you always take the most efficient route. Waze also has a social feature that allows you to connect with friends who are also using the app, making it easier to stay in touch while on the road.

5. QuizUp
QuizUp is a trivia game app that is perfect for long car rides. It has a vast collection of topics to choose from, including sports, history, and pop culture. You can challenge your friends or family members in the car to a quick game and see who comes out on top. The app also has a feature that allows you to compete with players from all around the world, making it even more exciting.

6. Netflix

Netflix is a popular streaming service that allows you to watch movies and TV shows on the go. The app has a download feature, which means you can download your favorite shows and movies before your trip and watch them offline in the car. This is especially useful for long journeys where you may not have access to the internet.

7. Spaceteam
Spaceteam is a cooperative multiplayer game that requires players to work together to save their spaceship from falling apart. Each player has a different control panel on their phone, and they have to communicate with each other to complete tasks and avoid obstacles. It is a fast-paced and hilarious game that is perfect for a group of friends or family members on a road trip.

8. Headspace
Road trips can be tiring, and it is essential to take breaks and relax during the journey. Headspace is a meditation and mindfulness app that provides guided meditation sessions to help you de-stress and unwind. It also has sleep sounds and music that can help you fall asleep in the car, making it perfect for long drives.

9. Geocaching
Geocaching is a real-life treasure hunt that can be played using the app of the same name. Players use GPS coordinates to find hidden containers, also known as geocaches, in different locations. This app is a great way to make pit stops during the trip and explore new places while having fun.

10. Pokémon Go
Pokémon Go took the world by storm when it was first released, and it is still a popular app for many people. The game uses augmented reality to allow players to catch virtual Pokémon in the real world. It is a great way to pass the time and explore new areas during a road trip.

11. Roadtrippers
Roadtrippers is an app that helps you plan your road trip. You can enter your starting point and destination, and the app will show you different routes with points of interest along the way. You can also customize your trip by adding specific categories such as food, attractions, and scenic routes. This app is perfect for those who want to make the most out of their road trip and discover new places.

12. 20 Questions
The 20 Questions app is a digital version of the classic game. The app randomly selects an object, and players have to ask yes or no questions to try and guess what it is. This game can be played by a group of people in the car, and it is a great way to pass the time and exercise your brain.

13. Roadside America
If you are someone who loves quirky and offbeat attractions, then the Roadside America app is perfect for you. It is a travel guide that shows you all the bizarre and unusual places along your route, such as the world’s largest ball of yarn or a giant roadside sculpture. You can also read reviews and see photos of these attractions, making it easier to decide which ones to visit.

14. I Spy
I Spy is a game that never gets old, and it is perfect for playing in the car. The app provides you with a list of items to find, and you have to take a picture of them to score points. Whether you are on a long road trip or stuck in traffic, this app will keep you entertained and engaged.

15. Audible
Audible is an audiobook app that is perfect for those who love to read but don’t want to take their eyes off the road. The app has a vast collection of audiobooks, including bestsellers and classics, which you can listen to while driving. You can also download books and listen to them offline, making it ideal for long drives.

In conclusion, road trips can be long and monotonous, but with the right apps, they can be fun and memorable. Whether you are traveling with friends or family, these apps are guaranteed to keep everyone entertained and engaged during the journey. So the next time you plan a road trip, make sure to download some of these fun apps and make your journey more enjoyable.