What Books Are Good for 8 Year Olds? 50 Best Stories To Read in 2024
This best books for 8 year olds list will guide your young readers as they continue to grow.
As my kids get older, it’s more challenging to find great books and read aloud to them. Have you noticed this too?
This article has the solution! Discover the best books for 8 year olds, including chapter books, non-fiction reads, and exciting graphic novel series.
Best Chapter Books For 8 Year Olds
First, can 8 year olds read chapter books? Yes! Uncover these popular and award-winning finds.
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Reading specialist-approved recommendations for 8 year old books!
1. The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney (Ages 6-9)
*Everyone’s favorite classroom pet!
Humphrey, the class pet, has weekend adventures sleeping over at students’ houses. Despite a cage that doesn’t lock, life is great—except for the teacher who seems out to get him!
See The World According to Humphrey here >>
2. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh (Ages 8-11)
*Great for the curious kid!
Harriet is a spy who uses her notebook to write down all of her truthful observations about the world around her. But when the notebook goes missing and her words are suddenly out in the open, she must face who she’s been spying on.
This novel is book one of the series!
3. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown (Ages 8-11)
*New York Times Bestselling Author
When Roz opens her eyes for the first time she discovers that she is alone in the wilderness. She’ll have to face nature, weather, and unforeseen dangers if she wants to survive.
Did I mention she’s also a robot? See The Wild Robot here >>
4. From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg (Ages 8-12)
When Claudia runs away to her favorite art museum, she never expects to find a statue so beautiful. Now, she must discover its maker. The trouble is…no one knows.
Which leads her to find Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler and uncover the true mysteries.
5. The One & Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate (Ages 8-10)
*Best Seller and award winner
The One & Only Ivan, inspired by a true story, follows a gorilla’s 27 years in captivity. His perspective changes with the arrival of a new elephant, offering children a heartwarming view of animal treatment and the strength of friendship.
6. The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman (Ages 8-11)
In this creative story, 4 fifth graders are bound together by a creation of their own making. This machine (code-named “Belch”) does their homework for them. But before long, it starts taking on a life of its own.
Will the kids be able to reign in their powerful machine in time? Find out here!
7. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White (Ages 5-9): Best Books for 8 Year Olds
*Award Winning Classic Book For 8 Year Olds
“One of America’s top 100 loved novels.” This classic tells the story of friendship, love, life, and death through the eyes of a little girl, her beloved pig, and a spider.
8. Matilda by Roald Dahl (Ages 6-10)
*A major motion picture and soon to be on Netflix
This is the story of a girl who is unwanted, overlooked, and yet exceptional. Matilda finds herself facing her biggest challenge yet, headmistress Miss Trunchbull. But she finds that she has true power to fight back.
See more great Kids Books That Are Movies.<<
9. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo (Ages 7-10)
*Teacher’s pick & award-winning author
Edward Tulane is a happy rabbit cherished by his owner. When he gets lost, Edward goes on an incredible adventure to the depths of the ocean and the bustling streets of a city.
10. Stuart Little by E.B. White (Ages 5-8)
In this classic story, Stuart, a small mouse, ventures on big adventures to find his missing bird friend, leaving his human family for the first time. Will he succeed in locating his dear companion?
11. Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl (Ages 5- 8 Year Old Books)
*Teacher’s pick
Someone’s been stealing from the meanest farmers around. They know that it’s Mr. Fox, so they team up to catch him. But this isn’t just any fox, and he comes up with an incredible plan to get out of it.
12. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C O’Brien (Ages 7-11)
*Newbery Medal
Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four kids has to get her family out of the house…or they face almost certain death. When some extraordinary rats come to the rescue, the adventure of a lifetime begins.
8 Year Old Graphic Novels & Comics
Graphic novel series are a fantastic way to captivate kids and foster a love for reading.
13. Dog Man by Dav Pilkey (Ages 6-9)
*Extremely popular
It’s the canine cop who’s part dog and part human! Follow this unlikely hero as he chases after squirrels and saves the day, in his own comical way.
Fans of this? See also The Cat Kid Series and Captain Underpants!
14. The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey (Ages 6-8)
*New York Times Bestseller (made into a movie!)
They smell and look like bad guys…but are they? Get ready for laughs as you follow these bad guys doing good deeds.
15. Star Wars Jedi Academy by Jeffrey Brown (Ages 7-9)
*New York Times Best Selling Series
In a galaxy far far away, we meet a young boy named Roan. Roan has a dream to attend Pilot Academy, but he is mysteriously denied. Instead, he receives a special invitation for Jedi Academy.
16. Big Nate: From the Top (Volume 1) by Lincoln Peirce (Ages 8-12)
*Now an animated series!
Nate Wright holds the school record for the most detentions. Kids relate to the struggle of Big Nate’s life at school as they read about his shenanigans. This is the first book in the popular Big Nate series.
17. Investi Gators by John Patrick Green (Ages 6-9)
*Reviewers like that these books skip the “not so nice” language found in other graphic novels.
These sewer-loving alligators are super spies! Investigators, Mango and Brash, are on the case. And your young reader will love following along as the clues lead them to unlikely criminals.
18. Minecraft: Wither Without You Volume 1 by Kristen Gudsnuk (Ages 8-12)
If you have a Minecraft fan like me, your child will blow through these fun graphic novels!
Enter the Overworld where you’ll meet monster hunters, an enchanted wither, and a girl cursed as a monster lure. Join Cahira and Orion as they venture to rescue their mentor in this exciting adventure!
See Minecraft: Wither Without You here >>
Best Book Series For 8 Year Olds
What is a good series for 8 year olds? These book series are excellent for encouraging kids to keep going!
19. Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland (Ages 8-11)
#1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling series
Join the epic adventures as five dragons must save the world!
20. A to Z Mysteries: The Absent Author by Ron Roy (Ages 6-8)
*Teacher’s pick
When a famous author doesn’t show up, this group of friends must find him! Starting with this mystery, collect the entire alphabet!
21. The Borrowers by Mary Norton (Ages 6-11)
Explore this unique classic of the Clock family, tiny individuals who transform into heroes. Living beneath the kitchen floor, their peaceful existence is disrupted when a human discovers them. Can the Clock family remain safe in their home? Read to find out!
22. Stick Dog by Tom Watson (Ages 6-10)
*Funny illustrated stories
Stick dog goes on an unforgettable quest for the perfect burger. And he’ll make you laugh and cry along the way! Even reluctant readers will “eat up” the fun illustrations and wacky writing.
23. Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown (Ages 6-8)
Even hesitant readers love Flat Stanley!
Start with Stanley’s original adventure as he realizes he’s only a half-inch thick, gets mailed, and helps catch art thieves. Then keep reading to see all of the places he visits.
24. Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar Ages 5-9
*Teachers pick and book series
Have you ever been in a school built sideways and thirty stories high!? Welcome to Wayside School, where you’ll find the most unusual classes and characters, especially on the thirtieth floor.
Find the set of all four here >>
25. Magic Tree House Books 1-4 by Mary Pope Osborne (Ages 5-8)
#1 Bestseller – inspiring readers for 25 years!
Mystery, magic, and time travel unite in this classic adventure series for kids. Meet Jack and Annie and start the 1-4 box set that dives into dinosaurs, knights, mummies, and pirates.
Check out more Best Children’s Mysteries.>>
26. Mr. Lemoncello’s Box Set by Chris Grabenstein (Ages 8-12)
*New York Times Bestselling Series
The world’s famous game maker has created a library and Kyle is determined to be at opening night. But once he is, he discovers that the trick wasn’t getting into the library – it’s getting out! See book 1 here!
Shop the four book set here >>
27. Judy Blume’s Fudge Box Set (Ages 7-10)
“The complete five-book set of Judy Blume’s classic bestselling Fudge books!”
You’ll be laughing out loud as you follow along with Peter Hatcher and his mischievous brother Fudge on all of their adventures! These classic books for 8 year olds are as good as they were 50 years ago.
28. The Boxcar Children Boxed Set 1-4 by Gertrude Chandler Warner (Ages 6-9)
*153 titles in the 8-year-old book series!!
This long-lasting, captivating series follows the adventures of the Alden kids as they discover and solve new mysteries on their own.
This series has turned many struggling readers into enthusiastic ones!
29. Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel (Ages 7-9: Best Book Series For 8 Year Olds)
*Best Books Ages 6-8
In this hilarious series of Bad Kitty Books, kitty has to learn to play well with others. In the first book, the neighborhood next to Bad Kitty is fighting and the cat shelter has been destroyed. When Bad Kitty’s family decides to help, our bad-tempered friend struggles to share her space.
30. Diary of a Wimpy Kid # 1 by Jeff Kinney (Ages 7-10)
*Very popular
Greg Heffley is new to middle school and is glad to have his friend Rowley by his side. Read about their hilarious adventures in book 1 of this series.
31. The Hardy Boys Secret Files Collection Books 1-5 by Franklin W. Dixon (Ages 6-9)
Follow the new generation of Hardy boys as they crack cases. In the first book, two kids find trouble lurking at the arcade and decide it’s time to become detectives like their dads!
32. The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary (Ages 5-9)
*Classic Newbery Award-winning stories!
Read as Ralph S. Mouse gets behind the wheels of a toy motorcycle and the adventure begins!
Not sure about the set? Check out the first book here >>
33. Classic Chapter Book Collection (Pokémon) by S.E. Heller (Ages 7-8)
*Animated series on Netflix
Do you have a Pokemon fan? Get your child reading with these great chapter books for 8 year olds!
Best Books For 8 Year Old Boys
34. Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid by Megan McDonald (Ages 6-8)
Meet Judy Moody’s younger brother, Stink in this funny series about a kid that has to deal with everyday life…and his older sister.
35. The Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn & Hal Iggulden
*More than 1.5 million copies sold!
The perfect book for curious boys who are looking to discover the world and learn life skills along the way.
Some skills covered include: Building a Treehouse, Stickball, The Greatest Paper Airplane in the World, and the Five Knots Every Boy Should Know. This book is great for father-son activities and screen-free learning!
*There’s also a book for girls!
36. My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish
*Crazy popular!
“A kooky, zany little story about a boy and his pet zombie goldfish, Frankie. The kids in my library are already clamoring for this book and I can’t get it ready for the shelves soon enough for them. Keep up the good work” ―Wendy A. Emlinger
Good Books For Girls 8 Years Old
37. Ramona Quimby Age 8 by Beverly Cleary
*Teachers Pick and Award Winner
“Life as a third grader is tough!”
Being 8 is hard, especially when everyone depends on you! Ramona faces the challenges of her mom working, her dad returning to school, a demanding sitter, riding the school bus alone, and dealing with Danny the Yard Ape’s attention.
38. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
The new girl just moved in next door and she has her own style, flair, and an unusual sense of adventure. Pippi Longstocking has no parents, but she does have a horse, a monkey, and red pigtails!
What outrageous adventures will she get into?
39. Ivy + Bean Series by Annie Barrows
A Netflix Original Film Series
A New York Times Bestselling Series
Over 8 Million Copies Sold
In the popular Ivy + Bean series, two unlikely friends discover their perfect match after Ivy rescues Bean. This sweet and funny series also promotes empathy, kindness, and friendship in its stories.
Bonus: If you’re looking for more book series for girls, my 8 year old daughter also loves Dragon Girls!
40. Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (Ages 8-10)
*Classic heartwarming tale
When India Opal Buloni finds Winn-Dixie, her life begins to change for the better. Readers won’t be able to put this heartwarming book down once they start reading.
41. Katie the Catsitter by Colleen AF Venable (Ages 8-11)
*My daughter’s FAVORITE!
Katie is not looking forward to summer. All of her friends will be away at camp. So, she figures out a way to earn money for camp by catsitting. But these aren’t just any cats! Readers love this new graphic novel series about friendship, heroes, and cats.
Love this idea? Check out the other great girls’ books in the image too! Kristy’s Great Idea: A Babysitter’s Club Graphic Novel & Phoebe and Her Unicorn
Non Fiction Books for 8 Year Olds
As kids turn 8, it’s crucial to enhance their informational reading skills. Support them by exploring text features together (captions, graphs, diagrams, headings, etc.) and teaching how to effectively use a table of contents and index.
42. Who Would Win? Whale Vs. Giant Squid by Jerry Pallotta (Ages 6-9)
These awesome nonfiction readers compare and contrast two animals. Who would win in an epic battle? Read to find out!
43. Surprising Stories Behind Everyday Stuff by Stephanie Drimmer (Ages 8-12)
“Who invented pizza? Why do people shake hands? Why do we wear underwear?
You’ll find the answers to these questions and more in this new series from National Geographic Kids!” – Amazon
44. Who Was Amelia Earhart Book Series by Kate Boehm Jerome (Ages 8-10)
Learn all about the amazing Amelia Earhart! She was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean and then again across the Pacific Ocean.
See more books in the “Who Was” series here! & check out the full list of inspiring kids biographies.
45. Awesome Jokes That Every 8 Year Old Should Know!: Hundreds of rib ticklers, tongue twisters and side splitters by Mat Waugh
These are jokes perfectly curated for an 8 year old. Your child will have everyone laughing in no time!
*See more great joke books here >>
46. National Geographic Kids Why?: Over 1,111 Answers to Everything by Crispin Boyer (Ages 7-10)
National Geographic Kids Why has over 1,000 questions and answers about all the things!
47. Awesome Science Experiments for Kids: 100+ Fun STEM / STEAM Projects and Why They Work
*Best Seller
With easy-to-follow directions, colorful photos, and over 100 experiments, this book will keep kids curious, entertained, and learning!
Pair this book with fun goggles, gloves, and food coloring for a great themed gift basket idea!
More Books for 7-9 Year Olds
Looking for a child a little older or younger? See these:
Advanced 8 Year Old Readers
Finally, if your child is rocking it with reading, try these more advanced books for 8 year olds.
48. Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan (Ages 9-12)
#1 Best Seller
Follow Percy, the son of the sea god Posideon, and his demigod friends as they embark on thrilling and dangerous adventures. From Greek mythology monsters, gods, and dangerous creatures, will this group of friends have what it takes to keep the Olympians safe?
So popular there are two major motion pictures and a Broadway play featuring Percy Jackson!
49. Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories by R.J. Palacio (Ages 9-11)
*Teacher’s Pick
Fans of Wonder will adore this book of three stories that get a peek at Auggie before he started Beecher Prep. It’s a wonderful accompaniment for those who want more!
50. Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea (Ages 9-11)
Seven students in Mr. Terupt’s fifth-grade class start a new school year with unique personalities and little in common. Mr. Terupt transforms their lives, but after a tragic accident, will they remember the lessons learned? Read to find out!
Free Printable List of 8 Year Old Books
Print it below!
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