10+ Best Anime Books for 8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect anime books for 8-year-olds? You're in the right place! Whether you're looking to ignite a passion for reading or keep your young reader entertained, anime books can be a magical gateway. Keep reading as we dive into various lists of captivating anime books that are just right for 8-year-old readers. Let's explore these imaginative worlds together!

Fun Anime Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Pokemon: Classic Collector's Handbook by Scholastic
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: An official guidebook that provides stats and facts on over 700 Pokémon characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with fun facts and trivia that engage young readers and encourage them to learn more about their favorite Pokémon.
  • Perfect for: Fans of Pokémon and young readers who love collecting and learning about different characters.

• Yo-kai Watch: Official Guide by Noriyuki Konishi
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This guidebook includes all the need-to-know details about the Yo-kai characters from the popular series.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps children dive deeper into the Yo-kai universe, enhancing their reading skills and their interest in the series.
  • Perfect for: Young Yo-kai Watch fans and children who enjoy adventure and exploration through reading.

• My Hero Academia: School Briefs, Vol. 1 by Anri Yoshi, based on the work by Kohei Horikoshi
  • Genre(s): Superhero, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A collection of short stories that take place between the events of the main My Hero Academia series, focusing on the everyday school lives of the characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a lighter, more relatable look at the characters outside their heroic deeds, which can be particularly engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young fans of superheroes and readers who enjoy stories about friendship and school life.

• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - Part 1 by Akira Himekawa
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This manga adaptation follows the adventures of Link as he battles to save the land of Hyrule from the evil Ganondorf.
  • Why we recommend this book: It transforms a beloved video game into a thrilling and accessible manga that helps young readers develop a passion for storytelling and adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young gamers and fans of epic fantasy tales.

• Splatoon: Squid Kids Comedy Show, Vol. 1 by Hideki Goto
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Action
  • Synopsis: A manga based on the popular video game series, featuring humorous and quirky adventures of the Squid Kids.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s packed with humor and fun, making it a great choice for engaging reluctant readers and encouraging a love of reading.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy comedy and action-packed stories.

Educational Anime Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Doraemon: Gadget Cat from the Future, Vol. 1 by Fujiko F. Fujio
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Comedy
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures of Doraemon, a robotic cat from the future, as he uses his gadgets to aid Nobita, a young boy who frequently struggles with daily life and school.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, creativity, understanding of technology
  • Why we recommend this book: Doraemon’s inventive solutions not only entertain but also inspire creative thinking and introduce basic scientific concepts.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and inventive stories.

• Chi's Sweet Home, Vol. 1 by Kanata Konami
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Slice of Life
  • Synopsis: This charming series tells the story of Chi, a mischievous newborn kitten who, while on a leisurely stroll with her family, finds herself lost and in a new home.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, responsibility, basic pet care
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a heartwarming, gentle introduction to the responsibilities involved in pet care, portrayed through engaging, adorable artwork.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who enjoy sweet, heartfelt stories.

• Kiki's Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono, illustrated by Akiko Hayashi
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story of Kiki, a young witch who moves to a new town and starts a delivery service, flying on her broomstick to deliver goods to the townspeople.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Independence, problem-solving, entrepreneurship
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages independence and creativity, showing how a young girl navigates through challenges with ingenuity and courage.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of adventure and enjoy stories about growth and self-discovery.

• Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card, Vol. 1 by CLAMP
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magical Girl
  • Synopsis: Sakura Kinomoto finds herself facing mysterious new powers and cards with new magical abilities that she must master.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, imaginative thinking, cultural awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a continuation of the beloved Cardcaptor Sakura series that combines magical adventures with lessons about friendship and courage.
  • Perfect for: Fans of magic and fantasy, and readers who appreciate strong, resourceful female characters.

Challenging Anime Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Naruto, Vol. 1: The Tests of the Ninja by Masashi Kishimoto
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This manga follows young ninja Naruto Uzumaki, who harbors a fox demon inside him and seeks recognition from his peers while dreaming of becoming the strongest ninja, the Hokage.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates complex themes of acceptance, perseverance, and the consequences of war, which are advanced topics for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches resilience and the importance of friendship, loyalty, and hard work.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy action-packed stories and character development.

• Attack on Titan Junior High, Vol. 1 by Saki Nakagawa, original concept by Hajime Isayama
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Fantasy, Parody
  • Synopsis: A humorous, school-life spin on the dark fantasy series Attack on Titan, where characters like Eren and Mikasa face challenges in junior high.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses a unique blend of humor and parody to explore themes from its parent series, requiring readers to understand dual layers of storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an entertaining way to engage with complex narrative techniques and satire.
  • Perfect for: Fans of Attack on Titan and young readers who like parodies and school stories.

• One Piece, Vol. 1: Romance Dawn by Eiichiro Oda
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: The story begins with Monkey D. Luffy, whose goal is to find the legendary One Piece treasure and become the Pirate King. This volume introduces Luffy and his magical powers from the Gum-Gum fruit.
  • Why this book is challenging: The series introduces a complex world with its own rules and an extensive cast of characters, presenting a challenge in following and understanding diverse narratives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of adventure, freedom, and the bonds of friendship, which are enriching for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of adventures and enjoy long, engaging tales.

• Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic, Vol. 1 by Shinobu Ohtaka
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This manga takes readers on a journey with Aladdin as he explores dungeons filled with treasures and traps, accompanied by friends he meets along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates a mix of folklore and mythology, requiring readers to engage with a culturally diverse backdrop.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a magical story that encourages curiosity about different cultures and historical contexts.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers who love myths, magic, and mysteries.

• Fairy Tail, Vol. 1 by Hiro Mashima
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures of magical guild Fairy Tail, focusing on the dragon slayer Natsu Dragneel and celestial wizard Lucy Heartfilia as they search for the dragon Igneel.
  • Why this book is challenging: The series features an intricate plot with various magical elements and a large ensemble of characters, each with unique abilities and backstories.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes values of friendship, loyalty, and courage through thrilling magical adventures.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about magic and camaraderie.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-year-old develop great reading habits while enjoying their favorite anime books, here are some fun and effective exercises to try. These will not only enhance their reading skills but also make the process enjoyable and engaging. Let's dive in!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a certain number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and gives a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in the house just for reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and comfortable activity.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with pillows, posters, and their favorite anime characters.

• Book Character Dress-Up
  • What it is: Dress up as a favorite character from the anime book being read.
  • How it helps: Deepens engagement and connection with the story.
  • Tips: Plan a dress-up day once a book is finished as a fun celebration.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Before reading a chapter, guess what might happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and analytical thinking.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions together and see who got closest to the actual story.

• Reading Relay
  • What it is: Take turns reading aloud from the book with a parent or sibling.
  • How it helps: Improves fluency and makes reading a shared, social activity.
  • Tips: Use different voices for different characters to make it more fun and lively.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book after reading.
  • How it helps: Boosts imagination and helps in visualizing text content.
  • Tips: Share the drawings with family members or friends to show off what's been read and understood.

• Book Review Blog
  • What it is: Write short reviews of the books read and post them online or in a journal.
  • How it helps: Encourages expression and helps with summarizing and stating opinions.
  • Tips: Include both what you liked and didn’t like about the book.

By incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine, not only will they develop a stronger love for reading, but they'll also enjoy the imaginative and creative world of anime books. Remember, the key is consistency and making sure that reading is seen as a fun and rewarding activity. Happy reading!