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

Are you on the lookout for the perfect chapter books for 6-8-year-olds that will keep your young reader engaged and excited? You've come to the right place! Whether you're diving into the world of early reading or looking to add new titles to your child's collection, we've curated a variety of captivating books just for this age group. Keep reading to discover our top picks of chapter books that are sure to spark a love for reading in your little ones.

Fun Chapter 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 tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte uses her web to write messages praising Wilbur, aiming to convince the farmer to spare his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life, all presented in a gentle way that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children who appreciate stories about friendship and compassion.

• The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • 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 adventure with history, making learning fun and engaging. It’s a great way to introduce children to different cultures and historical events.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and curious minds who enjoy time travel and learning about new places.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story centers around Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with large ears, who loves music and stories, and his quest to rescue a beautiful human princess.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story about bravery and forgiveness that encourages young readers to dream big and overcome obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers, romantics, and anyone who loves an underdog story.

• Judy Moody series by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: The series explores the life and adventures of Judy Moody, a third grader with a changing mood and a flair for the dramatic, as she navigates school and family life.
  • Why we recommend this book: Judy’s relatable school and family experiences are presented with humor and wit, making reading enjoyable and relatable for young children.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a good laugh and enjoy stories about school and family life.

• The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four orphaned siblings, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny, make a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar before being taken in by their grandfather. They solve various mysteries that come their way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes values like resourcefulness, independence, and curiosity through engaging mystery-solving adventures.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and any child who enjoys mystery and adventure.

Educational Chapter Books for 6-8-Year-Olds

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Science, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: The story follows Ada Twist, a very curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world around her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, problem-solving, curiosity about how things work
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to ask questions and promotes a love of science and exploration.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and any child who loves to ask "Why?"

• The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Princess Magnolia has a secret—she is also the Princess in Black, a superhero who fights monsters. This series blends princess and superhero themes to create engaging, action-packed adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading confidence, understanding of good vs. evil, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks stereotypes by combining elements of traditional fairy tales with modern superhero tales, offering a fresh take on both genres.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy action, adventure, and princesses with a twist.

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: Rosie Revere dreams of becoming an engineer. Alone in her room at night, she constructs great inventions from odds and ends. The story teaches perseverance and the value of learning from failures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, engineering concepts, resilience in problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires children to invent, create, and not fear failure, showing that each mistake is a step towards success.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring engineers and inventors, and any child who enjoys creative problem-solving.

• Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: Iggy Peck is a second grader who has been building fabulous creations since he was two. His talent is misunderstood until a fateful class trip proves just how unique his building skills are.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Appreciation for architecture, creative thinking, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the importance of pursuing one's passion and using one's skills to solve problems creatively.
  • Perfect for: Young architects and builders, and any child who loves to design and build.

• Dragon Masters series by Tracey West, illustrated by Graham Howells
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This series follows eight-year-old Drake and other Dragon Masters as they train dragons and harness their powers to save the kingdom from dark forces.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading fluency, understanding of themes like teamwork and courage
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the excitement of dragons with messages about friendship and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fantasy, dragons, and thrilling adventures.

Challenging Chapter Books for 6-8-Year-Olds

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, but her parents are too caught up in their mundane lives to notice her. At school, the headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, is a terrifying bully. Matilda discovers she has a special telekinetic gift that allows her to stand up to her parents and Miss Trunchbull, and change her own destiny.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex vocabulary and themes of rebellion and personal justice, which are more sophisticated than typical books for this age group.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, encouraging readers to embrace their unique qualities and stand up against unfair treatment.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood and those who appreciate stories of triumph over adversity.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sour-faced and unloved child, transforms when she discovers a neglected garden on her uncle's estate. As she restores the garden, she begins to change outwardly and inwardly, and her life intertwines with that of her sickly cousin Colin, whom she helps heal through the magic of the garden.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style and historical setting may be difficult for younger readers, and the themes of loss and recovery are deeply nuanced.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautiful story of healing and friendship, teaching the importance of care and connection to nature.
  • Perfect for: Children who love nature and stories about friendship and healing.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Stuart Little, a mouse born into a human family, embarks on a series of adventures. From sailing a boat in Central Park to searching for his bird friend Margalo, his size does not stop him from living life to the fullest.
  • Why this book is challenging: The blend of fantasy and reality in Stuart's adventures can be conceptually challenging for young readers, and the themes of identity and existence are quite profound.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to embrace their own differences and face the world with courage and determination.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous spirits and anyone who enjoys tales where the underdog comes out on top.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This poetic tale features a young prince who travels from planet to planet, meeting various occupants who embody different adult follies. Through his journey, the prince learns lessons about loneliness, friendship, love, and loss.
  • Why this book is challenging: The philosophical nature of the story and its abstract concepts are typically beyond the usual comprehension of children in this age group.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound insights on human nature and relationships, wrapped in a simple yet captivating story.
  • Perfect for: Deep thinkers and young philosophers, as well as any child interested in stories that explore the bigger questions of life.

• Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Pippi Longstocking is an eccentric, super-strong girl who lives alone with her horse and monkey. She befriends the neighboring children, Tommy and Annika, and leads them on whimsical adventures with her outrageous antics and fearless spirit.
  • Why this book is challenging: Pippi's unconventional lifestyle and the book’s humorous exploration of societal norms present both complex language and ideas.
  • Why we recommend this book: Pippi Longstocking encourages independence and imagination, showing young readers the power of self-confidence and unconventional thinking.
  • Perfect for: Independent thinkers and any child who enjoys laughter and adventure.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 6-8-year-olds develop great reading habits through chapter books, you've come to the right place! Here are some engaging and fun exercises that can make reading a more enjoyable and beneficial part of their daily routine. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy spot dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading by providing a comfortable and inviting space.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book Club for Kids
  • What it is: Organize a weekly book club where kids can discuss the book they are reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and gives children a chance to express their thoughts.
  • Tips: Keep the group small and manage it with fun activities related to the book.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Before reading a chapter, have your child predict what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Stimulates imagination and analytical thinking.
  • Tips: Discuss their predictions after reading to see how closely they matched the actual events.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks reading progress and rewards milestones.
  • How it helps: Motivates children by giving them a visual representation of their achievements.
  • Tips: Offer rewards that encourage more reading, like choosing the next book or a related activity.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Encourage your child to draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Reinforces understanding and helps with recall.
  • Tips: Share the drawings with family members to boost their confidence.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading the book aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves vocabulary and pronunciation while bonding over shared stories.
  • Tips: Change your voice for different characters to make it more fun and engaging.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

These exercises are not just about reading more; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of your child's life. By incorporating these activities, you're not only enhancing their reading skills but also fostering a lifelong love for books. Happy reading!