10+ Best Books for 8-Year-Old Girls w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for the perfect read for a curious young mind? You're in the right spot! Our roundup of books for 8-year-old girls is packed with captivating stories that are sure to spark imagination and joy. Whether she's into magical adventures, real-life heroes, or anything in between, we've got something that will catch her eye. Keep reading to discover our various lists of books for 8-year-old girls, each thoughtfully compiled to keep her turning the pages!

Fun Books for 8-Year-Old Girls

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Classics
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows a young girl named Fern who befriends a pig named Wilbur and his spider friend, Charlotte. Together, they embark on a mission to save Wilbur from the usual fate of farm pigs.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, love, and the cycle of life in a gentle and captivating way that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who appreciate stories about friendship and loyalty.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children’s Literature
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive girl, oppressed by her mean parents and the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. She discovers she has a special telekinetic gift and uses it to stand up for herself and her friends.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, encouraging readers to believe in themselves and fight for what is right.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of triumph over adversity and those who love a touch of magic.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story follows Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with oversized ears, on his adventures through a castle to save a beautiful human princess.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fairy tale that highlights bravery and forgiveness, and it's filled with adventure that keeps readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy fairy tales, heroic quests, and stories of unlikely heroes.

• Ivy + Bean by Annie Barrows, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Friendship
  • Synopsis: This series follows two unlikely friends, Ivy and Bean, who are very different but find that they can have great adventures together when they combine their imaginations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and lively series that explores the dynamics of friendship and the adventures that come with it.
  • Perfect for: Young girls who are beginning to learn about the complexities and joys of friendship.

• Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren, illustrated by Ingrid Vang Nyman
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Pippi Longstocking is an eccentric, super-strong, and free-spirited girl who lives alone with her horse and monkey. The book follows her wild adventures with her neighbors Tommy and Annika.
  • Why we recommend this book: Pippi's unconventional lifestyle and boundless energy make for an entertaining read that celebrates individuality and imagination.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy humorous stories and characters who defy norms and expectations.

Educational Books for 8-Year-Old Girls

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: The story follows Ada Twist, a very curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world around her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, problem-solving, perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity and a love for science in a fun and engaging way, encouraging readers to ask questions and explore answers.
  • Perfect for: Young girls who show an interest in science and how things work.

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Rosie Revere, who dreams of becoming an engineer. Through her journey, she learns that failure is a necessary step towards success.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, engineering principles, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable lessons about the importance of perseverance and learning from mistakes while exploring engineering concepts.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young engineers and inventors, and any child who needs encouragement to keep trying.

• The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca, illustrated by Daniel Rieley
  • Genre(s): Biography, STEM
  • Synopsis: This is the biography of Dr. Temple Grandin, an accomplished scientist and advocate for autistic populations, who thinks in pictures rather than words.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of autism, inspiration from real-life achievements
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that highlights how someone's unique view of the world can lead to significant contributions and success.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in real-life success stories and learning about different ways of thinking.

• Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows by Asia Citro, illustrated by Marion Lindsay
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science
  • Synopsis: Zoey discovers she can see magical creatures and uses her scientific skills to help them with their problems.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific method, problem-solving, caring for animals
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of fantasy with science, making learning fun and imaginative.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love animals and magic, and enjoy experimenting and solving puzzles.

• Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo
  • Genre(s): Biography, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: A collection of bedtime stories about the lives of extraordinary women from all over the world and throughout history.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, inspiration, gender empowerment
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a series of empowering stories that inspire girls to dream big and break barriers.
  • Perfect for: Young girls looking for role models and stories of successful women across various fields.

Challenging Books for 8-Year-Old Girls

• 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 in a mysterious, sprawling manor in Yorkshire. There, she discovers a neglected garden and, along with her sickly cousin Colin and new friend Dickon, brings it back to life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The language and themes are more complex, dealing with loss, healing, and growth, which can provide a richer reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that teaches about the healing power of nature and the transformation that comes with nurturing others.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of transformation and the beauty of nature.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is mistakenly sent to live with siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert at Green Gables. Her vibrant personality brings a change to everyone she meets.
  • Why this book is challenging: The eloquent language and in-depth character development provide a more demanding read that can help enhance vocabulary and comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's optimism and resilience are infectious, making it a wonderful story about the importance of positivity and persistence.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love character-driven stories and exploring emotional growth.

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  • Genre(s): Classic, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This tale explores the escapades of four anthropomorphized animals—Toad, Mole, Rat, and Badger—in the English countryside. Their adventures reflect lessons about friendship and morality.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book's rich, descriptive language and subtle moral lessons provide a deeper reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun adventures with profound themes of friendship and responsibility.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about animals and adventures, with a mix of humor and wisdom.

• Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This series chronicles the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family as they travel across the American Midwest in the late 1800s, facing challenges and adventures along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: The historical context and detailed descriptions of pioneer life provide a complex understanding of American history.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a glimpse into a significant time in American history through the eyes of a young girl, combining education with entertainment.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and stories of pioneering spirit and resilience.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Alice falls through a rabbit hole into a fantastical world where she meets peculiar creatures and experiences bizarre and whimsical adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its playful use of language, logic, and complex wordplay provides a unique and intellectually stimulating experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and creativity, showing the joy and wonder of a world turned upside down.
  • Perfect for: Readers who delight in quirky characters and the absurd, and those who appreciate a challenge to their thinking skills.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-year-old girl develop good reading habits, here are some fun and effective exercises crafted just for her age. These activities not only make reading enjoyable but also enhance her comprehension and retention skills. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a cozy, dedicated space for reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading by providing a comfortable and inviting place.
  • Tips: Let her personalize the space with her favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Start a small book club where she and her friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and promotes social skills.
  • Tips: Schedule regular meetings and let the kids take turns choosing the books.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw or write out a map that tracks the events of a story.
  • How it helps: Helps with remembering details and understanding the plot structure.
  • Tips: Use colorful markers or pencils to make it more engaging and fun.

• Read Aloud Time
  • What it is: Set aside time when she reads a book aloud to you or a sibling.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading skills.
  • Tips: Choose books that are fun and exciting to read aloud, with engaging dialogues and characters.

• Reading Challenge Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks the number of books read over a period.
  • How it helps: Motivates her to read more and provides a visual progress report.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards for reaching milestones, like a new book or extra playtime.

• Character Diary
  • What it is: Maintain a diary written from the perspective of a favorite book character.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of character development and perspective.
  • Tips: Encourage her to write after every few chapters to keep the thoughts fresh.

These exercises are designed to be both fun and educational, catering specifically to the needs and interests of 8-year-old girls. By incorporating these activities into her routine, you'll help her develop a lifelong love for reading. Happy reading!