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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for your little reader? Look no further! Our curated list of Must Read Books for 8-Year-Olds is packed with captivating stories that are sure to spark imagination and joy in young readers. Whether you’re looking to stock up the bookshelf or find that special book that they won’t put down, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to be a hit with the young book lovers in your life!

Fun Must Read 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 a young pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte crafts clever messages in her web to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life in a gentle and accessible way that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children who appreciate stories about friendship and survival.

• 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 magical story that sparks imagination with its creative language and whimsical characters, making reading enjoyable and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and adventures, and anyone who enjoys stories of unlikely friendships.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story centers around Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with large ears, who loves music and reading. Despereaux embarks on a heroic quest to rescue a beautiful human princess.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces themes of bravery, forgiveness, and the importance of being true to oneself, wrapped in a beautifully told fairy tale.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories with heroic quests and heartwarming messages.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book is a journal of Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges and misadventures of middle school life, dealing with everything from bullies to family dynamics.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its humorous take on everyday school life and family issues makes reading fun and relatable for children.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy a good laugh and can relate to the ups and downs of school life.

• Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Children's
  • Synopsis: A collection of quirky, imaginative poems that explore various themes through creative and often absurd scenarios.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages an appreciation for poetry and creative thinking, with each poem offering a new perspective or a burst of laughter.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy rhythm, rhyme, and a touch of the whimsical in their reading material.

Educational Must Read Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: Join Ms. Frizzle and her students as they take a wild ride with the Magic School Bus deep inside the Earth to learn about geology.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Earth science, geology, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning about the Earth's structure engaging and fun, filled with facts that are presented in a story-like format.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers eager to learn about science and the natural world.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: This novel is narrated by Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a mall and rarely misses his life in the jungle—until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story that teaches compassion and the importance of a promise, all through the eyes of an unforgettable character.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children who are passionate about animal rights.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Science, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Inspired by real-life makers such as Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, Ada Twist is a very curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, problem-solving, perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity and perseverance, especially in young girls, encouraging them to explore science and ask "why".
  • Perfect for: Curious minds and budding scientists who are always asking questions about how things work.

• National Geographic Kids Why?: Over 1,111 Answers to Everything by Crispin Boyer
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Reference
  • Synopsis: This book provides answers to a plethora of questions covering a wide range of topics from science to history to culture, all tailored for children's understanding.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: General knowledge, curiosity, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It satisfies the endless curiosity of children with factual, easy-to-understand answers and amazing photography.
  • Perfect for: Inquisitive kids who have lots of questions about the world around them.

• The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca, illustrated by Daniel Rieley
  • Genre(s): Biography, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book tells the inspiring story of Dr. Temple Grandin, a scientist and autism spokesperson who revolutionized practices for the humane handling of livestock.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of autism, animal science
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases how someone who thinks differently can make a big impact, promoting acceptance and understanding of neurodiversity.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in inspiring real-life stories and animal welfare.

Challenging Must Read Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story follows a bored young boy named Milo who unexpectedly receives a magic tollbooth. Once he drives through it, he finds himself in a fantastical world on a quest that teaches him the importance of learning and curiosity.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex vocabulary and abstract concepts, blending puns and a playful use of language that requires a higher level of comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brilliant fusion of wit, whimsy, and wisdom, offering a journey that celebrates the joys of learning and the power of change.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love puzzles, word play, and imaginative adventures.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a precocious child with a love of reading and a disdain for her mean parents and school principal. She discovers she has a special telekinetic gift and uses it to stand up to the adults who do wrong.
  • Why this book is challenging: The themes of rebellion and justice are explored through rich language and complex character dynamics, providing depth beyond the surface-level story.
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers children by showing them that intelligence and courage can help overcome adversity, and it champions the value of educators.
  • Perfect for: Gifted readers and young advocates for justice, or anyone who enjoys stories where children triumph over unfair adults.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, transforms as she discovers a neglected garden and learns to care for it, finding healing and friendship in the process.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative uses early 20th-century English and explores complex themes of loss, healing, and personal growth, requiring a mature understanding from the reader.
  • Why we recommend this book: It illustrates the transformative power of nature and kindness, encouraging personal and emotional growth.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of transformation and the beauty of nature.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Classic
  • Synopsis: Young Alice tumbles down a rabbit hole into Wonderland, a bizarre world where she encounters peculiar creatures and experiences whimsical adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The playful manipulation of logic and language in the book provides a mentally stimulating experience that goes beyond simple storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless tale that fires the imagination and encourages creativity and curiosity about the world around us.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and anyone who delights in the absurd and the fantastical.

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  • Genre(s): Classic, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This tale of anthropomorphic characters—Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger—explores their adventures and friendships along a river in the English countryside.
  • Why this book is challenging: The rich, descriptive language and the exploration of themes like friendship, adventure, and morality engage both the vocabulary and the ethical reasoning of young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines gentle humor with exciting adventures, offering a narrative that celebrates the joys of friendship and the pleasures of life.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate nature, friendship tales, and classic storytelling.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-year-old develop great reading habits while diving into some must-read books, here are a few fun and effective exercises you can try. These are designed to make reading a habit they'll love and continue for years to come.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy corner dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and inviting space that encourages regular reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book Bingo
  • What it is: Create a bingo card with different types of books or reading activities.
  • How it helps: Encourages children to explore various genres and formats of books, making reading a fun challenge.
  • Tips: Reward them with a small prize or extra storytime when they complete a row or the whole card.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Before reading a new book, ask your child to predict the story based on the title and cover.
  • How it helps: Enhances imaginative thinking and engagement with the reading material.
  • Tips: Discuss their predictions after finishing the book to see which guesses were right.

• Reading Buddy
  • What it is: Pair your child with a friend, sibling, or a parent as a reading partner.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a social activity, and discussing the books can deepen understanding.
  • Tips: Schedule regular sessions where they can read together or discuss the book.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Encourage your child to act out scenes from the book as their favorite character.
  • How it helps: Helps with comprehension and retention by bringing the story to life.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more fun and immersive experience.

• Read Aloud Days
  • What it is: Dedicate specific days where you read aloud to each other.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and vocabulary, while also being a great bonding activity.
  • Tips: Choose different genres and authors to keep the sessions exciting and diverse.

• Reading Challenge
  • What it is: Set a monthly goal for the number of books to read.
  • How it helps: Encourages a habit of regular reading and goal setting.
  • Tips: Keep the goals achievable and celebrate when they meet their challenge.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine can make their journey through books not only educational but incredibly fun. Remember, the key is consistency and making sure that reading is seen not as a chore but as an adventure that they look forward to every day. Happy reading!