10+ Best Books for 6-8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for the perfect books for 6-8-year-olds? You've come to the right place! Whether you're aiming to ignite a love for reading in your young ones or searching for fresh stories to add to their collection, we've curated a variety of must-reads that captivate and educate. Keep reading to discover our top picks of books for 6-8-year-olds that are sure to engage their imagination and keep those pages turning!

Fun Books for 6-8-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This beloved story follows a young pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages in her web to persuade the farmer to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, compassion, and the cycle of life in a gentle and accessible way that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children who are beginning to explore deeper themes in literature.

• The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This series follows siblings Jack and Annie who discover a magical tree house filled with books that transport them to different times and places around the world.
  • Why we recommend this book: Each book combines fun, adventure, and education, making it a great way to encourage reading and spark interest in history and geography.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and any child who dreams of time travel and experiencing new worlds.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story tells of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with big ears and an even bigger heart, on his quest to save a human princess named Pea.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a tale of bravery and forgiveness that shows even the smallest creature can make a huge impact. It also enhances vocabulary and introduces complex themes in an approachable way.
  • Perfect for: Little dreamers and anyone who loves a good underdog story.

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Max, dressed in a wolf suit, makes mischief and is sent to bed without supper. His bedroom transforms into a magical forest, leading him to the land of the Wild Things.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores emotions and imagination, encouraging children to understand and accept their feelings, including anger. It's also visually stimulating with its detailed illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Creative kids and those navigating their own emotions.

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Rhyming Story
  • Synopsis: This rhyming story of a mouse and an imaginary monster called the Gruffalo teaches about quick thinking and smart strategies against bigger, scarier creatures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines delightful rhymes with a clever plot, making it a fun and engaging read that also encourages problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy playful language and a bit of suspense.

Educational Books for 6-8-Year-Olds

• The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Environmental Science
  • Synopsis: The story centers around a character called the Lorax, who speaks for the trees against the greedy Once-ler, in a tale that explores the consequences of environmental neglect.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, responsibility, and conservation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to the importance of taking care of the environment in a compelling and memorable way.
  • Perfect for: Young environmentalists and fans of stories with a moral lesson.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: Ada Twist is a curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world around her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and problem-solving.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity and perseverance, particularly encouraging girls in science.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young scientists and inquisitive minds.

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: This story features a box of crayons that decides they're unhappy with how they're being used, leading them to write letters to their owner, Duncan, explaining their feelings.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, creativity, and perspective-taking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative story that teaches children about addressing grievances and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and any child learning to express their feelings and resolve conflicts.

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: Rosie Revere dreams of becoming an engineer and learns about the value of perseverance and innovation through her attempts to build amazing gadgets.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, engineering principles, and resilience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages kids, especially girls, to never give up on their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Budding engineers and creators who love to tinker and invent.

• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Social Themes
  • Synopsis: Unhei, a girl from Korea, worries that American children will not like her name. As she contemplates choosing a new name, she learns the importance of accepting and valuing her own cultural identity.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural diversity, self-esteem, and social skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses themes of immigration and cultural diversity with sensitivity and encourages acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Children exploring their own identity and learning to appreciate the diversity of the people around them.

Challenging Books for 6-8-Year-Olds

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A bored young boy named Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, a surreal region where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical puzzles.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex wordplay, puns, and abstract concepts that challenge readers to think critically about language and meaning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and critical thinking, making it a fantastic journey into language and mathematics that is both educational and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles and word games, and those who appreciate a whimsical story that makes them think.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: This timeless tale tells the story of a young prince who travels from planet to planet, meeting various inhabitants and learning about the complexities of adult behavior.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores profound themes such as loneliness, friendship, love, and loss through metaphorical and philosophical layers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers deep life lessons and insights into human nature that are presented through a simple but profound narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are introspective or philosophical, and anyone who enjoys stories that delve into deeper meanings.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child unappreciated by her crude, dishonest family. She develops telekinetic powers, which she uses to overcome obstacles and stand up to adults, including her tyrannical school principal, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex characters and themes of rebellion and justice, encouraging readers to question authority and stand up for what is right.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, empowering young readers to embrace their unique qualities and fight for a fair treatment.
  • Perfect for: Gifted children and any young reader who feels misunderstood or underapparented.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Alice falls through a rabbit hole into a fantastical world with peculiar creatures and nonsensical rules, where she experiences many bizarre adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: It plays with logic and features complex wordplay, puzzling poetry, and a deeply whimsical style that can be both confusing and enlightening.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a classic that encourages imagination and creativity, inviting readers to think differently and embrace the absurd.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and any child who enjoys stories that turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Stuart Little, a mouse born into a human family, navigates the challenges of being small in a big world as he embarks on adventures in search of a lost friend.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces themes of identity and existential quest within a complex narrative structure unusual for children's literature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor and adventure while exploring important themes like determination and courage.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy tales of adventure and characters who rise above their limitations.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you’re looking to help your 6-8-year-old develop great reading habits, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some fun and effective exercises designed just for them. These activities not only make reading enjoyable but also enhance their skills gradually. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a cozy corner dedicated solely to reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and inviting space that encourages reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions or toys.

• Book Bingo
  • What it is: Make a bingo card with different types of books or reading activities.
  • How it helps: Encourages exploration of various genres and formats.
  • Tips: Reward completing a row or full house with a small prize or extra storytime.

• Storytelling Chain
  • What it is: Take turns adding sentences to create a story together.
  • How it helps: Boosts imagination and understanding of narrative structure.
  • Tips: Use a starter sentence from a book they like to kick things off.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Flip through a picture book, discussing the images before reading the text.
  • How it helps: Enhances prediction skills and understanding of visual cues.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions about the pictures to stimulate thinking.

• Reading Timer Challenge
  • What it is: Set a timer for a fun, uninterrupted reading sprint.
  • How it helps: Builds concentration and stamina for reading.
  • Tips: Start with short intervals and gradually increase the time.

• Role Play Reading
  • What it is: Act out stories with costumes or puppets.
  • How it helps: Makes reading an interactive and engaging experience.
  • Tips: Let your child choose their character and help them find or make props.

• Read Aloud Days
  • What it is: Dedicate specific days to read aloud from a chosen book.
  • How it helps: Improves vocabulary and listening skills.
  • Tips: Use different voices for characters to make it more fun and engaging.

These exercises are not only fun but also incredibly beneficial in fostering a love for reading from a young age. By incorporating these activities into your child’s routine, you’ll help them develop strong reading habits that will benefit them tremendously. So, grab some books, and let’s make reading a thrilling adventure for your little ones! Happy reading!