12 Best Chapter Books for Boys Ages 8–10 (That They'll Actually Finish)
- kindlittleexplorer
- Jun 1, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 4
Finding the perfect chapter book for an 8 to 10-year-old boy can be tough—especially if they're a reluctant reader. Whether your child is into action, adventure, animals, or gaming, this list features books that have actually been kid-tested and loved. Some are even part of a series to keep the reading going!
These books are ideal for 3rd–5th graders, with a mix of laugh-out-loud humor, relatable characters, page-turning mystery, and meaningful life lessons. A few are also available on Kindle Unlimited for easy access.
This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases
Why Consider Getting a Kindle for Kids?
If your child loves to read—or if you're hoping they will—consider investing in a Kindle for Kids. Here's why:
Access to Thousands of Books – With Kindle Unlimited or Amazon Kids+, your child can read hundreds of age-appropriate books without constantly buying new titles.
Encourages Independent Reading – Kids love having their own device! A Kindle makes them feel responsible and more excited to choose their next read.
Great for Travel or Bedtime – Lightweight, portable, and with an adjustable backlight, a Kindle is perfect for quiet bedtime reading or family vacations.
Saves Space – No more overflowing bookshelves! A Kindle can store thousands of books in one slim device.
Library Access Through Libby – Many public libraries allow you to borrow ebooks for free using the Libby app, which syncs seamlessly with your Kindle.
Parental Controls & Vocabulary Tools – Track reading progress, limit access to web content, set a time limit, and let kids build vocabulary with built-in tools.
💡 Tip: The Kindle Paperwhite Kids edition comes with a protective cover, worry-free guarantee, and a 1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+.
Chapter Books for Boys:
by Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson is a light-hearted fantasy about a 12-year-old boy named Percy who learns that his father is Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, he journeys to become a hero, accepting a quest to stop a war between the gods.
by W. Bruce Cameron
Inspired by the New York Times bestselling A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
Bailey's Story is a moving tale told from the perspective of a golden retriever. Bailey is a curious puppy who quickly discovers his purpose is to spend all his time with his boy, Ethan. He loves nothing more than to play and explore with his eight-year-old best friend. Bailey also learns that sometimes bad things happen, and there is no greater purpose than to protect his precious human.
Bonus: At the end of the book there is a discussion and activity guide.
Steven K. Smith
Derek and Sam are brothers who have just moved to Virginia with their family. As they explore their old house and the mysterious woods, they discover a long-time mystery of a stolen coin collection. Their summer is full of mystery and adventure!
by Dustin Brady
A book for kids who love video games!
In this story, Jesse Rigsby gets sucked into a new game Full Blast along with his friend Eric. They must quickly figure things out before they are trapped for good.
by Wilson Rawls
Memorable, filled with heart, humor, and excitement!
Summer of the Monkeys is a timeless adventure about a fourteen-year-old boy who discovers a tree full of monkeys. He learns that the monkeys had escaped from a traveling circus, and he is determined to catch them in order to receive the reward money in order to help his family. By the end of the summer, he will have learned more than just about monkeys.
by Tracey Hecht
Perfect for fans of Wish, Pax, and Wild Kratts!
In this fun-filled chapter book, three unlikely animals work together to solve unpredictable mysteries. The Nocturnals is full of humor. Dawn, the serious fox, Tobin, the sweet pangolin, and Bismark, a small sugar glider, use their teamwork to find out why animals are disappearing.
by Joe Schreiber
For the young Star Wars fans!
Is your child a fan of Star Wars? The Mandalorian Junior Novel is the book adaptation of Disney's Mandalorian Season One, geared toward a younger audience. It's described as interesting, mesmerizing, and easy to follow. My 9-year-old agrees!
by Rosanne Parry
A New York Times bestseller!
Parents and children rave about this beautifully illustrated book inspired by the true story of a wolf named Journey. In this New York Times bestseller, Swift is a wolf who goes through an incredible journey to find his new home. This is a book that is also very informative about wolves. Your child will learn all about wolves from the perspective of a wolf. How wolves live, what wolves eat, etc.
by Tracy West
A great choice for kids who have just started to read independently. Dragon Masters is a book series about young dragon masters who must connect, train, and uncover their dragon's hidden powers.
by Peter Brown
A great choice for kids who love robots! This is a captivating book that tells the story of a robot who finds herself stranded on a remote island with no idea how she got there. She learns to adapt to her surroundings and befriends other creatures on her journey.
by T.Z. Layton
Perfect for sports fans!
This inspiring and captivating series is tailored for young readers aged 7 to 13 and promises an engaging journey for sports enthusiasts of all ages. When a professional scout discovers Leo's talent during a local game, he receives a life-changing invitation to try out for The Academy, the youth squad of the renowned London Dragons, an English Premier League team. Leo faces the challenge of competing against two hundred top-tier youth players, navigating bullies, an unenthusiastic roommate, a strict camp director, and his own lack of formal training.
by Amanda Foody
Wilderlore: The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody is a thrilling fantasy adventure perfect for 8-12-year-old readers. The story follows Barclay Thorne, an orphan who prefers order and rules over wild magic. But when he accidentally bonds with a mystical Beast, he is thrust into the world of Lore Keepers—people who form magical connections with creatures. Now, Barclay must navigate an unfamiliar world, train his Beast, and uncover secrets about his destiny. Filled with adventure, friendship, and enchanting creatures, this book is perfect for Harry Potter and Percy Jackson fans!
Happy Reading!
Comments