10+ Best Popular Books for 7-8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for your young reader? Discovering engaging and age-appropriate reads is crucial at this stage, and our carefully curated list of popular books for 7-8-year-olds is here to help! Whether your child is a budding bookworm or just starting their literary journey, these top picks are sure to captivate and inspire. Keep reading to explore our various lists of popular books for 7-8-year-olds and find the perfect match for your little reader's next adventure!

Fun Popular Books for 7-8-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a clever spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte uses her web to write messages praising Wilbur, aiming to convince the farmer to spare his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, compassion, and the cycle of life in an approachable way for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who appreciate stories about friendship and loyalty.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story centers on a young girl named Sophie who befriends the Big Friendly Giant (BFG). Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the other giants from eating children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its creative language and whimsical plot, making reading a delightful experience for children.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories filled with whimsy, adventure, and humor.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: This series, starting with Greg Heffley's journal, captures his thoughts and adventures as he navigates the challenges of middle school.
  • Why we recommend this book: The mix of text and cartoons keeps the reading fun and engaging, which is great for developing readers.
  • Perfect for: Reluctant readers and those who enjoy a good laugh along with their reading.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story tells the tale of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It follows his adventures as he navigates a world filled with darkness and danger.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to a brave and unlikely hero, encouraging courage and the pursuit of dreams.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and anyone who loves an underdog story.

• Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Educational
  • Synopsis: This series features siblings Jack and Annie who 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 provides a fun, educational journey through different historical events and cultures, enhancing both reading skills and general knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds that enjoy history and time-travel adventures.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a bright young girl who loves reading. She develops telekinetic powers which she uses to overcome her unsupportive parents and a tyrannical school principal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, encouraging readers to believe in their own power to change their circumstances.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or who love stories where kids triumph over adversity.

Educational Popular Books for 7-8-Year-Olds

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: Ada Twist is a very 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, problem-solving, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity and perseverance, especially in science, which is crucial for young learners.
  • Perfect for: Budding scientists and curious minds.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is based on the true story of Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and his journey towards finding a better life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare, friendship
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches compassion and the importance of a better environment for animals.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who are passionate about animal rights.

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: The crayons in Duncan's box are tired of how they're being used and go on strike, each expressing their grievances through letters.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, color recognition, persuasive writing
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging way to discuss feelings and negotiations.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and those who enjoy playful stories.

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: Rosie is a brilliant inventor of gizmos and gadgets who dreams of becoming a great engineer.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Engineering principles, creativity, overcoming failure
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages innovation and learning from mistakes, essential for budding engineers.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring engineers and creative thinkers.

• The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce, illustrated by Joe Bluhm
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Morris Lessmore loves books, and after a storm sweeps away his home, he discovers a magical library where books come to life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading appreciation, storytelling, emotional resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the power of stories to provide solace and heal.
  • Perfect for: Book lovers and anyone who finds comfort in stories.

Challenging Popular Books for 7-8-Year-Olds

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must solve a series of puzzles and stop a global crisis.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel features complex puzzles and moral dilemmas that require advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes teamwork, intelligence, and perseverance through engaging and intellectually stimulating challenges.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle enthusiasts who enjoy a good challenge.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and unloving child, discovers a neglected garden on her uncle’s property and, through her restoration of it, transforms her own life and that of her sickly cousin, Colin.
  • Why this book is challenging: The language and themes are more complex, involving character development and descriptive imagery that require a higher level of reading comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches about the healing power of nature and the importance of friendship and self-growth.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate nature and stories of personal transformation.

• Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Inspired by Chinese folklore, this story follows Minli who sets off on a journey to find the Old Man of the Moon and change her family’s fortune. Along the way, she meets magical creatures and discovers an ancient secret.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves together a number of folktales, which introduces complex storytelling techniques and a rich vocabulary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that encourages a deeper understanding of culture and the value of storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Adventurers and dreamers who love folklore and rich, immersive tales.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and disinterested in learning, young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, a surreal region where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical insights.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in wordplay, puns, and abstract concepts that challenge readers to think about language and reasoning in new ways.
  • Why we recommend this book: It stimulates creativity and critical thinking, making it a fun and educational read.
  • Perfect for: Young thinkers and anyone who enjoys clever humor and language-based puzzles.

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Classic, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This timeless story follows the mischievous Peter Rabbit who disobeys his mother’s warnings and sneaks into Mr. McGregor's garden, leading to a series of adventures and troubles.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative includes sophisticated vocabulary and sentence structures that are more complex than typical children’s books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the imagination with its beautiful illustrations and engaging story, while imparting lessons about obedience and prudence.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy animal stories and vivid illustrations.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-8-year-olds develop great reading habits while enjoying some popular books, here are a few engaging exercises that can really make a difference. These activities are not only fun but also enhance their reading skills. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy spot dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading by providing a comfortable and inviting space.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book Club for Kids
  • What it is: Start a small book club with a few of your child’s friends or classmates.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and analytical skills through discussion.
  • Tips: Keep the sessions light and fun, focusing on what everyone enjoyed about the book.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw or craft a map that represents the story’s settings and events.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding the sequence of events and spatial awareness of the story.
  • Tips: Use colors and stickers to make the mapping activity more engaging.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with your child taking on the role of a favorite character.
  • How it helps: Improves empathy and deeper understanding of characters.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role play more exciting.

• Reading Challenge with Rewards
  • What it is: Set up a reading challenge with a set number of books to read within a timeframe.
  • How it helps: Motivates children to read more and instills a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards like an extra hour of playtime or a favorite treat upon completion.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine can make reading a more dynamic and enjoyable experience. Not only will these activities keep them engaged, but they'll also foster a lifelong love for reading. So, pick a book from their favorite series, and let's get started on making reading a fun-filled adventure!