10+ Best Appropriate Books for 8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for appropriate books for 8-year-olds that will captivate their imagination and nurture their love for reading? You're in the right place! Whether you're a parent, teacher, or simply a book-loving mentor, finding the perfect reads for this curious age can be quite the adventure. Keep reading as we explore a variety of must-read books that are just right for 8-year-old readers. Let's dive into the world of pages and stories that await!

Fun Appropriate Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a clever spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte uses her web to write messages praising Wilbur, aiming to convince the farmer to spare his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches children about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life in a gentle manner.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who appreciate stories about friendship and compassion.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story centers around a young girl named Sophie who meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG). Together, they embark on an adventure to capture the evil, man-eating giants who are terrorizing the human world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its creative language and whimsical characters, making reading both fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories filled with adventure and magical creatures.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book is a journal of Greg Heffley as he navigates his way through middle school, dealing with bullies, family dynamics, and friendships.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its relatable humor and unique diary format keep readers entertained and can help develop a habit of reading.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy laughing and can relate to the ups and downs of school life.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with big ears who loves music and stories, and his journey from the darkness of the dungeon to the light of the princess's castle.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fairy tale that celebrates bravery and the power of being different, encouraging readers to dream big.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and anyone who roots for the underdog.

• Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Each book follows siblings Jack and Annie as they use their magic tree house to travel through time and explore different historical periods and places.
  • Why we recommend this book: These books combine fun, adventure, and learning, making them a great way to introduce history and science.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who enjoy time travel and learning about different cultures and times.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, but her parents are too dim to notice. At school, the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull makes life difficult for everyone. Matilda discovers she has a special telekinetic power that she can use to defend her friends and herself.
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers children to stand up against injustice and to believe in their own abilities.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories of triumph and have a keen sense of justice.

Educational Appropriate Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Mary Lennox, a lonely and spoiled child who discovers a neglected garden on her uncle's estate and decides to restore it. Through her adventures, she learns lessons of friendship, health, and happiness.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, responsibility, botanical knowledge, and understanding of emotional growth
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that explores themes of healing and personal transformation through the beauty of nature.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about discovery and self-improvement.

• Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In this beautifully woven tapestry of Chinese folklore, a young girl named Minli sets out on a journey to find the Old Man of the Moon to ask how she can change her family's fortune.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, mythology, problem-solving, and perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines enchanting stories with stunning illustrations, offering a magical and insightful adventure.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in stories with rich cultural heritage and adventurous plots.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: Based on a true story, this novel follows Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and hardly ever misses his life in the jungle—until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy for animals, understanding of animal rights, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that encourages compassion and awareness about animal captivity and conservation.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young activists who care about wildlife and conservation.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Humor
  • Synopsis: Nick Allen invents a new word, "frindle," for what is commonly known as a pen, sparking a series of events that captures the nation's attention.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, vocabulary building, understanding of linguistics and social dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative story that celebrates innovation and the impact of language.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy clever humor and stories about school and creativity.

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Edward Tulane, a china rabbit, loves only himself until he is separated from his owner and embarks on a journey that teaches him about love and loss.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, resilience, emotional processing
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that explores deep emotions and the importance of being loved and loving in return.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate emotional depth and beautiful storytelling in their books.

Challenging Appropriate Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows a bored young boy named Milo who unexpectedly receives a magic tollbooth one afternoon and drives through it in his toy car. The world beyond is full of fantastical places and characters that teach Milo about the importance of learning and the joy of discovery.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story is rich in wordplay, puns, and literary allusions, requiring a higher level of reading comprehension and vocabulary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively merges English and Mathematics in a narrative that captivates and educates, making learning these subjects enjoyable.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, word games, and thinking creatively about the world around them.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, illustrated by John Tenniel
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Literary Nonsense
  • Synopsis: Alice, a young girl, falls through a rabbit hole into a fantastical world where she encounters peculiar creatures and experiences bizarre adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is unconventional and filled with complex language, playful logic, and philosophic undertones.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a whimsical classic that stretches the imagination and encourages questioning and exploration of the absurd.
  • Perfect for: Readers with a penchant for adventure and a taste for the surreal.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This poetic tale tells the story of a young prince who travels the universe gaining wisdom. On Earth, he meets a stranded pilot and shares his experiences from other planets and the lessons he's learned.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores profound themes such as loneliness, friendship, love, and loss through metaphorical language and philosophical inquiry.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers deep reflections on life and human nature that can resonate with readers of all ages, wrapped in a simple but moving story.
  • Perfect for: Thoughtful children who enjoy stories that make them reflect on deeper questions about life.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a journey through space and time to rescue Meg's father from the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces concepts of physics, philosophy, and theology, woven into the narrative that requires abstract thinking and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thrilling adventure that also teaches about the power of love and the importance of fighting against conformity.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and anyone interested in science and metaphysical questions.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the mysterious Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must solve a series of puzzles and stop a global crisis.
  • Why this book is challenging: The complex puzzles and riddles throughout the book require critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a captivating story that celebrates intellect, teamwork, and courage.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love solving mysteries and cracking codes.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-year-old develop great reading habits, you've come to the right place! Below are some engaging exercises designed specifically for young readers. These will not only enhance their reading skills but also make the process a lot more fun.

• Set a Daily Reading Time
  • What it is: Dedicate a specific time each day solely for reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a routine, making reading a regular part of the day.
  • Tips: Choose a quiet time when distractions are minimal, like right before bed or after dinner.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, comfortable spot dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading an enjoyable and anticipated activity.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading a book aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves vocabulary and listening skills, and enhances comprehension.
  • Tips: Use different voices for different characters to make it more engaging and fun.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Incorporate technology by using an app designed for child readers.
  • How it helps: Offers interactive and multimedia elements that can enhance the reading experience.
  • Tips: Choose apps that are educational and appropriate for your child’s reading level.

• Join a Library Program
  • What it is: Enroll your child in a reading program at a local or school library.
  • How it helps: Encourages reading through incentives and group interactions with peers.
  • Tips: Regularly participate in library activities and discussions to maximize benefits.

• Book Club for Kids
  • What it is: Start or join a book club for children where they can discuss books with others.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and perspective-taking.
  • Tips: Keep the group small and manage it with fun activities related to the book being read.

• Challenge Them with Book Reports
  • What it is: Have your child prepare a small report or presentation on each book they finish.
  • How it helps: Encourages deeper understanding and helps retain information.
  • Tips: Provide guidance and creative freedom, allowing them to present in various formats like drawings, oral presentations, or written reports.

• Track Reading Progress
  • What it is: Maintain a chart or list that tracks the books your child has read.
  • How it helps: Gives a sense of accomplishment and motivates them to read more.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards when they reach certain milestones to keep the motivation high.

These exercises are not just about reading more books; they're about building a lifelong love for reading. By incorporating these activities into your child’s routine, you'll help them develop not only their reading skills but also their creativity, comprehension, and critical thinking. So, let's make reading a thrilling adventure for your 8-year-old! Happy reading!