Best Books for 8-Year-Olds
Looking for the best books for 8-year-olds? I’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.
The Best Books for 8-year-olds
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Fantasy Book for 8-year-olds
Greenwild by Pari Thomson – Jump to Section
The Best Mystery Book for 8-year-olds
Bunnicula by Deborah and James Howe – Jump to Section
The Best Realistic Fiction Book for 8-year-olds
J. D. and the Great Barber Battle by J. Dillard – Jump to Section
The Best Audiobook for 8-year-olds
Wishtree by Katherine Applegate – Jump to Section
The Best Book for 8-year-olds Set in School
The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy by Anne Ursu – Jump to Section
The Best Spy Book for 8-year-olds
Mac Undercover by Mac Barnett – Jump to Section
The Best Royal Book for 8-year-olds
The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine by Mark Twain and Philip C. Stead – Jump to Section
The Best Picture Book for 8-year-olds
Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds – Jump to Section
The Best Animal Book for 8-year-olds
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown – Jump to Section
The Best Classic Book for 8-year-olds
Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater – Jump to Section
The Best Sports Book for 8-year-olds
Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas – Jump to Section
Best Graphic Novel for a 8-Year-Old
Stink by Megan McDonald – Jump to Section
Best Nonfiction Book for 8-Year-Olds
Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet – Jump to Section
*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 Fantasy Books for 8-Year-Olds
Greenwild
Author: Pari Thomson
Year: 2023
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 12
More info: Greenwild #1
Plot
Eleven-year-old Daisy Thistledown knew her mom kept secrets- giant, dangerous secrets. Now her mom has disappeared, and Daisy is determined to find her.
Her search brings her to a hidden doorway in a simple shop. When she steps through, she finds herself in an entirely different world. Greenwild is magical, both figuratively and literally. Daisy can barely believe her eyes. But after a few minutes, she realizes that what she sees is completely real.
She also realizes is that there are people who strive to destroy this beautiful place and Daisy is determined to stop them. Daisy has to save Greenwild and find her mom in this tween fantasy book.
Why Jackie loves it
Daisy has to save Greenwild and find her mom in this tween fantasy book. It’s the first in a trilogy and one that is perfect for environmental fiction lovers. It reminded me of Ferngully in some ways!
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Books like Keeper of the Lost Cities / Books like Harry Potter for Kids / Best Books for 8-year-olds
Plot
This book is the perfect mixture of adventure, magic, and mystery. Felicity and her family arrive in Midnight Gulch, a town that used to be filled with magic before a curse pushed all the magic away. Felicity hopes to understand where the magic went and bring it back to the town.
Why Jackie loves it
I like magical realism and I so rarely see it in children’s books. This one kept me turning the pages all night long.
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Best Books for 8-year-olds
Dragons in a Bag
Author: Zetta Elliott
Year: 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Age: 8 – 10
More info: Dragons in a Bag #1
Plot
This newer series is an urban fantasy about Jaxon, who is helping to deliver baby dragons to a magical world. After letting the dragons out of the bag AND feeding them sugar (the two things he’s not supposed to do!) he needs to figure out how to get them out of Brooklyn and into the world where they belong.
Why Kirsten loves it
This fantasy story was required reading for both of my kids the summer going into their 4th-grade years. They read and loved it!
Find this book in: Best Books for 8-year-olds / Dragon Books for Kids
Mystery Books for 8-Year-Olds
Bunnicula: A Rabbit Tale of Mystery
Author: Deborah and James Howe
Illustrator: Alan Daniel
Year: 1979
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 7 – 10
More info: Bunnicula #1
Plot
Chester, a cat, and Harold, a dog, live in perfect harmony with their family until a new pet is brought onto the scene. When the family brings home a new bunny named Bunnicula, Chester is convinced he is Dracula’s rabbit. Weird things start to happen and they are convinced that Bunnicula is a vampire rabbit! Hijinks ensue.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s the first in a series and the second one is even funnier. The whole series is part mystery, part comedy and fully entertaining.
Find this book in: Chapter Books to Read Aloud / Halloween Chapter Books / Children’s Books About Bunnies / Best Books for 8-year-olds
Encyclopedia Brown
Author: Donald J. Sobol
Year: 1963
Genre: Early Reader Mystery
Age: 7 – 9
More info: Encyclopedia Brown #1
Plot
Encyclopedia Brown is a beloved series about Leroy “Encyclopedia” Brown, a brilliant young detective in his small town. With his cunning observational skills, he takes on a variety of cases brought to him by friends and neighbors.
Why Jackie loves it
These kids’ mystery books provide an interactive and engaging reading experience, encouraging young readers to think critically and hone their detective skills as they try to solve the mystery before Encyclopedia Brown does.
Find this book in: Best Books for 8-year-olds / Mystery Books for Kids
The Buried Bones Mystery
Author: Sharon M. Draper
Year: 1994
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 8 – 12
More info: Clubhouse Mysteries #1
Plot
This modern classic children’s book series is a collection of engaging stories that follow a group of friends who form a secret club and embark on exciting adventures. Together, they solve mysteries, uncover secrets, and use their teamwork and problem-solving skills to crack cases. Their first case? A mysterious box of bones they dug up while building a treehouse.
Why Kirsten loves it
These books offer a delightful blend of friendship, suspense, and fun, making them perfect for young readers who love a mystery!
Find this book in: Best Books for 8-year-olds / Mystery Books for Kids
Best Realistic Fiction Books for an 8-Year-Old
House with A Clock in Walls
Author: John Bellairs
Illustrator: Edward Gorey
Year: 2004
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8-12
More info: Lewis Barnavelt #1
Plot
The first
Turns out, the clock was made to destroy every human! Will Lewis be able to stop it?
Why Jackie loves it
This is a good book to start tweens on scary stories. I loved it as a kid! The recent Halloween movie adaptation stars Jack Black.
Find this book in: Halloween Chapter Books / Halloween Movies Based on Books
Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom
Author: Eric Wight
Illustrator: Eric Wight
Year: 2010
Genre: Beginning Reader
Age: 7 – 9
More info: Frankie Pickle #1
Plot
Frankie and his dog, Argyle, have loads of adventures in Frankie’s very messy room. Tired of constantly telling Frankie to clean up, his mom agrees that he never has to clean his room again. But is that as good as Frankie thinks it will be?
Why Kirsten loves it
Part graphic novel, part beginning chapter book, this book is great bridge for new readers. Frankie’s imagination is the stuff of legends and it will get your child excited too!
Find this book in: Best Books for 8-year-olds
J. D. and the Great Barber Battle
Author: J. Dillard
Illustrator: Akeem S. Roberts
Year: 2021
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 7 – 10
More info: J. D. the Kid Barber #1
Plot
After receiving a terrible haircut, J.D. attempts to fix his own hair and finds his secret talent as a barber! He gets so many compliments he turns his gift into a business until the only barber in town gets upset when he starts losing clients!
Why Kirsten loves it
The way my reluctant reader gobbled this up! In fact, at his school book sale the entire 3rd grade sold this book out on day one!
Find this book in: Best Books for 8-year-olds
Best Audiobooks for an 8-Year-Olds
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Author: J. K Rowling
Year: 1998
Genre: Middle-Grade fantasy
More info: Harry Potter #1 of 7
Age Range: 8+ (note that some of the later books in the series may not be appropriate until a bit older)
Plot
I was in university when this book was published and the first four were sitting on my younger brother’s bookshelf before I picked it up to see what the fuss was about. I read all four books in as many days and was married with a child before the final book was published.
This story introduces us to Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger; our fearless trio. We also meet the other favorite beloved and detested characters that make the Harry Potter book series so special. After all, what would Hogwarts be without Hagrid, Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape, and Draco Malfoy?
Trigger Warnings
Parental death
Why Jackie loves it
I firmly believe that JK Rowling changed children’s literature more profoundly than any other author. I realize that this is a very strong statement. But, until her, there have never been books that have had such an impact on the world of reading. The books are so brilliantly laid out with easter eggs in book one that are essential for the entire plot. I believe this is one of the best fantasy series ever written.
Why Kirsten loves it
In my opinion, this is the best children’s fantasy series ever written. It features strong lessons on morality, inventive plotlines, and hidden threads woven throughout the entire series. Jim Dale’s audiobook narration of this book is award-winning. He voices over 200 characters, each with distinct accents and my kids have listened to the entire series multiple times.
Adaptations
While this beloved series has already been made into an 8 movie series starring Daniel Ratcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, Warner Brothers is currently turning into a TV series as well.
Find this book in: Halloween Chapter Books / Audiobooks for Kids / Harry Potter Books in Order / Books like Percy Jackson / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Magic School Books / Jackie’s Favorite Books / Kirsten’s Favorite Books / Books to Read Aloud / Books with Magic Schools for Kids
Plot
Trees can talk, didn’t you know? And after a few hundred years of silently watching the human world, the tree at the center of this story, Red, decides to intervene in the lives of those the sees every day. Red is going to be cut down, removing the home of local woodland animals, and saddening the kids in the neighborhood as they use Red’s branches as a wishtree. But before Red can be cut down, the tree and his best friend Bongo, a crow, want to work to help the new family feel welcomed to the neighborhood.
Why Kirsten loves it
It is ultimately a beautiful story of love, friendship, and kindness. My son recently used this book for an art book report and I was reminded all over again why this story is so dear. This is a great tween book about welcoming immigrants and making a new friend.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Best Books for 8-year-olds
Plot
Lucretia and her mother have moved to Candle Island, Maine, to keep her secret hidden. They didn’t know that the small coastal island had a bit of a turf-war problem in which the year-round inhabitants despised the summer folks and vice versa.
As Lucretia settles in, she befriends some locals, finds and cares for an osprey chick, paints in her barn, and explores the island. Everything sounded idyllic until some summer kids started making trouble for her and the burgeoning friendships. Can Lucreita find her inner strength and stand up to these bullies?
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved both the setting and the characters in this sweet summer novel. The osprey chick, the Maine coast, and the beautiful descriptions of the art enhanced the story of friendship, bravery, and standing up for what is right.
Find this book in: Best Books for 8-Year-Olds
Books for 8-Year-Olds Set at School
The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy
Author: Anne Ursu
Year: 2021
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 12
Plot
Marya’s brother is going to be a sorcerer. When an accident happens, Marya is sent to Dragomir Academy. It is a place for troubled girls. When she is there, the Dread attacks. The Dread is a cloud-like creature that can spawn itself and destroy villages.
Why Jackie loves it
My daughter read this one. This is what she had to say. “I really liked this book because I love magic and the girls at the school work together as a team. This book was exciting and I want to read anything this author writes.”
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Books like Percy Jackson / Best Books for 8-year-old / Books with Magic Schools for Kids
Matilda
Author: Roald Dahl
Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Year: 1988
Genre: Classic Picture Book
Age: 6 – 106
Plot
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!
Why Jackie loves it
I could read this story over and over again and it’s one of my daughter’s favorites too! Ms. Honey will go down as one of my favorite literary characters…. and honestly, I love the movie version of this one too.
Find this book in: Classic Kids Books / Netflix Book Adaptation / Family Audiobooks / Back to School Books / Best Books for 8-year-olds
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Author: Jeff Kinney
Illustrator: Jeff Kinney
Year: 2007
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 7 – 10
More info: Diary of a Wimpy Kid #1
Plot
Greg Heffley is the star of this and the 20+ books in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. He chronicles his middle school misadventures in his diary, where he draws cartoons daily. Rowley Jefferson is his best friend (who also has his own series of books), who becomes an increasingly popular kid, which Greg tries to exploit to hilarious effect.
Why Kirsten likes it
While this series isn’t a personal favorite for me or my children, it IS a bestseller for a reason. It is beloved by millions of kids, particularly reluctant readers, because of its silly content and the cartoon presentation of Greg and his troubles.
Best Detective and Spy Books for an 8-Year-Old
Chasing Vermeer
Author: Blue Balliett
Illustrator: Brett Helquist
Year: 2004
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Chasing Vermeer #1
Plot
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 Kirsten loves 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 Books for 8-year-olds / Mystery Books for Tweens / Puzzle Books for Middle School/
Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew: Sleepover Sleuths
Author: Carolyn Keene
Illustrator: Macky Pamintuan
Year: 2008
Genre: Early Reader Mystery
Age: 7 – 9
More info: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew #1
Plot
Nancy Drew is getting a modern update for the younger set in this series of beginning reader mystery books for kids. She’s back with George and Bess to solve kid-appropriate cases – think missing dolls and an escaping pony.
Why Kirsten loves it
As a teen I adored Nancy Drew, so it’s nice to see her mystery-solving roots in this early reader series!
Find this book in: Early Reader Books / Best Books for 8-year-olds / Mystery Books for Kids
Mac Undercover
Author: Mac Barnett
Illustrator: Mike Lowery
Year: 2018
Genre: Early Reader Mystery
Age: 7 – 10
More info: Mac B. Kid Spy #1
Plot
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.
Why Kirsten loves it
My reluctant reader ate this book up! We have a few books in the series and they are quite fun.
Find this book in: Best Books for 8-year-olds / Spy Books for Kids
Royal Books for 8-Year-Olds
From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess
Author: Meg Cabot
Year: 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 8 – 12
More info:
Plot
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!
Why Jackie loves it
Getting to share my beloved Princess Diaries with my daughter has been a real treat! I love the updated version of this story and getting to see Mia as a big sister. Of course, I had to watch the movies with my daughter after she read this series.
Princess Smarty Pants
Author: Babette Cole
Illustrator: Babette Cole
Year: 1997
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 8
Plot
This children’s book about being different is a hilarious tale in which Princess Smarty Pants does not want to get married. She finds some unique solutions to her situations and ensures that she can continue to be the princess that she wants to be – single and happy!
Why Jackie loves it
I’m delighted to see an independent princess in this book, it’s one of my favorites to read to my daughter!
Find this book in: Best Books for 8-year-olds
The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine
Author: Mark Twain and Philip C. Stead
Illustrator: Erin Stead
Year: 2021
Genre: Chapter Book
Age: 8 – 12
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Plot
This is a previously unfinished children’s book by Mark Twain that Philip and Erin Stead, Caldecott Medal winners finished for him. In the story, Johnny is sad and lonely with just his chicken until he receives a magical seed that allows him to talk to animals. With his newfound skill, he’s sent on a mission to find a stolen prince, face a bullying king, and befriend a bevy of animals.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love that the story was created from the notes Twain made after telling a bedtime story to his children. It’s incredible to think that his kids had such a talented father telling him magical tales like this one. The Steads brought the story to life, making this century-apart collaboration a must-read.
Find this book in: Best Books for 8-year-olds
Picture Books for 8-year-olds
Creepy Carrots
Author: Aaron Reynolds
Illustrator: Peter Brown
Year: 2014
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 5 – 8
More info: Caldecott Honor Book
Plot
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 Jackie loves it
Both Creepy Carrots and its sibling book, Creepy Pair of Underwear, are favorites in my household. This is the perfect picture book for older kids. It is simultaneously funny and creepy.
Find this book in: Books for 5-year-olds / Book About Food for Kids / Halloween Picture Books
Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery
Author: Graeme Base
Illustrator: Graeme Base
Year: 1993
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 6 – 11
Plot
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 Jackie loves it
How do I count all the ways I love this book? There are gorgeous illustrations, rhyming text, and interactive element that kids will love, and a mystery that I enjoyed too!
Find this book in: Interactive Books
Hattie and Hudson
Author: Chris Van Dusen
Illustrator: Chris Van Dusen
Year: 2021
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
Plot
Although this is the first book by Mr. Van Dusen that does not rhyme (and also features a female main character), the story is enhanced by the wonderful friendship that develops between Hattie and Hudson. Hudson is a lake monster and Hattie is his first human friend. Hattie works to show all the townspeople not to be scared of her new friend.
Why Jackie loves it
Chris Van Dusen can do no wrong in my world, and this book is no exception. The sweet charms of Hattie and Hudson come alive with Van Dusen’s illustrations and the story is so sentimental.
Find this book in: Monster Books for Kids / Best Books for 8-year-olds
Animal Books for 8-Year-Olds
Stuart Little
Author: E. B. White
Illustrator: Garth Williams
Year: 1945
Genre: Classic Chapter Book
Age: 5 – 9
Plot
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.
Why Jackie loves it
All my kids love this great story. Stuart has amazing adventures and displays great bravery in this classic book.
Find this book in: Read Aloud Children’s Books / Best Classic Books for Kids / Animal Book for Kids / Best Books for 8-year-olds / Family Audiobooks
The Wild Robot
Author: Peter Brown
Year: 2016
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 7 – 11
More info: The Wild Robot #1
Plot
Roz the robot is stranded on an island all by herself. With no idea of how she got there or what she was created for, she has one question. Can she survive?
Soon Roz is befriending the local animals and feels at home on the island. But what happens when her past arrives on the island? This one ends on a cliffhanger, but there is a second book!
Why Kirsten loves it
This one ends on a cliffhanger, but the rest of the series is out, so you can dive right into the next one. I adored Roz and her animal friends. She reminds me of Wall-E in some ways but her surivial reminds me a bit of My Side of the Mountain, a childhood favorite!
Find this book in: Best Books for 8-year-olds / Middle Grade Fiction
The Great Pet Heist
Author: Emily Ecton
Illustrator: David Mottram
Year: 2021
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 7 – 10
More info: The Great Pet Heist #1
Plot
After Butterbean accidentally causes her own to take a spill, the pets enter crisis mode – HOW WILL THEY EAT? With her band of fellow animals, Butterbean decides to steal from a neighbor down the hall.
Why Kirsten loves it
Do you have a reluctant reader who wants a funny story that isn’t too difficult? Enter The Great Pet Heist! If your tweens love Ocean’s Eleven, they will love this one too!
Find this book in: Mystery Books for Tweens / Best Books for 8-year-olds
Classic Books for an 8-Year-Old
Mr. Popper’s Penguins
Author: Richard and Florence Atwater
Illustrator: Robert Lawson
Year: 1938
Genre: Classic Children’s Fiction
Age: 6 – 9
More info: Newbery Honor Winner
Plot
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.
Why Jackie loves it
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 / Newbery Award Winners / Best Books for 8-year-olds
The Little House in the Big Woods
Author: Laura Ingalls Wilder
Illustrator: Garth Williams
Year: 1932
Genre: Classic Historical Fiction
Age: 5 -9
More info: Little House #1
Plot
Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote her classic Little House series based on her life. This first book in the series details her life in the cabin in the woods before her family decided to relocate to the prairie.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Jackie loves it
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.
Find this book in: Best Books for 8-year-olds
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Author: Roald Dahl
Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Year: 1964
Genre: Middle Grade Classic
Age: 6 – 9
More info: Charlie Bucket #1
Plot
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. Step into the wonderful world of Willy Wonka and you’ll never be the same again.
Trigger Warnings
Fatphobia
Why Kirsten loves it
This story is quite the classic and it revolves around all things candy! With its creeptastic vibes, it’s also wonderful for Halloween. I’ve loved this story for a long time, but I don’t love the author. Please be advised that he is a known for incredibly problematic comments about women, Jews, and minority groups.
Find this book in: Best Classic Books for Kids / Best Books for an 8-Year-Old / Read Aloud Children’s Books / Kids Food Books / Books about Candy
Sports Books for 8-Year-Olds
The Kelce Brothers
Author: Apple Jordan
Illustrator: Macky Pamintuan
Release Date: October 15, 2024
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 4-8
Plot
Learn about Travis and Jason Kelce in the latest Little Golden Book series installment. I love this series for introducing nonfiction to new readers.
Why Kirsten loves it
The Kelce brothers shot to fame for being great football players (remember the Kelce Bowl?) but their recent metaphoric rise to superstardom came from their charming personalities and a certain significant other. I love that this story filled me in on their back story in a format that is great for beginning readers.
Find this book in: Best Books for 8-year-olds / Best New Children’s Books of 2024
Swim Team
Author: Johnnie Christmas
Year: 2022
Genre: Graphic Novel
More info: National Book Award Winner, Coretta Scott King Award
Age Range: 8 – 12
Plot
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!
Trigger Warnings
Bullying, Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
This story is an award winner for a reason. It’s a story I read to get me in the mood for the Olympic games, but I soon forgot the games as I became invested in this middle grade graphic novel.
Find this book in: Best Books for 8-year-olds / Graphic Novels
Sakamoto’s Swim Club: How a Teacher Led an Unlikely Team to Victory
Author: Julie Abery
Illustrator: Chris Sasaki
Year: 2021
Genre: Nonfiction
Age: 5-8
Plot
The story itself is based on the true story of a swim club in Hawaii whose little program for kids leads to an Olympic gold!
Why Kirsten loves it
The illustrations of this story keep it at the top of our list of books about the Olympics for kids because they suck you right into the pages.
Find this book in: Olympics Books for Kids / Best Books for 8-year-olds
Graphic Novels for an 8-Year-Old
Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute
Author: Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Illustrator: Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Year: 2009
Genre: Middle Grade Graphic Novel
Age: 7 – 9
More info: Lunch Lady #1
Plot
The first in a graphic novel series, this story is quite funny! Hector, Terrence, and Dee are students who can’t help but wonder what their Lunch Lady is upto when she’s not working to feed them. It turns out she secretly fights bad guys in her free time!
Why Jackie loves it
These hilarious books are graphic novels that are sure to keep your middle-grade student entertained with crazy antics and ridiculous situations. This lunch lady serves lunch and justice in the best way.
Find this book in: Best Books for 8-year-olds / School Books
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid
Author: Megan McDonald
Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds
Year: 2005
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 6 – 8
More info: Stink #1
Plot
Stink is Judy Moody’s younger brother – and he now has his own series! Judy measures Stink every morning before school, but then one day she reads off a number that makes no sense, unless Stink is shrinking! With comics that help illustrate his plight to convince everyone he’s growing, this series is a sure-fire hit for reluctant readers.
Why Jackie loves it
Like McDonald’s other series, Judy Moody, I think Stink is a perfect early reader story for kids just beginning to read. Try having them read a chapter out loud and then ask a question to make sure they are comprehending what they are reading.
Find this book in: Early Reader Books / Best Books for 8-year-olds
Casper The Friendly Ghost
Author: Lars Bourne
Illustrator: Warren Kremer
Year: 1952
Genre: Comic Book
Age: 8+
Plot
Casper the Friendly Ghost has delighted comic book lovers for years. His stories aren’t strictly Halloween-based, but his ghostly group of friends make for year-round reading.
Why Kirsten loves it
Casper is a great entry point into the world of comic books for kids, especially reluctant readers. This comic strip made an excellent Halloween movie that I adored as a child.
Find this book in: Halloween Chapter Books / Halloween Movies Based on Books / Best Books for 8-year-olds
Nonfiction Books for 8-Year-Olds
Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade
Author: Melissa Sweet
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Year: 2011
Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book
Age: 5 – 8
More info: The Robert F. Sibert Medal Winner
Plot
If, like me, your family eagerly watches the Thanksgiving Day Parade, this is the book for you! This non-fiction picture book tells the story of Tony Sarg, his imagination, and how he created Macy’s famed parade.
Why Kirsten loves it
Your children will love the colorful illustrations and clever story, forgetting they are learning the origins of a tradition as they read. This is a perfect Thanksgiving picture book.
Find this book in: Thanksgiving Books for Kids / Best Books for 8-year-olds
From An Idea To Disney: How Imagination Built a World of Magic
Author: Lowey Bundy Sichol
Illustrator: C. S. Jennings
Year: 2019
Genre: Middle Grade Nonfiction
Age: 8 – 12
More info: Part of the From an Idea series
Plot
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 tells the real life story of how Walt’s idea became the world-reknown company we know today.
Why Kirsten loves it
Other books in the series look at companies like Nike, Google, and Lego. It’s the perfect series of books for readers looking to get into the nonfiction genre.
Find this book in: Best Books for 8-year-olds / Books for Tweens
Down Syndrome Out Loud
Author: Melissa Hart
Illustrator: MarÃa Perera
Year: 2025
Genre: Nonfiction
Age: 8 – 14
Plot
Down Syndrome Out Loud showcases the incredible accomplishments of individuals with Down Syndrome. From athletes to teachers to musicians to designers, each person profiled in this story has contributed greatly to the world around us.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book should be in every school library, particularly as a resource for nonfiction writing for upper elementary and middle school students. The stories are captivating and showcase passionate individuals who have excelled in their fields. With easy-to-digest chapters and colorful illustrations, this book will capture the minds of every reader.
Helpful Tip
- Don’t force your child to read a genre or book they don’t like – it will discourage them from reading
- Despite the ongoing debate on this subject, consuming graphic novels and audiobooks does count as reading!
- Each of the books on this list appears on other book lists across the website. Find a book you (or your child) enjoy and explore other book lists that book is on!
Frequently Asked Questions
What genre should an 8-year-old read?
Like all readers, 8-year-olds should read the genre they find most fascinating. I’d advise that 8-year-olds read books about things that inspire them in their everyday lives. Fantasy and realistic fiction are particularly popular for this age group, as are stories with animals.
What are the best books for 8-year-olds?
A hard question to answer, but some of my favorites from each genre include Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas, The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine by Mark Twain and Philip C. Stead, and Wishtree by Katherine Applegate.
Related Content
Epilogue
Finding age-appropriate books for 8-year-olds comes down to embracing their interests as readers! Did you find any books for an 8-year-old to add to your home library?
Book Lists by Age
If you are looking for more amazing book lists, check out these lists sorted by age.
