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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect English story books for 8-year-olds? Finding books that captivate and engage at this curious age can be a delightful challenge. Whether you're a parent, guardian, or educator, you've come to the right place! Keep reading as we explore a variety of English story books tailored specifically for 8-year-olds, ensuring your young readers find stories that will ignite their imaginations and foster a love of reading.

Fun English Story 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 tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte spins words into her web to try to save her friend.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life, all presented in a gentle manner suitable for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who appreciate stories about friendships and life lessons.

• 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 storytelling, making reading both fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who enjoy stories filled with humor and fantasy.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a very smart little girl with terrible parents and an even worse school principal. She discovers she has the power of telekinesis and uses it to stand up to the adults in her life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, encouraging readers to believe in themselves and fight against unfair treatment.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or who enjoy tales of justice and cleverness.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story is about Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who loves music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It tells his tale from being banished from his mouse colony to his adventures in a castle full of dangers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written fairy tale that encourages bravery and compassion, while also weaving in themes of forgiveness and redemption.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love fairy tales and stories of unlikely heroes.

• Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow siblings Jack and Annie as they travel through time and around the world with the help of a magical tree house. Each book takes them on a different adventure to solve mysteries and learn about history.
  • Why we recommend this book: These books are great for developing an interest in history and geography, presented in a fun and accessible way that keeps kids engaged.
  • Perfect for: Curious youngsters who love adventures and learning about different times and places.

Educational English Story Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Science, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Ada Twist is a very curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world around her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, problem-solving, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity and perseverance, particularly in science, and is an inspiring story for budding young scientists.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are curious about how things work and who love science.

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: The crayons in Duncan's box are tired of how they're being used and decide to go on strike, each expressing their grievances through letters.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, empathy, letter writing
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative story that encourages creativity and teaches the importance of looking at things from others' perspectives.
  • Perfect for: Creative kids and those who enjoy drawing and coloring.

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, STEM, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Rosie Revere dreams of becoming an engineer. In her quest to build great inventions, she learns that failure is part of the journey toward success.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, perseverance, engineering concepts
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches resilience and the value of learning from mistakes, all within the context of fun and engaging storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring engineers and inventors, and any child who needs encouragement to keep trying despite setbacks.

• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Social Themes
  • Synopsis: Unhei, a young girl from Korea, is worried that American kids will not like her name, so she tells her new class she will choose a name next week. Her classmates fill a jar with names for her to pick from, but she soon learns the importance of her own name and its meaning.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural appreciation, self-identity, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story that promotes the appreciation of one's own culture and the uniqueness of every individual.
  • Perfect for: Children facing the challenge of fitting in and those learning to appreciate diverse cultures and backgrounds.

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: A little girl decides to make the most magnificent thing with the help of her canine assistant, but the task is harder than she thinks.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, perseverance, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It is an excellent story about the creative process and the importance of not giving up easily.
  • Perfect for: Young makers and creators who need a little encouragement to keep going and to understand that not every project works out on the first try.

Challenging English Story 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, driving through it in his toy car, finds himself in the Kingdom of Wisdom, where he embarks on a quest to rescue the princesses of Rhyme and Reason.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story is filled with puns, wordplay, and a deeper understanding of language and logic that can be complex for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to appreciate the value of learning and the beauty of language, and it fosters creativity and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, word games, and thinking outside the box.

• 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 and a local boy, brings it back to life as she herself is transformed by friendship and the beauty of nature.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features thematic elements of loss and rejuvenation, and the language and setting reflect an older time period that might be unfamiliar to young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that explores themes of healing and personal growth through nature and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about transformation and the healing power of nature.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Alice falls through a rabbit hole into a fantastical world where she encounters various magical creatures and embarks on a series of surreal and often absurd adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is filled with nonsensical logic, playful language, and complex characters that require imaginative and analytical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It stretches the imagination and encourages readers to question and think deeply about the world around them.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and anyone who loves a story that turns the ordinary into the extraordinary.

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  • Genre(s): Classic, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This tale follows the riverside adventures of Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger in Edwardian England, filled with camaraderie, moral lessons, and reflections on nature.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text uses rich, descriptive language and explores complex themes such as friendship, adventure, and homecoming.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a blend of excitement and poignant moments, wrapped up in beautifully crafted prose that enhances vocabulary and literary appreciation.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about friendship and adventures in nature.

• Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Pippi Longstocking is an unconventional, assertive, and extraordinarily strong girl who lives alone with her horse and monkey, having adventures and flouting conventional behaviors and norms.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book challenges traditional ideas and introduces themes of independence and self-sufficiency that can provoke thought and discussion.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates individuality and imagination, encouraging readers to think independently and be confident in their own abilities.
  • Perfect for: Independent thinkers and young readers who enjoy lively characters and humorous stories.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-year-old develop great reading habits while enjoying English storybooks, here are some fun and effective exercises you can try. These exercises are designed to make reading a more engaging and beneficial experience for young readers.

• Set a Daily Reading Time
  • What it is: Dedicate a specific time each day for reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a routine, making reading a regular part of the day.
  • Tips: Choose a quiet time when your child is usually relaxed, such as before bedtime.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy corner dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and enjoyable activity.
  • Tips: Let your child help decorate the space with cushions, lights, and their favorite books.

• Read and Discuss
  • What it is: Read a book together and discuss the story and characters.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and encourages critical thinking.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions that go beyond the text to develop deeper understanding.

• Book Choice Freedom
  • What it is: Allow your child to choose books they're interested in.
  • How it helps: Increases motivation and enjoyment in reading.
  • Tips: Visit libraries or bookstores together to explore a variety of options.

• Use of Multimedia
  • What it is: Incorporate audiobooks and book-related videos into their reading habits.
  • How it helps: Adds variety to the reading experience and can improve listening skills.
  • Tips: Alternate between reading books and listening to their audiobook versions.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart to track reading progress and offer small rewards.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistent reading through positive reinforcement.
  • Tips: Keep the rewards simple and related to reading, like a new bookmark or a book.

• Storytelling Sessions
  • What it is: Encourage your child to tell the story back to you in their own words.
  • How it helps: Improves memory and understanding of the narrative.
  • Tips: Make it fun by acting out parts of the story or using puppets.

• Link Reading to Daily Life
  • What it is: Connect themes or lessons from the book to real-life experiences.
  • How it helps: Helps children see the relevance of reading to everyday life.
  • Tips: Discuss similarities between events in the book and personal experiences.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine can make a big difference in how they view and enjoy books. Not only will these activities keep them engaged, but they'll also build strong reading skills that are crucial at this stage. So, grab some books, and let's make reading a thrilling adventure for your little one!