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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect "Online Reading Online Books to Read for 8-Year-Olds"? Finding engaging and age-appropriate books can be a breeze with the wealth of digital resources available today. Whether your little reader is into magical adventures, fun facts, or everything in between, our curated lists will guide you to the best options out there. Keep reading to discover a treasure trove of online books that are sure to captivate and educate any 8-year-old bookworm!

Fun Online Reading Online Books to Read for 8-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte crafts clever messages in her web to save her friend.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches lessons about friendship, sacrifice, and the cycle of life in a gentle, accessible manner.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love animals and stories about friendship.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike other giants, doesn't eat children. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the man-eating giants.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its creative language and whimsical characters, enhancing vocabulary and reading confidence.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who enjoy stories filled with humor and fantasy.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This series is presented as the diary of Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges and embarrassments of middle school life.
  • Why we recommend this book: With its relatable scenarios and humorous drawings, it's particularly engaging for reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate humor and those who might be less enthusiastic about reading.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a precocious child with neglectful parents and a cruel headmistress. She discovers her telekinetic powers and uses them to stand up to the adults in her life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and courage, inspiring young readers to believe in their own power to overcome obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or who enjoy stories of triumph over adversity.

• The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Educational
  • Synopsis: Siblings Jack and Annie discover a magical tree house filled with books that transport them through time and space on various adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: Each book combines fun, adventure, and learning, making history and science accessible and exciting.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who love to learn about different times, cultures, and the natural world.

• Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Comedy
  • Synopsis: Dog Man is a canine superhero with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, who fights crime while dealing with his own comically flawed nature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of humor and action, which are great for engaging young readers and encouraging a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love superheroes and comic book style storytelling.

Educational Online Reading Online Books to Read for 8-Year-Olds

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story centers on Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with oversized ears who loves music and stories, and his quest to save a beautiful human princess.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, understanding themes of courage and forgiveness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that combines adventure with heartfelt lessons about bravery and compassion.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales and stories about unlikely heroes.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: Inspired by true events, this novel follows Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and hardly ever thinks about 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 awareness, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant, reflective narrative that encourages compassion towards animals and thinking about their emotions and experiences.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in stories that promote kindness and understanding.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Fifth-grader Nick Allen knows how to make school more interesting, and when he decides to call a pen a "frindle," it sets off a chain reaction that changes his life and his town.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary building, creativity, understanding of language and its evolution
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging story that celebrates creativity and shows the power of words and ideas.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy school and stories about student-driven adventures and innovations.

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Edward Tulane, a porcelain rabbit, loves only himself until he is separated from the little girl who adores him and travels across the country, learning to love the people he encounters.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, resilience, understanding of diverse life experiences
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that teaches valuable lessons about love, loss, and redemption.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy emotional journeys and stories about personal growth.

• Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Zita finds herself a reluctant heroine when she impulsively presses a button that transports her and her best friend to a distant planet under threat. Now, she must navigate this strange universe to save her friend and the alien planet.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, bravery, friendship dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines action-packed scenes with heartwarming storytelling, perfect for engaging young readers and sparking their imaginations.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love space adventure and strong female protagonists.

Challenging Online Reading Online Books to Read 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 that defies all logic, meeting a cast of bizarre and memorable characters.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative plays with logic and complex wordplay, which can be a stimulating challenge for young advanced readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and critical thinking, as readers navigate through its nonsensical and intriguing plot twists.
  • Perfect for: Children who delight in puzzles and surreal stories.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, a strange world filled with peculiar characters and absurd situations.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a rich vocabulary and a plethora of puns, idioms, and metaphors, challenging young readers to think creatively about language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and whimsical journey that celebrates the joys of learning and the wonder of discovery.
  • 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 the universe, gaining insights into human nature through his encounters with various adults.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative intertwines philosophical dialogues about life, love, and human nature, which are profound and thought-provoking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers timeless wisdom through a simple yet deeply moving story, encouraging readers to contemplate and question the world around them.
  • Perfect for: Young philosophers and thinkers, and anyone who appreciates stories that explore deeper meanings.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sour-faced orphan, discovers a hidden, neglected garden at her uncle's house and, along with her sickly cousin Colin, brings it back to life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text features complex themes of loss, revival, and transformation, layered with rich descriptions and character development.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautiful story of healing and the transformative power of nature, encouraging empathy and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about personal growth and the healing power of nature.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a journey across dimensions to save their father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces concepts of theoretical physics alongside complex themes of good versus evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: This award-winning novel stimulates the imagination and challenges perceptions about the universe and one’s place in it.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and epic adventures through space and time.

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  • Genre(s): Classic, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This beloved book follows the riverside adventures of Mole, Ratty, Badger, and the irrepressible Toad, whose escapades capture the essence of pastoral England.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative’s rich, descriptive language and leisurely paced storytelling provide a more sophisticated reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming and timeless tale that celebrates friendship, nature, and the English countryside.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy classic tales with memorable characters and scenic settings.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you’re looking for ways to help your 8-year-old develop good reading habits with online books, you’re in the right place. Here are some fun and effective exercises that can make reading a more engaging and beneficial experience for them. Let’s dive in!

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

• Read and Discuss
  • What it is: Read a book and discuss it with friends or family.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and critical thinking skills.
  • Tips: Use open-ended questions to encourage deeper discussion.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw or write out a map of the story’s events.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding the structure and sequence of events in the story.
  • Tips: Use different colors or symbols to mark important events or characters.

• 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 different viewpoints.
  • Tips: Choose a different character each time to keep the exercise fresh and exciting.

• Book Review Blogging
  • What it is: Write short reviews of the books read and post them online.
  • How it helps: Develops writing skills and ability to express opinions clearly.
  • Tips: Encourage them to share what they liked or didn’t like about the book.

• Reading Timer Challenge
  • What it is: Set a timer and see how much can be read in that period.
  • How it helps: Builds concentration and stamina for reading.
  • Tips: Gradually increase the timer duration as they become more comfortable.

Implementing these exercises can really transform the reading experience for your little one, making it more interactive and enjoyable. Each activity not only boosts their reading skills but also adds a layer of fun to their learning process. So, why not start today and see how these exercises can help your 8-year-old fall in love with reading online books? Happy reading!