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

Are you on the hunt for famous books for 8-year-olds that will captivate your young reader's imagination and keep them hooked? Whether you're looking to stock up your home library or find the perfect gift, you've come to the right place. Dive into our comprehensive guide as we explore a variety of beloved reads that are just perfect for third graders. Keep reading to discover our top picks for famous books for 8-year-olds that are sure to be a hit!

Fun Famous Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children’s Literature
  • Synopsis: This heartwarming story is about a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte, who tries to save him from being slaughtered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches about friendship, love, and the cycle of life in a way that is accessible and touching for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and kids who appreciate stories about friendship and loyalty.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive girl, who, armed with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination, decides to take a stand to change her destiny, despite being misunderstood by her family and school headmistress.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence, creativity, and the courage to stand up for oneself. It's also filled with humor and whimsy that captivate young minds.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel different or misunderstood and those who love stories where kids triumph over adversity.

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This story follows the mischievous Peter Rabbit, who disobeys his mother's orders and sneaks into Mr. McGregor's garden, leading to a series of adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to the consequences of disobedience in a light, engaging way and features charming illustrations that capture the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy animal stories and outdoor adventures.

• 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, is kind and charming. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the other giants from eating children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a tale of friendship and courage with a lot of humor and heart, showcasing that being different is something to be celebrated.
  • Perfect for: Kids with big imaginations and those who love stories of unlikely friendships and heroic deeds.

• Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Pippi Longstocking is an unconventional and fiercely independent young girl who lives alone with her horse and monkey, having adventures and tackling challenges with her extraordinary strength and optimism.
  • Why we recommend this book: Pippi's free-spirited nature and humorous escapades encourage independence and self-confidence in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who enjoy laughter and learning about self-reliance and resilience.

Educational Famous Books for 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 mansion in England. There, she discovers a mysterious, neglected garden that becomes her refuge and salvation.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, resilience, understanding of nature and growth
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that explores themes of healing and friendship through the transformative power of nature and care.
  • Perfect for: Children who love mysteries and stories about personal growth and healing.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A bored young boy named Milo receives a magical tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and wisdom.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, vocabulary, appreciation for language and mathematics
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively blends fantasy and education, engaging young readers in a fun exploration of language and numbers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy clever wordplay and imaginative adventures.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This poetic tale features a young prince who travels from planet to planet, meeting various inhabitants and learning valuable life lessons.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Philosophy, empathy, critical thinking, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound insights into human nature and the adult world through the eyes of a child, making it a profound reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Thoughtful children and those interested in stories that explore deep questions about life and human connections.

• Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Humor
  • Synopsis: A collection of humorous and imaginative poems that explore various fantastical scenarios and characters.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, poetry and rhyme, humor
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to imagine and laugh, while subtly teaching them about rhythm, rhyme, and poetic structure.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy silliness and creativity, and those new to poetry.

• The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four orphaned siblings make a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar in the forest and solve various mysteries that come their way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, independence
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of adventure and mystery, promoting a sense of independence and resourcefulness among young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love mystery stories and tales of adventure and self-sufficiency.

Challenging Famous Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Follow Alice as she falls down a rabbit hole into a fantastical world full of peculiar creatures and bizarre adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is filled with playful language, puzzles, and complex character interactions that require advanced comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It stimulates the imagination and introduces children to surreal storytelling and the importance of curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love whimsical adventures and exploring imaginative worlds.

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This tale explores the adventures and misadventures of Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger, four anthropomorphized animals who live along a river in the English countryside.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses rich, descriptive language and explores themes of friendship, morality, and the joys and pains of a changing world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a blend of exciting adventures and thoughtful reflections on life, ideal for fostering a deeper understanding of literature and relationships.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate nature, friendship, and a mix of thoughtful and thrilling narratives.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Stuart Little, a mouse born into a human family, navigates the challenges of being small in a big world as he embarks on several adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel blends fantasy and reality in a way that challenges young readers to suspend disbelief and think critically about the world around them.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of resilience and adventure that encourages children to see the world from different perspectives and to embrace their unique qualities.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous young readers who enjoy stories about overcoming obstacles and exploring the world.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the life of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is mistakenly sent to live with siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, changing their lives and the small town they live in forever.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features rich vocabulary and complex narrative structures, along with themes of identity, belonging, and growth.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's transformative journey from childhood to adolescence provides valuable lessons on personal development and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy character-driven stories and exploring themes of growth and self-discovery.

• Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Told from the perspective of a horse, this novel chronicles the ups and downs in the life of Black Beauty, addressing the mistreatment of animals and advocating for kindness.
  • Why this book is challenging: The unique narrative perspective and moral lessons intertwined with detailed narrative descriptions challenge the reader’s empathy and comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches compassion and provides a poignant look into human and animal interactions, promoting ethical behavior and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in stories that promote kindness and moral integrity.

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 some famous books, I've got some fun exercises that can make reading even more engaging and beneficial. These exercises are designed to be enjoyable and educational, perfect for young readers!

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

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw or write out a map that follows the storyline or sequences in a book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps in remembering the story’s plot and key events.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols for different parts of the story to make the map visually engaging.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book as different characters.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding of the characters and makes the reading experience more interactive.
  • Tips: Use simple costumes or props to make the role-playing more fun and realistic.

• Reading Out Loud
  • What it is: Take turns reading sections of the book aloud.
  • How it helps: Builds confidence in reading skills and improves pronunciation.
  • Tips: Encourage expression and emotion while reading to bring the story to life.

• Book-Based Art Projects
  • What it is: Create artwork inspired by the book, such as drawings, paintings, or crafts.
  • How it helps: Allows expression of understanding and interpretation of the story through creative means.
  • Tips: Display the finished art projects around the reading corner to celebrate the reading accomplishments.

• Discussion Time
  • What it is: Set aside time after reading to discuss the book, its characters, and its themes.
  • How it helps: Enhances critical thinking and comprehension by verbalizing thoughts and opinions.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions that encourage your child to think deeply about the book.

• Reading Challenge Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart to track the books read over a period of time.
  • How it helps: Motivates continuous reading and sets tangible goals for young readers.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards for reaching reading milestones to keep the excitement alive.

Incorporating these exercises into your 8-year-old's reading routine can make reading a more dynamic and enriching experience. Not only will these activities help develop stronger reading skills, but they'll also foster a lifelong love for books. So, pick a famous book, dive in, and watch your young reader grow and thrive! Happy reading!