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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for your young reader? You’re in the right spot! Our roundup of popular books for 8-year-olds is packed with picks that are sure to captivate their imaginations and keep those pages turning. Whether you’re looking for a birthday gift or just want to refresh their reading list, keep reading to discover our favorite finds!

Fun Popular 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 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 persuade the farmer to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the reality of death in a gentle manner that's accessible to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who are dealing with themes of friendship and loss.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story involves a young girl named Sophie and her adventures with the Big Friendly Giant (BFG). Together, they set out to stop the other giants from eating human children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its creative language and whimsical fantasy elements, making reading a delightful experience.
  • Perfect for: Children who love stories filled with adventure and magical creatures.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This series is presented as the diary of Greg Heffley, navigating the challenges and misadventures of middle school life.
  • Why we recommend this book: The relatable storyline and humorous illustrations engage readers, making it a great choice for reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy laughing and can relate to the trials and triumphs of school life.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child neglected by her family. When she discovers she has telekinetic powers, she begins to defend her friends from their oppressive school principal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence, creativity, and the courage to stand up against unfairness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or who enjoy stories of triumph over adversity.

• Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This series follows siblings Jack and Annie as they travel through time and space via a magical tree house, experiencing and learning about major historical events and figures firsthand.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces history and science through engaging and accessible stories, which can spark a love of learning.
  • Perfect for: Curious children who enjoy series-based adventures and learning about different times and cultures.

Educational Popular Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This charming story tells of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with big ears and a bigger heart, who loves music and stories. His adventures begin when he falls in love with a human princess named Pea and later confronts challenges in the dungeons.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, empathy, courage, and understanding of narrative structures
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that combines adventure with lessons about bravery, forgiveness, and the importance of being true to oneself.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fairy tales and stories of unlikely heroes.

• 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 shopping mall. Ivan's perspective changes when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, which causes him to see his surroundings and their implications anew.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare awareness, creative thinking, and narrative skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant, reflective look at human-animal relationships and the power of change through a unique narrative voice.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in stories told from an animal’s perspective.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Humor
  • Synopsis: The story follows fifth-grader Nick Allen who invents a new word, "frindle," for what is commonly known as a pen. The word becomes a huge success, sparking a series of humorous events and a battle with his language arts teacher.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, vocabulary building, understanding of language and social dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inventive and amusing story that encourages creativity and shows the impact one individual can have on language and culture.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young innovators.

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This tale follows Edward Tulane, a porcelain rabbit who is loved by a little girl but must embark on a transformative journey through many hands and places, learning about love and loss.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, resilience, understanding of narrative and character development
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story that explores deep themes of affection, suffering, and redemption in a way that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy emotional stories and character growth.

• Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Zita finds herself a stranger on a distant planet after she impulsively presses a button that transports her into outer space. Now, she must navigate this strange world and embark on a quest to save her kidnapped friend.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, bravery, friendship, and introduction to graphic novel format
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines action-packed sequences with heartwarming storytelling, all beautifully illustrated in a captivating graphic novel format.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love science fiction and adventurous tales.

Challenging Popular Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the renowned Harry Potter series, introducing Harry Potter, a young wizard who discovers his magical heritage on his eleventh birthday when he receives a letter of acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex characters and a richly developed fantasy world that includes its own rules and language, providing a more complex reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination and creativity, while promoting themes of friendship, courage, and the importance of choices.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy magical adventures and complex fantasy worlds.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: An orphaned girl named Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle in a gloomy mansion in Yorkshire. Here, she discovers a mysterious walled garden that has been locked for years and embarks on a journey of healing and discovery.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style and historical setting require a higher level of comprehension, and the themes of loss and rejuvenation are deeply nuanced.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches resilience and the transformative power of nature and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about discovery and personal growth.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Alice falls through a rabbit hole into a fantastical world where she encounters various magical creatures and embarks on surreal adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The playful manipulation of logic and complex wordplay in this book provide a unique linguistic challenge.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and critical thinking, and it's a delightful exploration of a whimsical world that captivates and stimulates young minds.
  • Perfect for: Children who love puzzles, riddles, and whimsical stories.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and disinterested in his everyday life, young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical quests.
  • Why this book is challenging: It plays extensively with language and introduces abstract concepts that challenge conventional thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes creativity and critical thinking through its clever use of language and its exploration of themes like the importance of learning and the value of perspective.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy clever humor and intellectual challenges.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Classic, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: This poetic tale tells the story of a young prince who travels the universe gaining wisdom. The story is layered with philosophical insights about loneliness, friendship, love, and loss.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative intertwines whimsical and imaginative elements with deep philosophical questions, making it a profound reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers timeless wisdom through a simple yet profound story, encouraging deep thought and reflection on personal values and relationships.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories that explore deeper meanings and emotions.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-year-old develop strong reading habits, I've got some fun and effective exercises that can make reading a more engaging and beneficial part of their daily routine. These exercises are designed to be enjoyable while enhancing comprehension and fostering a lifelong love for reading. Let’s dive in!

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

• Book Bingo
  • What it is: A bingo game where each square represents a different type of book or reading activity.
  • How it helps: Introduces variety and fun into reading, encouraging children to explore different genres.
  • Tips: Reward completing a row or a full card with a small prize or a special reading-related activity.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Before reading a book, have your child predict the plot or the ending based on the title and cover.
  • How it helps: Enhances analytical thinking and engages your child’s imagination and curiosity.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions after finishing the book to see which guesses were right or surprising.

• Reading Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading a book aloud together with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves vocabulary and pronunciation skills, and it's a great bonding activity.
  • Tips: Take turns reading and use different voices for different characters to make it more fun.

• Character Diary
  • What it is: Your child writes diary entries from the perspective of a character in their book.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of the character and improves empathy and creative writing skills.
  • Tips: Encourage them to write about key events in the story from the character’s viewpoint.

• Reading Challenge Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks the number of books or pages your child reads.
  • How it helps: Motivates children by showing them tangible progress in their reading journey.
  • Tips: Set achievable goals and celebrate milestones with a favorite activity or small reward.

• Book Club for Kids
  • What it is: Start a book club where your child and their friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Builds communication skills and lets children share their thoughts and learn from others.
  • Tips: Keep the group small and manage the discussions so every child gets a chance to speak.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s routine can make reading a more dynamic and enjoyable part of their life. Not only will these activities improve their reading skills, but they'll also help them develop a deeper love for books. Happy reading!