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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect books for 8-year-olds? Whether you're looking to spark their imagination or find a story that'll keep them hooked, choosing the right book can be a game changer. Dive into our curated lists of engaging and fun reads tailored specifically for eight-year-olds. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to captivate your young reader's heart and mind!

Fun Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale features a young girl named Fern, who with the help of a friendly spider named Charlotte, saves her pig Wilbur from becoming pork chops.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the reality of death in a gentle manner that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children who appreciate stories about friendship and courage.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A little girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, despite his intimidating appearance, turns out to be a kindhearted soul who is considered an outcast by the other giants because he refuses to eat boys and girls.
  • Why we recommend this book: The book's imaginative setting and creative language (like the BFG's "gobblefunk") make it a delightful read that sparks creativity.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and any child who loves stories filled with whimsy and adventure.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: The book is a journal of Greg Heffley as he navigates his way through middle school, with all of its challenges and triumphs, hilariously documented in his diary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's extremely relatable and funny, making it a great pick for engaging reluctant readers and showing them that reading can be fun.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good laugh and those who might be a bit hesitant about reading.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, but her parents are too caught up in their own lives to notice her. When Matilda discovers that she has the power of telekinesis, she begins to defend her friends from their oppressive headmistress.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of individuality and the impact of a caring teacher, encouraging readers to believe in their own abilities.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or underappreciated, and anyone who loves a story where the underdog triumphs.

• The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow siblings Jack and Annie as they discover a magical tree house filled with books that transport them through time and space on various adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: Each book provides a fun, educational journey through different historical periods and cultures, enhancing a child's love for history and adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers who dream of adventure and have a budding interest in history and science.

Educational Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This charming story tells of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with oversized ears, who loves music and stories, and his quest to save a beautiful human princess.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, vocabulary expansion, understanding of themes like bravery and forgiveness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that combines adventure with heartfelt lessons, making it both captivating and educational.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales and stories of unlikely heroes.

• Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Folklore
  • Synopsis: In this beautifully illustrated book, young Minli sets off 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, problem-solving, understanding folklore
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to elements of Chinese folklore and culture through an engaging and magical narrative.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids and those interested in other cultures and folklore.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Animal Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: Inspired by a true story, this novel follows Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall, and his journey toward finding a better life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of animal rights, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking and touching story that teaches compassion and the importance of a better environment for animals.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who are passionate about animal welfare.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Humor
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Nick Allen who invents a new word, "frindle," for what is commonly known as a pen, sparking a series of unforeseen events and a discussion about words and language.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, vocabulary, understanding of language and communication
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and shows the impact that one individual can have on an entire community.
  • Perfect for: Young innovators and any child who enjoys a good laugh while learning.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this visually stunning novel follows young orphan Hugo as he tries to solve the mystery of a broken automaton and his father’s disappearance.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, problem-solving, appreciation for art and mechanics
  • Why we recommend this book: Its unique combination of text and detailed illustrations provides a captivating reading experience that blends art with storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love mysteries and art, and those interested in history and machinery.

Challenging 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 receives a mysterious tollbooth and drives through it in his toy car, ending up in a fantastical world where he embarks on a quest to rescue the princesses Rhyme and Reason.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story is rich in puns, wordplay, and philosophical ideas that require a higher level of reading comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively explores themes of boredom and curiosity, encouraging readers to find wonder in learning and the world around them.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, word games, and thinking outside the box.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric 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 moral questions posed in the book require advanced problem-solving skills and ethical reasoning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also teaches the value of teamwork, intelligence, and courage.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and strategists who enjoy cracking codes and solving mysteries.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fantasy, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: This timeless tale tells the story of a pilot stranded in the desert who meets a young prince fallen to Earth from a tiny asteroid. The story is a philosophical exploration of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative's abstract ideas and themes are conveyed through a symbolic and often poetic language that requires thoughtful interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound insights into human nature and relationships, presented through a simple but deep story that resonates across all ages.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate deep thoughts and emotions and enjoy philosophical discussions.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Alice falls through a rabbit hole into a bizarre world of whimsical characters and puzzling adventures, where she encounters the likes of the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is filled with nonsensical logic, wordplay, and complex characters that challenge conventional understanding and interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a wildly imaginative tale that encourages creativity and thinking differently, while entertaining with its absurd and whimsical adventures.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and anyone who enjoys a story that turns the ordinary on its head.

• 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 save Meg's father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel introduces concepts of theoretical physics, complex themes of good versus evil, and the power of love and individuality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines science and fantasy in a way that sparks curiosity about the universe while also teaching important life lessons.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and adventurers who are fascinated by the cosmos and the complexities of time travel.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-year-old develop stellar reading habits, here are some fun and effective exercises that can make reading a more engaging and beneficial part of their daily routine. These exercises are designed not only to improve their reading skills but also to enhance their enjoyment of books.

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

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

• Book Swap with Friends
  • What it is: Organize a book exchange with friends or classmates.
  • How it helps: Introduces new literature that they might not choose themselves.
  • Tips: Host a monthly book swap party, making it a fun event to look forward to.

• Read and Discuss
  • What it is: Read a book together and discuss the story or characters.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and critical thinking skills.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions that encourage your child to think and express their opinions.

• Use Bookmarks with Questions
  • What it is: Use bookmarks that have questions or reading prompts on them.
  • How it helps: Encourages active reading and deeper engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Create custom bookmarks together as a craft activity, adding questions related to the book being read.

• Progress Chart
  • What it is: Keep a chart to track the books read and time spent reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a visual representation of achievement and progress.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards for reaching reading milestones to keep motivation high.

• Reading Challenge
  • What it is: Set up a challenge with a list of different types of books to read over a certain period.
  • How it helps: Encourages diversity in reading and helps discover new interests.
  • Tips: Include a variety of genres and authors to broaden their exposure.

By incorporating these exercises into your 8-year-old's reading routine, you'll not only improve their reading skills but also foster a lifelong love for books. These activities make reading fun and exciting, while also providing valuable learning experiences. Happy reading!