An 8-year-old who loves to read is a reader for life! That's why it's so important to help your 8-year-old children and students (typically 3rd graders) find books that are engaging and make them want to keep reading!
While some kids this age are reading voraciously, others may still be working on reading fluency and comprehension. Choose books–or better yet–teach them to choose books that they can enjoy, are age appropriate, are challenging, but not too frustrating. That may sound like a tall order, but the books on this list will help!
And remember, even when your 8-year-old is reading independently, don't stop reading aloud!
Note: this post contains Amazon and Bookshop links that may earn a commission for this blog. Bookshop supports independent booksellers.
THE CASE OF THE CASE OF THE MISTAKEN IDENTITY (series) by Mac Barnett
12-year-old Steve dreams of being a detective and has studiously read and re-read "The Baily Brothers Detective Handbook." He knows everything about solving crimes, which comes in handy when he finds himself thrown into the middle of an exciting mystery. Every book in the series has tons of adventure, twist and turns, loads of intelligent humor and a satisfying ending
MORE: Mystery chapter books for 6-9 year olds
DRAGONS IN A BAG (series) by Zetta Elliott
One day, Jaxon's mom leaves him in the care of Ma, a woman who he thinks is his grandmother but who is actually a witch on a baby dragon delivery mission. Ma takes Jaxon on as her apprentice and they travel to a magical world. When they are set to return to Brooklyn, Ma is accidentally left behind and Jaxon enlists the help of his friends to take care of the baby dragons and rescue Ma.
MORE: Dragon chapter books
DEFINITELY DOMINGUITA: KNIGHT OF THE CAPE (series) by Terry Catasus Jennings
This is a great chapter book series with an indomitable, book-loving heroine. In the first book of the series, Dominguita's abuela has just moved away and Dom loves reading Don Quixote, abuela's favorite book. It makes her feel closer to abuela. Dom attempt to set out on some knightly adventures of her own and prove to the class bully that girls can be knights.
INDIAN SHOES by Cynthia Leitich Smith
This early chapter book is a collection of funny stories about a contemporary Seminole-Cherokee boy and his grandfather. I think this book with its charming tales of the loving intergenerational relationship also works very well as a read aloud.
MORE: Funny books for 3rd graders
DETECTIVE NOSEGOOD (series) by Marian Orłoń, illustrated by Jerzy Flisak
I absolutely love finding English translations of foreign children's books. This gem is from a Polish author. Mr, Ambrosius Nosegoode is a retired famous detective living with his talking dog in a small town. But retired doesn't mean much when he sets out to investigate a missing music box in his new home. Orłoń's narrative is full of subtle humor for discerning readers and is a great mystery for kids who don't like scary stories.
THE PERILOUS PRINCESS PLOT (series) by Sarah Courtauld
Don't be alarmed if you hear uproarious giggles coming from your child's room while they read this book. Hard-working, practical Eliza and her dreamy, prince poster-collecting sister, Gertrude, are total opposites. When Gertrude goes off one day to find a prince and instead gets captured, her sister heads out to rescue her.
MINDY KIM AND THE YUMMY SEAWEED BUSINESS (series) by Lyla Lee
Mindy and her father have moved to Florida. Starting a new school is always tough and on the first day others tease her about her lunch, which includes kimchi and seaweed. However, a classmate tastes the seaweed and declares it delicious, prompting Mindy to start a seaweed business in pursuit of raising enough money to purchase a puppy to cheer up her newly widowed father. Full of heart, thought-provoking themes and engaging, well-rounded characters, this is a great book series for 8-year-olds.
MORE: 100 Funny Chapter Books for Kids
DETECTIVE GORDON: THE FIRST CASE (series) by Ulf Nilsson
Detective Gordon, the local crime stopper, has more of a penchant for tea and cakes than he does for police work, and don't even think about asking him to use the gun. When he meets up a young mouse, whom he mistakes for the criminal in a case he has to solve, he gains a small but enthusiastic assistant. Together they concoct a plan to discover the real thief, who has stolen all of Squirrel's nuts. The lovely, colorful illustrations are a wonderful accompaniment.
MORE: Books for Advanced Young Readers
THE GREAT PET ESCAPE (series) by Victoria Jamieson
This is the first book in a graphic novel series, Pets on the Loose. A class pet, GW the hamster, has collected enough classroom debris to create a machine to allow him to escape his cage. He sets out to free the other class pets where chaos and hijinks ensue. Graphic novels are fun for all kids, and are especially useful in encouraging reluctant readers to read more.
MORE: Beginning Graphic Novels
BOOK UNCLE AND ME by Uma Krishnaswami, illustrated by Julianna Swaney
The Book Uncle is a friendly gentlemen who helps children in India find just the right book at the street corner lending library he runs. This is a terrific story about one girl's determination to stand up and protest against the corrupt politicians who threaten to put Book Uncle out of business. Yasmin's story will inspire your kids to work towards a goal and learn about the value of community involvement.
Natalie says
This is a great list, and I think we only read Beverly Cleary books from it. It's interesting because my daughter is quite the opposite and only wants to read fiction (or non-fiction wrapped inside a fiction story) at the moment. She is going to be 7 in a week, but her recent favorite series include Encyclopedia Brown and Famous Five. She is also getting into Dear America, but it's probably somewhat more girl-oriented.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Famous Five is a great suggestion. I should get some of those for him.
Jeanette Nyberg says
I'm so excited to follow the 'boy' books my son chooses as he grows up. Of course, he could very well choose the same pink princess-y type books my daughter went for, but based on his love of guns and Power Rangers, I think he'll go the boyish route. These are so fun to pin for later!
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks Jeanette. I'm trying hard to get my son to also read so-called "girl" books since I think it's important for kids to see the entire world reflected in their reading but I won't deny that he does gravitate towards so-called "boy" topics!
writersideup says
Don't forget CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS 😀
Erica MomandKiddo says
He read that several years ago and since this list is based on what he's just read in the last month or so, I didn't include Captain Underpants. He did enjoy that series, though.
Alanna says
My son did too (he is 8) but he re-borrows them - and is doing that with the Wimpy Kids now) as I think it is comfort reading - just silly and not as disrespectful as some of those cartoon books for older kids. He loved the Franklin Richards series and we own them so he dips into them a lot. And we inherited 2 boxes of Horrible Histories magazines which are a bit old for him but as long as not too scary I let him read them.
But by FAR the most fun for 8 year old boys is Andy Griffiths - an Australian who wrote the 13-Storey Treehouse, and now the 26th and the 39th. Also his "Just" series, e.g. Just Disgusting!, Just Annoying! Just Crazy! Just Doomed! Just Macbeth! - brilliant
Erica MomandKiddo says
I've had a few Australians recommend Griffiths' books. They sound fun.
Pragmaticmom says
My newly 9-year-old son loved Timmy Failure. His older sister read How to Eat Fried Worms around that age and liked it. I could not get any of my kids to read Beverly Cleary which breaks my heart. Your other picks look great! We're working out way through House of Hades and Book 2 of Harry Potter but when we come up for air, those look great!!!
Jen says
Hi - I remember How to Eat Fried Worms and Tales of 4th Grade Nothing from my own childhood! My 7 year old also loves silly humour and crazy plots - these are great suggestions for him for the next couple of years. Thanks!
Erica MomandKiddo says
I hope he likes them!
maryanne @ mama smiles says
I can't believe Emma turns 8 in a few months - that seems so old! She has read Henry and the Paper Route, and I'm sure she will read these others soon!
Erica MomandKiddo says
I now understand why grownups were always telling me when I was a kid, "Wow, how did you get so big?" LOL
Johanna says
Thank you Erica for the list, yet again! And for all those further recommendations and ideas.
As English is my second language and some of the American 'classics' (e.g.:Encyclopedia Brown and Famous Five etc) are new to me too, this website is a gem! Thank you, thank and THANK YOU!
Greetings from Europe.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks for the kind words, Johanna. I hope you are able to find some of these books where you are.
Deceptively Educational says
I think our 8-year-old boys would be fast friends. Your book lists are quickly becoming my go-to as my voracious reader rips through books faster than I can get to the library to replenish his week's supply. Thanks, as always, for these amazing lists of great books and for sharing them at the After School Linky Party!!
annageig says
Hi, Erika! I know you linked this up a while ago, but it was part of my round up today for After School. Love it!
nephilimtheremnants says
Here is a complete 100 Book List my son just completed!!! This is for 3-4-5th graders that are boys here: http://nephilimtheremnants.com/2014/09/03/my-son-completed-the-100-book-challenge-check-out-the-list-of-100-books-he-read/
Rachel says
Thank you SO much for making this list!!!! My eight year old nephew loves to read and I want to fuel that love while I still can!!! I had a hard time finding books that we're challenging and interesting enough for him while still being age appropriate and I can't wait to get him some of the ones listed because I know he is going to love them!!! Thank you so much!!!
Erica MomandKiddo says
I'm so glad the list was helpful, Rachel!
Mom of girls says
I don't know if you don't realize or don't care but relegating girls to a parenthetical afterthought in a discussion of books is sexist and condescending. I'm trying very hard to raise my girls in such a way that they know all toys are for both boys and girls and all books are for both boys and girls. This makes me see red.
Erica MomandKiddo says
I don’t know if you don’t realize or don’t care, but you have made an incorrect judgement about my attitude towards books based on one simple post. I have over 100 book lists and on many of them I have been very forthcoming about my dislike of "books for boys" and "books for girls" book lists. This is one list based entirely on what my 8 year old BOY was reading. My "parenthetical afterthought" was not an afterthought at all. If you continued to read my blog you will see that I very frequently write in parentheses, it is merely my writing style (however imperfect, and I admit to it being very imperfect), and it is my assertion that these books are good for all children. It is not sexist or condescending. I realize I cannot please everyone all the time, so I take no offense to your incorrect assumption. It is wise to take in the whole picture, rather than make snap judgements. There are many things in this world to "see red" about, such as child poverty, war, the rights of women, corporate money in politics, inequality, racism, the lack of health care for all, etc., but I think this blog post is probably not one of them.
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