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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect girly books for 8-year-olds that will keep your little reader engaged and excited? Whether it's tales of adventure, heartwarming friendships, or inspiring heroines, finding the right book can spark a lifelong love of reading. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of girly books for 8-year-olds that are sure to capture their imagination and heart!

Fun Girly Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Princess Magnolia hides a big secret: she's also the Princess in Black, a superhero who fights monsters. When monster alarms go off, she must sneak away from her prim and proper royal duties to save the kingdom.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines action and humor with delightful illustrations, making it an engaging read for young girls. It also introduces themes of bravery and identity in a fun way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love princess stories with a twist and action-packed adventures.

• Ivy + Bean by Annie Barrows, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Friendship
  • Synopsis: This series follows two unlikely friends, Ivy and Bean, who are complete opposites but find common ground in their imaginative adventures and occasional mischief.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming series that celebrates the joys and challenges of friendship. The stories are easy to read and filled with humorous moments.
  • Perfect for: Girls who enjoy stories about friendship, creativity, and a bit of mischief.

• Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth by Jane O'Connor, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In this spin-off from the beloved Fancy Nancy series, Nancy Clancy takes on the role of a detective with her best friend Bree. They tackle mysteries with a touch of fancy in their own charming way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages problem-solving and attention to detail, all wrapped up in fun and fancy storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring detectives and fans of the original Fancy Nancy series who are ready for a bit more complexity in their stories.

• The Never Girls: In a Blink by Kiki Thorpe, illustrated by Jana Christy
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four friends find themselves whisked away to Never Land, home of Tinker Bell and the Disney Fairies. Each girl discovers her own strengths and bonds with the fairies in magical adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It taps into the imaginative worlds that many young girls adore, providing a gateway to fantasy literature with familiar characters.
  • Perfect for: Readers who dream of magical adventures and love Disney characters, especially fairies.

• Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus by Barbara Park, illustrated by Denise Brunkus
  • Genre(s): Humor, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Junie B. Jones starts kindergarten and faces a series of humorous and relatable events on her first day, including her initial ride on the school bus which she finds less than pleasant.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's incredibly funny and captures the voice of a kindergartener with charm and wit, making reading enjoyable and relatable.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate humor and stories about school life.

• Amelia Bedelia Means Business by Herman Parish, illustrated by Lynne Avril
  • Genre(s): Humor, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: Young Amelia Bedelia wants a new bike, but her parents insist she must earn the money for it herself. True to her nature, Amelia goes about this in a literal and hilariously misguided series of attempts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the value of hard work and the importance of saving money, all through humorous misunderstandings and creative solutions.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy comedy and learning life lessons in a light-hearted way.

Educational Girly Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Science, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ada Twist is a 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, critical thinking, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity and perseverance, especially in the sciences, and is an inspiration for budding young scientists.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a keen interest in science and how things work.

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Engineering, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Rosie Revere dreams of becoming an engineer. Afraid of failure, she keeps her inventions to herself, until she learns that the first step towards success is failure.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, engineering principles, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the value of persistence and the importance of learning from failures, encouraging girls to explore engineering and innovation.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young inventors and creators.

• Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Political Science, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Sofia Valdez is a young community leader who advocates for a local park to be built, learning about civic engagement and leadership along the way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Leadership, civic awareness, community involvement
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the importance of community service and political engagement in an accessible and inspiring way.
  • Perfect for: Young leaders and activists in the making.

• Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows by Asia Citro, illustrated by Marion Lindsay
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science
  • Synopsis: Zoey discovers she can see magical creatures and uses her scientific skills to help them with their problems, starting with a sick dragon.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific method, problem-solving, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of fantasy with scientific inquiry, making it both entertaining and educational.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love animals, magic, and science experiments.

• Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
  • Genre(s): Political Science, Fiction
  • Synopsis: When Grace learns there has never been a female president, she decides to run for president of her school's student council.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of electoral processes, leadership skills, gender equality
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an empowering story that introduces young readers to American politics and the electoral system, promoting leadership and equality.
  • Perfect for: Young girls interested in leadership and how elections work.

Challenging Girly Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This story follows Matilda, a brilliant and sensitive little girl who uses her intelligence and telekinetic powers to overcome neglectful parents and a tyrannical school principal.
  • Why this book is challenging: The vocabulary and themes in "Matilda" are more complex, dealing with issues of justice, abuse, and the power of knowledge.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the resilience and resourcefulness of a young girl, encouraging readers to believe in their own power and intellect.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who appreciate a mix of fantasy and real-life challenges.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Orphaned Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle in a mysterious, sprawling mansion. She discovers a hidden, neglected garden and, along with her cousin Colin, brings it back to life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features descriptive prose and a slower narrative pace that demands patience and comprehension beyond typical books for this age group.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers rich themes of healing, friendship, and the transformative power of nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy detailed narratives and stories about personal growth and exploration.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl, is mistakenly sent to live with siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert at Green Gables. Her vibrant personality profoundly impacts the small community.
  • Why this book is challenging: The language and themes are quite sophisticated, involving complex emotional dynamics and period-specific references.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that emphasizes the importance of imagination, friendship, and finding one's place in the world.
  • Perfect for: Girls who love stories about misfits turning into beloved community figures.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A small mouse named Despereaux Tilling sets out on a quest to rescue a beautiful human princess from the rats. He faces numerous challenges due to his size and sensitive nature.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure includes sophisticated themes such as bravery, darkness, and redemption, woven through complex, multi-layered storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book encourages readers to be brave and to follow their hearts, despite what others might think of them.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy epic adventures and rooting for the underdog.

• Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Pippi Longstocking is an unconventional, super-strong girl who lives alone with her horse and monkey, having adventures and bucking societal expectations.
  • Why this book is challenging: Pippi's adventures and the book’s humorous tone are layered with subtle critiques of societal norms and adult authority.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and rebellious story that celebrates independence and imagination.
  • Perfect for: Girls who enjoy laughter, adventure, and characters who defy the norm.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-year-old develop great reading habits while exploring the world of girly books, here are some fun and effective exercises to try out. These activities are designed to engage young readers and enhance their reading experience. Let's dive in!

• Set Up a Cozy Reading Nook
  • What it is: Create a comfortable and inviting area dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading by making it a special and enjoyable experience.
  • Tips: Let your child help in setting up the space with cushions, fairy lights, or their favorite stuffed animals.

• Book Themed Dress-Up Days
  • What it is: Choose a day to dress up as a favorite character from the book being read.
  • How it helps: Makes reading interactive and fun, deepening the connection with the story.
  • Tips: Plan the dress-up day for when the book is finished as a celebratory activity.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw or craft a map based on the settings of the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the geographical and plot details.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to mark important locations or events in the story.

• Reading Buddy System
  • What it is: Pair up with a friend or family member to read the same book.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and reflection on the book, enhancing understanding.
  • Tips: Schedule regular chat sessions to discuss each chapter as you go along.

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of a character in the book.
  • How it helps: Improves empathy and understanding of characters' motivations and feelings.
  • Tips: Choose a different character each week to explore various viewpoints.

• Book Review Vlog
  • What it is: Create short video reviews of books read, summarizing and expressing opinions.
  • How it helps: Develops communication skills and the ability to critique and summarize.
  • Tips: Use a smartphone or tablet to record and encourage creativity with editing.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a dynamic and integral part of your child's daily life. By incorporating these activities, you're setting the stage for a lifelong love of reading. So, grab those books and let the adventures begin! Happy reading!