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

Are you on the hunt for magical adventures that captivate the imagination just like the Harry Potter series? Finding books like Harry Potter for 8-year-olds can seem daunting, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Whether your young reader is just starting their journey into the world of magic or looking for their next great read, our curated lists will guide you through a variety of enchanting choices. Keep reading to discover the perfect spellbinding stories that will keep your little ones turning the pages!

Fun Books Like Harry Potter for 8-Year-Olds

• The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to a camp for demigods like him. He soon embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with action and adventure that keeps readers engaged while introducing them to Greek mythology in a fun way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love epic adventures and mythology.

• 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 spider named Charlotte, who tries to save her friend from being slaughtered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important lessons about friendship, love, and the cycle of life in a gentle, accessible manner.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy heartwarming stories about animals and friendships.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a bright young girl who uses her wit and telekinetic powers to overcome her neglectful parents and a cruel school principal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, encouraging readers to believe in their own power to overcome obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Children who feel misunderstood or underappreciated and enjoy tales of triumph.

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: Four siblings enter the magical world of Narnia through a wardrobe and find themselves on a quest to free it from eternal winter, guided by the noble lion, Aslan.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a magical and engaging adventure that also subtly teaches about bravery, loyalty, and morality.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy epic fantasy tales with moral lessons.

• The Neverending Story by Michael Ende, translated by Ralph Manheim
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A shy boy named Bastian finds a magical book that immerses him in the fantastical world of Fantastica, where he becomes a key player in its survival.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating escape that highlights the power of imagination and storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love getting lost in worlds of fantasy and adventure.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: Alice falls through a rabbit hole into a fantastical world where she encounters a variety of peculiar creatures and experiences magical adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a whimsical classic that stretches the imagination and introduces readers to unforgettable characters and bizarre scenarios.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a penchant for whimsy and surreal adventures.

Educational Books Like Harry Potter for 8-Year-Olds

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story centers around Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with large ears, who loves music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It follows his adventures from being banished from his mouse colony to saving the princess from darkness.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, vocabulary expansion, understanding themes of courage and forgiveness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written fairy tale that combines adventure with lessons about bravery, love, and redemption.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales and stories of unlikely heroes.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, transforms when she discovers a neglected garden at her uncle's house. As she revitalizes the garden, she also brings healing to her ailing cousin and herself.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, empathy, and botanical interest
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless classic that explores themes of rejuvenation and the healing power of nature.
  • Perfect for: Children who are nature lovers or anyone in need of a story about personal growth and healing.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Bored and disinterested Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical insights.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, vocabulary, appreciation for language and mathematics
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively blends humor with a journey of self-discovery and the importance of learning.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy clever wordplay and imaginative adventures that challenge the mind.

• The Borrowers by Mary Norton
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The Clock family are tiny people who live secretly in the walls and floors of an English house and borrow from the big people in order to survive. The story follows their adventures and close escapes when they are discovered.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Resourcefulness, family dynamics, and stealth
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on the world from the viewpoint of its tiny protagonists and sparks imagination about the unseen.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories of adventure and survival against the odds.

• Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The magical story of Peter Pan, the boy who wouldn't grow up, as he leads Wendy, John, and Michael Darling on adventures in the fantastical world of Neverland.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, bravery, and the concept of growing up
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of childhood wonder and the bittersweetness of growing up.
  • Perfect for: Children and anyone who dreams of flying away to a land filled with magic and youth.

Challenging Books Like Harry Potter for 8-Year-Olds

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures of Artemis Fowl, a twelve-year-old genius and criminal mastermind, as he kidnaps a fairy to ransom her for gold. His actions trigger a dangerous war of wits with the magical creatures of the Lower Elements.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex plots with high-tech and magical elements, requiring readers to keep track of multiple storylines and characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines magic, technology, and crime in a unique way that captivates and stimulates the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a blend of sci-fi and fantasy with a brilliant young protagonist.

• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Meggie learns that her father, Mo, has the ability to bring book characters to life by reading aloud. When a villain from a book called "Inkheart" is accidentally summoned, Meggie and her father must face the challenges he brings into their world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It involves intricate plot developments and a large cast of characters, both human and magical, which demands careful reading and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of books and reading, while offering a thrilling adventure that blurs the lines between fiction and reality.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who are also book lovers and enjoy stories about magical adventures.

• 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 disaster.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel is filled with complex puzzles and moral dilemmas that challenge the characters' and readers' problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thrilling, brain-teasing adventure that promotes critical thinking and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love solving puzzles and mysteries.

• The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: September, a young girl from Omaha, is whisked away to Fairyland where she encounters witches, dragons, and other fantastical creatures. She embarks on a quest that challenges her bravery and heart.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is rich with lyrical language and complex themes of bravery, sacrifice, and self-discovery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's beautifully written, with lush imagery and a strong female protagonist who navigates a world of wonder and danger.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate poetic language and strong storytelling in a magical setting.

• Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Siblings Kendra and Seth discover their grandparents' estate, Fablehaven, is actually a sanctuary for mythical creatures. They become involved in a battle against dark forces trying to overthrow the sanctuary.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features an elaborate fantasy world with a complex set of rules and an array of creatures that require careful attention to detail.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping series that combines the thrill of fantasy with the perils and responsibilities of protecting a secret world.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who love stories about magical creatures and hidden worlds.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

If you're looking for ways to engage your 8-year-old in reading books similar to Harry Potter, why not incorporate some fun and effective exercises? These activities are designed to enhance their reading experience and develop good reading habits. Let's dive into some creative exercises that can make reading even more magical for your young reader.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy corner dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading by providing a comfortable and inviting space.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the nook with pillows, lights, and their favorite book accessories.

• Book Themed Dress-Up Day
  • What it is: Choose a day to dress up as a favorite character from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and connection to the characters.
  • Tips: Discuss the character's traits and important scenes they're involved in while preparing the costume.

• Story Mapping
  • What it is: Create a visual map of the story's plot, characters, and settings.
  • How it helps: Helps with comprehension and retention of story details.
  • Tips: Use drawings, icons, or sticky notes on a large poster or digital app.

• Chapter Summaries
  • What it is: Write a short summary of each chapter after reading.
  • How it helps: Improves memory and understanding of the narrative.
  • Tips: Keep summaries brief and fun; use bullet points or doodles to summarize key events.

• Read and Discuss
  • What it is: Set aside time to read together and discuss each chapter.
  • How it helps: Builds vocabulary and analytical skills.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions that encourage your child to think and express their views.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Organize a small book club with your child’s friends who are also reading the same book.
  • How it helps: Encourages social interaction and sharing perspectives.
  • Tips: Host a monthly meeting where they can discuss the book and related activities.

• Reading Challenge
  • What it is: Set up a challenge with a set number of books to read over a period.
  • How it helps: Motivates continuous reading and goal setting.
  • Tips: Reward completion with a small prize or a special activity.

By integrating these fun and educational exercises into your 8-year-old's reading routine, you'll not only enhance their enjoyment of books like Harry Potter but also foster a lifelong love of reading. Encourage them to try different exercises and discover what works best for them. Happy reading!