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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for your young bookworm? Look no further than our curated selection of Newbery Award Books for 8-Year-Olds! This prestigious award highlights some of the best children's literature out there, and we've gathered a fantastic list that's just right for third graders. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to captivate, inspire, and entertain your little reader.

Fun Newbery Award 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 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's a heartwarming story that teaches the value of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice. The simple yet profound narrative is easy to understand and can deeply resonate with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children learning about the importance of compassion and friendship.

• Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
  • Genre(s): Historical fiction
  • Synopsis: This short novel tells the story of Sarah Wheaton, who travels from Maine to the Midwest to answer a widowed farmer's advertisement for a wife and mother. The story is told through the eyes of the farmer's children, who grow to love her.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle and touching story that explores themes of change, resilience, and belonging in a way that is accessible and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy historical settings and stories about family dynamics.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with large ears, who loves music and reading. He embarks on a heroic adventure in a castle to rescue a beautiful princess.
  • Why we recommend this book: The narrative’s mix of adventure, heroism, and romance captivates young minds. It also introduces complex themes like bravery and forgiveness in a digestible manner for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and dreamers who enjoy fairy tales and stories of unlikely heroes.

• Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by K.G. Campbell
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the adventures of Flora Belle Buckman and a superhero squirrel named Ulysses who possesses unique powers after a freak accident.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor, fantasy, and touching moments in a story that encourages imagination and the belief in the impossible. It's wonderfully quirky and can spark creativity in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love animals, superheroes, and laughter-filled adventures.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal fiction
  • Synopsis: Based on a true story, this novel is about Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. His perspective changes when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that addresses themes of friendship, hope, and the search for a better life. The story is both educational and heartwarming, making it a great read for young animal lovers.
  • Perfect for: Children who are sensitive to animal welfare and enjoy stories that feature animal characters with rich emotional lives.

Educational Newbery Award Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman, illustrated by Peter Sis
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of a bratty prince and his whipping boy, who must take all the punishment for the prince's misdeeds. The two unexpectedly switch roles during an adventurous escape that teaches them both valuable lessons.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding historical contexts, empathy, and friendship dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, engaging story that cleverly explores themes of social injustice and friendship in a way that's accessible to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy action-packed stories with a moral lesson.

• Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Family
  • Synopsis: The story focuses on a Japanese American family living in Georgia during the 1950s and is narrated by a young girl named Katie. She admires her older sister, Lynn, who teaches her to see the "kira-kira," or glittering, in everyday life, even as their family faces serious challenges.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, historical perspective, emotional resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a poignant look at the struggles and triumphs of an immigrant family through the innocent eyes of a child, highlighting the importance of hope and family bonds.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in historical narratives and stories about family and resilience.

• The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in medieval England, this novel follows the journey of a homeless girl known only as Brat, who becomes an apprentice to a sharp-tongued midwife. Her journey of self-discovery leads her to a new identity and an unexpected destiny.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, understanding of medieval society, self-esteem development
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gritty, yet hopeful tale of overcoming adversity and finding one's place in the world, which can inspire young readers to believe in themselves.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy historical settings and stories of personal growth.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic
  • Synopsis: In this enchanting story, a young girl named Luna is accidentally enmagicked as a baby when she is given moonlight to drink. Raised by a witch, a tiny dragon, and a swamp monster, Luna must learn to control her powers as she grows up.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, understanding of myth and magic, emotional intelligence
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written, magical tale that encourages imagination and teaches about the power of love and sacrifice.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and magical adventures.

• Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story follows Merci Suárez, a sixth-grader who navigates big changes in her life, including challenges at her private school and her grandfather's battle with Alzheimer's disease.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, coping with change, understanding diverse family dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles complex issues like social class differences and illness with sensitivity and realism, providing a relatable and empowering narrative for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids dealing with family health issues or those who appreciate stories about school and growing up.

Challenging Newbery Award Books for 8-Year-Olds

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1970s New York, this novel follows sixth-grader Miranda as she receives mysterious notes that predict the future and ultimately lead her to understand a tragic event and unlock the secret behind the notes.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure involves complex themes of time travel and existential questions, which are advanced for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking blend of science fiction and mystery that encourages critical thinking and exploration of deep themes like friendship and fate.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy puzzles and mind-bending stories.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Nobody Owens, a boy who is raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is murdered. As he grows up, he encounters various creatures and must face the man who killed his family.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with dark themes and uses a sophisticated narrative style that includes elements of horror and suspense.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique setting and imaginative storytelling that captivates and stimulates a deeper understanding of life and death.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are fascinated by supernatural stories and ghost tales.

• The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron, illustrated by Matt Phelan
  • Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction
  • Synopsis: Lucky Trimble eavesdrops on a 12-step meeting and fears her guardian will abandon her. Determined to take control of her life, she plans to run away from her small desert town in California.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book addresses complex emotional issues like abandonment and self-discovery, which are profound for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching exploration of personal growth and resilience, encouraging readers to face their fears and seek their own path.
  • Perfect for: Children who like stories about overcoming obstacles and finding one's courage.

• Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: This semi-autobiographical novel features a boy named Jack who is grounded for the summer in Norvelt, Pennsylvania, and ends up helping an elderly neighbor write obituaries for the original residents of the town.
  • Why this book is challenging: It blends historical facts with fiction and includes a significant amount of dark humor and complex social commentary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a humorous yet insightful look at American history and the importance of community, making learning history engaging and fun.
  • Perfect for: Young historians and readers with a quirky sense of humor.

• Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In this novel, the lives of four diverse kids—Virgil, Valencia, Kaori, and Chet—intersect in the woods where a prank leads to an accident that has them coming together in unexpected ways.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story is told from multiple points of view, each with a unique voice and background, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates diversity and the power of friendship, offering a compelling and heartwarming adventure that emphasizes empathy and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories about friendship and diverse perspectives.

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 Newbery Award books, here are some fun and effective exercises to try. These activities are designed to enhance their reading experience and make the journey through each book even more enjoyable.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, comfortable space dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading by providing a cozy, inviting place.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions and some soft lighting.

• Book Club for Two
  • What it is: Schedule a regular book club meeting between you and your child.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and strengthens the parent-child bond.
  • Tips: Choose a consistent time and place, and prepare some simple discussion questions.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw or create a map based on the settings of the story.
  • How it helps: Helps with comprehension and recall by visualizing the story’s environment.
  • Tips: Use colored pencils or markers to make the activity more engaging.

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of different characters in the book.
  • How it helps: Develops empathy and deeper understanding of characters.
  • Tips: Encourage creativity; there’s no right or wrong in how a character might feel.

• Reading Timer Challenge
  • What it is: Set a timer and challenge your child to read until it goes off.
  • How it helps: Builds reading stamina and helps set a reading routine.
  • Tips: Start with short intervals and gradually increase the time as your child gets more comfortable.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book after reading.
  • How it helps: Reinforces memory and understanding by connecting words to visual images.
  • Tips: Provide a variety of art supplies to keep the activity exciting and expressive.

By incorporating these exercises into your child's reading routine, you'll not only improve their reading skills but also make the process a whole lot of fun. Remember, the key is consistency and encouragement. Happy reading!