Ten brings bigger questions — puberty landing, identity forming, home life that doesn't always work the way it should. Our shelf at this age is curated for readers starting to think hard about who they are, with books that don't flinch but also don't moralise. Each one hand-picked by Hannah, a former English teacher.
43 real life books for 10-year-olds
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What age is Dork Diaries for? An honest guide to the crushes and mean-girl drama inside, the age we shelve Nikki's diaries at, and four books to hand over in the meantime.
Real LifeThe best Jacqueline Wilson books, ranked by a lifelong fan. From Tracy Beaker to The Illustrated Mum, with an honest word on which of her books suits which age.
FriendshipBooks like Malory Towers for 8 to 11 year olds. Boarding school stories, midnight feasts and the best next reads when the Blyton runs out.
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