top 10 books for 8 year olds

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The Best Books for 8-Year-Olds: 40 Great Picks!

Looking for the best books for 8-year-olds? We’ve got the perfect list for you!

Having raised 4 kids through this particular age, we are well-equipped to give suggestions for children with all kinds of book preferences. We’ve got suggestions for Harry Potter-loving fantasy fans and picture book suggestions for reluctant readers.

Below, you’ll find lots of great stories divided by category. Many of the books for 8-year-olds have links to book lists with even more recommendations, so be sure to poke around.

Table of Contents

Looking for more options? We’ve got tons of genre-specific book lists for 8-year-olds !

*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.

Best Books for an 8-Year-Old

Best fantasy books for an 8-year-old.

A Tale of Magic by Chris Colfer

Brystal Evergreen finds out that she can perform magic when reading a book from her library, but women aren’t supposed to read!

When she is sentenced to a correctional facility, she was quickly whisked away to an academy where she can learn magic! My kids devoured this middle-grade fantasy as quickly as Chris Colfer’s last series. While no correctional facility could be as bad as Azkaban, this series is a perfect pick for books like Harry Potter for kids.

The Kingdom of Wrenly by Jordan Quinn

This series of early readers has pictures on almost every page and easy to read language.  The Stories, however, are fun and full of adventure.

They are sure to keep your child engaged with fairies, trolls, and mermaids. With all the creatures in this series, these are perfect books like Harry Potter for kids.

Dragonbreath by Ursula Vernon

Dragonbreath is a graphic novel that is funny, engaging and perfect for a little witch or wizard who would like to encounter dragons a little less menacing than the ones Harry encounters. If you love books like Harry Potter for kids, this is a perfect first graphic novel.

Love Fantasy Books? We do too! That’s why we created a list of Books Like Harry Potter and Books Like Percy Jackson !

Mystery books for 8-year-olds.

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein

Mr. Lemoncello’s library is one of a kind. It’s full of holograms, logic puzzles, and hidden games. To officially open the new library, a few lucky kids get to spend the night inside as they try to win Mr. Lemoncello’s game and be the first team to escape.

Why We Love This Book:  If you are looking for great bedtime stories for kids, this series will hit the mark. It will get your kids engaged with one-of-a-kid puzzles and delightful twists and turns. Appropriate for ages 9-11 Find this book in Audiobooks for Kids / Netflix Book Adaptations / Middle Grade Mysteries / Books for 11-year-olds / Read Aloud Books / Best Puzzle Books

Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J Sobol 

These are the same books from when you were a kid! They are great for any child who wants a quick fun read.  Each chapter presents a problem that Encyclopedia solves.  

It’s great for kids to see if they can figure out the answer themselves.  A similar choice to these would be the Choose your Own Adventure books.

Fabio The World’s Greatest Flamingo Detective: Mystery on the Ostrich Express by Laura James

My kids adored this beginning reader chapter book based on Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. The bright colors in the drawings and the clever storytelling will have your child thoroughly entertained.

The first in a series, these mystery books are perfect for an 8-year-old detective!

For more books like these, check out our list of Mystery Books for Tweens

Best family books for an 8-year-old.

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser

This charming story is about a bi-racial family in Harlem with 5 kids who are about to lose their home because their reclusive landlord won’t renew their lease.⁣ ⁣ My entire family enjoyed this delightful tale of the siblings trying to win their landlord over so they don’t have to leave home. It was full of all the antics you would expect of a big family. ⁣

Why We Love This Book:   We love that the Vanderbeekers’ story normalizes city living and a bi-racial family – something that’s hard to find in many children’s book series. You will fall in love with this cast of characters and as the series progresses you’ll come to regard them as family. Appropriate for ages  7-11 Find this book in Best Books for a 10-Year-Old / Best Family Audiobooks For Road Trips / Read Aloud Books / Realistic Fiction Books / Feel-Good Books

Cilla Lee-Jenkins: Future Author Extraordinaire by Susan Tan

My brother’s girlfriend recommended it to me because her friend wrote it! It did a great job of handling difficult topics in an age-appropriate manner with humor and grace.

Cilla is about to become a big sister, but she wants to become a world-famous author first so her family won’t forget about her. It also addresses coming from a bi-racial family and having difficulties reading. It’s truly a lovely realistic fiction story.

Ramona Quimby Age 8 by Beverly Cleary

Ramona is another adorable character who is perfectly imperfect.  She is sweet and lovable and gets into her share of trouble.  Whether reading to boys or girls, every child can relate to Ramona.

Why We Love This Book:  When it comes to first chapter books Ramona can’t be beaten! Cleary’s classic has stood the test of time. Appropriate for ages  4-9 Find this book in Realistic Fiction / Books for 6-year-olds / Kids Audiobooks /

Best Audiobooks for an 8-Year-Old

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg

This classic middle-grade story is one the whole family will enjoy. Claudia and Jamie decide they want to run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

When a new statue arrives while they are hiding at the famed museum, they won’t rest until they solve the mystery of who created it! Will they solve the mystery before the museum staff? 

This story sparked some pretty fun conversations about how to properly prepare to run away and just where each member of my family would wish to escape to!

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

An imperfect family, the Penderwick family (consisting of the father, 4 daughters, and their dog) go spend their three-week summer vacation at a cottage they rented. Mrs. Tifton, a grumpy, snooty woman, and her son Jeffry own the cottage that is part of the Arundel estate.

The first in a realistic fiction series of 5 books about sisters, this wonderful book is perfect to read aloud at night or listen to on audio for a family roadtrip.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

This story is quite the classic and it revolves around all things candy! With its creeptastic vibes, it’s also wonderful for Halloween.

Charlie is thrilled when he gets a golden ticket to see inside Willy Wonka’s amazing chocolate factory, but this is no ordinary candy factory. The machines and recipes behind the walls of the factory are what dreams are made of. This is a wonderful read-aloud book.

Find this book in Best Classic Books for Kids / Best Books for an 8-Year-Old / Read Aloud Children’s Books / Kids Food Books

For more books like these, check out our list of Family Friendly Audiobooks

Books for 8-year-olds set at school.

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty

My 3rd-grade math lover inhaled this tween book in 2 days. It’s all about a 12-year-old girl who was struck by lightning and became a math wiz.

She’s been homeschooled her whole life, but now her grandmother wants her to try to go to school just for one year. She has to make one friend, join one activity, and read one book that isn’t math related. Can she do it?

The Wayside School Collection by Louis Sacher

Louis Sachar’s hysterical collection of stories about the students of Wayside School is a true must-read for students.

The wacky tales and backward ways of the students and teachers at Wayside will have your child in a fit of giggles.

My Weird School by Dan Gutman

This school has the funniest and weirdest group of teachers. This series is funny and engaging and perfect for early readers!

With over 20 books in this series so far, your child will be entertained for months to come.

Love Back to School Books? We do too! That’s why we created the School Hub with all things school.

Best spy books for an 8-year-old.

Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett

When a famed Vermeer painting goes missing, Petra and Calder are thrust into the middle of a scandal! Can they solve an art mystery that’s stumped the F.B.I.?

Why We Love It: The first in a 4 book series, this is a great book that is interactive too. There are hidden puzzles in pictures and a code for readers to break in this tween mystery book. Find this Book in Best Puzzle Books

Harriet The Spy by Louise Fitzhugh

Harriet the Spy has been a classic children’ book for over 50 years. The 11-year-old is never without her notebook to write her observations in. When the notebook falls into the hands of her friends, they all get very angry with Harriet.

Will she be able to right her wrongs? There is a reason this realistic fiction book for a 10-year-old has been adapted repeatedly for the screen. It’s got life lessons for every child.

Mac B. Kid Spy: Mac Undercover by Mac Barnett

Mac B Kid Spy is an adorable series about a kid spy who works for the Queen of England!

It’s a great series of books for an 8-year-old looking to step up their reading game. It’s almost a mix between a first-chapter book and a graphic novel.

Love these kinds of stories, then check out these spy books for kids .

Royal books for 8-year-olds.

From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess by Meg Cabot

Meg Cabot, the author of the famed Princess Diaries, is back with a middle-grade book about Princess Mia’s half-sister, Olivia.

Olivia is an average girl who doesn’t know her father, until her half-sister, Mia shows up and asks her to move to New York to live with the royal family.

She chronicles her adventures in princess life in this charming book series!

The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale

In this early reader, the princess has to fight monsters while trying to open her birthday presents.  

This adorable book is part of a series that is another cute and funny example of a strong female princess!

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch 

This is a hilarious story about the princess who outwits a dragon, rescues the prince, and realizes she doesn’t need him to be happy!!!

It is a classic, wonderful story. Like most of Robert Munch’s books, it is funny and silly and the perfect read-aloud.

Love these kinds of stories, then check out these royal books for kids .

Picture books for 8-year-olds.

I Walk with Vanessa by Karascoët

This simple yet powerful wordless picture book tells the story of one girl who inspires a community to stand up to bullying.

Inspired by real events,   I Walk with Vanessa  explores the feelings of helplessness and anger that arise in the wake of seeing a classmate treated badly, and shows how a single act of kindness can lead to an entire community joining in to help.

Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynold

Both Creepy Carrots and its sibling book,  Creepy Pair of Underwear , are favorites in my household. Jasper Rabbit loves carrots, but he soon thinks his favorite carrots are out to get him!

This funny tale is very  Twilight Zone-inspired and it’s awesome. The underwear version is funny too and it glows in the dark!

Why We Love This Book: This is the perfect picture book for older kids. It is simultaneously funny and creepy Appropriate for Ages: 5-8 * we think this book is appropriate for older children because it may scare smaller kids. Find this book in Books for an 8-year-old / Book About Food for Kids

Ada Twist Scientist by Andrea Beaty

All three books in this “series” are amazing at encouraging passion and imagination.  (Have a look at  Iggy Peck Architect  and  Rosie Revere Engineer ). 

Ada is a thinker whose questions often lead to disasters in the house but, as a parent, how do you encourage your child’s outside-the-box thinking?

Animal Books for 8-Year-Olds

Howliday Inn by James Howe

Technically the sequel to Bunnicula, this read-aloud book can really be read as a stand-alone. Chester and Harold are being boarded while their family is on vacation, but they are convinced they are staying in a haunted hotel!

I remember laughing out loud as I read this middle grade mystery book as a child. This Halloween chapter book stands the test of time.

Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery by Graeme Base

This interactive book for kids is a visual game of hide and seek. Horace the elephant is having a birthday party with his friends and someone has eaten the celebratory birthday meal.

With visually spectacular illustrations and rhyming text, you will have to find the clues to solve the mystery.

Why We Love This Book : Gorgeous illustrations, rhyming text, interactive element, mystery Appropriate for Ages 6-11 Find this book in Interactive Books / Books for an 8-year-old

Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard Atwater

This Newberry Honor book is a classic.  Originally published in 1938, it tells the story of a painter who finds himself in a house full of penguins. 

This hilarious tale is sure to keep the kids entertained. It is funny and sweet and has withheld the test of time.

Find this book in Best Classic Books for Kids / Read Aloud Children’s Books / Children’s Books About Winter

Classic Books for an 8-Year-Old

Matilda by Roald Dahl

Matilda is a magical little girl who loves books. Stuck in a family that doesn’t value education, her life is changed when she meets Ms. Honey at her new school.

But the principal, Miss Trunchbull hates children. When she terrorizes the kids at her new school, Matilda finds the power to fight back. The Netflix book adaption of this one is a musical!

Stuart Little by E.B. White

Adventure- Check. Animals- Check. Animals who can talk and wear clothes- Check check. This is a tale that everyone loves about a boy who also happens to be a mouse.  All my kids love this great story.

Find This Book in Read Aloud Children’s Books / Best Classic Books for Kids

Charlotte’s Web by E.B White

This is such a wonderful story of unconditional love and friendship.  When Fern saves the life of Wilbur, the runt of the pig litter, she promises to take care of him. As Wilbur grows, he befriends Charlotte, a spider, who ultimately saves his life a second time.

Why We Love This Book:  This is such a heartwarming classic book for kids. We dare you to read it without crying. Appropriate for ages  5-8 Find this book in Best Classic Books for Kids / Read Aloud Children’s Books / The Best Family Audiobooks

Sports Books for 8-Year-Olds

Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas

Bree and her dad have just moved to Florida for her father’s new training program. She’s excited to join electives and make new friends until she realizes the only one she can join is swimming…and that makes her quite nervous.

Soon Bree begins counting on her neighbor Etta to give her swimming lessons, and ends up joining the swim team with the hopes of winning the big competition!

Softball Surprise by Jake Maddox

Jake Maddox has long been known for stories about male athletes, but he has female athlete stories too!

This particular story is about Jo and her summer softball team. But Jo might need to make a choice about which team she will be on this summer.

Little Shaq by Shaquille O’Neal

If your child likes basketball, they would love this story written by Shaq. It’s a perfect early reader story for kids that love sports and regular kid stuff.

It’s another perfect series of books for 8-year-olds.

Graphic Novels for an 8-Year-Old

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

This graphic novel is a Newbery Medal Winner and was an easy pick for a list of the best graphic novels of all time. Astrid and Nicole have done everything together until now. Astrid wants to go to roller derby camp.

And thus begins a summer of friendship, finding yourself, perseverance, and girl power. Astrid may be strong enough to endure middle school. Snag this if you are looking for a book for 11-year-olds.

The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey

Aaron Blabey’s famed series about the bad guys is a favorite in our homes. This graphic novel series is perfect for early readers.

The series is all about 4 “bad guys” who are trying to become good guys by trying to save those around them in funny ways.

Dog Man by Dav Pilkey

Dav Pilkey is THE author of books for reluctant readers. His graphic novels never disappoint. From Dog Man to Captain Underwear, these books will keep your kids laughing AND reading.

This particular story is about a half-man, half-dog hero.

Non-fiction Books for 8-Year-Olds

From An Idea To Disney: How Imagination Built a World of Magic by Lowey Bundy Sichol

This book tells the story of how Disneyland and the Disney company were created from Walt Disney’s imagination. It’s a fun non-fiction book that is the first in a series.

Other books in the series look at companies like Nike, Google, and Lego. It’s the perfect series of books for an 8-year-old looking to get into the non-fiction genre.

Who is Series… by Multiple Authors

The Who is Series is more than 200 books strong at this point. The series covers famous people, places, and historic events.

If your child is interested in any subject, we can almost guarantee there will be a book related to it in this series. The books are easy to read and interesting, making them the best non-fiction books for an 8-year-old.

The History of Pearl Harbor by Susan Katz

Similar to the Who Is series, “The History of” series focuses on key moments in history told in a way that 6-9-year-olds can comprehend.

Books in the series include subjects like Pearl Harbor, the Titanic, The American Revolution, and The Civil War.

Historical Fiction Books for 8-Year-Olds

Winnie’s Great War by Lindsay Mattick and Josh Greenhunt

This book is based on the real story of the world’s most famous bear, Winnie the Pooh. From his beginnings in the forests of Canada to the London Zoo where he met the real Christopher Robin, this book mixes one part imagination and one part history to create Winnie’s first big adventure.

Why We Love This Book:   It’s the perfect chapter book for older readers, particularly those who love the Caldecott medal winner, Finding Winnie. Appropriate for ages  8-12 Find this book in Zoo animal books, books for 9-year-olds , books for 10-year-olds

I Survived by Laura Tarshis 

Each book tells about a disaster from the point of view of one child who survives.  The original books all had a boy on the front cover but, the newer books are told from female perspectives too!

The series has also recently started publishing graphic novels which are some of the best books for an 8-year-old reluctant reader.

The Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

I read this for our reading challenge and found it to be such a lovely book.  I love the details about life in the late 1800’s.  I understand that the language used in some of these books is no longer acceptable; however, this book is sweet and wonderful. 

I would have no qualms about reading it to my daughter as long as I provided her with the appropriate context.

Did you find any books for 8-year-olds to add to your home library? For more options check out our list of books for 7-year-olds or age up with our book suggestions for 9-year-old .

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As a mother of two boys, Kirsten rediscovered her life-long love for reading while choosing appropriate books for her children. She started this website with Jackie to share their passion for literacy with other moms and kids. She uses her years of experience in marketing and public relations to create quarterly magazines, implement social media strategy, and ensure the website content is relevant and beautiful.

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Best Books For 8 Year Olds

Find the best books for 8-year-olds, hand-selected from the recommendations of renowned publications and blogs. these celebrated titles often appear on favorite lists, offering a rich reading experience for third graders..

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Recommended reads: ages 8–10

How to train your dragon cressida cowell (hodder).

A laugh-out loud romp of a Viking adventure set on the windy Isle of Berk, this is the first in a hugely successful 10-book series and is now being made into a film. Having just passed his dragon initiation programme, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, a young Viking searching for a way of becoming a hero, sets about the challenge. First, he must catch a dragon; then he will have to train it. Hiccup's attempts are hilarious and charming, and the cold, soggy world of the Vikings provides an endless source of mirth. Ages 8+

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Roald Dahl (Puffin)

Against all the odds, poor Charlie Bucket finds a golden ticket to a trip of a lifetime to visit Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. The tour round the factory is every child's dream, but too much of a temptation for Charlie's fellow golden ticket winners. A classic, magical, rags-to-riches moral fairytale. Ages 8+

The Tale of Despereaux Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering (Walker)

Despereaux the mouse loves reading and music. Maybe as a result of his poetic nature, Despereaux breaks the great mouse taboo by falling in love with a human princess. Banished to a cellar full of rats, Despereaux discovers the rats' plan to capture the princess and bring her down into the darkness and decides to foil it. Full of charm, this is a heroic story of how goodness and courage can outsmart evil. Ages 8+

The Arrival Shaun Tan (Hodder)

Experiences familiar to migrants of all kinds are brilliantly told via the stunning illustrations of this poignant and atmospheric graphic novel set against a changing background of landscapes and peoples, through which the man at the centre of the story carries his suitcase. His feelings of confusion and isolation, the problems of communication and misunderstanding, the despair and then the easing of the experience through friendship spill beyond the individual and offer great insights. Ages 8+

Matilda Roald Dahl (Puffin)

Clever Matilda defies her rotten parents by teaching herself to read and getting herself to school. Here, her prodigious talent propels her beyond her mum, dad and nasty headmistress, supported by her teacher, Miss Honey. Matilda blossoms, but it's not all plain sailing. Roald Dahl's larger-than-life novel is a triumph over bullying. Ages 8+

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Book 1 Jeff Kinney (Puffin)

Now a bestselling phenomenon, Greg Heffley's diary captures the minutiae of his days as he starts middle school. In words and witty illustrations, Greg plots how to improve his life, avoid previous pitfalls – and how to increase his popularity with girls. Easy to read, touching and very entertaining. Ages 8+

The Demon Headmaster Gillian Cross (OUP)

New pupil Dinah finds that all the pupils at her new school are so obedient they mindlessly repeat the headmaster's every word. She starts to ask herself how it is done when it begins to work on her too. An entertaining story that makes good use of familiar school themes about resisting oppression and how innocence can be an advantage. Ages 8+

Charlotte's Web EB White, illustrated by Garth Williams (Puffin)

How do words of praise such as "terrific" keep appearing mysteriously in the spider's web above the pig pen in Farmer Zuckerman's barn? These are the life-saving words that Charlotte the spider spins to save her friend Wilbur the piglet, the runt of a litter that is being reared for one purpose only. Watched over by Fern, a little girl who has adopted the pig as a pet, the interactions of Wilbur, Charlotte, Templeton the rat and the other barn animals as they campaign to save the pig's life is an exceptional story of tenderness and triumph. Ages 8+

The Sheep-Pig Dick King-Smith (Puffin)

When Farmer Hogget wins a pig at the fete, he takes it home thinking of bacon. But Babe soon shows that he is no ordinary pig. Adopted by Hogget's sheepdog, Fly, Babe quickly picks up the necessary skills of a champion herder. It isn't long before Hogget realises that he has a very special pig on his hands and soon the two of them are on their way to fame and fortune. Turned into the film Babe, The Sheep-Pig is a funny, touching story tinged with wonder. Ages 8+

One Dog and his Boy Eva Ibbotson (Marion Lloyd)

All Hal has ever wanted is a dog. His parents refuse to contemplate the idea; a dog would mess up their beautiful house and disturb their busy routine. When they discover Easy Pets, they hire Hal a dog for a weekend thinking that will do the trick. But Hal discovers Fleck has to be returned, so he runs away, and all the dogs from Easy Pets escape with him. Soon, there's a price on his head. How Hal makes his escape and the story of his adventures as a fugitive is both thrilling and moving. Ages 9+

Kensuke's Kingdom Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Michael Foreman (Egmont)

Swept overboard from his parents' boat by a giant wave, Michael and his dog Stella Artois are washed on to a desert island. There is no sign of food or water, so he prepares for the inevitable. Having given up all hope, Michael wakes one morning to find food and drink have been put out for him. Who is the mysterious old man who brings it and can Michael trust him? Michael Morpurgo draws on the best traditions of Robinson Crusoe in this dramatic and touching adventure. Ages 9+

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone JK Rowling (Bloomsbury)

The most read book for a generation, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is the first in JK Rowling's phenomenally successful series, in which the boy wizard first takes up his place at Hogwart's school for witches and wizards. Accompanied by his two best school friends, Ron and Hermione, Potter encounters a rich and colourful cast of characters. Ages 9+

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Brett Helquist (Egmont)

A phenomenal and curious success, The Bad Beginning is a gothic tale of three orphan siblings who thwart their wicked uncle's ideas to steal their inheritance with a clever plan. Ironic, gloomy and heroic, this brief but detailed story launched a series that has spawned many imitators. Ages 9+

The Graveyard Book Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Chris Riddell (Bloomsbury)

A gripping and deliciously chilling story that unfolds at a stately pace one intriguing episode after another. Bod is a perfectly normal boy in many ways, except that he is brought up in a graveyard and nurtured by ghosts following the death of his parents. The graveyard itself is full of danger, but greater peril lies outside in the land of the living and Bod's experience of both and ability to survive either is compelling. Chris Riddell's illustrations are terrifying and also irresistible. Ages 9+

Artemis Fowl Eoin Colfer (Puffin)

Eoin Colfer's riotous imagination gives life to farting fairies and hi-tech gizmos in this fantastic and original fantasy. Cunning Artemis Fowl is a criminal mastermind; his ambition is to get his hands on fairy gold. The plan is simple – Artemis will kidnap a fairy and demand the gold as a ransom. The kidnap goes to plan, but Artemis hadn't bargained on the particular ways of fairies and especially not on the fairy in question, Holly Short. Somehow the fairies weave a magic over Artemis Fowl, who discovers that he may not be as cold-hearted as he had always thought. Ages 9+

Friendly Matches Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Fritz Wegner (Puffin)

The draw of Friendly Matches is not so much that the poems are about football but that they use such a variety of poetic forms. There's The Goals of Bingo Boot – a ballad of an old footballing legend; The Lullaby for a Referee's Baby, Soccer Sonnet and The Song of the Sub with its poignant refrain: "I'm a sub, I'm a sub and I sing this song/ And I'm only ever wanted when things go wrong." Ages 9+

The Unforgotten Coat Frank Cottrell Boyce (Walker)

Looking back on something that happened when she was in year six, Julie tells the story of the unexpected arrival at the school of Chingis and Nergui, two brothers from Mongolia. When they ask her to become their "Good Guide", Julie gets completely caught up in their stories, and it is hard to tell the imaginary from the horribly real dangers they face. A gem of a story by award-winning author Frank Cottrell Boyce. Ages 9+

Sparks Ally Kennen (Scholastic)

When Carla's recently deceased grandfather leaves a note wishing for a Viking funeral at sea, burning pyre and all, she decides to fulfil his wishes. Subverting the plans of the adults, and risking flouting the law in the process, Carla leads her siblings on a thrilling and original adventure. A highly entertaining and spirited adventure (pictured below). Ages 9+

A Greyhound of a Girl Roddy Doyle (Marion Lloyd)

Roddy Doyle's wonderful, funny and warm-hearted family story is about four generations of women and coping with death. Mary's great grandma appears as a ghost with a message for Mary's gran, who is about to pass on. Mary's relationship with her gran and the feelings she has about her death will touch the heart of readers of all ages. Ages 9+

Eating Things on Sticks Anne Fine, illustrated by Kate Aldous (Corgi)

Anne Fine is more entertaining and acerbic than any author about the complex interactions of families. Having burnt down the kitchen by mistake, Harry saves himself from the fate of a week spent with aunt Susan by blackmailing his uncle Tristram into taking him on holiday. Setting off for a remote Scottish island, Harry and Tristram ignore the strange warning the ferryman gives them, but soon wish they hadn't. Harry endures rain, floods, Tristram's mystic girlfriend Morning Glory and a host of wonderful misunderstandings. Harry and Tristram's holiday adventure is pure joy. Ages 9+

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief Rick Riordan (Puffin)

Percy Jackson was once an ordinary schoolboy, but his life changes for ever when he discovers he is the son of the Greek god Poseidon. Skateboarding and basketball are soon swapped for sword fights and monster hunts and the daily struggle to stay alive. And when Zeus accuses Percy of stealing his lightning bolt, life gets very dangerous indeed. Terrific adventure that seamlessly joins two worlds. Ages 10+

Skellig David Almond (Hodder)

Deservedly popular, Skellig is a beautifully told modern fairytale. Newly moved into a new home, and with his baby sister critically ill at home, Michael takes comfort from the strange creature he finds in the dilapidated garage. Part human and part bird, Skellig is frail and wasted, croaking out orders for Chinese takeaways. But for Michael, reviving Skellig is an essential task on which his sister's survival is somehow dependent. The ambiguity of the story allows readers to make of the tale what they need, and is central to its lasting appeal. Ages 10+

Millions Frank Cottrell Boyce (Macmillan)

Boyce's bittersweet novel is a delicious funny story with some serious things to say about what brings happiness. Damian and his brother Anthony find a bag full of money, but have only a few days before the currency becomes worthless. Initially excited at being able to have anything they want, the brothers quickly discover that they no longer know the value of anything. And anyway, money cannot bring back the one thing they want most – their mother. An entertaining, provocative and life-affirming adventure. Ages 10+

Stormbreaker Anthony Horowitz (Walker)

Alex Rider, full of modern attitude and old-fashioned courage, becomes an instant hero as an underage MI6 agent. Forcibly recruited into the service, Alex is soon armed with the most up-to-date gadgets and sent out on his first mission. Heading straight into the most terrible danger, it takes all his courage and cunning to survive. Crackling with suspense and daring, this is a fabulous story, showing that a bit of guts will take you a very long way. Ages 10+

Mortal Engines Philip Reeve (Scholastic)

An imaginative blend of past and future technologies sets the scene for this feast of fantasy in which wheeled cities chase each other along the dried-out sea bed, in search of smaller settlements in a world ruled by "municipal Darwinism" . Orphan Tom Natsworthy, a third-class apprentice in the Guild of Historians, has the adventure of his life after he sets out to learn what has happened to his parents. With a cast of inventive characters including Stalker, a robot killer with a human brain, and cities whose multi-layered architecture dazzles, this is creation on a vast scale. Ages 10+

The Saga of Darren Shan Cirque du Freak Darren Shan (HarperCollins)

Schoolboy Darren Shan's life changes dramatically after his best friend gets him a ticket for a banned freak show. Not only does he see some life-changing horrors such as Madam Octa, a goat-eating tarantula, but he gets caught up in a world where nasty things rule! The first in a gripping horror series for those with a strong stomach. Ages 10+

Inkheart Cornelia Funke (Chicken House)

A headlong roller coaster of an adventure in which the imagined becomes dangerously real. Meggie's father has the ability to bring characters alive from books – and two murderous characters are still abroad from the last time he read aloud, nine years before. Meggie is thrown into an adventure that she will need all her courage to survive. A delightful and daring fantasy. Ages 10+

Keeper Mal Peet (Walker)

Recalling his life story to a journalist (tellingly named Faustino), El Gato, South America's most famous goalkeeper, charts his rags-to-riches story from endless practice on makeshift pitches in the heart of the rainforest to global star. It is when the shadowy Keeper steps out of the dark woods to help him that El Gato's real journey towards becoming a footballing legend begins. Tense and atmospheric, this is a refreshing take on a familiar-theme, in which football almost becomes secondary to the satisfying magical realism throughout. Ages 10+

Wolf Brother Michelle Paver (Orion)

A richly imagined world in which humans, animals and spirits from the past coexist. Forest-born Torak knows his childhood is over the day his father dies in his arms, killed by a bear possessed by an evil spirit. Now he must fulfil his destiny to kill the bear with the help of the world spirit. Trusting no one and finding himself tricked, trapped and betrayed at almost every turn, Torak finds comfort in the support of a wolf cub. Together, they journey until they reach the mountain of the world spirit and Torak's final sacrifice. The launch title of an exceptional series. Ages 10+

Journey to the River Sea Eva Ibbotson (Macmillan)

Orphaned Maia is packed off to the Amazon to live with her only relations. Full of optimism about having a family at last, her hopes are quickly dashed when it becomes clear that her new-found relatives are cold, calculating and far more interested in Maia's allowance than anything else. Luckily, the nanny they have employed for their own girls is intelligent and resourceful. Soon, she and Maia team up, escape the house and enjoy some wonderful adventures deep in the Amazon rainforest. A lyrical story that richly re-creates the lush Amazon and a fading colonial world. Ages 10+

Young Bond: Silverfin Charlie Higson (Puffin)

Ever wondered what James Bond was like before he became 007? Orphaned Eton schoolboy James Bond trains for his later death-defying escapes by climbing school roofs and shinning down drainpipes as well as seeing off school bullies, whose character traits resemble his later opponents. Outside school, on holiday in Scotland, he also gets involved in his first adventure – uncovering the evil experiments taking place behind the walls of the neighbouring Laird's castle. Youthful but charming, the young Bond is already a hero in the making. Ages 10+

My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece Annabel Pitcher (Orion)

Heartbreaking and funny in near equal measure, the story of 10-year-old Jamie's direct and wide-eyed telling of the emotional chaos he and his family live through following the death of his sister in a terrorist attack is poignant and warm-hearted. Beginning a new life in the Lake District with his older sister and father, who drinks to assuage his grief and rage, Jamie knows he should feel sadder than he does. The truth is, he can hardly remember his sister, and the challenges at school and new friendships are more urgent – as is his yearning for his mother to return. Emotionally charged, this is a wonderfully touching story that never slips into worthiness. Ages 10+

The Illustrated Mum Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt (Doubleday)

Jacqueline Wilson's skill is being able to tell the story of complex ties children may have to deal with in an upbeat style that neither fudges the issues nor gives rise to despair. How Dolphin and Star cope with the unpredictability of Marigold, their alcoholic, manic-depressive mother, is told entirely from the girls' perspective. Seen through the rose-tinted view of their own childhood, it emphasises the warmth of Marigold at her best rather than the terror she creates when she is at her most unpredictable, and leaves the impression of the two children as survivors. Ages 10+

The Island of Thieves Josh Lacey (Andersen)

A cracking thriller packed full of intrigue, danger and daring. When Tom finds himself jetting to Peru with his uncle he has no idea what lies in store. Nothing is quite straightforward with uncle Harvey; a trip to Lima turns out to be a quest for buried treasure – gold from the days of Sir Francis Drake – which could be hidden anywhere along miles of coastline. Tom is an excellent narrator and the slippery character of his uncle is wittily exposed. Ages 10+

Ribblestrop Andy Mulligan (Simon & Schuster)

"Life is dangerous" isn't a school motto that would bring today's risk-averse parents flocking to enrol their children. Ribblestrop's roofless dormitory – the result of an arson attack the previous term – wouldn't impress them much either. Nor would the headmaster's solution to the problem – handing out a tot of rum to each pupil to help see off the cold. But the pupils at Ribblestrop are more than happy to live up to the school motto, and through it they learn friendship and trust as they career through their adventures, each more outrageous than the one before. Ages 10+

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Books for Kids and Grown Ups

20 Fantastic Books for 8 Year Olds

Books for 8 year olds are special because, often, they’re the first step into reading longer chapter books. I love the stories on this list because they’re fun, include tons of illustrations and are all (except a couple) under 150 pages long (which are all things new/beginning readers need in a chapter book). You’ll find that many of the books on this list are newer releases. If you want even more great books for 8 year olds, check out my list of books for 3rd graders (which has over 80 recommendations).

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Books for 8 Year Olds

Here are the best books for 8 year olds:

Anisa’s International Day

Published: September 20, 2022

Third grader Anisa is excited about her class’s international day. She’s going to ask her mom to bring samosas for the class and share her Pakistani culture with everyone. But before she gets to reveal her plans, another classmate snags the samosa spot. As a creative, Anisa is desperate to be unique. With her aunt getting married soon, she decides that Mehndi is the perfect activity to introduce. But first, she’ll need to resolve a friendship misunderstanding.

This is a delightful, heartwarming, and culturally expressive young middle grade book. Featuring a likable, relatable young protagonist, this illustrated chapter book centers on themes of family, sisterhood, friendship, and the love and pride of Pakistani culture.

Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party (Marya Khan #1) 

Published: October 18, 2022

Marya’s eighth birthday is coming up in a week, and all she wants is an over-the-top birthday party just like the ones Alexa, her rich neighbor, always throws. When Alexa parades into school with fancy invitations, Marya can’t help herself—she claims that she’s having the most epic henna party ever. Now she has to convince her family to make it happen.

Enter Operation Help the Khans! Marya’s siblings clearly need help with their projects. Maybe she could cook dinner for her parents, or clean her grandmother’s room? Except everything Marya does seems to end in disaster. Will Marya and her family be able pull it together and throw the best party ever?!

Zara’s Rules for Record-Breaking Fun

Published: April 19, 2022

Ten-year-old Zara has been crowned Queen of the Neighborhood by a loving neighbor. Zara makes fair rules for all the games she and her brother Zayd play with the other kids and Zara likes things just like that. But when her neighbor, Mr. Chapman moves out, a new family moves in. Their daughter Naomi has other ideas for playing and the other kids seem to like many of her ideas too.

To win back her crown, Zara decides she’ll try to break a World Guiness Record. But as time goes on, she realizes that it may just be better to share her crown instead. This is a sweet chapter book from master storyteller, Hena Khan. Readers will love the black and white illustrations and short chapters.

Sejal Sinha Battles Superstorms

Published: May 2, 2023

Sejal Sinha is looking forward to celebrating Diwali with her family. But when a hurricane appears, Sejal and her cousin Mira learn that the house is in danger from the imminent storm. With the help of Sejal’s favorite stuffed animal, Professor Cheetah, the two girls use Cardboard Box Magic to build their own Hurricane Hunter and fly into the eye of the hurricane!

They learn about a project from the 1960s called Project Stormfury, where a team actually tried to stop hurricanes. Can Sejal and Mira do what the previous Stormfury team couldn’t and battle the superstorm? This chapter book has strong themes of STEM, Indian culture, and friendship.

The Girl in the Tree

Published: June 13, 2023

Cordelia is a girl who lives in a tree in Central Park. Found as a baby and raised by an adoring squirrel named Shakespeare, Cordelia acts just like any other young squirrel, leaping across treetops, chasing her squirrel friends, and sleeping in her treehouse. Still, she wonders what it would be like to have a human friend, and when she stumbles into a gymnastics class, it seems like she might have her chance.

Living in a tree might have made Cordelia an exceptional gymnast, but people skills are a whole other matter. Even if Cordelia can’t fully fit in with the other kids, can she at least make one friend? Cordelia starts her journey to be—not exactly a girl, but more than a squirrel—squirlish! I enjoyed this fun chapter book and kids who like books with talking animals or stories like Tarzan will enjoy this one.

Nina Soni, Former Best Friend

Published: October 1, 2019

Nina tried as hard as she could but still somehow forgot about her school project. Fortunately, a class lesson about Alexander Fleming suggests how she might make a great discovery—and thus a great project! But with little sister Kavita’s birthday party right around the corner, and her longtime friendship with Jay on the rocks, Nina has a lot to keep track of.

Squirrel Do Bad (1) (Trubble Town)

Published: September 14, 2021

Wendy the Wanderer has lived in Trubble Town her whole life but never had the chance to go exploring. For this reason, she thinks she was definitely misnamed. Her dad likes to know where she is to make sure she’s safe, so she’s never been anywhere on her own. Then, her dad leaves on a trip and the babysitter doesn’t reinforce all the usual rules. Or  any  of the usual rules! Suddenly, Wendy is free to do what she wants, and what she wants is to live up to her name…and find Trubble. Turns out, there’s lots going on in Trubble Town. As she encounters endearingly goofy animals and hilariously hapless townsfolk, Wendy’s very first adventure takes more twists and turns than she could have ever expected. She learns some really valuable life lessons and even teaches a few of her own.

Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters

Published: October 3, 2023

Mr. Whiskers is a street-wise stray dog with a nose for trouble and a fondness for two girls he calls the Shenanigan Sisters. So when Misty and Zelda’s professor father is kidnapped, Mr. Whiskers follows that car, picking up vital clues. 

Then the two intrepid girls and one great dog follow the trail through the streets of San Francisco, discovering hidden passageways, buried secrets, and even pirate treasure. 

But will they be able to rescue Dad? You bet your best biscuit, they will! This is a longer young middle grade book just about 200 pages long. Kids who love animal stories and mysteries will love it.

Izzy’s Dog Days of Summer

Published: September 5, 2023

Isabel and Zoë are so excited to be starting Fun in the Sun Camp! It’s too bad Isabel’s dog, Rollo, isn’t allowed, but the songs and sports, wiener roasts and crafts, swimming and storytelling will surely make up for that, right? Wrong! It turns out, the camp counselors do a big amount of saying  no : NO singing your own song, NO running like a penguin, NO trading lunches (even when your sandwich bread is mushy from pickle juice!).

Isabel wants to have her own Bigger Amount of Fun in the Sun Camp in the backyard,  with  Rollo, instead. But will Isabel’s mom let her? And what will they do about Mr. Entwistle, their neighbor who lives on the grumpy side of the fence?

Super-Serious Mysteries #1: The Untimely Passing of Nicholas Fart

Published: May 23, 2023

Nicholas Fart toppled from his chair, rolled across the carpet, and passed out cold on the floor after smelling something foul. It was the perfect crime. 

Never fear! Penelope Whiff is on the case, and she is sure to get to the bottom of this who-dealt-it mystery. Can she sniff out the source of the nasty, PUTRID smell? This hilarious new young graphic novel is just wacky enough for 8 year olds.

A to Z Animal Mysteries #1: The Absent Alpacas

Published: July 4, 2023

A is for ALPACAS . . . It’s time for the alpaca costume contest, and Abigail “Abbi” Wallace is excited to see it at the Maine State Fair. But there’s only one alpaca left—the rest are missing! What sent the alpacas packing? Abbi; her dog, Barkley; and her friends Lydia and Daniel are ready to sniff out this mystery!

Peach and Plum: Here We Come!

Published: August 2, 2022

Here they come! It’s Peach and Plum! 

Welcome to Fruitdale! School is out and work is done. Now it’s time for summer fun. Peach and Plum have lots to do. Beach day, bikes, and basketball, too. Will they wind up stuck indoors with a pesky list of chores? True adventure never ends for this pair of sweet best friends.

Tally Tuttle Turns into a Turtle (Class Critters #1)

Published: August 31, 2021

It’s Tally Tuttle’s first day of second grade, and she’s so nervous that she feels like she ate butterflies for breakfast! On top of moving to a new town and new school where she doesn’t know anyone, everyone starts teasing her when her full name, Tallulah, is revealed during roll call. She just wishes she could retreat into a shell . . . Then, all of a sudden, the desks and her classmates around her seem enormous, and Tally is shell-shocked to discover that she’s actually turned into a turtle! She’d heard that Mrs. Norrell’s class was special, but she hadn’t expected this.

Tally likes having a shell to hide in, but there are other parts of turtle life–like the fear of being stepped on–that aren’t exactly ideal. And once she’s tired of hiding, how can she change back into a girl? Tally will have to forge her own transformation back to herself and come out of her shell–both literally and figuratively!

Emmett and Jez (Adventures in Fosterland)

Published: June 7, 2022

When a tiny piglet named Emmett bounces off the truck carrying his mother and siblings, he’s lost, hungry, and stuck on the side of the road. He has no idea where he’s supposed to go, or where he belongs.

Then a giant scoops Emmett up and takes him to a wonderful, magical place called Fosterland, where he meets a kitten named Jez. Emmett has a lot of questions, and once he hears all about life as a kitten, he decides it’s much better than being a piglet. So, Emmett decides to just become a kitten instead! Problem solved.

But as both Jez and Emmett grow older and realize they might be headed off to different forever homes, Emmett will have to confront his fears and face the scariest question of all: Is there a Foreverland out there for him?

Super Dweeb and the Pencil of Destiny

Published: October 1, 2021

Andy wishes that he had * awesome powers* , like the heroes of his home-made comic stories. But instead, he’s stuck in the real world, where he has an  annoying  little brother, a  super-weird  teacher … and everyone says he’s a total  dweeb . Then one day, he discovers an  oversized, glowing pencil  on a school trip to the local toxic waste dump. He starts sketching and finds that he can redraw reality. Now, thanks to the power of doodling, Andy can bring to life anything that he can imagine, erase his problems, and doodle his way of sticky situations. He’s not just a dweeb … he’s a  SUPER DWEEB ! Even Mona, the ice-cool new girl at school, seems impressed. But there’s a twist in the tale.. because everything goes very wrong when little brother Oscar does some doodling of his own. Now there’s a  scribble monster  on the loose! Run for it, Andy!

PAWS: Gabby Gets It Together

Published: March 8, 2022

Meet best friends Gabby Jordan, Priya Gupta, and Mindy Park. They’re different in just about every way—personalities, hobbies, family, and more—but they have a few important things in common: they’re all in the same class, they absolutely love animals, and for reasons that are as varied as the trio themselves none of them can actually have any pets.

Unable to resist the adorable temptation any longer, the girls decide to come up with a way to finally get their hands on some furry friends. And, as luck would have it, it seems like their neighborhood is in need of some afterschool dog-walkers. So, just like that, PAWS is born!

But it turns out that running a business is harder than it looks, especially with three co-owners who are such different people. The girls soon argue about everything, from how to prioritize their commitments to the best way to keep their doggy clients happy. And when their fighting ultimately leads to a doggo crisis, will it tear their business and friendship apart or will they be able to get it together to save the day?

Detective Duck: The Case of the Strange Splash (Detective Duck #1) 

Published: October 17, 2023

Willow Feathers McBeaver, aka Detective Duck, is a crime-solving (and very precocious) little duck. She and her animal pals live on Dogwood Pond, a beautiful pond in New England adjacent to Lazy Days, a human campground. Dogwood Pond has always been a pristine spot with clear water, abundant wildlife, and shady willow trees, but now it is encountering puzzling problems—mysteries that arise from human-caused disruptions in nature, such as water pollution, refuse, warming climate, and human encroachment.   Fortunately, Detective Duck is on the job, solving these puzzling mysteries before they get out of hand and destroy their habitat! Armed with her ever-present satchel for collecting clues, her logical mind, and endless curiosity, she boldly goes where no pond creature has before, determined to unravel the mysteries and solve any environmental problem that besets her beloved Dogwood Pond!

Pocket Peaches

Published: September 26, 2023

Pocketon is a cute animal town, and a new cat, Taro, has just moved in. Peaches, Pogi, and Mago are besties and are immediately curious about Taro, who’s a bit introverted and withdrawn. But when Taro leaves a book behind, Peaches finds an in to invite her over and start a friendship. This beginner graphic novel is SO CUTE and explores the idea of befriending people even though, on the surface, you seem to have few common interests. It’s also written in a dyslexia-friendly font that makes it easy to read.

Super Pancake

Published: February 14, 2023

I was delighted to see that Allergic ‘s Megan Wagner Lloyd had a younger graphic novel out this year. This book for 8-year-olds is set in Breakfast Town where a young Pancake develops superhero abilities after exposure to a special serum. Peggy Pancake is her family’s black sheep. She’s always late for the bus and is constantly losing track of time, but with superpowers, can she save her town and impress her family? I really enjoyed this funny, delightful, and poignant graphic novel.

Too Small Tola

Published: March 2, 2021

Too Small Tola  is a new chapter book from Atinuke featuring three stories about a girl living with her grandmother and siblings in Lagos, Nigeria. Everyone teases Tola — sometimes lovingly — for being so small. They think she can’t lift heavy loads or do other things because of her size. But Tola’s grandmother reassures her that you can be small, but mighty, and Tola proves that she is!

This is a short, engaging collection of three stories about a young Nigerian girl, Tola. This chapter book depicts life in the city of Lagos, as well as the challenges of being a smaller child. Readers who appreciate an international appeal and enjoy  books about bullying  and grandparent and sibling relationships will enjoy this one. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few questions people commonly ask about books for 8 year olds:

What books should an eight year old be reading?

Every 8 year old is different and there really aren’t any “shoulds,” but 8 year olds will benefit from reading a mix of picture books, shorter chapter books or early readers and graphic novels for elementary schoolers (or young graphic novels.

Are 8 year olds reading chapter books?

Most 8 year olds are starting to read chapter books — that is, books divided into chapters. These shorter novels are typically 150 pages or less long and have shorter chapters with plenty of illustrations.

What authors are recommended for 8 year olds?

Some of my favorite authors for this younger age group are Elana K. Arnold (I love Just Harriet ), Atinuke, Saadia Faruqi, and Hena Khan.

Which Harry Potter books are suitable for 8 year old?

It depends on your 8 year old! If you’re a big Harry Potter fan, you can start your kids off with the first two books in the series. Many younger kids prefer the illustrated versions of the books to begin.

There they are: 25+ of the best books for 8 year olds! Which of these books have you read and loved? Which ones did I miss?

More Books for 8 Year Olds

• 80+ chapter books for 3rd graders
• Great graphic novels for 8 year olds
• The best books for 8 year old boys

Pin This Post – Books for 8 Year Olds

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• About Afoma Umesi

Afoma Umesi is the founder and editor of Reading Middle Grade where she curates book lists and writes book reviews for kids of all ages. Her favorite genre to read is contemporary realistic fiction and she'll never say no to a graphic novel.

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Last updated: September 16, 2023

Eight is a wonderful age for children who like stories. Many eight year olds enjoy reading books independently, and this is the age when they can start to discover the enormous number of novels and non-fiction titles published for middle grade readers (the 8-12 age range).

Adventure and fantasy series are particularly popular with kids age eight and up, but publishers do bring out a wide range of genres so you can definitely find something for everyone. There are also several popular series which are normal novel-length but highly illustrated and therefore less intimidating for kids who are new to reading longer books.

Eight year olds often read their favourite book series over and over. If you want to introduce other types of books for variety, or introduce them to a different series, remember that even after they can read by themselves most kids love being read to, and a book is more likely to catch their attention if you read it aloud to them.  

Here is our selection of popular series for eight year olds, all of which have had new books come out in recent years:

Bandit Karaoke

By siri kolu & translated by ruth urbom.

Me and the Robbersons (book 2). Award-winning adventure series translated from Finnish for readers age 8+.

Want to start at the beginning of the series? The first book, Me and the Robbersons , made our best books for kids 2021 list.

Read expert recommendations

Tom Gates: Five Star Stories

By liz pichon.

Tom Gates  (book 21). Humorous look at the everyday life of a boy who generally tries to get away with doing the minimum at school. For age 8+, especially popular with reluctant readers.

A Starless Clan: Shadow

By erin hunter.

This series is recommended by Izzy in our interview  Best Series for 10 Year Olds , in our  By Kids for Kids  section.

Warriors: A Starless Clan (book 3). Fantasy series about clans of fierce warrior cats for age 8+. A Starless Clan is the eighth arc of the Warriors series, following on from The Broken Code .

Diper Överlöde

By jeff kinney.

This series is recommended by Izzy in our interview Best Series for 10 Year Olds , in our By Kids for Kids section.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid (book 17). One of the top three  bestselling series of all time for 8-12 year olds about the misadventures of Greg, a lazy and manipulative schoolboy. This series, which has very little text, is credited with getting a lot of reluctant readers into reading.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

By j.k. rowling & jim kay (illustrator).

Illustrated Harry Potter (book 5). This is the fifth of the seven Harry Potter books to be published so far in this large format children's edition. With plenty of colour illustrations it is perfect for the youngest generation of readers, who are just old enough to enjoy the story but still have a preference for illustrated books. Age 8+

Amari and the Great Game

By b. b. alston & godwin akpan (illustrator).

Supernatural Investigations (book 2). Adventure series with a world of magic just under the surface of the normal world. Age 8+

City of Magic

Midnight Magic (book 3). Set in Renaissance Venice, City of Magic is a prequel or companion volume to the first two titles in this medieval mystery adventure series. Age 8+

The Arctic Railway Assassin

M g leonard, sam sedgman & elisa paganelli (illustrator).

In our interview with the author, M. G. Leonard recommends The Best Nature Books for Kids .

Adventures on Trains (book 6). Train-based detective series for readers age 8+.

The Last Kids on Earth and the Forbidden Fortress

Max brallier, douglas holgate (illustrator).

The Last Kids on Earth  series (book 8).  Illustrated zombie and monster apocalypse action adventure series for for kids, especially reluctant readers, age 8+.

Starfell: Willow Moss and the Magic Thief

By dominique valente & sarah warburton (illustrator).

Starfell series (book 4). Richly illustrated fantasy series full of magic for readers age 8+

Aru Shah and the Nectar of Immortality

By roshani chokshi.

Pandava Novels   (book 5). This series follows Aru Shah, an Indian American school girl who happens to be the reincarnation of Arjuna. She must unite the avatars of the five Pandavas (demigod warrior princes) of the Mahābhārata . For readers age 8-14 (Aru is 12 in the first novel and grows older through each book), and perfect for fans of Rick Riordan .

Eternity Engine

Struan murray & manuel sumberac (illustrator).

Orphans of the Tide (book 3). Adventure series for age 8+

A Storm of Sisters

By michelle harrison.

Want to start at the beginning? The first book in the series is A Pinch of Magic .

The second book, A Sprinkle of Sorcery , was picked by author Jack Meggit-Phillips in our interview on  The Scariest Books for Kids .

A Pinch of Magic Adventure (book 4). Atmospheric series about sisters and magic for readers age 8 and up.

Tiger Honor

By yoon ha lee.

A Thousand Worlds (book 2). Tiger Honor is a sequel to Dragon Pearl (one of the first books published by Rick Riordan Presents), but told from a different protagonist's point of view. Science fiction infused with Korean mythology for readers age 8+.

Rise of the World Eater

By jamie littler.

Concluding volume in the Frostheart trilogy. Fantasy adventure series in snow and ice for readers age 8+

Once Upon a Crime

By robin stevens.

Want to start at the beginning? The first book in this series is A Murder Most Unladylike .

In an interview with the author, Robin Stevens recommends The Best Books on Kid Detectives .

A Murder Most Unladylike Collection. This is not a new novel in the detective series for readers age 8+, but a collection of six short mysteries.

The Battle for Roar

Jenny mclachlan & ben mantle (illustrator).

Want to start at the beginning of the series? The first book in this trilogy is The Land of Roar . It was picked by author Jack Meggit-Phillips in our interview on The Scariest Books for Kids .

The final book in The Land of Roar trilogy.  Fantasy adventure about twin brother and sister for readers age 8+.

The Crackledawn Dragon

By abi elphinstone.

The Unmapped Chronicles series (book 4). Environmental issues in a magical adventure series for age 8+

We ask experts to recommend the five best books in their subject and explain their selection in an interview.

This site has an archive of more than one thousand seven hundred interviews, or eight thousand book recommendations. We publish at least two new interviews per week.

Five Books participates in the Amazon Associate program and earns money from qualifying purchases.

© Five Books 2024

50 Best Books For 8 Year Olds To Read in 2024

What books are good for 8 year olds.

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.

This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no cost to you. See our disclaimer for more.

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.

See the  Mixed-Up Files  HERE>>

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.

Check out this book here >>

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.

See  Fantastic Mr. Fox  >>

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.

Start with book 1 here >>

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.

See Jedi Academy here >>

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!

See the entire set here >>

20. A to Z Mysteries: The Absent Author by Ron Roy (Ages 6-8)

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.

Check out the entire set >>

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!

See the full series here! >>

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.

Grab your copy here! <<

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. I vy + 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:

• Great books for 7 year olds
• 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.

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!

See Auggie & Me here >>

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

What’s next.

Join our free kids’ reading challenge for more motivation to read all year!

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

Best Books For Eight Year Old Minds

Jennifer is the founder and chief editor of Healthy Happy Impactful®. She believes that living, loving, and connecting deeply are the foundation for a good life. She holds a degree in education and is a mom to 3 kids.

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14 best books for 8 to 12-year-olds

From dragons to schoolboy spies, let your kids dive into our round-up of imaginative tales, article bookmarked.

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The benefits of making books an integral part of your children’s lives are too long to list here. But just to name a few, it can boost their learning potential, help build the bonds between you and them (especially if you read together), improve their communication skills, enhance their logical thinking skills, help put them in other people’s shoes, increase their concentration skills and - perhaps most importantly of all – remind them that reading fiction is one of life’s greatest joys. Read on to find out our favourites for eight to 12-year-olds.

You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.

1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Double Down by Jeff Kinney: £12.99, Penguin

The latest book in this best-selling series will no doubt fill many a Christmas stocking this year. In this adventure, Greg finds an old video camera in his basement and with the help of his best friend, Rowley, he hatches a plan to make a scary movie, with the ultimate goal of making his fortune. Rumbustious, action-packed and very funny.

2. The Accidental Secret Agent by Tom McLaughlin: £6.99, Oxford University Press

Writer and illustrator Tom McLaughlin spent ten years as a political cartoonist before winning children over with The Accidental Prime Minister, the comical story of a 12-year-old who unintentionally becomes prime minister. This is the follow up, which relates the entertaining antics of a schoolboy who turns into a spy by accident.

3. The Uncommoners: The Crooked Sixpence by Jennifer Bell: £3.99, RHCP

This is the first book in The Uncommoners trilogy. Seb and his sister Ivy are taken to a secret city called Lundinor, set beneath the streets of London. The forces of evil are closing in fast in a world where nothing is quite as it seems, and the duo must unlock a family secret or risk never seeing their parents again. It’s an exhilarating and enchanting story from a talented debut author.

4. The Witch’s Vacuum Cleaner by Terry Pratchett: £10.65, Random House Children’s Publishers UK

Written by Pratchett when he was just 17-years-old, these 14 stories are pulled together for the first time in what is a great treat for children, whether they’re new to his work or existing fans. Full of pirates, wizards, food fights and crooks, there’s something for everyone – and they’re fantastically funny too.

5. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Part 1 & 2 by JK Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany: £7.99, Little Brown Book Group

Harry Potter fans couldn’t believe their luck when this came out, not least because it was launched so soon after the main series finished. And although the book – which is the script of the new west end play - has had mixed reviews, it is well worth reading if you know you won’t get to see it live, and includes all the magic and ingenuity you could possibly want. Although be warned: it takes a dark turn thanks to the time-twisting plot.

6. The Great Fire Dogs by Megan Rix: £5.99, Puffin

This is an engaging tale for animal lovers to read in the anniversary year of the Great Fire of London. The story focuses on two best friends, Woofer, who is a loveable stray dog working in the palace kitchen, and Tiger Lily, the spoiled pooch of King Charles II. Woofer finds himself in trouble and has to escape the palace, so Tiger Lily follows, but then a new danger emerges – the great fire.

7. Tom Gates: Dog Zombies Rule (For Now) by Liz Pichon: £6.99, Scholastic

In this latest book of the wildly popular series, Tom Gates has big plans for his band DogZombies - to be the best band in the whole wild world. What could possibly go wrong? As comical, engaging and bold as Pichon’s previous books, we expect children to be queuing at the bookshops for this one.

8. Matilda by Roald Dahl: £6.99, Penguin Books Ltd

This was the last full-length book that Dahl wrote and this anniversary edition gives young readers another chance to feast their eyes (not to mention their imaginations) on the unforgettable tale of Matilda, who combines intelligence, drama and coolness under pressure in a breath-taking story that is quite impossible to put down.

9. How to Train your Dragon: How to Fight a Dragon’s Fury by Cressida Cowell: £6.99, Hachette Children's Group

This is the last book in the How to Train Your Dragon series, which has sold over seven million copies in 38 languages. It’s war between dragons and humans and readers finally get to discover what really happened to the dragons. Cowell addresses some big issues in this magical and mysterious tale that is bound to become a modern classic.

10. The War Next Door Phil Earle: £6.08, Orion Children’s Books

Demolition Dad and Superhero Street author Phil Earle has written this brilliant third book, which is all about Masher – the bully of Storey Street. But then a young girl called Jemima moves in next door and starts to make him look like a bit of a wimp. To Masher, this means one thing – war. This is a hilarious book that encourages children to put themselves in someone else’s shoes.

11. The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow by Katherine Woodfine: £6.99, Egmont UK Ltd

If your child has enjoyed Jacqueline Wilson or Enid Blyton, then this book is a must. Following the death of her father, Miss Sophie Taylor gets a job at a glamorous London department store. But when the priceless Clockwork Sparrow is stolen from Sinclair’s grand opening exhibition, it is up to Sophie and her friends to bring the scheming villains to justice.

12. The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell: £6.55, Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In the snowy woods of Russia Feodora’s mother is a wolf wilder, which is someone who teaches tame animals to be wild again, and Feodora is a wolf wilder in training. But the Russian Army threatens their existence, eventually forcing Feo to go on the run. This is a tale of revolution, adventure, and fighting back. It’s a unique and vivid story from an award-winning author.

13. Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce: £7.99, Pan Macmillan

The inspiration for this novel is Laika, a stray dog from Moscow sent up to space by the Russians in rocket Sputnik II in 1957. Not surprisingly, she never returned. But what if she didn’t die? Cottrell Boyce, whose tale revolves around Laika meeting Sputnik, an alien who is on a mission to find ten reasons why earth is worth saving. A wonderful and exciting story about friendship and appreciating what you have.

14. Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar: £8.38, Walker Books Ltd

The relationship between grandchild and grandparent isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be, so it’s refreshing to come across this novel in which 12-year-old Carol isn’t exactly thrilled about being hauled away from friends and pool parties to move her mentally ill grandfather into a care home. But what follows in this skilfully written, debut, coming-of-age novel is Carol surprising herself as she sees glimmers of something special in what her parents dismiss as her grandfather’s madness.

The Verdict: Books for 8 to 12-year-olds

All the books listed here will appeal to different children in different ways. But if forced to select our two absolute favourites, it’s Wimpy Kid: Double Down by Jeff Kinney for younger ones and Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar for older ones.

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The best books for 8-year-olds to encourage a love of reading

Whether your child is an avid bookworm or a reluctant reader, we’ve compiled a list of the best books for eight-year-olds that they won’t want to put down.

By Jenny Wonnacott | Last updated Dec 20, 2023

A good story fires up your imagination, makes you laugh and cry, and has you rooting for the characters so much that you want to devour every word in one sitting. By the age of eight, most children can read, so finding a book that’s the right interest and reading level for them can really help them to enjoy books (although all of these books will appeal to other ages as well!)

Reading can do so much for a child - from gaining better comprehension skills to improving vocabulary, teaching empathy and boosting confidence. Much like the best family board games , a good book will stimulate imagination and encourage deep thinking as well.

With such a huge variety of children’s books on offer, finding one that your child will actually want to read can be tricky, so we’ve done the hard work for you. To make sure we included stories covering different interests, we scoured the Mumsnet forums to see which books children (and parents!) loved the most. We then cross-checked these titles on other expert review sites to make sure they lived up to the hype. Many are also available to download on the best tablet for kids , which can be a great option for holidays.

Here’s our list of 17 of the best books for 8-year-olds.

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The best books for 8-year-olds: at a glance

Best book for reluctant readers: The 13-Storey Treehouse | £5

Best Roald Dahl book for 8-year-olds: Matilda | £4

Best classic book for 8-year-olds: Charlotte's Web | £6

Best joke book for 8-year-olds: Awesome Jokes That Every 8-year-old Should Know | £6

Best comic book for 8-year-olds: Diary of a Wimpy Kid | £4

Best book to encourage reluctant readers: The 13-Storey Treehouse (Treehouse series)

Price on writing: £5 | Buy it now from Amazon

Interest age: 7+ |  Reading age: 6+ | Length : 256 pages

What Mumsnet users say

“It's zany and wacky and fun and a riot for the imagination with a dash of humour. It's also easy to read with lots of fun pics which makes it engaging for the age group.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter fabulousspider )

Our verdict

Similar to Diary of a Wimpy Kid, the Treehouse series intersperse comic-style illustrations with a fun, easy-read story told from the perspective of author Andy Griffiths and illustrator Terry Denton. Marketed at a slightly younger reading level than most books in this guide, The 13-Storey Treehouse and its follow up books are perfect for kids who are getting into chapter books but aren't quite ready for the likes of Harry Potter yet. You'll be buying the full-set in no time!

Best Roald Dahl book for 8-year-olds: Matilda

Price on writing: £4 | Buy now from Amazon

Interest age: 7+ |  Reading age: 8-9 | Length : 256 pages

“When my daughter was younger, she loved Roald Dahl’s Matilda.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user LoveSummerLife )

Even with today’s vast choice of bestselling children’s authors, Roald Dahl books are still a household favourite, and both parents and children love the story of Matilda. 

The book was first published in 1988 telling the tale of Matilda Wormwood - a gifted little girl who uses magical powers to punish the cruel adults around her. Thanks in part to the recent release of the film based on Matilda: The Musical, this book has become a timeless classic.

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Best comic book for 8-year-olds: Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Price on writing: £4 | Buy it now from Amazon

Interest age: 7+ |  Reading age: 8-10 | Length : 224 pages

“My son (now eight) loves the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. We bought him a box set of 12.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter MontyBowJangles )

The bestselling Wimpy Kid graphic novels journals the life of Grey Heffley as he tackles issues children can relate to, such as bullying and friendship.

Made up of 50 percent pictures and 50 percent words, the diary entries are written in a child-friendly, fun language that is relatable and appealing to children, especially those who are slowly building confidence in their reading.

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Best joke book for 8-year-olds: Awesome Jokes That Every 8-Year-Old Should Know!

Price on writing: £6 | Buy now from Amazon

Interest age: 6+ |  Reading age: 6-10 | Length : 103 pages

“It's a good idea to try different types of material for him to read - comics, joke books, fact books. Sometimes books can be overwhelming, whereas other options can help encourage a child to engage.” (Advice from Mumsnet user Ickabog )

Reading is more than just novels and factual books. Introduce this joke book to your eight-year-old and they’ll have plenty of fun telling their family and friends their favourite gags.

With a mix of new and old jokes, this book will have children laughing out loud, as well as helping them to learn new vocabulary.

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Best classic book for 8-year-olds: Charlotte’s Web

Price on writing: £7 | Buy now from Amazon

Interest age:  9-12 |  Reading age:  6-9 | Length : 272 pages

“I’ve just read my son Charlotte’s Web - he loved it. It’s a really sweet book.” (Advice from Mumsnet user Whybirdwhy )

Another classic that has stood the test of time is Charlotte’s Web. A poignant tale of friendship and devotion, it was first published in 1952 and is still widely read today.

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Best Enid Blyton book for 8-year-olds: Magic Faraway Tree Collection

Price on writing: £8 | Buy now from Amazon

Interest age: 6+ |  Reading age: 6-8 | Length : 656 pages (three books in collection)

“My eight-year-old is reading The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton.” (Advice from Mumsnet user MsWalterMitty )

You may remember reading these books yourself as a child. The story of Joe, Beth and Frannie and their adventures in the Enchanted Wood are still as magical today as they were when they were first published back in the 1940s.

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Best chapter book for 8-year-olds: The Danger Gang

Interest age: 6+ |  Reading age: 7-11 | Length : 448 pages

“My son (just turned eight) enjoys the Tom Fletcher books (currently reading The Danger Gang).” (Recommended by Mumsnetter Usual2usual )

Following on from Tom Fletcher’s bestselling books The Christmasaurus and The Creakers , The Danger Gang has plenty of mystery and excitement to keep your child hooked. This is a fun illustrated book that children as young as six can also enjoy. (And speaking of younger children, check out our guide to the best toys for 7-year-olds for more inspiration.)

Best illustrated book for 8-year-olds: Pippi Longstocking

Price on writing : £4 | Buy now from WHSmith

Interest age: 6+ |  Reading age: 8+ | Length : 208 pages

What Mumsnet users say:

“My eight-year-old is really enjoying Pippi Longstocking.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter  Oobedobe )

This delightful edition of the tale of Pippi Longstocking has been illustrated by Lauren Child, also known for her work on Charlie and Lola . A story that has been passed through the generations, children love reading about nine-year-old Pippi.

With super-human strength, fierce determination and a sense of fun, there’s nothing Pippi won’t do. Pippi’s a true heroine adored by both younger and older generations.

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Best book collection for 8-year-olds: The Worst Witch

Price on writing: £14 | Buy now from Amazon

Interest age: 6+ |  Reading age: 7+

“My three children loved The Worst Witch at the same age. They read the entire series as their school reading books. The language is very rich and varied compared to books written for the same age more recently.”   (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter HelenaJustina )

Before Harry Potter, there was Mildred Hubble. The Worst Witch series is all about life and lessons at a magical school, except that Mildred is far from a natural witch.

This eight-book set follows accident-prone Mildred as she stumbles through life at Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches.

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Best book series for 8-year-olds: Mr Gum

Price on writing: £15 | Buy now from Amazon

Interest age: 5+ |  Reading age: 6-11

“Mr Gum and the rest of the series. Hilarious, mind-bending at times (and just gross enough at times to be funny) but be warned you will have to stop now and again due to the giggles.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Willow2017 )

For giggles at bedtime, look no further than the Mr Gum books. The bestselling series is all about a grumpy, horrid old man who hates children, animals, corn on the cob and anything remotely fun.

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Best non-fiction book for 8-year-olds: Kay’s Anatomy Complete (and Completely Disgusting) Guide to the Human Body

Price on writing: From £6 | Buy now from Amazon

Interest age: 8-12 |  Reading age: 8-12 | Length : 416 pages

“Non-fiction-wise, [My son] is devouring Kay’s Anatomy by Adam Kay. Hilarious and he’s learning loads.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter ElphabaTheGreen )

Informative, funny and easy to read, Kay’s Anatomy proves that non-fiction books are anything but boring. Comedian and writer Adam Kay previously worked as a junior doctor and has packed this book with loads of interesting facts about the body.

Covering topics like common diseases, DNA, bodily functions – yes, you can probably guess what that includes – and germs, Kay’s Anatomy can be disgusting at times but that makes it all the more appealing for eight-year-olds .

Best fantasy book for 8-year-olds: The Chronicles of Narnia

Price on writing: £11 | Buy now from Amazon

Interest age: 7+ |  Reading age: 8+

“The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis? Some nice illustrations. Start with The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. They are best read in the order they were written in my opinion.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user MillicentMartha )

It’s time to open the wardrobe door and introduce your child to the magical land of Narnia. When siblings Lucy, Edmund, Peter and Susan find their way to the other side of the wardrobe, they embark on an exciting journey where their bravery is put to the test.

Full of magic and fantasy, this complete series of books is a must for kids of all ages.

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Best book to appeal to a wide-range of readers: Slime

Interest age: 7-12 |  Reading age: 7-9 | Length : 320 pages

"My 8 year old really got into reading during all the lockdowns, her favourite collections have [included] most of the newer David Walliams books like Slime, Fing and Beast of Buckingham Palace."  (Recommended by Mumsnet user  carrietwick )

Now a household name more for his children’s books than his comedy sketches, David Walliams’ laugh-out-loud stories can make even the most reluctant reader want to pick up a book.

One of his more recent publications, Slime , is about an island called Mulch. The story follows an 11-year-old boy called Ned who discovers slime and he decides to use this special slime power as a weapon to take on the horrible adults in his life. A wonderfully illustrated book about bravery and the origins of slime - best of all, it appeals to a wide range of readers so is great option for a birthday gift or stocking filler for kids aged seven to 12.

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Best reading book for eight-year-olds: The No.1 Car Spotter

Price on writing: £6 | Buy now from Amazon

Interest age: 6+ |  Reading age: 6-9 | Length : 112 pages

“Special mention to this great little series called The No.1 Car Spotter (Atinuke) about a tiny Nigerian village - charming and diverse with wonderful characters.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user FixitUpChappie )

When he’s not doing his chores, running errands or helping his family, Oluwalase’s favourite hobby is car spotting. It’s the only hobby in the village and he is the best at it. Number one in fact.

If this book is a hit with your child, there’s five more in the series full of engaging tales about family life in Africa.

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Best friendship book for 8-year-olds: The Boy at the Back of the Class

Price on writing: £7 | Buy now from Amazon

Interest age: 7-11 |  Reading age: 8-12 | Length : 320 pages

“My son really enjoyed the book The Boy at the Back of the Class and I’ve just ordered the sequel (The Day We Met The Queen).” (Recommended by Mumsnetter Hellosunshine2017 )

A story of kindness and friendship, The Boy at the Back of the Class is about a nine-year-old boy called Ahmet, a refugee from Syria.

Told from a child’s perspective on the refugee crisis, the book teaches children about different backgrounds, kindness and how you should never judge people before you know them.

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Best magical book for 8-year-olds: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Price on writing: £4   | Buy now from Amazon

Interest age: 7+ |  Reading age: 9+ | Length : 352 pages

“My son (eight) has just devoured the first two Harry Potter books.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user DownRightAmazing )

By now, your child will most likely have heard about the young wizard Harry Potter and may be itching to get started on the books. The language may be a bit advanced for most eight-year-olds to read independently, but it’s a great age to start reading the story together.

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Best mystery book for 8-year-olds: Anisha, Accidental Detective

Interest age: 6-11 |  Reading age: 7-11 | Length : 224 pages

“Anisha Accidental Detective also has a strong female lead solving a mystery and some quite silly humour.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user GalacticDragonfly )

If your child likes detective books, Anisha, Accidental Detective will have them gripped and laughing out loud. 10-year-old Anisha is due to be a bridesmaid at her Aunty Bindi’s wedding, but a ransom note throws the plans into chaos. This is a real page-turner, with plenty of humour and mystery.

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How long should an 8-year-old read daily?

The more a child reads, the more confident they will become. However, how long they should read will depend on their reading level and how much they enjoy reading.

Ideally, an eight-year-old should be reading for around 20 minutes a day, both out loud and independently. If they are reading a more challenging book, this will take longer and they may not read as many pages. Try to focus on making it run rather than a chore.

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What should an 8-year-old be reading?

While most children will have learnt to read by now, each child progresses at a different rate. At this age, they will be building up their confidence and developing as a fluent reader.

An eight-year-old should expect to reach the following milestones:

Comprehension – understanding text and being able to summarise what they have read. This includes recognising humour in the story.

Reading independently – an eight-year-old will now be moving on to longer books, such as chapter books, with less illustrations.

Reading together – while they can read alone, it’s still important to read out loud, making sure they recognise different expressions.

Extend vocabulary – this means having a good understanding of spelling and using phonics, context and pictures to identify new words.

Understanding paragraphs – this includes recognising formatting, punctuation and the concept of paragraphs, and applying this knowledge in their own writing.

What is the best book for 8-year-olds?

Written by bestselling author David Walliams, Slime tells the tale of poor Ned who lives on a miserable island with his tormenting sister and awful adults, especially his Aunt Greta Greed.

What are the most popular authors for 8-year-olds?

It depends on your eight-year-old - some will love the light-hearted silliness of David Walliams and Jeff Kinney , others will prefer the more traditional storytelling vibes of E.B. White , Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton . And, of course, there are plenty of eight-year-olds who love to read non-fiction - which is where authors such as Adam Kay shine.

How we chose our recommendations

Most of our recommendations for books came from Mumsnet users themselves. We searched the Mumsnet forums for posts about which books Mumsnetters really rated. We also researched various review sites to find out which books performed well across the board.

About the author

Mum-of-two Gemma Wilcock has over 15 years of experience writing for print and online publications covering issues surrounding parenting, health and lifestyle, as well as researching and writing in-depth product reviews for Mumsnet.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.

More From Forbes

The 25 greatest kids books of all time.

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American actor Alan Ladd reading to his daughter Alana circa 1948.

Children’s books are bodies of work that thrive on specificity. With just the right use of humor, wit, and alliteration, authors like Theodor Seuss Geisel, Lewis Carroll, and Margaret Atwood, among others, have created some of the best books for young readers of all time. The authors featured in this list have become successful because they understand that children need stories that provide comfort, teach valuable lessons, and capture their imagination. These authors recognize that children are drawn to characters they can relate to, adventures that excite them, and narratives that offer a sense of wonder and possibility. Here are some of the top children’s books of 2024 .

Top Kids Books

Many older readers who are now parents will agree that when it comes to well-known children’s books, most families have a soft spot for the classics . Books like The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter, Green Eggs and Ham by Theodor Seuss Geisel, and Charlotte's Web by E.B. White represent different eras in time as they pertain to children’s literature. Regardless, they have remained childhood relics, passed on from one generation to the next.

The rankings for this list are based on reader reviews, legacy and critical acclaim. Authors like J.K. Rowling, Dr. Seuss, and Roald Dahl have consistently topped these types of lists because of their directional and compelling approach to the art form.

25. Where The Wild Things Are By Maurice Bernard Sendak

Some of the best children’s authors are good at what they do because they weave their craft into a real problem that their target audience faces. In Where The Wild Things Are , writer and illustrator Maurice Bernard Sendak tells the illustrative story of Max, a rambunctious young child who puts on a wolf costume and causes a mess in the home. His parents send him to bed without supper, and then the story unfolds. In this book, Sendak’s use of illustration captures the imagination of the readers, but he also sends a message about the big feelings young children face and how those big feelings can be normal and healthy responses to the world around them, as long as they are expressed appropriately. The book is available at HarperCollinsPublishers .

Which type of kid would like this book: Children who are 2 years old and older and enjoy being active and expressive would find this book validating.

Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor Gustavo Dudamel conducts Olive Knussen's "Where the Wild Things ... [+] Are" at Walt Disney Concert Hall on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012.

Apple Brings Back iPhone 14 Pro For First Time At Lower Price Refurbished

The birkenstock memorial day sale features styles for over 50% off, the 82 best memorial day sales to shop now before they re gone, 24. the giving tree by shel silverstein.

Shel Silverstein’s 1964 children’s picture book, The Giving Tree , became popular globally because of its polarizing storyline. In the book, Silverstein tells the story of a young boy who develops a close friendship with a tree, the giving tree. Over the years, the boy repeatedly returns to the tree when he needs a favor. Regardless, the tree continues to give until it is depleted. Several critics have viewed the relationship between the boy and the tree in Silverstein’s story as manipulative and even abusive, but it has remained one of the most recognized children’s stories of all time. The book is available at HarperCollinsPublishers.

Which type of kid would like this book: Kids between the ages of 6 and 8 who love being in nature will find this book fascinating.

23. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! By Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss makes his first entry on this list with 1957’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas, a classic book about an ill-mannered and sour-tempered grinch who lives in the mountains alone, overlooking a merry town called Whoville. In fact, the Grinch is so unhappy with the merry residents of Whoville, the Whos, that he sets out to put an end to Christmas once and for all. What he will find, instead, is redemption from his gruff ways. The most important lesson in this book is that it teaches kids that often times, people who seem ill-tempered and angry just need to feel a sense of inclusion and belonging. The book is available at Penguin Random House.

Which type of kid would like this book: Kids between the ages of 3 and 8 who love Christmas-themed stories.

22. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom By Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is another children’s classic that uses creativity and engagement to make alphabet-learning interesting for children. The plot of the book revolves around the letters of the alphabet, which are personified as lowercase letters, climbing up a coconut tree. The rhythm and repetition throughout the book add an extra appeal that most young learners cannot help but enjoy. The book creates a fun and engaging read-aloud experience for parents, caretakers and their young ones. The story concludes with the capital letters coming to the rescue, helping their lowercase colleagues recover from their fall. Martin and Archambault teach an important lesson with this book: that learning does not have to be a bore. This book is available on Simon & Schuster and was published in 1989.

Which type of kid would like this book: Kids between the ages of 2 and 6 will love this fun and engaging book.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama read "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" to children ... [+] during the White House Easter Egg Roll on April 25, 2011 in Washington, DC.

21. Winnie-the-Pooh By A.A. Milne

One of the most endearing bears in fictional history is Winnie-the-Pooh. This classic story, published in 1926, introduces readers to the whimsical world of the Hundred Acre Wood and its charming inhabitants, including Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and Tigger. The story revolves around Pooh’s simple yet memorable adventures, including his attempts to get honey and his playful encounters with his friends and the challenges that they face. Ernest H. Shepard’s iconic illustrations further captures the beauty and innocence of this story. Milne shows the purest form of friendship through this story. This book has since grown into a book series and is available at Penguin Random House .

Which type of kid would like this book: Winnie-the-Pooh is the kind of book that children who enjoy themes of friendship will love. This book is perfect for children who are between the ages of 3 and 8.

20. The Tale of Peter Rabbit By Beatrix Potter

Beatrix Potter ’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit is a classic children’s story that has fascinated readers since its publication in 1901. The story follows the story of a mischievous young rabbit named Peter, who lives with his mother and three siblings—Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-tail—in a cozy burrow. Readers will find Peter Rabbit’s escapades in Mr. McGregor’s vegetable garden compelling. Despite Pater Rabbit’s mother’s warnings to stay away from the garden, Peter’s curiosity leads him into trouble as he sneaks in to feast on the delicious vegetables. Potter teaches a valuable lesson with this book: it is always better to obey. The book is available at Penguin Random House .

Which type of kid would like this book: The Tale of Peter Rabbit is a good book for children who like adventure and are open to learning to be good listeners.

An assistant holds a first edition of "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" by Beatrix Potter at Dreweatts and ... [+] Bloomsbury Auctions on July 27, 2016 in London.

19. The Runaway Bunny By Margaret Wise Brown

Margaret Wise Brown’s The Runaway Bunny is a fan-favorite that Brown published in 1942, with illustrations by Clement Hurd. The story follows the love that exists between a mother and her child through the story of a bunny that decides to run away from home. In the story, the bunny tells his mother that he plans to run away, and his mother, responds by reassuring him that if he were to ever run away, she would follow him. This conversation inspires a series of imaginative scenarios where the bunny transforms into various creatures and objects to escape, but each time, his mother counters with how she will find and care for him in each situation. The story underscores the need for young children to feel loved and cared for, and through the story, Brown shows what a healthy bond looks like between a child and a caregiver. The book is available at HarperCollinsPublisher .

Which type of kid would like this book: This is a good fit for kids between the ages of 2 and 7 who appreciate knowing that their parents love them unconditionally.

18. Oh, the Places You'll Go! By Dr. Seuss

Leave it up to Dr. Seuss to inspire children to tap into their vast imaginations. Oh, the Places You'll Go! is a rhyming monologue that follows the story of a young protagonist who is embarking on an exciting journey. The story begins with the protagonist setting off on an adventure of optimism about the boundless opportunities and experiences that lie ahead. As usual, Dr. Seuss uses vivid, imaginative landscapes to show readers the different aspects of travel, from soaring high in times of success to navigating the tougher aspects of life. Dr. Seuss teaches a valuable lesson in this book: there is no limit to what kids can accomplish and even when life gets hard, the opportunities are still endless. The book is available at Penguin Random House .

Which type of kid would like this book: This is a good fit for kids between the ages of 3 and 7 who are inspired by their boundless imagination and the endless possibilities.

Tournament of Roses Association President Sally Bixby opens the 124th annual Tournament of Roses ... [+] Parade themed "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" on January 1, 2013 in Pasadena, California.

17. The Real Mother Goose By Blanche Fisher Wright

The Real Mother Goose series is a staple in Children’s literature that has been passed down from one generation to the next. The book contains an anthology of nursery rhymes and catchy songs for children of all ages that was first published in 1916, but has since become one of the most well-loved children’s books of rhymes of all time. Although the real identity of Mother Goose is not certain, the brand has had a generational influence on children's literature. Whether inspired by a historical figure or solely folklore, Mother Goose represents the timeless tradition of storytelling that continues to appeal to young readers worldwide.

Which type of kid would like this book: This is a good fit for kids who are newborn up to 6 years old and enjoy music and nursery rhymes. The book is available at Scholastic .

16. The Snowy Day By Ezra Jack Keats

Ezra Jack Keats captures the imagination of young readers through his book, The Snowy Day . The beloved children’s classic was first published in 1962 but has remained timeless because of its simple yet relatable storyline. In the book, Keats tells the story of Peter, who wakes up to find that there is a snow day. As Peter steps out into the snow, he delights in making tracks with his feet, creating snow angels, and building a snowman. He experiences the thrill of sliding down a snowy hill and the joy of seeing the world through new eyes. In this book, Keats leans into the perspective of his target audience, the young reader, and inspires them to keep living in child-like wonder. This is a perfect book for children between the ages of 3 and 8.

Which type of kid would like this book: This is a good fit for kids who love snow and are excited about playing outside. The book is available at Penguin Random House .

15. Three Little Pigs By Steven Kellogg

First published in 1997, Steven Kellogg’s version of the well-known folktale gives a hilarious twist to the adventures of the three little pigs and their encounters with the big bad wolf, Tempesto. Kellogg’s version of this story shows the three little pigs as business owners who are thriving at what they do—that is, until the wolf shows up. Tempesto is determined to ruin the lives of the three wolves, but they are even more determined to stick together in spite of the tough times, and that is ultimately what saves them. This engaging version of the classic tale teaches the importance of having a community, working hard and staying resilient.

Which type of kid would like this book: This is a good fit for kids who like engaging books with elements of thrill and excitement. The book is available at HarperCollinsPublisher .

American film producer Walt Disney holds a Mickey Mouse Club edition of the "Three Little Pigs" ... [+] story, circa 1955.

14. Madeline By Ludwig Bemelmans

Ludwig Bemelmans ’ 1939 book Madeline is a fan-favorite children’s book that follows the adventures of a spunky and spirited young lady called Madeline. The plot of the story unfolds in Madeline’s Paris-based boarding school. Madeline is part of a group of 12 girls whose story the book follows as they navigate life in boarding school. Madeline, the most petite in size and also the most daring of the group, navigates life with boldness, confidence and poise. This book is known for its coming-of-age themes and its emphasis on the importance of confidence and grit even in the face of challenges.

Which type of kid would like this book: Kids who are drawn to coming-of-age stories and are between the ages of 3 and 7 will enjoy this book. This book is available at Penguin Random House .

13. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone By J.K. Rowling,

First published in 1997, J.K. Rowling invites readers to the enchanting beginning of the globally renowned Harry Potter series. The book introduces readers to Harry Potter, an 11-year-old orphan living with his neglectful aunt, uncle and cousin, the Dursleys. His life changes dramatically when he receives a letter informing him that he is a wizard and has been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As Harry enters the magical world, he discovers his true heritage and learns that his parents were powerful wizards who were murdered by the dark wizard Lord Voldemort. This piece of information forever alters the trajectory of his life.

Which type of kid would like this book: Kids who are drawn to coming-of-age stories and are fascinated by character-building will find this book engaging. It is appropriate for older kids between the ages of 8 and older. This book is available at Scholastic .

Christies auction house showcasing Harry Potter's magician's wand as used in "Harry Potter & the ... [+] Sorcerers Stone" on November 23, 2012 in London.

12. A Wrinkle in Time By Madeleine L’Engle

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, published in 1962, is a science fiction novel that has all of the makings of a perfect book for older kids, including an imaginative plot and complex characters. The story follows the journey of Meg Murry, a strong-willed young girl, her younger brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O’Keefe as they embark on a cosmic adventure to rescue Meg’s father from evil forces. The book has all of the heartwarming themes of unconditional love, selflessness and teamwork. This book is appropriate for readers between the ages of 8 and 12.

Which type of kid would like this book: Young readers who appreciate books with themes of science fiction will enjoy this book, which is available at Macmillan Publishers .

11. The Chronicles of Narnia Series By C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis created something special with The Chronicles of Narnia. The franchise, which includes seven fantasy novels, has captured the hearts of readers of all ages since the first book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe , was published in 1950. It is rare to see a body of work that manages to interest people of various age groups, yet, somehow, Lewis’ magical Narnia does just that by relying on universally appealing themes of adventure, friendship and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

Which type of kid would like this book: Readers with a palette for stories with universally compelling themes will enjoy this literal masterpiece. This body of work is available at HarperCollinsPublishers .

10. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory By Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl’s 1964 book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is arguably his literary crowning glory. The incredible world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, filled with brow-raising inventions and quirky characters, has managed to leave an unforgettable impression on the imagination of readers who have passed it on to their children (and grandchildren). In this book, Dahl combined an acute ability to tell stories with humor and fantasy, creating a timeless classic that continues to impress both children and adults alike.

Which type of kid would like this book: Readers who like out-of-the-box storytelling will find what they are looking for in the world of Willy Wonka. This book is available at Penguin Random House .

9. Anne of Green Gables By L.M. Montgomery

L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables tells the story of Anne Shirley, an outspoken orphan with a wild imagination and a troubled childhood. Following the death of her parents, Anne is forced to move from one orphanage to another. L.M. Montgomery’s portrayal of Anne’s vibrant personality, her struggles to fit in, and her growth into a confident young woman gives the book a well-rounded perspective. The book’s strong character development makes it a well-loved read that many readers resonated with. Anne of Green Gables was published in 1908 and is available at Simon & Schuster .

Which type of kid would like this book: Readers between the ages of 8 and 12 who like to get a glimpse into the past, including the customs, lifestyles, and social norms, will like Anne of Green Gables .

8. The Cat in the Hat By Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat is one of the most well-respected works of children’s literature of all time. Dr. Seuss’ signature use of playful rhymes and storytelling skill sees the protagonist, the mischievous cat, turn a rainy day into an adventure for two children. The book underscores the importance of turning a negative experience into a positive one and acknowledges the importance of fun and creativity. The use of alliteration and rhythm, coupled with the vibrant illustrations, make it an engaging read-aloud experience for young children. Although the book was published in 1957, it remains a classic.

Which type of kid would like this book: Readers between the ages of 2 and 6 will enjoy all of the energy contained in this book, which is available at Penguin Random House .

American author and illustrator Dr. Seuss sits at his drafting table in his home office with a copy ... [+] of his book, "The Cat in the Hat" in La Jolla, California, on April 25, 1957.

7. Sulwe By Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o’s 2019 book Sulwe is a self-affirming picture book that addresses issues of self-love, acceptance and the importance of diversity. Through the story of a young girl named Sulwe, Nyong’o encourages children to embrace their unique sense of self and to feel worthy of love, acceptance and belonging. In a world where diversity and inclusion are controversial topics, it is important for children who are underrepresented to feel that they belong, and Nyong’o offers that.

Which type of kid would like this book: Readers between the ages of 3 and 8 who care about representation will enjoy the message in Sulwe. The book is available at Simon & Schuster .

6. The Very Hungry Caterpillar By Eric Carle

Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar follows the journey of a caterpillar who transforms into a butterfly after consuming everything within his site in increments. The book’s vibrant collage-style illustrations and layout introduce young readers to the concepts of math, counting, days of the week and the life cycle of a caterpillar. Its interactive design also makes it a fun and engaging reading experience for young readers who are curious learners.

Which type of kid would like this book: Adaptive young readers between the ages of 1 and 5 who appreciate vibrant designs will enjoy reading this book. The book is available now at Penguin Random House .

5. Goodnight Moon By Margaret Wise Brown

Margaret Wise Brown’s calming Goodnight Moon has traditionally been a bedtime must-have for families for several decades. The book’s repetitive structure offers young readers an opportunity to calm down for the day. In this book, published in 1947, Brown offers children the calming, softer side of life and lulls them to a peaceful sleep.

Which type of kid would like this book: Readers three and older who enjoy soothing bedtime stories that appeal to their sensory system will enjoy this book. The book is available at HarperCollinsPublishers .

A diorama with Peeps based on the children's book "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown created by ... [+] MaryLea Harris of Fairfax, Virginia.

4. Matilda By Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl’s Matilda is the story of a brilliant, misunderstood young girl with neglectful parents and a power-hungry headmistress. Matilda’s intelligence and resilience seem impressive, but after getting attacked by a Trunchbull, she discovers that she has something even more impressive: telekinetic powers. Soon after she finds this out, her life—and the plot of the story— takes a drastic turn. Dahl’s dark humor, coupled with Quentin Blake’s memorable illustrations, creatively collide to create a book that addresses serious themes such as child neglect and the moral angle of good triumphing over evil. The book is available at Penguin Random House .

Which type of kid would like this book: Young readers between the ages of 9 and 12 who have a strong sense of justice from an early age will find this book compelling.

3. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland By Lewis Carroll

Since its publication in 1865, Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a timeless story of a young girl named Alice who tumbles down a rabbit hole into a fantastical world and discovers a vast world of zany absurdity. This book has become a cornerstone of children’s literature and has an undeniable and enduring legacy. Carroll’s whimsical imagination, strange characters and playful use of language have appealed to readers of all ages from one generation to the next, making it a classic. The book is available at HarperCollinsPublishers .

Which type of kid would like this book: Curious young readers between the ages of 4 and 12 who enjoy nonsense and creative freedom will find Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland appealing.

Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" as illustrated by John Tenniel.

2. Stuart Little By E.B. White

Who knew that a tiny mouse named Stuart would make such a big impression on so many children and their families? In this book, published in 1945, White blends everyday realism with fantastical elements, creating a fictional world where a mouse named Stuart can drive a tiny car and interact with humans on equal terms. This imaginative approach adds depth and charm to the story. Although he is born to a family of humans, lives in New York City, and has experienced lots of adventure, his biggest task comes when his friend Margalo the bird goes missing and he has to find her. In this book, White focuses on some of his favorite themes: friendship, love and loyalty. Stuart Little is available at HarperCollinsPublishers .

Which type of kid would like this book: Readers between the ages of 5 and 9 who enjoy stories that humanize animals will enjoy this book.

1. L ittle House on the Prairie By Laura Ingalls Wilder

Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie is a cherished piece of American children’s literature that gives readers a vivid portrayal of the simplicity and straight-forwardness of frontier life. As part of the Little House series, this book recounts the experiences of the Ingalls family as they travel westward and settle on the prairie. Young Laura Ingalls is the protagonist and she does acts as a literary tour guide for readers, introducing them to the challenges, triumphs and simplicity of growing up in the late 19th century. Wilder teaches themes of family unity, friendship and hard work in this book. Although the book was published in 1935, it remains one of the most well-respected pieces of classic literature to this day. This book is available at HarperCollinsPublisher .

Which type of kid would like this book: Readers between the ages of 6 and 11 who are curious about what life was like over a century ago will love reading this book.

Bottom Line

The books on this list offer more than just entertainment; they provide young readers with the opportunity to read classics from different eras, face challenges alongside relatable characters and learn important life lessons in engaging and memorable ways. Whether they’re following Harry Potter into the magical halls of Hogwarts, cheering on the resilient Matilda, or furrowing their brows at Alice’s quirky experiences in Wonderland, these books create excitement, humor, and wonder, ensuring that young readers are not only captivated but also inspired to think, dream, and grow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are good books for 3-year-olds.

The best things to look for in books for 3-year-olds are straightforward storylines and vibrant and engaging illustrations. Here are some good examples:

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? By Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle (1967): This classic book uses rhythmic repetition and colorful illustrations to captivate young minds while teaching them about different animals and colors.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown (1947): This is the perfect bedtime story. The calming storyline, accompanied by beautiful illustrations, helps ease children into a peaceful slumber.

What Are Good Books For 4-Year-Olds?

The best things to look for in books for 4-year-olds are stories with predictable patterns as well as familiar daily routines and situations that they can relate to. Here are some good examples:

The Gruffalo By Julia Donaldson (1999): This engaging story about a clever mouse outwitting predators with tales of a mythical creature is perfect for 4-year-olds because of its witty rhymes and eye-catching illustrations.

We're All Wonders by R.J. Palacio (2017): This beautifully illustrated picture book introduces the themes of kindness, empathy and acceptance.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (1963): This made an earlier appearance in this article, but this classic tale of imagination, this story follows Max's adventures in a land of wild creatures, celebrating the power of creativity and the comfort of home.

What Are Good Books For 5-Year-Olds?

The best things to look for in books for 5-year-olds are stories that are designed for early readers with simple sentences and familiar words that can build confidence. Some good examples are:

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff (1985): Numeroff's delightful, circular tale follows the consequences of giving a mouse a cookie, which encourages older children coming out of their toddler years to think about the concept of cause and effect.

Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin (2012): This is a fun story about dragons who adore tacos (but can’t handle spicy salsa) and offers plenty of laughs and much-needed food-related humor.

What Are Good Books For 6-Year-Olds?

The best things to look for in books for 6-year-olds are books that have a bit more text and illustrations which can be a good transition from picture books. Some examples are:

Charlotte's Web by E.B. White (1952): This is a heartwarming story about the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. It introduces children to themes of loyalty and sacrifice.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter (1902): This book also made the list in this article. It follows the adventures and misadventures of a mischievous rabbit, featuring beautiful illustrations and gentle life lessons.

What Are Good Books For 7-Year-Olds?

The best things to look for in books for 7-year-olds are books that have longer chapters as well as engaging and complex plots. Some examples are:

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl (1964): This imaginative story of a boy's visit to Willy Wonka's magical chocolate factory is full of creativity and delightful characters.

Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park (1992-): These humorous and relatable stories about spirited kindergartener Junie B. Jones provides early chapter-book readers with unforgettable laugh-out-loud moments and doses of reality.

What Are Good Books For 8-Year-Olds?

The best things to look for in books for 8-year-olds are books with more complex language and sophisticated plots. Some great examples in this category are:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling (1997): J.K. Rowling uses this book as a way to usher readers into the beloved and magical world of Harry Potter; a world full of adventure, friendship and bravery.

Matilda by Roald Dahl (1988):  In Matilda , Roald Dahl tells the inspiring story of a brilliant girl with telekinetic powers who overcomes the cruelty in her life by leaning on her superpower and tapping into intelligence and kindness.

What Are Good Books For 10-Year-Olds?

The best things to look for in books for 10-year-olds are books with detailed plots and well-developed characters. Some examples are:

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (2005): Percy Jackson, a 12-year-old boy with dyslexia and ADHD, discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon. He sets out on a mission to prevent a war among the gods.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling (1997): Harry Potter, an orphan living with his cruel aunt and uncle, learns on his 11th birthday that he is a wizard. He is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he discovers his true heritage, which changes his life forever.

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What is the 'best' children's book? Kids, parents and authors on why some rise to the top

What was your favorite book as a kid?

That question makes for a surprisingly effective icebreaker. You can tell a lot about someone from the books they read as a child. Case in point: I’m a journalist, a talker, a storyteller. Many of my childhood favorites had equally yappy and imaginative characters – “Junie B. Jones” by Barbara Park, “Olivia” by Ian Falconer, “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse” by Kevin Henkes.

The stories we read at bedtime seldom stay there . Here’s what parents, booksellers, authors and – most importantly – kids told me about what makes the best children’s book.

What makes the best children’s book?

Reading is subjective, of course. But in the quest for the “best” children’s books, parents should look out for a story that’s as entertaining to them as it is to their kids. 

Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist

“The secret to a really successful picture book is a picture book that both the parent and child can each enjoy on their own level,” says Peter Glassman, the owner of children’s bookstore “Books of Wonder” in New York City.

At a minimum, you have to make sure it’s a book you’re willing to read over and over.

“Sometimes I view children’s book authors as parenting partners where they’re like ‘This book is for the kid, but I’m going to make sure there’s a joke in here for you,'" said Tocarra Mallard , a TV writer from New York and a mother of two who makes TikToks about children’s books.

A good children’s book may teach kids about colors or numbers, but the best children's books can give them a voice to process and experience emotions.

In “The Pout-Pout Fish” by Deborah Diesen, a favorite in Mallard’s house, an act of acceptance helps turn a frown upside down. It has a silly, catchy rhyme that makes her 2-year-old laugh , but also a lesson for her 5-year-old that it's OK to feel blue sometimes. Kids aren't just kids – they're small people who live in a world that can foster anxiety, depression and other complicated feelings," Mallard says.

“For us to pretend that children (exist in) light and love and goodness at all times is denying them their humanity,” she says.

In their words: Kids tell us what makes a good book

Sometimes, finding the “best” book for your kid is just about knowing your kid. Some children want a picture-heavy book while others, like Mallard's son, who is autistic and hyperlexic, need a strong story with lots of words.

I spent the day at “Books of Wonder” earlier this spring to ask kids what makes the best children’s book.

Iago and Nico Akerman, both 11, told me the books they liked reading in school were about human history, how money works and agriculture in Latin America. Reading is a tool for the brothers to help decode the world around them.

Eight-year-old Valerie Song also loves to learn through reading. It “helps your brain grow,” she told me. 

She’s drawn to series because she’s a speed reader – and they help her feel connected to characters. Valerie was reading the last "Harry Potter" book when we spoke. Fantasy books can help you “go anywhere you want,” she said. As for everyday adventures, “I get enough of that in real life,” she reported. 

Frog and Toad are everywhere: How 50-year-old children's characters became Gen Z icons

What makes an award-winning children’s book?

A captivating story is the foundation for an award-winning book, says Shannon DeVito, the senior director of books at Barnes & Noble, which hosts an annual “Children’s and YA Book Awards.” Witty characters and dynamic illustrations aren’t powerful if there isn’t a story that inspires young readers to keep reading, she says.

But beyond that, a book should have characters or lessons that young readers can identify with. Last year’s overall winner was “ The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels ” by Beth Lincoln, a chapter book with a vibrant cast of characters. This year’s winner, “ A Royal Conundrum (The Misfits ) ” by Lisa Yee, is described by Barnes & Noble as a book for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.

One pair of young sisters I spoke to at Books of Wonder, 3-year-old Azadeh and 5-year-old Arya Hashemi-Sohi, love “Saffron Ice Cream” by Rashin Kheiriyeh because one of the characters is named Azadeh. The sisters are half Persian, so their mom, Jeunelle Cunningham, told me they keep an eye out for books with Persian characters.

Glassman has been a bookseller for decades and says it excites him to see different childhood experiences represented in books.

“ Max and The House of Spies” by Adam Gidwitz , for example, is a story he wished he had growing up. It follows a Jewish boy living in London after leaving Germany during World War II. Max has red hair and freckles, just as Glassman did when he was growing up. 

Children’s books have gotten more diverse, both in the authors and the characters they write. A 2022 breakdown from the Cooperative Children’s Book Center noted 40% of books published in 2022 and received by the CCBC were by authors of color. On the other hand, an analysis of award-winning children’s books showed white characters are overrepresented .

“A good book that talks about modern culture, (and has a) diverse cast of characters is better than something that doesn’t,” DeVito says.

How to write a children’s book

Author Dan Gutman knows a thing or two about writing successful children’s books. His “My Weird School” books have sold over 35 million copies and he published the series’ 100th book earlier this year.

His secret sauce? Target the kids who don’t like to read. He focuses on short chapters and paragraphs, a linear, easy-to-follow storyline and, his personal favorite, “grown-ups doing dumb things.”

“I wasn’t a big reader myself, I relate really well to kids, especially boys, who don’t like to read,” Gutman says. “My goal is that that kid will open up one of my books and an hour later look up and think ‘Wow, that didn’t even feel like I was reading. I felt like I was watching a movie in my head.’”

That feeling is what Glassman looks for in a book as well. “I go to a book not to be impressed with someone’s writing – which sometimes I am – but I go to a book for the story. I love story, that is my great love,” he says.

Trending Post : Books Made Into Movies

8 More NEW Middle Grade Books, May 2024

This post may contain affiliate links.

It’s amazing how many new middle grade books continue to arrive on my doorstep! Today’s post includes 8 new favorites of the last few weeks since my previous post of 13 May middle grade books .

*I know. It’s a lot! You’re welcome. 🙂

More New Middle Grade Books, May 2024

Leo, a kid from a small town in Ohio, gets scouted and invited to the Dragons soccer summer camp with a chance to be in the prestigious academy if he does well. Leo loves his iguana and lizards, he’s a great video game player, and he excels at soccer. At least he did until he got to the big leagues where everyone else has more experience and training. Leo can be lazy and he has to confront his mindset and train extra hard to learn the basics that other players already know. He makes new friends, overcomes a bully, and finds mentors who genuinely care about his success. I was mesmorized by the soccer strategy in this book. The story is exciting, mesmerizing, and a fantastic first book in the series. If your reader likes soccer, underdogs, and excellent writing, this book will be their new favorite!

Timid written and illustrated by Jonathan Todd REALISTIC GRAPHIC NOVEL 272 pages I love Jonathan Todd’s art style — it feels crisp, appealing, and easy to follow–especially with the size of his text. The slice-of-life story is semiautobiographical about a boy named Cecil moving to a new town. He’s navigating friendships at his new school, including a not-so-good friend he eventually decides isn’t for him, going to church with his family, and reading and drawing his own comics. It’s an honest depiction of the challenges of moving, especially when you’re a quiet kid.

Mid- Air written by Alicia D. Williams REALISTIC VERSE ages 10+ 320 pages Written in verse, this novel about grief, friendship, racism, poverty, and first crushes packs a big punch. Isaiah’s best friend was hit and killed by a car when they were out bike riding. The other person in their friend group, Drew, is pulling away and acting different. Isaiah not only feels guilty, he’s ashamed of who he is because he likes rock not rap, and plants and skateboarding and painting his nails. After two men beat him up for being Black on their street, his mom sends Isaiah to North Carolina to stay with an aunt and uncle. There, he works out his inner turmoil–fear, guilt, anger, self-doubt– with the help of his family, his first crush (and kiss), and a new friend.

Melissa Taylor, MA, is the creator of Imagination Soup. She's a mother, former teacher & literacy trainer, and freelance education writer. She writes Imagination Soup and freelances for publications online and in print, including Penguin Random House's Brightly website, USA Today Health, Adobe Education, Colorado Parent, and Parenting. She is passionate about matching kids with books that they'll love.

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9 classic kids books from the 80s that are still worth reading.

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10 Kids’ Movies You Didn’t Know Were Based On Books, Ranked According To IMDb

10 children's fantasy books that deserve tv shows after percy jackson, the doctor is officially not doctor who season 14's main character.

• Dear Mr. Henshaw offers a unique twist on kids' books with a diary-style narrative and poignant themes of divorce and longing.
• Wayside School Is Falling Down is a clever, absurd book with sly humor and deeper messages hidden beneath the wacky stories.
• Hatchet teaches resilience and growing up through the story of a stranded 13-year-old in the Canadian wilderness, tackling tough emotions.

Despite hitting the height of their popularity decades ago, there are a number of classic kids' books from the 1980s that are still well worth reading today. Kids' books and TV shows are often erroneously dismissed as being frivolous and fluffy, full of easy stories of colorful characters. While that's certainly true, the best kids' books – whether for young kids or for teenagers – mix messages with deep meaning among the elements geared for a younger audience.

The very best weave stories that last for generations, both resonant and relevant no matter the era. The 1980s, in particular, were a great decade for classic children's books and teen books that still withstand the test of time. From coming-of-age tales of the pangs of first love, to the horrors of the Holocaust, to survivalist stories in the northern wilderness, the books on this list are timeless. Each one is still well worth reading today, with powerful messages and inventive stories that still hold up.

Shrek, Bambi, Zenon: Girl Of The 21st Century, and more, check out these kids' movies that were actually inspired by books!

9 Dear Mr. Henshaw (1983)

Author: beverly clearly.

Beverly Cleary is one of the most renowned names in children's books, thanks to her Ramona Quimby books, Henry Huggins, and Ralph S. Mouse. Even among those, Dear Mr. Henshaw stands out for its elevated ideas and arrangement. The story is a uniquely woven epistolary tapestry of the diary entries of 11-year-old Leigh and letters to his favorite author detailing his feelings about his parents' divorce. Children's books are rarely bold enough to be structured around that higher-level conceit, but Beverly Cleary has never spoken down to her audience.

Dear Mr. Henshaw may not be as well known as some of Cleary's bigger hits, but it has a lasting sweetness and poignance that the others lack. Cleary does a remarkable job of capturing the voice of a young boy full of urgent conflict over a tumultuous time in his life, and the yearning as he looks to his favorite author for a stabilizing force. It's easily the most complex and rich of Cleary's children's books.

8 Wayside School Is Falling Down (1989)

Author: louis sachar.

Louis Sachar's Wayside School is Falling Down may not be the deepest of books on this list, but it may be the cleverest. As the second book in Sachar's absurdist, darkly comedic Wayside School series, Wayside School is Falling Down sees the Holes author really hitting his wacky stride. Each chapter is devoted to a new story at the wrongly built, skyscraper Wayside School, with strange teachers, mysterious men, classrooms that don't exist, and rats that come back to life.

Children are smarter than they're often given credit for, able to catch onto sly humor, and Sachar's book has that in spades. The madcap, stories and absurdism of the book's tone belie that under the wacky stories, there are some more serious messages worth pondering. Likewise, Sachar plays around with literary convention; to step into the pages of Wayside School is Falling Down is to step into a world of the ridiculous. And there's nothing better to a kid than well-written ridiculousness.

7 Hatchet (1987)

Author: gary paulsen.

The middle to later decades of the last century saw a cottage industry in the form of stories of nature and the outdoors. Like Jack London in the century before them, they revolved around the man vs. nature archetype, repackaging them for young adult readers. Of these, Gary Paulsen's Hatchet was the most well-known and most well-lauded. Though it was just the first in a series, it was undoubtedly the best, being nominated for the Newbery Medal in 1984.

Hatchet 's story revolves around 13-year-old Brian Robeson, who, thanks to an unfortunate chain of events, finds himself stranded in the middle of a vast, Northern Canadian forest. Alone and desperate, Brian teaches himself to survive in the wilderness, surviving and even thriving for months until he's rescued. It's a story of resilience and growing up, but not just physically – as Brian teaches himself to make fire, set snares, and build shelter, he uses the time alone to untangle his feelings about his mother's affair , which he has kept from his father. The story embraces and teaches resilience, a lesson that any kid growing up can use.

6 Jacob Have I Loved (1980)

Author: katherine paterson.

Most people's minds jump to Bridge to Terabithia when thinking of Katherine Paterson, but that was actually published in the 70s. In the 80s, the most meaningful of Paterson's books was the Newbery Award-winning Jacob Have I Loved . The title comes from the Bible, alluding to the bitter sibling rivalry between Jacob and Esau. It's fitting; the story explores young Sarah Louise's complex feelings of love and resentment for her twin sister Caroline, the "perfect," more feminine, adored sister.

Emotions between siblings can be fraught and intense, and Paterson illustrates this beautifully. Sarah Louise's simmering resentment is all tangled up in her affection, and her desire to be free tangled up with her familial duty. Kids navigating equally fraught relationships with their siblings can find much to relate to in the story. Along the way, Jacob Have I Loved also explores themes of family expectations, gender roles, first love, and acceptance. It all makes for a resonant story that quietly leaves an impact.

5 Annie On My Mind (1982)

Author: nancy garden.

LGBTQ+ children's books are still all too rare, and nearly non-existent in the 1980s, which makes Nancy Garden's Annie on My Mind all the more miraculous – and important. The story follows the thoughts and primarily the viewpoint of 17-year-old Liza Winthrop, a private school teenager from a wealthy family and who is desperate to get into MIT as an architect. She meets 17-year-old Annie Kenyon, the daughter of Italian immigrants; Annie attends the public school in a low-income neighborhood. Despite their different backgrounds, Liza and Annie fall in love. Yet, their romance is thwarted by the conservative and close-minded attitude of the parents and teachers around them.

Annie on My Mind has been included in the School Library Journal's list of top 100 most influential books of the 20th century and with good reason. It tackles themes of queer discovery and sexual awakening in a thoughtful, heartfelt way that is still relevant today. It's a genuinely touching love story that adds layers to the Romeo and Juliet, "wrong side of the tracks" trope. For any teens questioning themselves and looking to explore their identity, Annie on My Mind is a fitting guide.

4 Howl's Moving Castle (1986)

Author: diana wynne jones.

Thanks to the wildly successful Studio Ghibli adaptation by Hayao Miyazaki, most audiences have no idea that Howl's Moving Castle started out as a book – and if they do, most assume it was a manga or perhaps a Japanese light novel first. Instead, it was the first book in a series by British author Diana Wynne Jones. Even though the movie is a masterpiece unto itself, the original book is still well worth a read, truly a captivating delight all on its own.

Howl's Moving Castle tells the story of 18-year-old Sophie, who is turned into an old hag by the Witch of the Waste. To undo the curse, she must break the contract between the wizard, Howl, and Howl's ensnared fire demon, Calcifer. Howl's Moving Castle explores broad themes of self-determinism vs. destiny, aging and youth, love and duty. While the story appears to be a simple fantasy, it upends numerous tropes of the fairy tale genre in inventive and clever ways. It also doesn't dumb itself down, making numerous references to other literary works and trusting the audience to get it, elevating itself in so many ways.

Disney+'s Percy Jackson & The Olympians TV show has done exceedingly well, giving hope to 10 great YA book series that they could be adapted next.

3 A Ring of Endless Light (1980)

Author: madeleine l'engle.

The fourth book in Madeleine L'Engle's Austins series, A Ring of Endless Light , is arguably the best and the best-known of the six-book series. Like many on this list, A Ring of Endless Light was named the Newbery Honor Book of 1981; while the other books about the Austin family were great, none are more beloved than this one . It tells the story of teen Vicky Austin as she struggles to understand the concept of mortality and her place in the universe as she grapples with accepting the impending death of her beloved grandfather. At the same time, she finds herself in her real love for the first time.

The story does not pander or gloss over the extremes of life. Vicky's grief is as sharp as the pangs of new love. As she loses her grandfather, she gains romantic love, and the contrast and juxtaposition make each all the more intense and important. Death stares directly at her and other characters as each encounter it in different ways; the message is that no one can run from it, but it must be faced. Faith also plays a part – regardless of what form that faith takes, it's needed to get humans through their darkest times, as Vicky learns. Kids grappling with losing a beloved grandparent or relative can find comfort and, ultimately, catharsis in the pages of A Ring of Endless Light .

2 Maus (1980-1991)

Author: art spiegelman.

Art Spiegelman's Maus is the only story on this list that is not a book, but a serialized graphic novel. It ran for 11 years, winning countless awards. In fact, it was the first graphic novel ever to win the Pulitzer – and is still only one of two to ever win the prestigious honor (the other being Jake Halpern's Welcome to the New World in 2018). Parents should beware, though: of all the books on this list, Maus is by far the most adult; this is not a book for young children, but for teenagers, and even young adults, who are emotionally mature enough to grapple with the heavy themes.

The story slowly unfolds the story of Spiegelman's father recounting his experiences as a Polish Jew and Holocaust survivor; Spiegelman's mother died by suicide when the author was 20 and his father burned her memoirs of Auschwitz. Maus is Spiegelman's attempt to understand his parents and what they endured. Characters are represented by animals, with Jews being depicted as anthropomorphized mice, other Polish people as pigs, and Germans as cats. It's a heavy work; Maus deals with the Holocaust, but also themes of memory, generational guilt and trauma, and racism and genocide. His mixing of styles and postmodern approach make Maus almost impossible to classify , but as a singularly influential work, Maus stands alone.

1 Number the Stars (1989)

Author: lois lowry.

Lois Lowry never wrote down to children, trusting them enough to not shy away from complex topics of dystopia, depression, political oppression, and others. That she's often on banned or restricted books lists shows just how unafraid her books are at challenging perceptions and being honest with young readers . Her WWII-era book Number the Stars is no different. The story revolves around 10-year-old Danish girl Annemarie, who, in 1943, risk it all to help their Jewish friends escape Nazi occupation.

Number the Stars was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1990, and with good reason. It's a remarkable work by Lowry. She never lets the young reader absorb the full horror of what is happening, choosing to buffer it just a bit, just as Annemarie herself doesn't fully understand the impact of the events unfolding around her. Still, Lowry lets just enough of it creep through to make a young reader sit up and pay attention . It's a deft bit of work that tells a serious story without ever crushing Annemarie's or the reader's spirit, ultimately ending on a note of hope.

35 Best Toys and Gifts for 8-Year-Olds in 2024

These ideas are unique, educational and have approval from kids.

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And while it seems like they've left their toddler blocks behind, building might have a special appeal for 8-year-old boys , 8-year-old girls and all the other 8-year-olds in your life. "Kids this age have much greater fine motor dexterity and can create endless possibilities whether building structures, personalized characters, associated complex storylines or copying a preferred design," says Jennifer Rothman, LCSW . She also recommends games, staring with collaborative ones. "Working together with friends in a more structured game is a nice entry point before more competitive play," she says.

With all that in mind, I took advice from the experts at the The Good Housekeeping Institute , which evaluates hundreds of toys each year for the Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards , and mixed them with editor's picks and bestsellers to come up with this list of the best toys and gifts to buy 8-year-olds in 2024.

Jellycat Amuseable Rainbow Plush Bag

It's a stuffie! It's a little purse! It's...both! This bag is as soft as the plushes that Jellycats are known for, but can also hold all of an 8-year-old's essentials. And if you don't want to go full bag, Jellycat also makes a series of adorable bag charms . No age recommendation given

Treasure X Minecraft Caves & Cliffs Ender Dragon

Kids can use the aqua stick to "craft" their way through 20 levels of adventure, digging through compounds and sand to find the pieces of a character to create — who can then unlock a secret treasure. There are 12 different characters to collect in all, and one lucky kid will get a treasure that's dipped in real gold. Ages 5+

Just My Style Tinsel Hair Stylist Studio

If the 8-year-old in your life wants to get in on the "fairy hair" trend, this kit will let kids add 10-inch tinsel hair extensions into their own hair. The kit also comes with other hair accessories, like pony beads that can be threaded into hair. Ages 6+

Interactive Glow in The Dark T-Shirt

If you want to give them clothes, make sure it's this t-shirt that allows them to draw and write on the front (it then glows in the dark!). Designs last for five minutes, and then they can start all over. Sizes 3T – Large

Klutz Lego Gear Bots Activity Kit

LEGO fans — and what kid isn't? — can find new projects and ideas with this kit, which gives them pieces and inspiration to make eight different kinetic LEGO sculptures. They can build an octopus that DJs, a pterodactyl that moves its wings or a yeti that smashes, all of which are operated by a crank on the side. The characters are made out of paper, so they'll be able to use their art skills, too. Ages 8+

Custom Neon Signs

Choose the color, font style and shape you think they will love the most, and they'll get this custom neon sign that will make their room feel even more their own. No age recommendation given.

They can build countless creations that will light up and shine when it's all put together. Tiles are fitted with light-up wire, and each kit can be put together in a couple of different ways (or they can come up with their own). Good Housekeeping testers say it does take a little time to make something, but they'll be super proud once it's done. Ages 8+

Kanoodle Pyramid

Get their brains going with this mind-teaser that's taken the world of social media by storm. Challenge cards give players the beginning of a 3D shape, and players have to fill it in with the remaining pieces. With more than 200 puzzles to complete, they'll definitely have enough challenge to keep them busy. Ages 7+

RELATED: The Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards

Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Electronics Exploration Kit

You don't need a soldering iron to get started making electronic projects — all the pieces in this kit snap together. And though it's just 28 parts, it can make more than 100 projects, including an adjustable-volume siren, a photo sensor and a flashing light. Ages 8+

If the 8-year-old in your life is always looking for a new way to busy their hands, GooToobz has them covered. A windy pathway is filled with goo, glitter and other objects, and kids get a quiet sensory experience when they tilt and squeeze the fluid through the maze. It comes in several colors and looks. Ages 4+

'A Whale of a Time' Book

Good Housekeeping Institute testers loved this book, which offers a funny poem for every day of the year from poets known and known and unknown. “This has become my coffee-table book," one parent tester said. “Both of my kids look forward to their daily poem." Ages 4 – 8

RELATED: The Good Housekeeping Best Kids' Book Awards

A companion to Cat Crimes , this game turns kids into detectives. Each of the increasingly difficult challenge cards offers a list of clues as to which canine committed a crime, and kids have to put them together to deduce the culprit. It comes with 40 challenges, and it's one of the rare games that kids can play on their own. Ages 8+

RELATED: The Best Board Games for Kids

Tamagotchi Uni

This toy has retro appeal for those who remember the old Tamagotchi, but it's been updated — kids can now enter the "Tamaverse" and interact in different ways. Good Housekeeping Institute testers loved that their Tamagotchis could go on "playdates" together in the Tamaverse. Ages 6+

Nee Doh Dig' It Pig

There are three squishy, globby, cute pigs that come in this pack. Not into pigs? There are pups , donuts and hearts . Ages 3+

Shashibo Shape Shifting Box

They'll be mesmerized with this box, which unfolds into different 3D shapes, and then becomes a puzzle with the challenge of getting it back into a cube. The ultimate fidget toy, it comes in a variety of patterns. Ages 8+

DoodleJamz JellyPics

It's a silly, soothing sensory toy that can help them keep their fidgety hands occupied. The board is filled with gel and beads, and kids can push around the beads with their fingers or the included stylus. It comes with a two-sided background, but kids can also print or make their own. Ages 5+

RELATED: The Best Sensory and Fidget Toys for All Ages

Castle Panic

This board game will have the whole family working together to fight monsters and save the castle walls from being breached, which requires strategy and cooperation. The combo has earned this came more than 2,200 five-star reviews on Amazon. And, once you've mastered the cooperative version, there are ways to adapt the rules for different gameplay (like one-vs-many or solitaire). Ages 8+

Bill Nye's VR Science Kit

This isn't your typical, at-home science kit. Kids wear VR goggles to watch as science legend Bill Nye makes concepts come to life before them. The set includes 50 pieces, including things like beakers and measuring cups, but you have to provide your own Android or iOS device to take advantage of the VR capabilities. Ages 8+

Yep, Furby is back! But this time, it has brighter colors, more interactive responses and even some cool dance moves. Ages 6+

Spin Flip Puzzle

It's a puzzle, but also a fidget toy, so it's like two gift in one. Plus, there are two puzzles they have to solve, it's like three gifts! They'll love twisting, spinning and slide the pieces to finish. Ages 8+

Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother . She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found dominating the audio round at her local bar trivia night or tweeting about movies.

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