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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect English books for 8-year-olds? Selecting the right reading material at this age can spark a lifelong love of reading. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or guardian, finding books that are engaging and age-appropriate is key. In this blog, we'll dive into various lists of English books for 8-year-olds that are sure to capture their imagination and interest. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will keep your young reader hooked!

Fun English Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: This beloved story follows a young pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages in her web to persuade the farmer to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the reality of death in a gentle manner that's accessible to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children dealing with themes of friendship and loss.

• 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, unlike other giants, does not eat children. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the other giants from eating children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its creative language and whimsical fantasy elements, making reading a delightful experience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy magical adventures and stories about unlikely friendships.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Graphic Novels
  • Synopsis: The book is a journal of Greg Heffley as he navigates his way through middle school, dealing with bullies, family dynamics, and friendships.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its humorous take on everyday middle school problems makes reading fun and relatable for children.
  • 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, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, but her parents mistreat her and her school's headmistress is a tyrant. She discovers she has telekinetic powers and uses them to stand up to the adults in her life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, and it's an empowering story for children, especially those who feel misunderstood.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about triumph over adversity and those who enjoy a bit of magic.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who loves music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It tells his adventures from being banished from his mouse community to saving the princess.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that combines adventure, heroism, and romance with beautifully drawn characters and settings.
  • Perfect for: Children who like stories with heroic quests and those interested in tales of bravery and kindness.

Educational English Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen
  • Genre(s): Science, Adventure, Educational
  • Synopsis: Join Ms. Frizzle and her class as they take a wild ride with the Magic School Bus inside the Earth, exploring different geological formations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Geology, scientific inquiry, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning about Earth's structure fun and engaging through an adventurous trip.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers eager to learn about science and the natural world.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: Inspired by real-life makers such as Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, Ada Twist is a curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, curiosity in science
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages questioning and scientific exploration, especially inspiring for young girls in STEM.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring scientists and any kid with a curious mind.

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon
  • Genre(s): Biography, Inspirational, Science
  • Synopsis: This true story follows young William Kamkwamba as he builds a windmill from scraps to save his Malawian village from drought and famine.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Innovation, environmental science, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a motivational story that shows how ingenuity and perseverance can change communities.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and environmentalists.

• National Geographic Kids Why?: Over 1,111 Answers to Everything by Crispin Boyer
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational, Reference
  • Synopsis: A comprehensive answer guide to many of kids' burning questions about the world, covering topics from nature to science and everything in between.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: General knowledge, curiosity, research skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with fun facts and explanations that satisfy curious minds.
  • Perfect for: Inquisitive kids who love to ask "Why?"

• Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: Iggy Peck is a young architect who has been building fabulous creations since he was two. His skills are put to the test when his second-grade class gets stranded on an island.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, problem solving, engineering principles
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes creativity and perseverance in solving real-life challenges through building and design.
  • Perfect for: Young builders and future architects.

Challenging English 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 unexpectedly receives a magic tollbooth one afternoon and, having nothing better to do, drives through it in his toy car. The world beyond is full of weird and wonderful adventures that challenge his perception of the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It plays with language and mathematics in a sophisticated way that requires critical thinking and a good understanding of idioms and puns.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to see the world in new ways and demonstrates the power of learning and curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love wordplay, puzzles, and imaginative journeys.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Alice falls through a rabbit hole into a fantastical world where she encounters a series of peculiar creatures and an unusual, whimsical landscape.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure and language are playful and complex, with hidden meanings and a lot of Victorian-era references.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless classic that stretches the imagination and offers a rich, multilayered reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy surreal stories and nonsensical scenarios.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: This poetic tale features a young prince who travels the universe gaining wisdom. The story is philosophical and includes social criticism, touching on themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its themes are deep and thought-provoking, often exploring complex philosophical issues through seemingly simple interactions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound insights into human nature and relationships, packaged in a way that resonates with both children and adults.
  • Perfect for: Deep thinkers and young philosophers, as well as anyone who appreciates beautiful storytelling.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sour-faced and sullen young girl, transforms into a kind-hearted character as she discovers a neglected garden on her uncle's estate and begins restoring it alongside her cousin Colin and new friend Dickon.
  • Why this book is challenging: The language and themes, including dealing with loss and healing, are sophisticated and may be better suited for more advanced readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautiful story of friendship, growth, and the restorative power of nature.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about personal transformation and the magic of the natural world.

• 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 their father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: The concepts of theoretical physics, complex themes about good versus evil, and the abstract nature of some of the book's settings make it a challenging read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of science fiction with a compelling narrative about family, bravery, and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and readers who like stories that mix adventure with deeper existential questions.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-year-old develop great reading habits, you've come to the right place. Here are some fun and effective exercises that can make reading a more engaging and enriching experience for them. Let's dive in!

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

• Book Bingo
  • What it is: Create a bingo card with different types of books or reading tasks.
  • How it helps: Encourages exploration of different genres and authors.
  • Tips: Reward completing a row or full house with a small prize or special activity.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Pause during reading to predict what might happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances analytical thinking and engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Discuss why they made those predictions, linking back to the story.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with your child taking on the role of a character.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding of character motivation and empathy.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more immersive play.

• Reading Challenge Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart where they can add a sticker or mark each time they finish a book.
  • How it helps: Provides a visual progress report and motivates them to read more.
  • Tips: Set a reasonable goal and celebrate when they reach it.

• Family Reading Time
  • What it is: Set aside a specific time when everyone in the family reads their own book.
  • How it helps: Reinforces reading as a valuable and enjoyable habit.
  • Tips: Make this a daily or weekly routine, and discuss what everyone is reading.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Encourage your child to draw scenes or characters from the book they are reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and allows creative expression.
  • Tips: Display their artwork at home to show the importance of their effort.

In conclusion, these exercises aren't just about reading more books; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of your child's life. By incorporating these playful and productive activities, you're setting the stage for a lifelong love of reading. Happy reading!