8th grade is a tough age for finding just the right book. That's because 13-14 year-olds may not yet want to read YA fiction, but they also don't want to read middle grade books about 9-year-olds.
These books fall in the "upper middle grade" category, and are well-suited for 8th graders. Use this as recommended books for year round reading, or as an 8th grade summer reading list!
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Table of contents
Contemporary Realism
These coming-of-age stories will appeal to middle schoolers navigating a world of changing friendship and turbulent emotions. The quest to figure out who you are is universal to all adolescents!
Slugfest by Gordon Korman
Any of Korman's books are great choices for rising 8th graders who want to pick up a funny book for summer reading. Due to a rule that says 8th graders can't graduate without the requisite P.E. credit, Yash, the best athlete in school, has to attend summer school. However, hat he thinks is going to be a ruined summer turns out to be fun, with lots of laughs and life lessons thanks to his new group of friends that includes a prankster, squabbling twins, a gifted academic, and a passionate activist.
MORE: Books about Summer Camp
Rosewood: A Midsummer Meet Cute by Sayantani DasGupta
Elia Das wants to be a series Shakespearean actress, but her sister, Mallika, is more interested in going to Rosewood, a Regency-immersive summer camp where she might spot someone from her favorite Bridgerton-esque TV series. The Desi American sisters head to the camp, where Elia meets Rahul, a charming and sweet fellow camper. It's a breezy novel which will appeal to teens who love romance and have an yearning for the stage.
MORE: YA Adaptations of Jane Austen
Ghost (Track series) by Jason Reynolds
Ghost is the first book in a series of sports-themed novels by an excellent middle-grade author. Castle Crenshaw, nicknamed "Ghost" because of his talent for running away, is drawn into the local track team. Ghost, who lives with his hard-working single mother, isn't sure he fits in with the team. He's not the only one on the team that struggles, however, but with the help of supportive adults, the kids find their way. I enjoyed this book and appreciated the way Reynolds created complex individuals who struggle with difficult choices, even when they make the wrong decisions.
MORE: Sports Themed Novels
Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead
I liked the narrative style of this book a lot. There are three stories told from different viewpoints of kids growing up in New York City. Bridge, who had a severe accident when she was younger, now wears a cat-ears headband to school every day. She is getting to know fellow seventh grader, Shem, whose story Stead partly tells through his letters to an absent grandfather. A third, unnamed teenage narrator, spends the day trying to avoid someone and reflecting on her complicated friendships. The stories overlap and Stead excels when it comes to telling the complex emotional and social stories of middle schoolers and how complicated their lives can seem to them.
MORE: 50 Upper Middle Grade Books for 11-15 Year Olds
Beast Rider by Tony Johnston & María Elena Fontanot de Rhoads
This is was a captivating and harrowing tale of 12-year-old Manuel's journey on "the beast" from his home in a Mexican village to the United States. Migrants refer to the northbound train as "the beast" and Manuel's journey is anything but easy and safe. He encounters violence, set-backs as well as helpful and compassionate persons. When he finally makes it across the border and reunites with his older brother he tries to settle into a new way of life, but it is difficult and he must decide where he wants his home to be.
Girl of the Southern Sea by Michelle Kadarusman
In Indonesia, fourteen year old Nita wants to continue her education so she can become a writer but her family lacks the funds. Nita is determined, however. When her father falls ill, Nita takes over the food cart where he sells banana fritters to support the family. Her father, however, can't stop spending money on alcohol so Nita must assert her independence and make choices that separate herself from her father. All the while, Nita uses her talents to imagine up stories about Dewi Kadits, a Javanese princess in traditional folklore. This was a wonderful book that will take readers to a part of the world they don't frequently have the opportunity to visit in literature.
Alone by Megan E. Freeman
Maddie and her friends planned to meet for a sleepover. Her friends never show up and in the morning, Maddie finds her town has been entirely abandoned. Unable to communicate with anyone Maddie must learn to survive on her own. At first, there is running water and electricity, but when that goes she teaches herself to drive, finds supplies in neighboring homes and has only a dog for a companion. A suspenseful page-turner!
Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts
My son has enjoyed James Patterson's middle grade books. True, they are not the most intellectually challenging books, but not every book an 8th grader reads needs to address existential questions. This is Patterson's first middle grade novel and he has many more for kids who want a light and funny read that still addresses all the difficulties, insecurities, ups and downs of the middle school years.
MORE: Books for 12 year olds
Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Ancestor Approved is a collection of short stories by Native American authors. The book is structured around an intertribal powwow in which the authors tell their stories. Tales range from funny and silly to serious. Topics cover an incredible range of issues making this not only a book in which Native kids can see their lives reflected, but a must-read anthology for non-Natives that will promote a deeper understanding of Native life.
MORE: Middle Grade Books by Indigenous Authors
Fantasy and Sci-Fi
Young tees love to indulge in a little fantasy reading! Add these books to your 8th grader's reading list.
Star Splitter by Matthew J. Kirby
Ever since I read Kirby's middle grade mystery, Icefall (which I've included on a billion book lists in an effort to get it into the hands of your kids), I have been a fan of his books. If your teen is a fan of sci-fi, this is the novel to give to them! Jessica Mathers is teleported via a device that will remind Star Trek fans of the transporter (with an explanation of how it works that I was not expecting!) to a distant mission involving a post-extinction world. However, upon arrival she encounters a replica of herself and is faced with a bizarre myster. The narration alternates between the two Jessicas as she tries to unravel what happened.
MORE: Classic and Contemporary Science Fiction for Kids
The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera
In this dystopian novel, colonization ships carry select humans away from Earth to build a new life. During the journey, colonists are put in stasis and their minds reprogrammed by the "Collective." When she wakes, Petra Peña is the only one who remembers life on Earth. Petra is determined to escape the Collective and help others remember. A powerful story your kids won't be able to put down.
MORE: Dystopian Books Like The Hunger Games
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Find it: Bookshop (original) Bookshop (illustrated) | Amazon (original) Amazon (illustrated)
What young teen wouldn't love this weird and hilarious science fiction classic? After Earth is destroyed by hostile aliens, Arthur Dent picks up a guide labeled "DON’T PANIC." What follows is an adventure that has become part of pop culture since its publication. There's even a new version illustrated by Chris Riddell.
Time Traveling with a Hamster by Ross Welford
Al Chaudhury gets a letter and a hamster from his deceased father. The letter tells him to find his father's time travel machine and go back in time to avert a disaster. A fun and suspenseful read.
MORE: Time Travel Books
Frogkisser! by Garth Nix
This is a great book for fantasy fans who want an advanced fairy tale read by don't get want the story lines bogged down in romance. Princess Anya must go on a quest to find the ingredients to a Transmorgification Reversal Lip Balm as well as escape the devious plans of her stepfather, Duke Rikard. Her talking dog, Ardent, accompanies her on her adventure, which is full of twists, turns, curious and fascinating characters and lots of laughs. It is not a retelling of any one specific fairy tale, but the book includes references to many familiar stories.
The Mark of the Thief (trilogy) by Jennifer A Nielsen
This incredibly thrilling trilogy is packed full of action and twists behind every corner. Nic and his sister are slaves in mines just outside of Ancient Rome. When Nic discovers an ancient bulla that once belonged to Julius Caesar, the bulla infuses him with a power. He becomes both a target and a pawn in a political conspiracy.
MORE: Sci-Fi and Fantasy Graphic Novels
The Shadow Cipher (series) by Laura Ruby
In this elaborate story, three friends band together in New York City to solve a cipher that connects their apartment building to a centuries-old mystery of how the city was conceived. This is a hefty, compelling book with stellar writing, and complex, well-rounded characters.
The Hero and the Crown (series) by Robin McKinley
McKinley has created a richly detailed fantasy world with well-developed and complex characters. Aerin, the king of Damar's daughter is feared because of her mother and her unusual red-hair. But Aerin decides not to let others decide her destiny. An extremely rewarding read.
MORE: Books for Kids who like The Hunger Games
Historical Fiction
I've purposely chosen historical novels for this 8th grade reading list which I think will appeal to kids who think they hate historical fiction!
Adventures of Mary Jane by Hope Jahren
Mary Jane from Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn gets her own river adventure when her mother sends her south to Mississippi from the Minnesota frontier in pre-Civil War America. During the journey, the courageous and whip-smart Mary Jane encounters some intriguing characters, evades danger, and builds resilience. A great summer adventure book.
Dodger Boy by Sarah Ellis
I loved this short novel! In 1970s Vancouver 13-year-old Charlotte is learning how navigate the life of a teenager. Her family are Quakers and practice non-violence so it is only natural for them to help out Tom Ed, a young Texan escaping the Vietnam War draft. I love the conversations Tom Ed and Charlotte have about everything from politics, civil rights, women’s lib and civil disobedience. Meanwhile, Charlotte is working on an important speech that she has to give when her best friend becomes unavailable. This is an excellent book and as you can imagine, is a conversation starter.
Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan
This masterful novel is told in several parts that cross historical and cultural boundaries. A single harmonica is thread that binds three narratives about children in trouble. Friedrich dreams of being a conductor, but lives in Hitler's Germany. Mike Flannery is an orphan in Depression Era Pennsylvania and Ivy Lopez's family works as migrant laborers. Music is such an integral part of the story and so I also recommend the audiobook format which is absolutely stellar.
MORE: Books about Cuba and Cuban Americans
Just a Hat by S. Khubiar
Joseph Nissan lives in small town Texas in 1979. His family, immigrants from Revolution-era Iran, are also the only Jewish family in town. Joseph's good friends are his Tejano neighbors and together they get into all kinds of mischief. When he joins the football team, Joseph finds a way to channel the frustration he feels, but it also provides a way for him to connect with others and forge a path for himself. This may have a historical setting, but today's kids will absolutely relate to Joseph's emotional journey.
Hattie Big Sky (series) Kirby Larson
In 1918, 16-year-old Hattie, an orphan, travels to Iowa, determined to make her recently deceased uncle's homestead in Montana her own. But, she must tame the land in a year in order to keep it as her own. The narration is coupled with short articles that Hattie writes to a newspaper about her experiences and letters she writes to her friend Charlie, who is at war in France. Hattie's life is hard and she relies on her neighbors to help her out, but there are also fellow homesteaders who are not so supportive. This is a fantastic book and a good choice for advanced readers.
MORE: Books for Readers Who Enjoyed Little House on the Prairie
Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson
In this enthralling story, twelve-year-old Homer escapes the plantation where he is enslaved with his mother and sister. Lost and alone in the swamp, he is rescued by Suleman and taken to the maroon community of Freewater in the Great Dismal Swamp. Although he finds connection with the others in Freewater and learns about survival in the difficult landscape, he is haunted by the need to return to the plantation and free his mother and sister.
The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman
In case you're new here, I love Cushman's books! Brat, who is a 13-ish year old orphaned, homeless girl is taken on as a midwife's apprentice. She proves to be a speedy learner and a hard worker but when she makes a mistake her embarrassment is such that she runs away. The resulting adventure and her eventual return is a page-turner that even kids who think they hate history will revel in. It is not a long novel and so is good for advanced readers and reluctant readers alike.
MORE: Historical Fiction with Strong Girl Protagonists
West of the Moon by Margi Preus
More than anything, Astri wants to join her father in America but her aunt sells her to Svaalberd, a foul, stinking goat farmer who treats her cruelly. Astri manages to escape from Svallberd, grabs her sister from her aunt and uncle before they are able to sell her, too. The sisters, with a strange girl Astri has met in Svaalberd's barn, run towards the coast in hopes of catching a boat to America but they are pursued by Svallberd. The writing is an intriguing mix of history and folklore.
MORE: Thrilling Historical Fiction for Kids
Graphic Novels
Nimona by N.D. Stevenson
Nimona, a shapeshifter, teams up with the one-armed knight, Ballister Blackheart, to take down the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics in this quirky and compelling science-fiction graphic novel and mixes the medieval and the modern.
All Summer Long by Hope Larson
In this graphic novel, 13-year-old Bina turns to music after her parents shut down screen time. She uses music to work through her emotions about how her relationships with family and friends are changing as she gets older. A brand new graphic novel perfect for summer or when your 8th graders wishes it was summer!
Tales of the Mighty Code Talkers by Lee Francis IV, etc.
This graphic novel anthology, created by authors and illustrators of different tribal nations introduces readers to the fascinating experiences of Native "code talkers" during World War II. It's a great choice for kids who love history.
MORE: Nonfiction Graphic Novels
Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang, illustrated by Gurihiru
I mean, the title of this book makes you want to shout, "Hurray! Hurray!" Right? This graphic novel is an adaptation of a 1940s radio show, “The Clan of the Fiery Cross.” It's 1946 and Jimmy Olsen has just befriended, Roberta and Tommy Lee, who have recently moved to the neighborhood from Chinatown. Unfortunately, the family endures racial prejudice and is terrorized by the Klan. This is an excellent graphic novel that not only appeals to superhero fans, but explores complex issues of identity, immigration and prejudice.
MORE: Graphic Novel Adaptations of Classic Literature
Nonfiction
What the Fact? Finding Truth in All the Noise by Seema Yasmin
This terrific book dives, using real world examples from history and the present, into all kinds of misinformation, disinformation and malinformation. It is essential reading for teens. Dr. Yasmin explains how news is constructed and how it spread. She tackles big subjects like the myth of objectivity, social media, how we can spot information manipulation, and offers practical advice. It is a huge topic, but this is a highly readable and necessary book.
Spooked!: How a Radio Broadcast and The War of the Worlds Sparked the 1938 Invasion of America by Gail Jarrow
Readers will be riveted when they read the story of how a radio broadcast convinced its audience that the United States was under attack by aliens. But even more than that, Jarrow dives deep into the media coverage of the radio "attack" and the book will spark a lively discussion about the parallels with "fake news" today.
Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown by Steve Sheinkin
Sheinkin is a great go-to author for engaging nonfiction that teens will enjoy. Today's teens have not experienced the tension of living during the Cold War as their parents and grandparents did. However, Sheinkin's meticulously researched book reads like a thriller and will keep them on the edge of their seat.
MORE: Nonfiction Books for Middle Schoolers
We Had to Be Brave by Deborah Hopkinson
Hopkinson's expertly crafted book about the Kindertransport combines first person narratives, historical details and commentary to present readers with a much-needed history of the children who escaped Nazi Germany via the Kindertransport, an organized rescue operation that helped Jewish children reach safety in Great Britain. Extensive end notes include a timeline of events, glossary, and further resources. Hopkinson's companion book, We Must Not Forget: Holocaust Stories of Survival and Resistance is also a must read.
MORE: Books about the Holocaust
Witch Hunt: The Cold War, Joe McCarthy, and the Red Scare by Andrea Balis and Elizabeth Levy, illustrated by Tim Foley
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Teens will recognize the similarities between McCarthy-era America and their own time. The authors structured the book as a script with a narrator, "Fly on the Wall," who reveals pertinent facts and observations in between quotes from historical figures. It's an engaging format that reveals the shameful behaviors of the day.
Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the Selma Voting Rights March by Lynda Blackmon Lowery, illustrated by PJ Loughran
This is an appealing conversation-style, first person narrative by Lynda Blackmon Lowery, the youngest person to march all the way from Selma to Montgomery. Lowery describes her experience being jailed nine times (all before the age of 15) and beaten on Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama. It’s an amazing and eye-opening story. Lowery speaks directly to children and tells them they have a voice and can be history makers. A final reference to the 2013 Supreme Court decision and assertion that discrimination no longer exists challenges the reader, “Who has the right to vote is still being decided today.” A superb, must-read book.
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
You do not need me to introduce this life-changing book. Anne Frank's first hand account of her life in hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands is essential reading for every person. It will change your life.
The Radium Girls (Young Readers Edition) by Kate Moore
The subtitle of The Radium Girls is "the scary but true story of the poison that made people glow in the dark." And, yes, as the readers learns about the history of young women clock painters who were slowly poisoned with radium in the early 20th century, they will be quite scared indeed. (Just not in a screaming-hiding-under-the-bed sort of way.) Take note: there are graphic descriptions of what that radium did to their bodies. This is a well-written book and will start conversations about all sorts of topics from chemistry to workers rights to sexism.
Poetry
Did you think an 8th grade reading list could be complete without poetry? Think again!
Technically, It's Not My Fault: Concrete Poems by John Grandits
Find it: Amazon
In Grandits' collection, an 11-year-old boy narrates the poems which touch on topics like pizza, sisters, school, imaginative roller coasters and all manner of humorous musings. Also check out his poems in the book, Blue Lipstick: Concrete Poems, which are narrated from the perspective of a 15 year old high school girl.
Poems to See By: A Comic Artist Interprets Great Poetry by Julian Peters
I really loved this book! While many of the poems are appropriate for younger kids, I think the book as a whole will be better appreciated by teens and adults. The volume includes a wide variety of poetry. There is everything from Carl Sandberg to Maya Angelou to W.B. Yeats. Each poem is illustrated in a distinct style, different from the others. Readers will be fascinated and will surely discover new insights into familiar poems as well as enjoying new-to-them poems. Following each graphic take on the poem, is the original text.
Rachel says
You hit the nail on the head with this: " Rising 8th graders may not yet want to read YA fiction, but they also don’t want to read middle grade books about 10 and 11 year olds." This is my problem with my rising 8th grader, too. She also doesn't like fantasy or anything "scary", which limits the choices further. She has read many but not all of the realistic fiction on this list and enjoyed them so I'll have to check out the others.
Beth Schmelzer says
I love your list, Erika. So glad you included female protagonists for your son. Look into GB author Robin Stevens, more Kirby Larson and my new friend Cindy Cavanaugh 's "Sydney MacKenzie Knocks 'Em Dead" about a valley girl from .CA who moved to a cemetery! It just won the Agatha award for best children and YA mystery! My grandson of almost 13 loves another nominee: "The World's Greatest Detective." I highlighted many mysteries on my blog post. Beth
Erica says
Thanks for the recommendations, Beth!
mb says
Are you familiar with the book Shadow Spinner by Susan Fletcher, The Magic Thief series by Sarah Prineas (and her Summerland series), plus Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer (the 2nd and 3rd books in the series are peculiar, but the first book is fabulous). Another great series starts with Troll Fell by Katherine Langrish, and my 14 y.o. adores the Tapestry series by Henry H. Neff.
Phoebe says
I am 13 years old going into 8th grade and I cannot wait to read all of these books which seem like they will be perfect summer reads! Thank you!
Nicole says
Thanks for the great list! I'm so glad you're continuing to recommend books, even though your kids are getting to the age where they're probably selecting most of their books themselves.
Patricia Clepper says
I have a 13 year old daughter I adopted when she was a baby.
She knows her sister's and brothers and her birth mother and dad. I now have cancer and I know she is struggling with how to interact with them
Plus understand my situation.
She doesn't want me to choose her books so if can compile a list for her that would be great.
I see her struggling with communicating and trying to fit in. Thank you in advance.
Lisa says
Greetings from an avid reader/retired teacher/grandmother. I taught primary grades for 18 years & middle school lit for 16 years but I feel that middle school is where you make adult readers for life. The Hunger Game series appeals to both genders and presents important issues. An older book that my grandson loved, as did my students, is Ender's Game. Marsha Forchuk Skrychuk's series that begins with Making Bombs for Hitler is excellent. Jerry Craft has some wonderful, timely graphic novels out too. Thanks for this great website!
Erica says
Thanks for sharing you suggestions!
Safia says
Thank you so much for these lists! They help a lot and now I am finally able to get some good books. I am in 8th Grade and I'm 13, by the way! It's really hard for me to find good books nowadays. Thank you so much, again!
marjorie williams says
requested 8th grade reading list and provided email but the information was never sent.