Books for 8 year olds are an important milestone in their reading journey, as they start to transition into longer chapter books.
This curated list of fun stories includes plenty of illustrations and most are under 150 pages – perfect for new readers.
Many of the books on this list are newer releases, and for even more recommendations, readers can check out the list of books for 3rd graders which offers over 80 options.
A printable version of the list is available by subscribing via email.
Anisa’s International Day
Anisa is a third-grader who is excited about her class’s international day. She plans to bring samosas for the class and share her Pakistani culture with everyone.
But before she gets to reveal her plans, another classmate takes the samosa spot. Anisa is desperate to do something unique.
With her aunt getting married soon, she decides that Mehndi is the perfect activity to introduce. But first, she’ll need to resolve a friendship misunderstanding.
“Anisa’s International Day” is a delightful, heartwarming, and culturally expressive young middle-grade book that centers on themes of family, sisterhood, friendship, and the love and pride of Pakistani culture.
Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party (Marya Khan #1)
Marya’s eighth birthday is coming up in a week, and all she wants is an over-the-top birthday party just like the ones Alexa, her rich neighbor, always throws.
When Alexa parades into school with fancy invitations, Marya can’t help herself—she claims that she’s having the most epic henna party ever. Now she has to convince her family to make it happen.
“Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party” is a heartwarming, humorous book that centers on themes of family, friendship, and the importance of being true to oneself.
Zara’s Rules for Record-Breaking Fun
Ten-year-old Zara has been crowned Queen of the Neighborhood by a loving neighbor. Zara makes fair rules for all the games she and her brother Zayd play with the other kids.
But when her neighbor, Mr. Chapman moves out, a new family moves in. Their daughter Naomi has other ideas for playing, and the other kids seem to like many of her ideas too.
To win back her crown, Zara decides she’ll try to break a World Guinness Record. But as time goes on, she realizes that it may just be better to share her crown instead.
“Zara’s Rules for Record-Breaking Fun” is a sweet chapter book that centers on themes of friendship, teamwork, and the importance of sharing.
Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party (Marya Khan #1)
Marya’s eighth birthday is coming up in a week, and all she wants is an over-the-top birthday party just like the ones Alexa, her rich neighbor, always throws.
When Alexa parades into school with fancy invitations, Marya can’t help herself—she claims that she’s having the most epic henna party ever. Now she has to convince her family to make it happen.
“Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party” is a heartwarming, humorous book that centers on themes of family, friendship, and the importance of being true to oneself.
Squirrel Do Bad (1) (Trubble Town)
Wendy the Wanderer has lived in Trubble Town her whole life but never had the chance to go exploring. For this reason, she thinks she was definitely misnamed.
Her dad likes to know where she is to make sure she’s safe, so she’s never been anywhere on her own. Then, her dad leaves on a trip, and the babysitter doesn’t reinforce all the usual rules. Or any of the usual rules!
Suddenly, Wendy is free to do what she wants, and what she wants is to live up to her name…and find Trubble.
“Squirrel Do Bad” is a funny and endearing book that centers on themes of adventure, creativity, and the importance of being true to oneself.
Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters
Mr. Whiskers is a street-wise stray dog with a nose for trouble and a fondness for two girls he calls the Shenanigan Sisters.
So when Misty and Zelda’s professor father is kidnapped, Mr. Whiskers follows that car, picking up vital clues. Then the two intrepid girls and one great dog follow the trail through the streets of San Francisco, discovering hidden passageways, buried secrets, and even pirate treasure.
“Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters” is a longer young middle-grade book that centers on themes of adventure, mystery, and the importance of friendship.
A to Z Animal Mysteries #1: The Absent Alpacas
Adam and Zoey are excited to be spending the summer at their Aunt Lulu’s llama farm. But when they arrive, they discover that the alpacas are missing!
The kids have to solve the mystery and find the alpacas before it’s too late.
“A to Z Animal Mysteries #1: The Absent Alpacas” is a fun and engaging chapter book that centers on themes of problem-solving, teamwork, and the love of animals.