Books 8 year olds will love to read

(By Frances Hodgson Burnett) This timeless classic follows Mary Lennox, a lonely and spoiled girl who moves to her uncle’s mansion in England. She discovers a hidden, neglected garden and, with the help of her sickly cousin and a kind local boy, works to bring it back to life. The novel beautifully explores themes of healing, transformation, and the power of nature.

(By Jeff Kinney) Diary of a Wimpy Kid presents the hilarious and relatable misadventures of Greg Heffley, a middle schooler trying to navigate friendships, bullies, and family life. Written in a diary format with humorous doodles, the book captures Greg’s awkward experiences, from embarrassing school moments to failed attempts at popularity. Kinney perfectly portrays the struggles of adolescence with humor and authenticity, making the book a hit among young readers. The story highlights themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the ups and downs of growing up. With its unique format and laugh-out-loud moments, Diary of a Wimpy Kid has become a staple for reluctant readers and those who enjoy lighthearted, witty storytelling.

(By J.M. Barrie) Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie is the classic tale of the boy who never grows up. Peter leads Wendy, John, and Michael Darling on an adventure to Neverland, where they encounter pirates, fairies, and wild creatures. Through Peter's mischievousness and carefree spirit, the story explores themes of childhood innocence, adventure, and the bittersweet nature of growing up. It’s a magical, unforgettable tale for readers of all ages.

(By J.K. Rowling) Harry returns to Hogwarts for his second year, only to find that the school is plagued by mysterious attacks linked to the legend of the Chamber of Secrets.

(By Roald Dahl) The BFG tells the whimsical story of Sophie, an orphan who is whisked away by the Big Friendly Giant to a land of much larger, meaner giants. Unlike the others, the BFG refuses to eat humans, instead surviving on snozzcumbers and delivering dreams to children. Sophie and the BFG team up to stop the evil giants from terrorizing the world. Dahl’s tale is filled with imaginative language, humor, and heartwarming moments that showcase the power of friendship and kindness. With its unique storytelling and endearing characters, The BFG is a beloved classic that continues to enchant readers.

(By Lynne Reid Banks) A boy named Omri discovers that his toy Native American figure comes to life when placed inside a magical cupboard, leading to adventures and moral dilemmas.

(By E.B. White) E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web is a touching story about friendship, love, and the cycle of life. It follows Wilbur, a runt pig who is saved from slaughter by a kind-hearted girl named Fern. However, Wilbur’s life remains at risk until he befriends Charlotte, a wise and compassionate spider who devises a plan to save him by spinning words like “Some Pig” into her web. As the story unfolds, Wilbur learns valuable lessons about friendship, kindness, and loss. The novel is deeply emotional, beautifully written, and filled with humor and wisdom. Themes of mortality and change are woven seamlessly into the narrative, making it a classic that resonates with both children and adults.

(By J.K. Rowling) Harry is unexpectedly entered into the dangerous Triwizard Tournament, where he faces deadly challenges, a mysterious plot, and the return of Lord Voldemort.

(By Johanna Spyri) Orphaned Heidi is sent to live with her reclusive grandfather in the Swiss Alps, where she discovers the beauty of nature and forms deep friendships. However, when she is taken to live in the city, she longs to return to the mountains and the simple joys of her home.

(By Jeff Brown) After a bulletin board falls on Stanley, he becomes flat and gains the ability to travel by mail, leading to fun adventures.

(By Scott O'Dell) Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell tells the story of Karana, a young girl stranded on a remote island off the coast of California. After her tribe is forced to leave, Karana must learn to survive alone, facing wild animals and harsh elements. This novel explores themes of isolation, self-reliance, and survival while portraying Karana’s deep connection with nature. It is an inspiring story of strength, resilience, and the ability to adapt in the face of adversity.

(By Louise Fitzhugh) Harriet, an aspiring writer, spies on her neighbors and records her observations, but when her notebook is discovered, she must face the consequences.

(By Patricia MacLachlan) Set in the 19th century, this story follows Sarah, a mail-order bride, as she adjusts to life on the prairie and bonds with the two children of the widowed farmer she is set to marry.

(By Frances Hodgson Burnett) A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a classic story of resilience and hope. The book follows Sara Crewe, a young girl who is sent to a boarding school while her father is away. When her father dies and she is left penniless, Sara is mistreated and forced to live in hardship. Despite this, she holds on to her belief that she is a princess in her heart. Through kindness and perseverance, Sara transforms her circumstances, making this a timeless story of inner strength and dignity.

(By E.L. Konigsburg) A clever, humorous mystery about Claudia and her younger brother, Jamie, who run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they unravel a secret involving an art masterpiece and a mysterious woman named Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.

(By E. Nesbit) A group of siblings discover a grumpy, ancient sand fairy called the Psammead, who grants them a wish each day. However, their wishes never turn out as expected, leading to humorous and often troublesome situations in this classic fantasy novel.

(By Enid Blyton) Julian, Dick, Anne, George, and Timmy the dog visit Kirrin Island, where they stumble upon an ancient shipwreck. When they discover clues leading to hidden treasure, they must outsmart thieves who are after it. This book introduces readers to the Famous Five and sets the stage for their thrilling adventures.

(By Thomas Rockwell) Thomas Rockwell’s classic children’s novel follows Billy, a boy who takes on a bet to eat 15 worms in 15 days. With plenty of humor, gross-out moments, and lessons about determination and friendship, this book has been a favorite among young readers for decades.

(By Barbara Park) Junie B. Jones, an outspoken kindergartner, faces the challenge of riding the school bus for the first time—with hilarious results.

(By Laura Ingalls Wilder) This classic novel follows the Ingalls family as they leave the Big Woods of Wisconsin to settle in the Kansas prairie. They face challenges such as harsh weather, interactions with Native Americans, and the struggle to build a home in the untamed frontier.

(By Roald Dahl) This classic fantasy novel tells the story of Charlie Bucket, a poor boy who wins a golden ticket to visit Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory. Inside, he and four other children explore the factory’s wondrous rooms, each revealing life lessons about greed, kindness, and imagination. With quirky characters and vivid descriptions, it’s a timeless favorite.

(By Dav Pilkey) George and Harold, two prank-loving best friends, accidentally turn their grumpy principal into Captain Underpants, a goofy superhero who fights crime in his underwear. Packed with humor, comic-style illustrations, and wild adventures, this book is a favorite among young readers.

(By Madeleine L'Engle) Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and friend Calvin O’Keefe embark on a space-time journey to rescue her father from an evil force threatening the universe.

(By Rick Riordan) Percy Jackson, a troubled teen, discovers he is the son of Poseidon and must embark on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.

(By C.S. Lewis) A beloved fantasy series following a group of children who find their way to the magical land of Narnia. Filled with talking animals, epic battles, and powerful lessons about courage and faith, this series remains a timeless favorite.

(By C.S. Lewis) In this classic fantasy novel, four siblings discover a magical world through a wardrobe, where they meet talking animals, an evil White Witch, and a noble lion, Aslan. The novel explores themes of good versus evil and the power of hope.

(By Mary Pope Osborne) Siblings Jack and Annie discover a magical treehouse that transports them back to the time of dinosaurs, where they must navigate dangers and solve puzzles.

(By Gertrude Chandler Warner) Four orphaned children find an abandoned boxcar in the woods and turn it into their home. As they work to survive on their own, they uncover a mystery that changes their lives.

(By Roald Dahl) James, an orphan living with his cruel aunts, discovers a giant magical peach. As the peach grows enormous, he embarks on a fantastical adventure with a group of talking insect friends. They travel across the ocean, encountering danger and wonder. The novel is filled with Dahl’s signature whimsical storytelling and dark humor.

(By Kate DiCamillo) Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo is a heartwarming story about a young girl named Opal and her dog, Winn-Dixie, who changes her life in unexpected ways. The book explores themes of friendship, loss, and the healing power of companionship. As Opal makes new friends in her small town and learns about her mother’s past, Winn-Dixie is always by her side, reminding readers of the importance of love and acceptance.

(By Louisa May Alcott) This classic follows the lives of the four March sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate love, loss, and independence during the Civil War era.

(By Ann M. Martin) Annabelle, a doll, discovers that she and her family are alive, leading her on an adventure to solve the mystery of a long-lost doll.

(By Beverly Cleary) Ramona Quimby navigates third grade, new responsibilities, and family struggles in this heartfelt and humorous tale about growing up and dealing with change.

(By J.K. Rowling) In his third year at Hogwarts, Harry learns about the escaped prisoner Sirius Black and his connection to his past, while encountering Dementors and uncovering hidden truths.

(By Roald Dahl) A young boy and his grandmother uncover a secret society of witches who despise children and must stop their evil plan to turn kids into mice.

(By Robert C. O'Brien) Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien is a touching adventure about a field mouse named Mrs. Frisby, who seeks the help of a group of intelligent rats to save her son. The rats, who have escaped from scientific experiments, are equipped with knowledge and abilities far beyond the ordinary. The book blends themes of science, bravery, and sacrifice, offering an inspiring story of survival and courage.

(By Ingri d'Aulaire) A beautifully illustrated and accessible retelling of classic Greek myths, introducing readers to gods, goddesses, and legendary heroes like Zeus, Athena, and Hercules. This book serves as a perfect introduction to mythology for young readers.

(By Lewis Carroll) Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll follow the fantastical journeys of Alice as she falls through a rabbit hole into a strange world and later steps through a mirror into a parallel world. Filled with nonsensical characters like the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat, these stories explore the absurdity of logic and the fluidity of time. They’re playful, thought-provoking adventures that challenge perceptions and celebrate imagination.

(By J.R.R. Tolkien) Bilbo Baggins, a humble hobbit, is thrust into an epic adventure with a band of dwarves to reclaim treasure from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, he encounters trolls, goblins, and the One Ring.

(By Amanda Beth Connolly) A delightful children’s book about a little boy named Jake who struggles to wake up in the morning. Through a fun and imaginative journey, Jake learns the importance of starting the day with enthusiasm and excitement.

(By Ned Rauch-Mannino) A gripping fantasy adventure where a group of kids is transported to a mysterious island filled with hidden treasures, strange creatures, and a looming danger that threatens to change their world forever.

(By Roald Dahl) Matilda is the story of a brilliant young girl with neglectful parents and a cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Despite her tough home life, Matilda is a voracious reader and discovers she has telekinetic powers. With the help of her kind teacher, Miss Honey, she learns to harness her abilities and stand up to the injustices around her. Dahl weaves humor and whimsy into this empowering tale of intelligence and resilience. The novel celebrates the power of books and knowledge, proving that even the smallest person can create change. Matilda remains a favorite for young readers, inspiring them to embrace their own intelligence and creativity.

(By Deborah Howe) A humorous and eerie mystery about a vampire bunny who may or may not be draining vegetables of their juice, as told through the perspective of the family’s dog and cat.

(By Astrid Lindgren) Pippi, an adventurous and independent girl with superhuman strength, lives alone in Villa Villekulla with her pet monkey and horse. She turns the lives of her neighbors upside down with her wild antics and imaginative stories.

(By L. Frank Baum) After a tornado sweeps Dorothy to the magical land of Oz, she embarks on a journey with new friends—a Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion—to seek the Wizard’s help in returning home.

(By Edward Eager) Four siblings find a magical coin that grants wishes, but only by half, leading to humorous and unpredictable adventures.

(By J.K. Rowling) The first book in the Harry Potter series introduces readers to an orphaned boy who discovers he is a wizard on his eleventh birthday. Harry, who has lived a miserable life with his cruel relatives, is invited to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he makes friends like Ron and Hermione, learns magic, and unravels the mystery surrounding the Sorcerer’s Stone. Along the way, he discovers his connection to the dark wizard Voldemort. Full of adventure, magic, and a sense of wonder, Rowling’s novel captivates readers with its richly developed world and themes of friendship, bravery, and destiny. This book marks the beginning of an iconic series that has enchanted millions.

(By Norton Juster) Norton Juster’s The Phantom Tollbooth is a whimsical adventure filled with wordplay and satire. It follows Milo, a bored young boy who discovers a magical tollbooth that transports him to the Kingdom of Wisdom. Alongside his companions, Tock the watchdog and the Humbug, Milo embarks on a quest to rescue the princesses Rhyme and Reason, encountering pun-filled lands and eccentric characters along the way. The novel cleverly weaves educational elements into its fantastical narrative, making learning fun while encouraging curiosity and creativity.

(By Carolyn Keene) The first book in the Nancy Drew series introduces teenage detective Nancy Drew as she unravels the mystery of a missing will. With her sharp mind and fearless attitude, she navigates a world of secrets and deception to ensure justice prevails.

(By Ellie B. Morris) A heartwarming picture book about a dinosaur named Dippy who discovers the first signs of spring. Through colorful illustrations and gentle storytelling, young readers learn about nature and friendship.

(By Beverly Cleary) Henry Huggins is an ordinary boy who unexpectedly adopts an energetic stray dog named Ribsy. Together, they embark on fun-filled misadventures in this classic coming-of-age tale that captures the joys and challenges of childhood.