Must-Read Chapter Books for 8-Year-Olds

Do you have an 8-year-old who’s ready to dive into chapter books? If so, I’ve got a fantastic list of clean and fun must-read chapter books for 8-year-olds that my kids have read and are still reading. From lighthearted tales and adventure stories to mysteries and historical biographies, these books are some of our favorites for this age.

What kinds of books do 8-year-olds like to read?

8-year-olds love all kinds of books! They are beginning to get to the age where they are starting to dive into chapter books, yet they still enjoy being read to. Presenting them with a feast of good literature on a variety of topics is the best way to go. Here are some categories of books that we will cover in this list.

Book Topics for 8-Year-Olds

• Funny & Lighthearted – These books are playful and light, great for sensitive and imaginative kids.
• Friendship & Family – Books about family and friends offer kids heartwarming, relatable stories that reflect their everyday lives. These stories often feature sibling dynamics, friend adventures, and the ups and downs of getting older. They also help kids navigate their emotions, as well as relationships within their homes.
• Mystery – These types of books are typically suspenseful page-turners that help kids to build their critical thinking skills, learn to crack codes, and practice solving puzzles.
• Adventure  – Adventure chapter books usually take readers on a thrilling journey through unexpected challenges, new discoveries, and exciting worlds.
• Historical Fiction
• Animals – Animal chapter books feature the animal/people bond, cast animals as the main character, or personify animals in a fun and creative way. These stories are often a mix of heart, humor, and imagination that 8-year-olds eat up.
• Classics– Classic stories are timeless tales that have been enjoyed for generations. These books often feature different time periods while teaching valuable life lessons.

Must-Read Chapter Books for 8-Year-Olds

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Before we dive into our must-read chapter books for 8-year-olds list, let me give you a few quick notes. First, I’ve categorized this list into topics. Secondly, I did not write a review for each book. Instead, I’ve linked each one to Amazon, where you can find more info, read reviews, and decide for yourself if it is a good fit for your child. And lastly, if you have any other book suggestions, leave them in the comments below! Now let’s jump into this list!

Funny and Lighthearted Stories for 8-Year-Olds

1. Mrs. Piggle Wiggle by Betty MacDonald
2. Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat 
3. Homer Price by Robert McCloskey
4. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
5. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
6. Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White
7. Stewart Little by E.B. White

Friendship & Family Chapter Books for 8-Year-Olds

8. The Moffats by Eleanor Estes
9. Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder
10. Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
11. Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary
12. All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
13. The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson

Mystery Chapter Books for 8-Year-Olds

14. The Boxcar Children Series by Gertrude Stein Warner
15. The Magic Treehouse Series by Mary Pope Osborn
16. Nate the Great Series by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat 
17. The Secret of the Hidden Scroll Series by M.J. Thomas
18. Sugar Creek Gang Series by Paul Hutchens

Adventure Chapter Books for 8-Year-Olds

19. The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
20. The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford
21. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
22. Little Pilgrims Progress by Helen L. Taylor (Illustrated)
23. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
24. James and the Giant Peach by Ronald Dahl
25. The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet by Eleanor Cameron
26. The Sword and the Tree by Clyde Robert Bulla

Historical Chapter Books for 8-Year-Olds

27. Helen Keller by Margaret Davidson
28. Martha Washington by Jean Brown Wagoner
29. Chocolate by Hershey by Betty M. Burford
30. The Toothpaste Millionaire by Jean Merrill
31. Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
32. The Cabin Faced West by Jean Fritz

Animal & Nature Chapter Books for 8-Year-Olds

33. Ribsy by Beverly Cleary
34. Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat 
35. Ginger Pye by Eleanor Estes
36. Anna Sewell’s Black Beauty adapted by Cathy East
37. Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
38. Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry

Classic Books for 8-Year-Olds

39. Aesop’s Fables by Aesop
40. The Complete Tales of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
41. The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
42. Annie: Inspired by Anne of Green Gables adapted by Kallie George
43. Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi
44. Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
45. The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann Wyss

More Booklists 

• 25+ Best Beginner Chapter Books for 6-Year-Olds
• 50+ Engaging Stories for 7-Year-Olds
• 125+ Best Chapter Books for Boys Ages 6-18
• 125+ Best Chapter Books for Girls Ages 6-18
• 25+ Fantastic Family Read Alouds
• 50 Best Books for Third Graders
• 50+ Best Books for 2 Year Olds

Ways to Find More Book Suggestions

This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links. I may earn a commission from sales made. Thank you! 

I’m constantly searching for books to add to my children’s reading lists. Here are a few things I do to keep the book recommendations flowing: 

1. Keep an ongoing list of your favorite, reliable authors. Oftentimes, they will have multiple books or series that you can draw from in the future. 
2. Get hold of booklists from trustworthy sources. You can find them online (like this one), in the curriculum packs, or in books like the Home Learning Year by Year by Rebecca Rupp.
3. Utilize the Amazon recommendations tab located beneath the books you purchase. Similar books that are equally good can occasionally be found. Goodreads also offers suggestions that may be useful.
4. Collaborate with friends and family with similar values. If you ask around, you are sure to get new book ideas to add to your list.

What books would you add to this list?