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

Hey there! If you're on the hunt for the perfect read for your little one, you've come to the right spot. Our latest roundup features heartwarming Books About Friendship for 8-Year-Olds that capture the essence of camaraderie and adventure. Whether you're looking to stock up your child’s bookshelf or find a gift that keeps on giving, stick around as we dive into our favorite picks that celebrate the joys of friendship!

Fun Books About Friendship for 8-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages in her web to persuade the farmer to spare his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches the values of friendship, loyalty, and the importance of being a good writer. It helps children understand the concept of mortality in a gentle way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love animals and stories about unlikely friendships.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young orphan girl named Sophie befriends the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, despite his intimidating appearance, turns out to be a kindhearted soul who delivers good dreams to children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its creative plot and whimsical language. It also teaches kids about kindness and the importance of standing up against bullies.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy magical adventures and stories about friendships that defy size and expectations.

• Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
  • Genre(s): Early reader, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This collection of stories details the adventures and everyday experiences of two good friends, Frog and Toad.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's great for developing readers with its simple text and engaging stories. The book explores themes of friendship through the supportive and sometimes humorous actions of its characters.
  • Perfect for: Beginning readers who are starting to explore friendships and emotions.

• Ivy + Bean by Annie Barrows, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
  • Genre(s): Contemporary fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: This series kicks off with two girls, Ivy and Bean, who never thought they would be friends but end up forming an incredible duo, getting into all sorts of mischief and adventures together.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's funny and relatable, showing how differences can make friendships stronger. It encourages creative problem-solving and mischief in a safe way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who might feel like they're too different to find a good friend.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Animal fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: Inspired by true events, this story is about 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.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches compassion and the importance of promises, through the lens of friendship among animals. It also offers a gentle critique of animal captivity.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who appreciate stories that evoke strong emotions and promote ethical thinking.

Educational Books About Friendship for 8-Year-Olds

• My Friend is Sad by Mo Willems
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Humor
  • Synopsis: In this engaging book, Gerald the Elephant is sad, and Piggie tries everything to cheer him up. The story captures the ups and downs of friends who care deeply about each other's happiness.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, emotional intelligence, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a simple yet powerful depiction of how friends support each other through tough times, with humor that keeps the reader engaged.
  • Perfect for: Young readers learning about empathy and how to cheer up friends.

• Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
  • Genre(s): Picture book, Friendship
  • Synopsis: Stick and Stone are lonely until a chance encounter during a breezy day brings them together. The story explores how they help each other overcome challenges and fend off bullies.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Friendship dynamics, anti-bullying, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It shows the power of friendship and standing up for one another in a fun, accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are navigating friendships and learning to stand up for others.

• Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Picture book, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A boy finds a penguin at his doorstep and decides they must be lost, so he sets out on a journey to help the penguin find its way home, only to discover what the penguin really wants.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, understanding emotions, geography
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully illustrated story that teaches about the journey of helping others and understanding what friendship truly means.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about adventures and the true meaning of friendship.

• Enemy Pie by Derek Munson, illustrated by Tara Calahan King
  • Genre(s): Picture book, Social skills
  • Synopsis: A young boy learns an effective recipe for turning a best enemy into a best friend, with the help of his father's secret recipe for "enemy pie."
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Conflict resolution, social skills, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique and humorous solution to dealing with conflicts and misunderstandings among friends.
  • Perfect for: Kids who might be dealing with schoolyard conflicts or misunderstandings.

• A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead
  • Genre(s): Picture book, Gentle storytelling
  • Synopsis: Amos McGee, a friendly zookeeper, always makes time for his animal friends at the zoo. When Amos is too sick to make it to the zoo, his animal friends decide it's time they returned the favor.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Compassion, responsibility, daily routines
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale of reciprocity and kindness, with beautiful illustrations that bring the story to life.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and stories about caring and friendship.

Challenging Books About Friendship for 8-Year-Olds

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: The story follows Edward Tulane, a china rabbit who is loved by a little girl but must embark on a journey where he experiences love and loss through meeting various people.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes of love, loss, and redemption which are explored in a deep and philosophical way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a profound narrative that encourages empathy and understanding of different life experiences.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy emotional depth and beautifully illustrated tales of transformation.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: An orphaned girl named Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle, where she discovers a neglected garden that she decides to restore. She forms deep friendships through this shared project that changes their lives.
  • Why this book is challenging: The language and themes are more complex, involving character development, emotional growth, and a subtle exploration of psychological themes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that teaches about the healing power of nature and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who appreciate rich descriptions and character-driven stories.

• Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the story of a young girl named Opal who, upon moving to a new town, adopts a stray dog she names Winn-Dixie. The bond they form helps her make new friends and mend her relationship with her father.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story deals with themes of loneliness, friendship, and acceptance, requiring readers to engage with more complex emotional content.
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the importance of compassion and community, making it a heartwarming read.
  • Perfect for: Children who love stories about animals and learning about human relationships.

• The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes, illustrated by Louis Slobodkin
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: The book tells the story of Wanda Petronski, a Polish girl in an American school who is ridiculed by her classmates for wearing the same faded dress every day while claiming to have a hundred dresses at home.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses complex issues of bullying and acceptance, requiring readers to think critically about empathy and kindness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important lessons about diversity and standing up for others.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in social issues and emotional growth through storytelling.

• Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel explores the friendship between Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke who create a magical forest kingdom called Terabithia, where they rule as king and queen until tragedy strikes.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book deals with death and grief in a profound way that can be emotionally challenging for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a moving and realistic portrayal of friendship, imagination, and loss.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are ready to handle more mature themes and appreciate stories that delve into deep emotional experiences.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-year-old develop great reading habits while enjoying some wonderful books about friendship, here are a few fun exercises you can try together. These activities not only make reading more engaging but also deepen their understanding and appreciation of the stories. Let’s dive in!

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy spot dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading time special and something to look forward to.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions or toys.

• Book Club for Two
  • What it is: Schedule a regular time to discuss a book you both are reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and gives your child a chance to express their thoughts.
  • Tips: Keep the discussion light and fun, more like a chat about friends in the book.

• Act Out Scenes from the Book
  • What it is: Pick a favorite scene from the book and act it out together.
  • How it helps: Helps with memory and understanding of the story.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make it more exciting and memorable.

• Draw the Story
  • What it is: Encourage your child to draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Stimulates creativity and helps with visual recall of the story.
  • Tips: Display their artwork at home to show how much you value their effort and creativity.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Before reading a new chapter, guess what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Encourages active thinking and anticipation while reading.
  • Tips: Discuss why they made those predictions afterward, linking back to parts of the story.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks reading milestones.
  • How it helps: Motivates continuous reading and setting personal goals.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards for reaching milestones, like choosing the next book to read together.

• Character Friends List
  • What it is: Make a list of characters in the book and describe them as if they were real friends.
  • How it helps: Deepens connection with the characters and enhances empathy.
  • Tips: Include why each character would be a good friend, linking traits with actions in the book.

These exercises are designed to make reading a more dynamic and interactive experience for your child. By incorporating these activities, you're not just helping them become better readers, but also teaching them the value of friendship as explored through their books. Happy reading!