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

Are you on the hunt for Christian books for 8-year-olds that not only entertain but also impart valuable lessons? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re looking for a gift or wanting to enrich your child’s reading list with faith-based themes, we’ve curated a variety of options that are perfect for young readers. Keep reading to discover our top picks of Christian books for 8-year-olds, each promising to engage their curiosity and nurture their spirit.

Fun Christian Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Illustrator: Pauline Baynes
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christian Allegory
  • Synopsis: Four siblings enter a magical wardrobe that leads them to the enchanted world of Narnia, where they join the noble lion Aslan in a battle against the evil White Witch.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating adventure that introduces themes of bravery, redemption, and the battle between good and evil, all woven into a thrilling narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and magical adventures.

• The Tale of Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale by Angela Elwell Hunt
  • Illustrator: Tim Jonke
  • Genre(s): Folklore, Christian
  • Synopsis: This folktale tells the story of three trees on a mountain dreaming of what they want to become, only to discover that God has even greater plans for them.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a beautiful message about how everyone has a purpose and how God’s plans are often greater than our own dreams.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories with moral lessons and those interested in seeing how traditional tales can illustrate Christian themes.

• The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name by Sally Lloyd-Jones
  • Illustrator: Jago
  • Genre(s): Bible Stories, Christian
  • Synopsis: A collection of Bible stories told in a simple and understandable way, showing how each story connects to Jesus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes biblical stories accessible and engaging for young readers, emphasizing the overarching narrative of the Bible in a way that is easy to grasp.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are just beginning to explore their faith and those who appreciate stories that connect to a larger message.

• God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren
  • Illustrator: Laura J. Bryant
  • Genre(s): Christian, Family
  • Synopsis: A polar bear cub asks her mother where she came from, leading to a sweet conversation about how God created her as a special gift to her parents.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that reinforces the value of each individual and the love within a family.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy heartwarming stories and need reassurance of their own worth and the love of their family and God.

• The Beginner's Bible: Timeless Children’s Stories by Zondervan
  • Illustrator: Kelly Pulley
  • Genre(s): Bible Stories, Christian
  • Synopsis: An introduction to the Bible with simplified stories that are easy for children to understand.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a solid foundation for a child’s understanding of the Bible, making the stories approachable and memorable.
  • Perfect for: Young readers new to Bible stories or those who need them told in a more accessible way.

Educational Christian Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross by Carl Laferton
  • Illustrator: Catalina Echeverri
  • Genre(s): Christian, Picture Book, Theology
  • Synopsis: This illustrated book takes children on a journey from the Garden of Eden to God's perfect new creation. It explains why Jesus died and rose again and why that's the best news ever.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of basic Christian theology, comprehension of biblical narrative from creation to redemption
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies complex theological concepts in a way that's engaging and understandable for young children.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are curious about the Bible's big story and parents who want to introduce deep Christian truths in an accessible way.

• If Jesus Lived Inside My Heart by Jill Roman Lord
  • Illustrator: Amy Wummer
  • Genre(s): Christian, Rhyming Book
  • Synopsis: A rhyming book that explores the idea of Jesus living inside one's heart and how this influences daily actions and thoughts.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Rhyming skills, empathy, moral development
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages young readers to consider the moral implications of their actions in a very gentle and nurturing way.
  • Perfect for: Children learning about empathy and kindness, as well as those beginning to explore their personal faith.

• God's Very Good Idea by Trillia Newbell
  • Illustrator: Catalina Echeverri
  • Genre(s): Christian, Diversity, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This book celebrates diversity and how God created everyone uniquely but all in His image.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, understanding of equality and diversity from a Christian perspective
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a vibrant celebration of diversity framed within the Christian belief that everyone is made in the image of God.
  • Perfect for: Young readers learning about cultural diversity and inclusivity within a biblical framework.

• The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden by Kevin DeYoung
  • Illustrator: Don Clark
  • Genre(s): Christian, Biblical Narrative
  • Synopsis: This book traces the storyline of the Bible from the Garden of Eden to the new heaven and new earth, focusing on God's plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Biblical literacy, understanding of redemption narrative
  • Why we recommend this book: It presents the grand narrative of Scripture in a beautifully illustrated and compelling way that captivates children's imaginations.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy epic stories and parents who want to provide a biblical worldview.

• The Ology: Ancient Truths, Ever New by Marty Machowski
  • Illustrator: Andy McGuire
  • Genre(s): Christian, Theology, Educational
  • Synopsis: A systematic theology book designed for children, explaining deep truths about God, people, and salvation in a clear and interactive way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Theological understanding, critical thinking about faith
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps kids build a solid foundation in their understanding of Christian beliefs through engaging illustrations and simple explanations.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are asking deeper questions about God and the Bible and those who enjoy learning through visuals and stories.

Challenging Christian Books for 8-Year-Olds

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Christian Allegory
  • Synopsis: The story follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe as they embark on a journey through space and time to rescue their father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel combines elements of science fiction with complex themes of good versus evil and the power of love, requiring readers to think critically about the underlying messages.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and critical thinking, while also introducing young readers to the concept of a higher power guiding the universe.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science fiction and those who enjoy stories that challenge their understanding of the world and spirituality.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction, Christian Themes
  • Synopsis: An orphaned girl named Mary Lennox discovers a neglected garden on her uncle's estate and, through her restoration of it, learns lessons of healing and redemption.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text includes rich, descriptive language and explores deep themes of loss, healing, and transformation through faith.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a beautiful narrative about the transformative power of nature and kindness, aligned with Christian values of redemption and the healing power of God’s creation.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about personal growth and the redemptive power of nature.

• The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christian Allegory
  • Synopsis: This series follows the Igiby siblings, Janner, Tink, and Leeli, as they embark on a perilous journey to escape the evil Fangs of Dang and uncover the mystery of their family’s history.
  • Why this book is challenging: The series features a complex narrative with an intricate plot and richly developed characters that delve into themes of sacrifice, bravery, and redemption.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an epic tale that combines adventure with deep spiritual truths, perfect for young readers who are ready for more sophisticated stories with meaningful themes.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous young readers who love epic fantasy and are interested in exploring deeper moral and spiritual questions.

• Hinds' Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard
  • Genre(s): Christian Allegory, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This allegorical novel follows Much-Afraid on her journey to the High Places, guided by the Shepherd, representing her journey towards overcoming fear and becoming transformed in faith.
  • Why this book is challenging: The allegory uses symbolic characters and places to explore profound Christian themes of faith, transformation, and perseverance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides young readers with a narrative that encourages overcoming fears and difficulties through faith and trust in God.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy allegories and stories that illustrate the Christian journey of faith and personal growth.

• The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christian Allegory
  • Synopsis: Princess Irene discovers a mysterious secret concerning her kingdom and befriends a miner boy, Curdie, to thwart the goblins’ evil plans.
  • Why this book is challenging: It combines fairy-tale elements with Christian allegory, challenging readers to discern the deeper meanings behind the adventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a classic fairy tale with strong moral messages and spiritual depth, encouraging readers to think about virtues like courage, faith, and purity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fairy tales with a deeper, moral significance and those interested in stories where good battles against evil.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking for ways to help your 8-year-old develop good reading habits while enjoying Christian books, I've got some fun exercises for you. These activities are designed to make reading engaging and meaningful, and they can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. Let's dive in:

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy space dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading by providing a comfortable and inviting place.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions or posters.

• Read and Reflect
  • What it is: Read a chapter and discuss its themes and lessons.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and allows for reflection on moral and spiritual values.
  • Tips: Use open-ended questions to encourage deeper thinking and connection to the material.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Reinforces understanding and helps visualize biblical stories and concepts.
  • Tips: Provide a variety of art supplies and encourage creativity without worrying about artistic skill.

• Act It Out
  • What it is: Perform a scene from the book with family or friends.
  • How it helps: Makes reading fun and helps remember the story and its morals.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the activity more engaging and memorable.

• Story Map
  • What it is: Create a map or timeline of the events in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding the sequence of events and the overall structure of the stories.
  • Tips: Use large paper and colorful markers to make the activity more interactive and enjoyable.

• Reading Buddy
  • What it is: Pair up with a friend or family member for shared reading sessions.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a social activity and can improve literacy skills through discussion.
  • Tips: Choose books that are interesting to both buddies to keep the sessions exciting.

• Question Jar
  • What it is: Write down questions about the book on slips of paper and put them in a jar.
  • How it helps: Encourages curiosity and deeper understanding of the content.
  • Tips: Pull out a question to discuss each day after reading.

These exercises aren't just about reading; they're about making reading a dynamic part of your child's life. By integrating these activities, you're not only helping your child develop a love for books but also instilling valuable lessons that Christian literature offers. Remember, the key is consistency and making sure that reading time is always fun and engaging. Happy reading!