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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect manga books for 8-year-olds? You've come to the right place! Whether your little ones are just starting their manga journey or looking to add new titles to their collection, we've got a variety of picks that are sure to captivate and engage young readers. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of manga books tailored specifically for 8-year-olds, and find the perfect next read to spark their imagination!

Fun Manga Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Yotsuba&! by Kiyohiko Azuma
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Slice of Life
  • Synopsis: Follow the everyday adventures of a cheerful and energetic young girl named Yotsuba as she explores the world around her with a sense of wonder and excitement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with humor and heartwarming moments that capture the innocence and joy of childhood, making reading a delightful experience for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love exploring and learning about the world around them.

• Chi's Sweet Home by Kanata Konami
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Slice of Life
  • Synopsis: This charming series tells the story of Chi, a mischievous and adorable kitten, and her adventures and misadventures in her new home.
  • Why we recommend this book: The simple storytelling and cute illustrations are great for engaging young readers, encouraging them to enjoy reading through the antics of a kitten.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who enjoy cute, heartwarming stories.

• Pokemon Adventures by Hidenori Kusaka, illustrated by Mato for the earlier volumes and Satoshi Yamamoto for the later volumes
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Experience the adventures of various Pokémon trainers as they strive to become Pokémon Masters, capturing and battling with unique creatures along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to strategic thinking and the importance of friendship and perseverance, all within an exciting and familiar world.
  • Perfect for: Young Pokémon fans and those who enjoy dynamic stories with lots of action.

• Doraemon by Fujiko F. Fujio
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Comedy
  • Synopsis: Join Nobita, a young boy who is not good at sports or studies, as he navigates daily life with the help of Doraemon, a robotic cat from the future.
  • Why we recommend this book: The imaginative gadgets and humorous plots not only entertain but also impart moral lessons and encourage creative problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy science fiction and stories about friendship and overcoming daily challenges with clever solutions.

• Hello Kitty: Delicious! by Various Authors and Illustrators
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Slice of Life
  • Synopsis: Explore the whimsical adventures of Hello Kitty and her friends in a series of delightful stories centered around food and fun.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a light and enjoyable read that introduces young readers to the joys of friendship and sharing through engaging and relatable stories.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fans of Hello Kitty and stories that emphasize kindness and friendship.

Educational Manga Books for 8-Year-Olds

• My First Book of Haiku Poems by Esperanza Ramirez-Christensen, illustrated by Tracy Gallup
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young readers to the art of Japanese haiku poetry, featuring translations of classic poems along with original illustrations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural appreciation, poetry comprehension, nature themes
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gentle introduction to the beauty of haiku, enhancing appreciation for poetry and Japanese culture.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in poetry and cultural exploration.

• Science Ninja Team Gatchaman: The Manga by Tatsuo Yoshida
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures of five young superheroes as they use science and teamwork to battle against evil forces threatening Earth.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, basic scientific concepts, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: Combines action-packed adventures with educational content that sparks interest in science and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love superheroes and are curious about science and technology.

• Let's Learn Kanji by Joyce Yumi Mitamura and Yasuko Kosaka Mitamura
  • Genre(s): Educational, Language
  • Synopsis: An introductory guide to learning kanji, the complex characters used in Japanese writing, tailored for young learners.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Language skills, memory techniques, cultural knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging way to introduce children to a new language, enhancing their linguistic abilities and cultural understanding.
  • Perfect for: Young learners interested in languages and Japanese culture.

• Manga Math Mysteries by Melinda Thielbar, illustrated by Tintin Pantoja
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Educational
  • Synopsis: Each book in this series uses a fun mystery story to introduce and explore mathematical concepts.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Mathematical thinking, problem-solving, logical reasoning
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning math fun and accessible, integrating it into exciting stories that keep children engaged.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy puzzles and mysteries while learning new skills in math.

• The Manga Guide to the Universe by Kenji Ishikawa, illustrated by Kiyoshi Kawabata
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: Explore the mysteries of the universe, from the Big Bang to the possibility of other life forms, through accessible manga-style storytelling.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Astronomy, physics, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies complex scientific concepts in a way that is easy to understand and visually engaging.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young scientists and any kid curious about space and the universe.

Challenging Manga Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Hikaru no Go by Yumi Hotta, illustrated by Takeshi Obata
  • Genre(s): Drama, Sports
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Hikaru Shindo discovers an old Go board haunted by the spirit of a Go master from the Heian era. Together, they navigate the world of competitive Go.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story introduces the complex and strategic game of Go, which requires critical thinking and foresight.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines historical intrigue with modern competition, providing a thrilling narrative that also educates about this traditional game.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy strategy games and historical stories.

• Cardcaptor Sakura by CLAMP
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Sakura Kinomoto accidentally unleashes a set of magical cards that she must retrieve to prevent catastrophe. Each card offers a new challenge and adventure.
  • Why this book is challenging: The manga deals with themes of responsibility and self-growth, woven through complex narrative arcs and character development.
  • Why we recommend this book: It features a strong female protagonist and provides a mix of magical adventures and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic and stories of personal empowerment.

• Zatch Bell! by Makoto Raiku
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kiyo Takamine meets a mysterious boy named Zatch Bell, who is a Mamodo from another world, and together they battle other Mamodos to determine the king of the Mamodo world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The series features battles that combine magical elements with problem-solving and strategy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an action-packed series that encourages friendship and cooperation to overcome challenges.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy thrilling battles and stories about friendship and loyalty.

• Aria by Kozue Amano
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Slice of Life
  • Synopsis: Set on Mars, now terraformed and renamed Aqua, this series follows Akari Mizunashi, a gondolier-in-training, as she learns about the planet and the mysteries it holds.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores complex themes such as environmentalism and the beauty of everyday life in a slow-paced, thoughtful manner.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a serene and beautifully illustrated escape that encourages appreciation for nature and mindfulness.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in science fiction and stories that promote tranquility and reflection.

• Beast Master by Kyousuke Motomi
  • Genre(s): Romance, Comedy
  • Synopsis: Yuiko Kubozuka, a high school girl who loves animals but scares them unwittingly, meets Leo Aoi, a boy with the outward appearance of a beast but a gentle heart.
  • Why this book is challenging: The manga explores themes of appearances versus reality and the nature of human relationships in a nuanced way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that tackles themes of acceptance and friendship with humor and sensitivity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about unusual friendships and personal growth.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-year-old dive into the colorful world of manga while developing good reading habits, you've come to the right place. Manga can be a fantastic gateway to boost literacy and maintain enthusiasm for reading. Here are some engaging exercises that will not only enhance their reading experience but also foster a deeper love for books.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of manga books or pages to read each week.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to keep motivation high.

• Character Connection
  • What it is: Choose a favorite character and discuss or write about their actions and choices.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and empathy by connecting with the character's emotions and decisions.
  • Tips: Encourage them to express why they like the character or how they would behave in similar situations.

• Illustration Investigation
  • What it is: Focus on the artwork and discuss what the visuals add to the story.
  • How it helps: Develops visual literacy and an appreciation for the art form.
  • Tips: Ask questions about how the illustrations affect their understanding of the story.

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

• Read and Share
  • What it is: Read a manga book and then share the story with a friend or family member.
  • How it helps: Reinforces understanding and improves verbal communication skills.
  • Tips: Encourage them to think about what parts of the story they found exciting or important to share.

• Vocabulary Hunt
  • What it is: Keep a list of new or interesting words found in the manga.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of language used in different contexts.
  • Tips: Use a notebook specifically for new words and look up meanings together.

These exercises are designed to make reading manga an enriching experience for your child. By integrating these activities into their reading routine, you're not just helping them develop a habit of reading; you're also opening up a world of imagination and learning. So, grab some manga and let the adventures begin!