It wasn’t hard for my 10-year-old daughter to come up with some favorite book suggestions… she is an amazing reader! She has been known to devour whole series in a week’s time.
Keep in mind, my daughter LOVES horses and dogs. Consequently, most of these books involve horses or dogs, in some way. If your daughter isn’t into animals, you may want to give one or two of these books a try anyway. You never know when your child’s tastes might change – especially if the story is exciting and engaging enough to capture their imagination. If your daughter does love animals, she’s in for a real treat with these books. And most of them are great for boys, too.
#1- SURVIVORS Series, by Erin Hunter
When my daughter discovered this action-packed animal fantasy series, she was immediately hooked. The story is written from Lucky’s (a dog) point of view, which helps readers see the world through the eyes of dogs. Lucky is a Lone Dog, roaming the city streets and depending on his instincts. Then the Big Growl hits—a devastating earthquake that changes Lucky’s world forever. For the first time, he must team up with a Pack, a group of former Leashed Dogs who have been separated from their owners. There are six books in the series, you can find them here. Erin Hunter has also written the bestselling Warriors and Seekers series.
#2- Island of the Blue Dolphins, by Scott O’Dell
This beautifully written novel is about Karana, an Indian girl who, according to history, in the early 1800s spent eighteen years alone on an island. This is her story. It is a romantic adventure filled with drama and heartache. Her survival on such a desolate spot was amazing, but Karana also had to contend with the ferocious pack of wild dogs that had killed her younger brother, constantly guard against the Aleutian sea otter hunters, and maintain a precarious food supply. Her quiet bravery and strength was inspiring to my daughter. A wonderful story for any young girl to read. You can find it here.
#3- Dog Diaries #1: Elska, by Kate Klimo
My daughter loves to read adventure stories about animals, and this series based on true dog stories or on true-to-life situations, is one of her favorites because they are told from a dog’s point of view. Focusing on a different breed for each book, your daughter can learn a lot about dogs and the amazing things they can do. You can find them here. There is also a companion series called Horse Diaries, written by Catherine Hapka and other various authors. Each is written about a different horse breed, from the horse’s point of view. You can find the first book here.
#4- Misty of Chincoteague, by Marguerite Henry
For two years the Phantom—the wildest mare on Assateague Island—had escaped capture, but this year will be different. Paul and Maureen have their hearts set on owning her, and they work hard to earn the money to buy her at the yearly Pony Penning Day. But everyone is in for a surprise, for Paul not only brings in the Phantom, but her newborn colt as well. Can Paul and Maureen possibly earn enough to buy them both the Phantom and Misty? A wonderful, timeless story. Find it here.
#5- Rescue on the Oregon Trail (Ranger in Time #1), by Kate Messner
The Ranger in Time series are fun stories about Ranger, a time-traveling golden retriever who has a nose for trouble…and always saves the day! In this first book Ranger, who has been trained as a search-and-rescue dog, finds a mysterious first aid kit in the garden and is transported to the year 1850, where he meets a young boy named Sam Abbott, and helps him save his sister’s life as they travel west on the Oregon Trail. Every story is set in a different place and time, and girls will learn some history along with the adventure. Find the first book here.
#6- Blackjack: Dreaming of a Morgan Horse (Book #1), by Ellen F. Field
This award winning book introduces readers to Heather Richardson, a horse-loving youngster who dreams of a beautiful black Morgan Horse, who is in danger and she needs to save him. Then she discovers the horse is real, and with encouragement from Blackjack’s owner, she learns to ride and show while bonding with the horse. “But when tragedy strikes and Blackjack falls into the hands of a cruel trainer, Heather must find a way to get her beloved horse back before it is too late…” (Amazon) My daughter requested the entire series for her birthday! You can find the first book here.
#7- Woof: A Bowser and Birdie Novel, by Spencer Quinn
Bowser, a handsome and only slightly slobbery dog, and his owner Birdie Gaux, have a mystery to solve. Her grammy’s stuffed prize marlin has been stolen, and it’s up to Bowser to protect Birdie when danger comes calling. This dog knows it up to him to sic ’em! Set in a small town in the Louisiana Swamp, these stories are fun and lots of laughs for girls (and boys) of all ages. The audiobooks are especially fun to listen to! Find all 3 books in the series here.
#8- Tornado, by Betsy Byars
When a tornado appears in the distance, Pete, the farmhand gathers everyone into the storm cellar. As they wait for the storm to pass, he tells the family a story about a dog who was dropped down by a tornado when Pete was a boy. This was no ordinary dog—he played card tricks, saved a turtle′s life, and had a rivalry with the family cat. They named him Tornado. The relationship and loyalty between a boy and his dog makes for a wonderful story. My daughter chose this for a book report, she enjoyed it so much. Find it here.
9) Race the Wild #1: Rain Forest Relay, by Kristin Earhart
When Russell entered the race, he knew it was going to be a wild ride, but nothing could prepared him or his treatmates for what they would find: raging rapids, poisonous venom, sneaky competitors who will do anything to win, and more! Find the first book here. “…action-packed adventure series is bursting with totally true facts about wild and wonderful creatures, dangerous habitats, maps, and more!” (Amazon)
#10- The Daring Book for Girls, by Andrea J. Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz
This book is an invaluable manual for everything that girls need to know. Whatever your daughters’ personality or temperament (mine is a little tomboy), this book is an invitation to adventure for every kind of girl. From female heroes in history, secret note-passing skills, science projects, friendship bracelets, double dutch, cats cradle, and the perfect cartwheel, to the eternal mystery of what boys are thinking, this book has it all. You can find it here.