10+ Best Books for 7-8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect books for 7-8-year-olds that will capture their imagination and help foster a love for reading? Finding just the right reads for this curious, adventurous age can be a delightful challenge. From tales that spark creativity to stories that build early critical thinking skills, we've compiled a variety of engaging books that are sure to keep young readers hooked. Keep reading to discover our top picks for books for 7-8-year-olds that are not only fun but also enriching.

Fun Books for 7-8-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • 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 spins words into her web to try to save her friend.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the reality of life and death in a gentle way that is accessible to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and stories about friendships.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike other giants, doesn't eat children. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the man-eating giants.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its creative language and whimsical plot, making reading both fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a big imagination and a love for stories that transport them to magical worlds.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book is a diary of Greg Heffley as he navigates his way through middle school, detailing his trials and tribulations, hilarious adventures, and interactions with family and friends.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its relatable humor and unique format, mixing text with cartoon-style illustrations, are particularly appealing to reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy laughter 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 story centers on Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with large ears, who loves music and stories, and his quest to save a human princess named Pea.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fairy tale that celebrates bravery and kindness, and it's beautifully written to boost both vocabulary and emotional intelligence.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales and stories of unlikely heroes.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a bright little girl who is misunderstood by her family. When she goes to school, she encounters Miss Trunchbull, the mean headmistress. With her intelligence and special telekinetic powers, Matilda stands up to the adults in her life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers children to believe in themselves and shows that they can overcome adversity regardless of their age.
  • Perfect for: Intelligent young readers who dream of a world where kindness and cleverness triumph over cruelty and stupidity.

Educational Books for 7-8-Year-Olds

• The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Join Ms. Frizzle and her class as they take a wild ride with the Magic School Bus inside the Earth, exploring different geological formations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Geology, scientific inquiry, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun adventures with educational content, making learning about Earth's structure exciting and memorable.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers eager to learn about science in a fun and engaging way.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: Inspired by real-life makers such as Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, Ada Twist is a curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, curiosity in science
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes STEM education and inspires kids to ask questions and think like scientists.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who have an insatiable appetite for understanding how things work.

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon
  • Genre(s): Biography, Inspirational, Science
  • Synopsis: This is the story of a boy from Malawi who builds a windmill from scraps to save his village from drought and famine, transforming the lives of his community.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Innovation, resilience, environmental science
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring true story that shows how creativity and determination can change the world.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and environmentalists keen on making a difference.

• National Geographic Kids Why?: Over 1,111 Answers to Everything by Crispin Boyer
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational, Reference
  • Synopsis: This book is packed with answers to questions about animals, science, history, and more, providing curious kids with a wealth of knowledge.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: General knowledge, curiosity, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It satisfies the endless curiosity of kids with factual, easy-to-understand answers and amazing photography.
  • Perfect for: Inquisitive young minds who love to ask "Why?"

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: Rosie is a brilliant inventor who dreams of becoming a great engineer. Through her attempts to build amazing gadgets, she learns important lessons about the value of perseverance and the power of a positive attitude.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, engineering principles, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages kids, especially girls, to pursue their interest in engineering and to never be afraid of failure.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and future engineers who love building and learning how things work.

Challenging Books for 7-8-Year-Olds

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Milo, a bored young boy who unexpectedly receives a magic tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical insights.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes a rich use of language, puns, and abstract concepts that are intellectually stimulating and may require a higher level of comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively blends humor with learning, encouraging readers to think deeply and appreciate the nuances of language and problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy puzzles, word games, and thinking outside the box.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: An orphaned girl named Mary Lennox is sent to live at her uncle's remote country estate where she discovers a hidden, neglected garden. As she revitalizes the garden, she transforms her own life and that of her sickly cousin.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style and historical setting may pose challenges due to its use of Victorian English and the depth of its themes, including loss and rejuvenation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that explores themes of healing and personal growth, encouraging empathy and a connection to nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are drawn to stories of transformation and the mysteries of a hidden world.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Classic
  • Synopsis: Alice falls through a rabbit hole into a fantastical world with peculiar creatures and surreal experiences. The narrative is filled with whimsy and absurdities that challenge conventional logic.
  • Why this book is challenging: The playful manipulation of logic and complex wordplay can be perplexing, requiring advanced comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and critical thinking, as readers must navigate the bizarre logic that governs Wonderland.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who delight in the absurd and enjoy having their thinking challenged.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A small mouse born into a human family, Stuart Little embarks on a series of adventures in a human-sized world, showing courage and ingenuity.
  • Why this book is challenging: The blending of fantasy elements with real-world settings invites readers to suspend disbelief and think creatively.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a tale of adventure and resilience that promotes bravery and self-reliance in navigating the larger world.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous young readers who appreciate stories of courage and exploration.

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This classic tale follows the escapades of four anthropomorphic animals—Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger—in a pastoral version of England. The story combines adventure with detailed character development and moral lessons.
  • Why this book is challenging: The sophisticated vocabulary and descriptive passages require a higher reading level, as well as an appreciation for subtle storytelling and character nuances.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a rich narrative that fosters an appreciation for friendship and the beauty of the natural world.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy detailed narratives and classic tales of camaraderie and adventure.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-8-year-old develop good reading habits, I've got some fun and effective exercises for you. These activities are designed not just to improve their reading skills but also to make reading a more enjoyable part of their daily lives. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy corner dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and enjoyable experience.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the nook with their favorite cushions, lights, or toys.

• Book Bingo
  • What it is: Make a bingo card with different types of books or genres to read.
  • How it helps: Encourages children to explore various genres and expand their reading preferences.
  • Tips: Reward them with a small prize or extra storytime when they complete a bingo line.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Pause during reading to predict what might happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension skills and keeps them engaged.
  • Tips: Discuss why they think their prediction might happen, linking back to the story.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with your child taking on the role of a favorite character.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of the character and the story.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more fun and immersive experience.

• Reading Timer
  • What it is: Set a timer for a specific amount of quiet reading time.
  • How it helps: Helps build a routine and discipline for regular reading.
  • Tips: Start with short intervals and gradually increase as their stamina improves.

• Book Club for Kids
  • What it is: Organize a small book club with a few of your child’s friends to discuss a book they all read.
  • How it helps: Encourages social interaction through reading and improves communication skills.
  • Tips: Keep the discussion light and fun, possibly adding themed snacks or activities related to the book.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Have your child draw scenes or characters from the book they are reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances creativity and helps them visualize and remember the story better.
  • Tips: Display their artwork at home to show how much you value their effort and creativity.

These exercises aren't just about reading more books; they're about creating a deeper connection with what your child reads. By incorporating these activities into their routine, you'll help them develop a lifelong love for reading. Happy reading!