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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read to capture the imagination of your young reader? Dive into our curated selection of classic books for 7-8-year-olds, each one a treasure trove of adventure and timeless wisdom. Whether you're looking to introduce your child to the joys of reading or aiming to expand their growing library, this guide has something that will spark their curiosity and love for reading. Keep reading to discover our various lists of classic books for 7-8-year-olds, and find the perfect fit to light up your little one's literary journey!

Fun Classic Books for 7-8-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows a young pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages praising Wilbur in her web to persuade the farmer to spare his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the cycle of life in a gentle and endearing way that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children learning about friendship and compassion.

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This story centers on a mischievous young rabbit named Peter who disobeys his mother's warnings and sneaks into Mr. McGregor's garden, leading to a series of adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the thrill of adventure and the consequences of mischief, all while engaging young readers with its charming illustrations and playful narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy animal stories and tales of adventure.

• Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Pippi Longstocking is an eccentric, super-strong girl who lives alone with her horse and monkey. The book recounts her whimsical adventures with her neighbors Tommy and Annika.
  • Why we recommend this book: Pippi's unconventional lifestyle and boundless imagination inspire creativity and confidence in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories about independence and humorous antics.

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the riverside adventures of Mole, Ratty, Badger, and the impulsive Mr. Toad. Their escapades range from serene boat rides to wild car chases and battles to save Toad's ancestral home.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines gentle humor with exciting adventures, making it a delightful read that also explores themes of friendship and home.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about friendship and the great outdoors.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: Young Alice falls through a rabbit hole into a fantastical world where she encounters peculiar creatures and experiences a series of surreal and often nonsensical adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its creative characters and bizarre, thought-provoking scenarios.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds and those who delight in the whimsical and absurd.

Educational Classic Books for 7-8-Year-Olds

• 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 gloomy, mysterious mansion. She discovers a neglected garden and, along with her sickly cousin Colin and friend Dickon, brings it back to life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, responsibility, understanding of nature and gardening
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the healing power of nature and friendship, and encourages nurturing and caring attitudes.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories of transformation and the magic of nature.

• Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Autobiographical
  • Synopsis: The first book in a series that tells the story of Laura Ingalls Wilder's childhood living in a log cabin on the frontier of Wisconsin.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, self-sufficiency, family values
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a detailed, fascinating look at life in the American frontier, promoting appreciation for history and simpler times.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and stories of pioneering life.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: A charming tale of a small mouse named Stuart Little who was born into a human family in New York City. The story follows his adventures as he navigates the world despite his tiny size.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, courage, and adventure
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the spirit of adventure and the idea that great things can come in small packages.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love adventure stories with unique characters and humorous situations.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story follows Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is mistakenly sent to live with siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert at Green Gables. Her adventures and misadventures in the small town of Avonlea are both humorous and heartwarming.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, vocabulary, social relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's vibrant personality and her ability to transform ordinary moments into magical ones make this book a delightful read.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy character-driven stories and exploring themes of belonging and friendship.

• The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams, illustrated by William Nicholson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: A touching story about a stuffed rabbit and his desire to become real through the love of his owner.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of love and reality
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores deep themes of love, reality, and the joys and pains of becoming 'real.'
  • Perfect for: Children dealing with themes of love, loss, and the value of true happiness.

Challenging Classic Books for 7-8-Year-Olds

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Milo, bored and disinterested in the world around him, receives a mysterious tollbooth. He drives through it and enters a fantastical land where he embarks on a quest that teaches him the value of learning and curiosity.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel is filled with puns, wordplay, and complex ideas that challenge readers to think critically about language and mathematics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages exploration and appreciation of the joy of learning, making it a stimulating read that blends education with entertainment.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy clever humor and intellectual challenges.

• The Borrowers by Mary Norton
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Fiction
  • 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 explores their adventures and the dangers they face being discovered.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative introduces complex themes of survival, family dynamics, and societal structure in a miniature world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It stretches the imagination and offers a unique perspective on the world, highlighting resourcefulness and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Children who love fantasy and stories about hidden worlds.

• Heidi by Johanna Spyri
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This tale follows a young orphan girl named Heidi who is sent to live with her grumpy grandfather in the Swiss Alps. The beauty of the alps and her adventures there ultimately transform both her and her grandfather.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book deals with complex themes of belonging, loss, and healing through nature, which can provoke deeper reflection in young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that highlights the importance of love and friendship, and the healing power of nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy emotional depth and vivid descriptions of nature.

• The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Young Dorothy Gale is swept away by a tornado from her Kansas home to the magical land of Oz. She embarks on a journey to see the Wizard who can help her return home, meeting memorable friends along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure and thematic elements, including a critique of early 20th-century America, provide a multifaceted reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages bravery, friendship, and the understanding that everyone possesses unique strengths.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and dreamers who enjoy richly imagined worlds and classic tales of adventure.

• Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animals
  • Synopsis: Told from the perspective of a horse, this novel chronicles the joys and sorrows of Black Beauty's life, from his carefree days as a young colt to difficult times pulling cabs in London.
  • Why this book is challenging: The unique narrative perspective and moral lessons presented through the experiences of Black Beauty offer a profound emotional and ethical exploration.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and kindness towards animals and gives insights into human virtues and vices through the eyes of a horse.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in a story that promotes compassion and ethical treatment of animals.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-8-year-old develop good reading habits while enjoying some classic books, here are a few engaging exercises that can make reading more fun and effective. These activities are designed to enhance comprehension and foster a love for reading.

• Create a Book Club
  • What it is: Gather a small group of friends to read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Encourages social interaction and critical thinking about the text.
  • Tips: Choose a regular meeting time and prepare some questions to get the discussion started.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of the main events in the story.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding the plot and sequence of events.
  • Tips: Use different colors or symbols to mark important events or turning points.

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of a character in the book.
  • How it helps: Develops empathy and deeper understanding of the characters.
  • Tips: Choose a key scene and imagine what the character would be feeling or thinking.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances creative expression and helps visualize textual descriptions.
  • Tips: Don't worry about artistic skill; focus on how the scenes made you feel.

• Predict the Next Chapter
  • What it is: Before reading the next chapter, guess what might happen based on the story so far.
  • How it helps: Encourages analytical thinking and anticipation of narrative development.
  • Tips: Discuss your predictions with others or write them down to compare with the actual events.

• Role-play
  • What it is: Act out parts of the book with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Brings the story to life and helps with memory retention.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role-play more fun and engaging.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine can make the journey through classic books not only educational but also incredibly enjoyable for young readers. Remember, the goal is to build a lifelong love of reading, so keep the activities light and fun!