65 Best Books For 8 Year Olds To Read in 2023
What books are good for 8 year olds?
As my kids get older, I’ve had a harder time finding great books and reading aloud to them. Have you noticed this too?
This article has the solution! You’ll learn the best books for 8 year olds, whether that’s chapter books, non fiction reads, or amazing graphic novel series.
Best Chapter Books For 8 Year Olds
First, can 8 year olds read chapter books? Yes! Check out these popular and award-winning finds.
This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no cost to you. See our disclaimer for more.
1. The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney (Ages 6-9)
*Everyone’s favorite classroom pet!
Humphrey is the new class pet. And as much fun as he has in the classroom, his real adventures are on the weekends when he gets to sleep over at students’ houses. With a cage that doesn’t lock correctly, his life couldn’t be better. If only the teacher wasn’t 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 is inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla who spent 27 years behind glass walls in a shopping mall. Ivan hardly ever thought of the jungle, until a new elephant makes him see things differently.
This heartwarming story gives children a deeper view of the way we treat animals and the power 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)
*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. And the reader gains the perspective through the eyes of a little girl, her beloved pig, and his best spider friend.
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.
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. His owner is a girl named Abilene, and she adores him. But then, one day, Edward gets lost. And suddenly the reader joins Edward in 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, a small mouse goes on big adventures. Stuart is living with a human family when he discovers his best friend, a bird, goes missing. He leaves his home for the very first time in his search.
But will he find his friend?
11. Carla’s Sandwich by Debbie Herman (Ages 5-8)
This unique story helps readers embrace who they are!
Carla loves to eat odd foods, like her olive, pickle, and green bean sandwich. But what she finds delightful, her classmates think is disgusting.
However, the tables turn when one of Carla’s classmates forgets his lunch. Carla kindly offers him her extra sandwich. And wouldn’t you know, he finds it delicious. Unusual can be incredible!
12. Wishtree by Katherine Applegate (Ages 8-11)
An Amazon Top 20 Children’s Books of 2017
The New York Times-bestselling story of kindness, friendship, and hope.
This is the story of Red, an old oak tree. Everyone in the neighborhood writes their wishes and ties them to Red’s branches. One day, a new family moves into the area and Red becomes more important than ever.
13. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell (Ages 8-11)
*Newberry Medal Winner
In this classic, a 12 year old girl leaps from a rescue ship onto a deserted island. On the island, she survives for 18 years foraging, protecting herself, and learning to find strength and peace in her situation.
Read this story of discovery here >>
14. Little Shaq by Shaquille O’Neal (Best 8 Year Old Books)
*Editor’s Pick: Best Books Ages 6-8
When Little Shaq and his best friend Barry need to earn money to replace a broken video game, they start their own gardening business! But they soon discover that staying friends and staying in business may be easier said than done.
An early chapter book read that will inspire fun, healthy competition and playing fair!
15. Wish by Barbara O’Connor (Ages 8-11)
Charlie Reese has made the same wish every day since fourth grade. Will her wish ever come true?
Except, one day she meets a stray dog and a surprising neighbor boy. And suddenly, Charlie’s not sure if what she wanted SO badly is really what she wants for her life.
16. The Secret Lake by Karen Inglis (Ages 8-11)
Stella and Tom move into a new London neighborhood and they befriend a neighborhood dog. Yet, it becomes more and more curious when the dog keeps disappearing and returning.
As they search for answers, they discover a tunnel that leads to a secret lake, and that they’ve somehow traveled back in time…
17. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster (Ages 8-12)
In this beloved classic, journey with Milo into unknown lands!
Milo is incredibly bored. But suddenly, a tollbooth appears in his room. When Milo gets in, he finds that on the other side…things are different. Milo’s adventure is quite wacky, and he soon realizes that life is anything but dull!
Find The Phantom Tollbooth here >>
18. 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.
19. 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. But her son is sick and can’t be moved. When some extraordinary rats come to the rescue, the adventure of a lifetime begins.
8 Year Old Graphic Novels & Comics
Next, graphic novel series are excellent for getting kids hooked on reading.
20. 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!
21. 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. Will they be able to turn it around and ditch their bad guy stereotypes?
22. Real Pigeons Fight Crime (Book 1): By Andrew McDonald (Ages 8-12)
*Editor’s Pick: Best books ages 6-8
Ordinary pigeons that save the day? Why not! Fans of Dog Man and Bad Guys will also love this hilarious set of crime-fighting pigeons. They’re on a mission to keep your neighborhood safe!
See the secret squad of pigeons >>
23. 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.
This has all the twists and turns you’d expect from a young boy discovering he has more potential than he could have imagined.
24. Dragonbreath by Ursula Vernon (Ages 7-10)
Danny Dragonbreath is a little different. He can’t breathe fire. But that doesn’t stop him from going on adventures and doing interesting things. In this first book, a bad grade inspires him to enlist his cousin’s help with a little research.
25. 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.
26. 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.
27. 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!
28. Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland (Ages 8-12)
#1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling series
Join the epic adventures as five dragons must save the world!
In book one of the series, Clay has lived his life under the mountain, but he knows that outside a war is raging. And according to a prophecy, he and four other dragonets are destined to end it. When Clay is forced out of hiding, he and his friends set their world on a path they never imagined.
29. The Borrowers by Mary Norton (Ages 6-11)
Read this unique classic of three tiny people who turn into giant heroes.
The Clock family is made up of very small people who live under the kitchen floor. They live in peace, until one day, one of the humans spots them! Can the Clock family stay safe in their home? Read to find out!
30. 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.
31. 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. When you are done with the books, create your own Flat Stanley to take on an adventure of its own!
32. 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 >>
33. 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.
Related: Best Childrens Mysteries
34. The Adventures of Nanny Piggins by R.A. Spratt Book 1 (Ages 7-11)
“Mary Poppins, move over–or get shoved out of the way.” – Booklist
These three children are cared for by a nanny. But there’s a catch! She’s a sassy and incredibly dressed pig! Join the shenanigans as Nanny Piggins takes these children on a year of zany, wild, and delicious adventures.
35. Mr. Lemoncello’s Box Set by Chris Grabenstein (Ages 8-12)
*New York Times Bestselling Series
Enter what James Patterson calls “the coolest library in the world!”
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 >>
36. 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. And they continue to captivate children and adults alike.
37. Nancy Drew Starter Set by Carolyn Keene (Ages 8-10)
Your reader will love the first five books in this classic best seller. Follow Nancy as she solves the case with one thrilling adventure after another! Titles in this set include:
- #1 The Secret of the Old Clock
- #2 The Hidden Staircase
- #3 The Bungalow Mystery
- #4 The Mystery at Lilac Inn
- #5 The Secret of Shadow Ranch
38. Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet by Zanib Mian (Ages 7-10)
9+ Book of the Year Lists & Awards!
Omar is a Muslim with an imaginative brain! He’s moved into a new neighborhood and has a big problem when a bully starts to pick on him. Follow his (relatable) adventures as he maneuvers his challenges with a goofy family in tow.
39. 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. A great read for kids who love mysteries or ever wondered what it would be like to live in an unconventional home with their best friends.
This series has turned many struggling readers into enthusiastic ones!
40. 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. But when Bad Kitty’s family decides to help, our bad-tempered friend has a hard time sharing her space.
41. 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.
42. The Hardy Boys Secret Files Collection Books 1-5 by Franklin W. Dixon (Ages 6-9)
5 mysteries in one set! Follow the new generation of Hardy boys as they crack the cases. In the first book, two kids find trouble lurking at the arcade and decide it’s time to become detectives like their dads!
43. 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! The adventure is just beginning as Ralph dodges obstacles and challenges in his need for speed!
Not sure about the set? Check out the first book here >>
44. 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! Follow your favorite classic characters through epic battles and interesting adventures.
Best Books For 8 Year Old Boys
45. Trapped in a Video Game Complete Series by Dustin Brady
*Series of 5 books!
Find out what happens when Jesse Rigsby gets sucked into his favorite video game. Jesse realizes that he needs to figure out what’s going on fast, before it’s too late!
Grab the complete best selling series here >>
46. 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!
47. The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier (Ages 8-11)
*Netflix series
What happens when the monster apocalypse hits town?
Jack Sullivan and his team are on a mission to defeat the monster known as Blarg. They live in a treehouse and for them, life is a video game. This book is both fun and funny!
48. 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
49. 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 has to figure it all out when her mom is at work, her dad is going back to school, the sitter wants her to behave, she has to ride the school bus by herself, AND she has the attention of Danny the Yard Ape.
50. 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?
51. Ivy + Bean Series by Annie Barrows
A Netflix Original Film Series
A New York Times Bestselling Series
Over 8 Million Copies Sold
Ivy + Bean is a very popular series that follows two friends who were never meant to be together. Until one day, Ivy rescues Bean from a tough situation – and they realize they’re perfect together. It’s a sweet series that’s funny, but also promotes empathy, kindness, and friendship in the stories.
Bonus: If you're looking for more book series for girls, my 8 year old daughter also loves Dragon Girls!
52. 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. She starts to make friends and learn more about her mother. Readers won’t be able to put this heartwarming book down once they start reading.
53. 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
54. Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke (Ages 8-12)
*New York Times Bestseller
When Zita’s best friend is kidnapped, she springs into action. But things get interesting when she finds herself…on another planet! Join this ordinary girl, as she turns into one interesting intergalactic hero.
Non Fiction Books for 8 Year Olds
When kids turns 8, they have to read more for information. Help them by looking at the text features (captions, graphs, diagrams, headings, etc…) with them and teaching them to use a table of contents and index.
55. 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
56. 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. Young readers will be captivated by her bravery and the fascinating twists and turns of her life.
See more books in the “Who Was” series here! & check out the full list of inspiring kids biographies.
57. 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! Easy to read and includes illustrations, this book makes a great gift.
*See more great joke books here >>
58. The Hardest Hidden Pictures Book Ever (Highlights Hidden Pictures)
*Best Seller
This advanced Hidden Pictures Book is a collection of 80 of the hardest hidden pictures created! Perfect for 8-12 year olds, this is a great gift for the child who loves a challenge.
Hidden Pictures is also fun non-screen entertainment and perfect for rainy days or long car rides.
59. National Geographic Kids Why?: Over 1,111 Answers to Everything by Crispin Boyer (Ages 7-10)
Great for kids because they ask a lot of questions. Even better for parents because they can stop pretending to know the answers!
National Geographic Kids Why has over 1,000 questions and answers about all the things!
60. Awesome Science Experiments for Kids: 100+ Fun STEM / STEAM Projects and Why They Work
*Best Seller
“Hands-on projects to get kids ages 5-10 excited about science.” With easy-to-follow directions, colorful photos and over 100 experiments, this book will keep kids curious, entertained, and learning for years to come!
Pair this book with fun goggles, gloves and food coloring for a great themed gift basket idea!
*Looking for a child a little older or younger? See these great books for 7 year olds and the best 9 year olds reading books >>
Advanced 8 Year Old Readers
Finally, if your child is rocking it with reading, try these more advanced books for 8 year olds.
61. 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!
62. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling (Best books for 8 year olds)
*Best selling books of all time
When Harry starts attending Hogwarts, a school for wizards, everything in his life changes. Along with his new friends, he faces his first test hidden in the walls of the school.
Read the first book in the magical Harry Potter Series. It is ideal for an 8-9 year old who wants to explore magical worlds.
63. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls (Ages 9-12)
*Award Winner“ “A timeless classic about a boy and his dogs.”
Billy and loyal companions–Old Dan and Little Ann–become the best hunting team around, but when real life and tragedy occur they’ll face their biggest test together yet.
64. 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!
65. Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea (Ages 9-11)
It’s the start of a new school year, and seven students get thrown into Mr. Terupt’s fifth-grade class. While each student has a unique personality, they don’t have much in common.
Mr. Terupt changes their lives, but when he suffers a terrible accident, will they remember the lessons they’ve learned? Read to find out!
Grab the Free Printable List of 8 Year Old Books Here >>
To Consider With Best Books For 8 Year Olds
I hope you loved this great list of 8 year olds books. And stay tuned, we’ll be bringing you a free printable list soon!
What are your favorite books for 8 year olds? Leave a comment and let me know!
Don’t Miss These Other Great Book Posts…
- Best Book List For 2 Year Olds
- Best Interactive Books For Kids
- Great Books & Series For 10 Year Olds