50 Best Books for 8-Year-Olds: 2024 Picks

Jaxon has to help his grandmother deliver baby dragons into a safe magical place. But there are two rules: he can’t let them out of the bag or feed them sweets. When Jaxon and his friends break the rules, hijinks ensue.

If your child enjoys books about time travel, talking animals, magic, and a diverse urban setting, they will love this book. Kids at this age enjoy the continuity of a series, so this is a great starting point in a four-part collection. You’ll be running to buy the next book before you know it!

Eight-year-olds are not too old for picture books, and this one is proof! The Pink Umbrella follows a shop owner who begins to feel blue when the weather turns gloomy. But she’s intrigued when someone leaves her a bright pink umbrella. Who could it be?

With stunning illustrations of French countryside scenery, this sweet story will leave your kids turning the pages. The ending should bring a smile to your face — my nieces and nephews can’t get enough of it!

Is there anything your child is afraid of? Jabari is scared of jumping from the tall diving board, even after he’s finished his swimming lessons. Will he be able to do it in this excellent story about taking a leap of faith?

Follow Jabari and his family on a warm summer day as Jabari faces his fears. Your kids will cheer for him at the end of this picture book while feeling inspired to overcome their fears.

Give your imagination a rest with this much-loved National Geographic book of facts. In this brain booster, children will learn 5,000 amazing facts about everything under the sun, including peanut butter, sharks, and world history.

The eyecatching photographs will have your child returning to the joy of this again and again — learning something new each time. They’ll be eager to share the facts with you, so you’ll grow smarter too.

Young Mindy and her dad move to a new town, and she’s nervous about starting school and making friends. At lunch, her schoolmates discover that her Korean snacks are different from anything they know — and they taste good too! So Mindy starts selling seaweed snacks at school to raise money to buy herself a puppy.

This lovely chapter book (the first in a series) highlights cultural diversity, and focuses on a protagonist dealing with her mom’s death and living in a single-parent home. Yet, Mindy is a clever, sweet character. I think your child will adore her.

A pet pig who saves the day — what’s not to love? The Mercy Watson series is well-loved and for good reason. Mercy is an endearing character, and your kids will enjoy the humor and heart in this series.

This book is an excellent fit for kids who enjoy books about animals, but it’s also great for transitioning readers. If you want to introduce your child to chapter books, I think they’ll adore the fun story, easy-to-read text, and vivid illustrations.

This is the touching story of a robot named Roz, who finds herself alone on a secluded island. Not knowing how she got there or why, she is forced to adapt to her surroundings and become one with the wild.

But how can a manufactured robot fit into a natural environment?

This profoundly moving story has many moments that will warm your child’s heart while touching on nature, sentience and technology themes.

If you’re looking for a fun, action-packed graphic novel, Hilo is the series for your child. Many revered authors, including Neil Gaiman and Jeff Smith, have praised it.

It follows D.J. and Gina, two otherwise ordinary children who befriend Hilo — an alien boy who can’t remember where he comes from or why he fell to Earth.

Together they teach Hilo how to blend in and survive in our world while trying to figure out his past. And there are space robots! What more could an eight-year-old hope for?

Elliott Harkness’s parents, sister, and dog are superheroes. He, unfortunately, has no power and is labeled a “zero.” While his family saves the world, he is stuck being an ordinary kid.

When a new threat arrives and Elliot learns that he is the planet’s last hope, he has to dig deep within himself to save it. Will he become a superhero, or will he remain powerless?

Epic Zero is brilliantly narrated. It’s hilarious, original, and bound to put a smile on your eight-year-old’s face, even if they’re not a huge reader!

This thrilling and loveable mystery is excellent for little detectives. It follows a group of friends who live next door to the zoo. When Megan gets a hunch that something in the zoo is amiss, she vanishes. It’s up to her friends and brother to find her while battling surprising revelations about the zoo they discover.

Your 8-year-old is bound to love this exciting mystery. It’s got action, adventure, friendship, animals, and mystery. It’s the complete package!

If your child loves all things weird and wonderful, I think they’ll enjoy the absurdity of this book. When rhinos eat James’ parents (yes, you read that right), he goes to live with his awful aunts. When James drops magic crystals near a peach tree, bizarre things start to happen.

As a child, I remember being fascinated by this surreal and strange story about a young boy living inside a giant peach. While it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, it’s a great introduction to fantasy and the world of Roald Dahl.

Loosely based on a true story, this chapter book tells the tale of Ivan, a laid-back gorilla who lives in a cage at the mall. He’s pretty happy with his life there until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken away from her family. Then he is motivated to make a change for the better.

In this first-person narration from the eyes of lovely Ivan, readers can enjoy a deep and moving story that touches on themes about humanity, overcoming the past, and animals in captivity. If you love books about animals, this might quickly become a new favorite.

Uh-oh. There’s been a huge mistake! Wyaside School was supposed to be a long one-story school, but the builder accidentally constructed it sideways instead. So now, it’s 30 stories high with only one classroom on each floor!

This hilarious book follows all of the bizarre antics at Wayside School, especially on the 30th floor where Bebe, John, Myron and Sammy all attend. If your little one is after a side-splitting story with zany characters, this one will be right up their street!

Greg Heffley is on a mission to prove his maturity to his classmates, but when his friend Rowley becomes more popular, Greg tries to take advantage of that. In this tale of testing friendship, you’ll laugh and marvel the entire way through.

Written in a graphic novel meets chapter book diary-style, I think both avid and skeptical readers will enjoy this novel.

Ellie has just started middle school and, like many 11-year-olds, is feeling totally overwhelmed. But when her grandfather develops an age-reversing serum and becomes a 13-year-old again, Ellie is roped into his wacky science project.

Both funny and scientific, this will be a hit with children who appreciate good humor and science projects. While much of the scientific language might be a bit mature for eight-year-olds, this is a fascinating book you don’t want to skip.

In this inspiring story written and illustrated by the author, a mother and baby immigrate from one country to another. This book captures what it is like to make this brave decision. Told with a mixture of English and Spanish language, this phenomenal story conveys what it feels like to misunderstand aspects of a new world.

Whether you’ve immigrated or want to teach your child empathy, this is a fantastic book to add to the shelf. I think it will hold a special place in your child’s heart for years to come.

Is your child’s favorite color blue? In this spectacular story, they’ll learn the history of this amazing color. Told with beautiful prose and stunning illustrations, the author explains all the ways the color blue manifests.

You’ll learn how people throughout history have sought after the color blue and how it’s been used in art. I appreciate the educational aspect of this eye-catching book, and I’m sure your child will, too!

Dedicated to the first responders on the 9/11 attack, this fascinating book walks readers through the history of the twin towers and how they came to a devastating end. Chapter titles include “Money, Money, Money” and “The First Attack” in this illustrated and educational story about the most famous buildings in history.

I devoured these kinds of books as a child. In this guide, you’ll find easy step-by-step instructions on how to draw everything from dinosaurs to fairies. Whether your child is already a talented artist or they’re keen to try a new skill, this is an excellent title for road trips, rainy afternoons or play dates.

In this fantasy tale about a magical young girl, Brystal Evergreen illegally acquires books until one day, she finds a secret section of a library. Stumbling upon a book about magic (which is outlawed), Brystal soon discovers that she is magic. The problem is the more she practices her magic, the harder it is to keep it hidden.

While your eight-year-old will adore this book (whether reading independetly or together with you), parents will also fall in love with the thrilling tale of a magical child. And the best part: there are three books in the series.

Meet the friends who are part of the Cat Kid Comic Club, where they work on their own comic stories. In this book, you’ll join them during their club antics, arguments, and mishaps while also enjoying the hilarious comics they create.

If your little one loves picture books, but you’d like them to get into chapter books, this is a fantastic crossover. And it’s part of a five-book series so that they can get super immersed in the comic club universe!

I’m not sure why but as a child, I was fascinated with tiny characters, such as Tinker Bell, Thumbelina, and of course, the Clock family from this novel. Pod, Homily and their daughter, Arrietty, are tiny people living beneath a human family’s floorboards.

They aren’t supposed to be seen by the humans; it’s very dangerous. But Arriety is bored of her comfortable life and takes a huge risk in the name of friendship. Will she be able to return to her family underneath the floor?

This book is part of the renowned classic series about a bear who has moved from Peru to England, where he meets the Brown family. In this adorable book, you’ll follow the joy of Paddington, who embarks on a series of hilarious adventures.

If your child falls in love with this bear-y cute story, there are plenty more in the series, as well as films and a TV show.

In the same vein as Charlotte’s Web and A Bear Called Paddington, this story is about a mouse born to a human family. Living in the hustle and bustle of New York, Stuart Little goes on many adventures, including one to find a bird named Margalo. Will he be able to find her?

This classic story is absolutely wonderful for reading on a cold afternoon or winding down before bed. It’s a real page turner with exciting events and sweet drawings. If your child likes the story, they might also love the film!

This was one of my all-time favorite series as a child. I read and reread these books as if my life depended on it. In the first of the series, you’ll meet Fudge, who may look adorable, but his brother Peter knows the truth: Fudge is a pest.

From terrible temper tantrums to eating flowers, Fudge is always up to no good. Fudge might be a parent’s worst nightmare, but kids will love the chaotic adventures that he goes on!

Wanda is made fun of by her classmates for wearing the same worn-out dress and muddy shoes every day. To defend herself, Wanda lies about owning 100 beautiful dresses, but her classmates don’t believe her. Another little girl, Maddie, empathizes with Wanda and wishes the otehr girls would stop bullying her.

Though this book was written in the 1940s, it rings true today as an inspiring tale about standing up for others, especially those different from us.

I think most kids will be mesmerized by this lovely story about your average boy who meets an adorable puppy. They become best friends who do everything together. But when the dog’s original owner shows up, Henry is heartbroken that he might lose his buddy.

If your child isn’t a fantasy and magic fan but still wants an epic story, this is the series for them. Henry is just an ordinary boy, like most kids, making this a wonderful choice for any eight-year-old.

Another addition to the “Who Was?” series, this book follows Jane Goodall, a British scientist who studied chimpanzees. Her research revealed so much valuable information about the species and inspired many more female scientists to follow in her footsteps.

In this book, you’ll learn all about Jane Goodall from the beginning of her life when she first learned about chimpanzees. The story is complete with black-and-white illustrations that bring the story to life.

Whether your child is fascinated by life stories, sharks, or simply learning new things, I think they’ll adore this book about Eugenie Clark. She is known as the “Shark Lady” due to being a brave ocean scientist. While most are afraid of sharks, Eugenie sees them as rather beautiful.

This beautifully-illustrated and fascinating picture book is great for young children, especially girls. I find it a motivating title that encourages children to keep reading and learning.

Here’s another true story! This time it’s about Katherine Oliva Sessions who loved studying science, especially focused on plants and trees. Not only are the illustrations absolutely delightful, but the prose is also gorgeous.

I especially appreciate the repetition of what “Kate did” and how she defied all stereotypes set out to define her. If you’re searching for a story to inspire girls and budding scientists, this is one to check out.

Meet the man who invented the Crayola crayon — a tool your child has probably been using for years. In this vividly illustrated book, you’ll meet Edwin Binney, who made the act of coloring an iconic part of many children’s lives. I love that this is an educational and entertaining book, as well as inspiring children to follow their dreams.

Clara is hired as a shirtwaist maker, despite being a young child. The working conditions are poor, and the pay is measly, so Clara encourages her female colleagues to strike! Clara goes through a terrible ordeal as she fights for what she believes is right in this inspiring and true story of a girl who wanted to prove her grit to the world.

In this classic Dr. Seuss-inspired book, you’re about to learn all about money! In this fun rhyming book, the author dispels myths about money while sharing the history of where money came from. I love this one because it teaches valuable information while delivering it in an exciting and child-friendly manner.

Jemima Puddle-Duck wants nothing more than to lay and hatch her eggs in peace. She finds a nice quiet spot to do so, but the twist is that there’s always a (hungry) fox nearby. While she is busy tending to her eggs, the fox is busy planning his dinner of roast duck. Who will survive in this harrowing tale about a duck versus a fox?

I find this one a bit tragic, but it’s been a classic children’s story for over a century! You might want to read it first and determine whether or not it’s the right fit for your child.

I couldn’t write this list without including something from the Magic Tree House series. In this particular story, Jack and Annie travel back to the days of the Roman Empire. Once in Pompeii, they realise that it’s the day when the volcano will erupt and destroy everything in its path. But they have to fnid the ancient library before it’s too late.

I love this series because there are dozens of books, ensuring something for every child, no matter their interests. If they love the books, why not make it a mission to read them all?

Parents, whether you think Junie B. is a menace or simply charming, there’s no denying that the stories about her make reading fun. In this story, Junie B. Jones becomes a big sister. But when she meets her baby brother, she convinces herself that he’s actually a baby monkey!

This silly and hilarious chapter book is a fantastic addition to a young reader’s collection. It’s great for independent reading or family reading sessions since parents and children of various ages will surely enjoy the chaos.

I’m a big fan of books that experiment with format, like this one. Part picture book, part chapter book, and part graphic novel, this is a phenomenel way to engage young children with reading.

It follows Danny Dragonbreath, who is unlike other dragons because he can’t breathe fire. But that doesn’t stop him from going on awesome advenutres like touring underwater and meeting giant squid!

Mystery books are a popular genre with adult fiction, but there are some amazing mystery books out there for children! In this classic novel, Dink is excited to meet his favorite author Wallis Wallace. But he doesn’t show up, and Dink thinks something terrible might have happened to him. Can he figure out what has happened to his beloved author before it’s too late?

Part of the A to Z Mystery series, your child can continue in the collection if they end up loving this one.

Jump into the adorable series about a classroom pet hamster called Humphrey. He loves life in the classroom: he can read, write, and he gets to go home with a different student each weekend. The only problem is, the teacher isn’t a big fan.

While nothing too dramatic happens in the story, I appreciate this one for younger readers who are getting into chapter books. It’s a lovely, wholesome read that is part of a longer series.

If your little one is interested in cooking, why not get them their own recipe book? This amazing kids’ cookbook includes 100 straightforward recipes to make and delicious to eat. You’ll find breakfast, main meals, desserts, and information about healthy eating.

The recipes were tsted by over 750 kids to ensure that the steps and end results are perfect for children! Empower your own little foodie starting today.

Does your child love popcorn or simply enjoy learning new facts? This book is purely focused on the wonder of popcorn: where it came from, how it’s made, and who discovered it. Combined with sweet information, this is a fun and educational book that will teach your child a bunch of fun facts about this tasty snack.

This amazing true story follows Ada Ríos, who always dreamed of playing the violin, but sadly, she could never afford one. Eventully, she has a marvelous music teacher who made his students instruments from trash and recycled materials. I adore this inspiring story of the Recycled Orchestra, which now puts on shows worldwide, spreading the important message that you can always make something from nothing.

Does your little one love watching movies? I remember being fascinated by films as a child, and this book would have become a quick favorite of mine.

It documents the history of movies, who invented them, and how the first movies appeared. Complete with illustrations, this insightful book will instill a new appreciation for films!

Greek myths are wildly fascinating, and this book is incredible for young boys and girls. It features six Greek myths, including the legend of Pandora, Philemon and Baucis, and Hercules.

Not only is each story exciting, the book includes marvelous colorful illustrations by Walter Crane. I love this collection as it’s great for reading together, but it’s also fantastic for little ones to tuck into bed and read to themselves before falling asleep.

Sometimes, eight-year-olds need a little encouragement. In this inspiring book you’ll find daily encouragements that inspire young ones to try their best every day.

On each page, there are colorful and simple illustrations beside a short quote that should set your son or daughter up for the day. An example is, “The only obstacle taht can slow you down is not believing in yourself.”

If your child needs a daily pep talk, then I absolutely recommend this book.

Inspired by his father, a young boy is prepared for every situation, no matter his ability. Because of this can-do attitude, he realizes he is confident in making his voice heard.

In time, he becomes a senior pastor and then a US senator. Using his power, he inspires people to make the world a better place. This book is an incredible reminder to put on your own shoes and get ready, which means find your place in the world and do the job you’re meant to do!

Death is hard for children — and even adults — to understand. This book takes a gentle look at death, explaining it using child-friendly language and illustrations. If your child has big questions and complicated feelings about death and grief, then I think this is a great book to open up difficult conversations and comfort your child.

I love when you find a children’s series that adults can enjoy, too. We’re all familiar with Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, but I think most fantasy-loving parents will devour this series, too. Whether you read it aloud to your child or independently so that you can discuss it together, it’s an excellent pick for an eight-year-old’s bookshelf.

It follows five dragons who are collected in the hopes that they will end a generational war between dragon tribes. However, these five dragons don’t want to fight, and so they escape, looking for their families again. Readers praise this one for being mature, unpredictable, and totally thrilling!

In the Swift family, every child is named after a particular word, and it’s expected they will grow up to embody the word. When they host their family reunion, Shenanigan Swift is on the hunt for a hidden treasure within the manor.

In this thrilling and clever novel, you’ll uncover a body at the bottom of the stairs, a fatal game of Scrabble, and more wild adventures. I love this title for its humor, wordplay, and family-centered adventures that can be loved by children and adults alike.