10+ Best Chapter Books for 7-8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect chapter books for 7-8-year-olds? Finding that sweet spot where text, story complexity, and engaging content meet can be a challenge, but don't worry, we've got you covered! Whether your young reader is just stepping into the world of chapter books or looking for their next great read, our curated lists are packed with options that promise to captivate and educate. Keep reading to discover our top picks for chapter books that will perfectly match your child's reading journey and interests.

Fun Chapter Books for 7-8-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 clever spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte crafts messages in her web to persuade the farmer to spare his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life in a gentle and captivating way that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children who appreciate stories about friendship and survival.

• The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This series features 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: It's great for sparking an interest in history and geography through adventurous and magical narratives.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers and any child who dreams of time travel and magical adventures.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike other giants, is kind and charming. Together, they embark on a mission to stop the other giants from eating children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with whimsy and wonder, showcasing Dahl's unique style of blending the absurd with the profound, and it encourages empathy and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Children who love stories filled with humor, fantasy, and heartfelt moments.

• Judy Moody series by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: The series follows the adventures of Judy Moody, a feisty third-grader known for her changing moods and big personality as she navigates school and life with her friends and family.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's great for engaging reluctant readers with its fun, lively narrative and relatable school-age problems.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories about school life and quirky characters.

• The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis, illustrated by Pauline Baynes
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This series of books begins with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, where four siblings enter the magical world of Narnia through a wardrobe to fulfill an ancient prophecy and save Narnia from eternal winter.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to complex themes such as good vs. evil and betrayal vs. loyalty in a highly engaging and imaginative setting.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love epic adventures and magical worlds.

Educational Chapter Books for 7-8-Year-Olds

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: The story of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with large ears, who loves music, stories, and a princess named Pea. Despereaux embarks on a heroic adventure from the darkness of his mouse-world to the light above in the castle.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, moral reasoning, bravery, and empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written fairy tale that combines adventure with themes of courage and forgiveness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of unlikely heroes and quests.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Fifth-grader Nick Allen knows how to make school more fun. After learning about how words are created, he decides to rename a pen to "frindle." The word becomes a huge hit, sparking a series of events that captures the nation's attention.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, vocabulary building, understanding of language and social studies
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages innovation and creativity in children while teaching them about the power of words and language.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young inventors.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: Inspired by true events, this novel is narrated by Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall. Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him. He rarely misses his life in the jungle, until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare, friendship, and artistic expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that promotes understanding and compassion for animals.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children interested in conservation.

• The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Humphrey, a classroom pet hamster, tells the story of his adventures in Room 26. Through his eyes, we learn about the personal lives of his classmates and their interactions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, empathy, and classroom dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique perspective on everyday school life and teaches valuable lessons through the antics of a lovable hamster.
  • Perfect for: Students and young readers who enjoy stories from an animal's point of view.

• Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Sarah Wheaton, who travels from Maine to the prairie to answer a widower's newspaper ad for a wife and mother. Sarah and the children adapt to each other and face the challenges of a new family life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, family dynamics, adaptability
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gentle look at family life in the past and the challenges of forming new family bonds.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in history and stories about family and resilience.

Challenging Chapter Books for 7-8-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 extraordinary abilities. At school, Matilda faces the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, and finds solace in her kind teacher, Miss Honey.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex characters and explores dark themes of neglect and cruelty alongside resilience and personal empowerment.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of reading and the resilience of children, showing that kindness can triumph over cruelty.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about triumph over adversity and those who love clever, resourceful characters.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sour and spoiled girl, is sent to live with her uncle in England after her parents' death. Discovering a locked, neglected garden, she begins to bring it back to life, and in the process, she transforms as well.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative uses rich, descriptive language and explores complex themes of loss, healing, and friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that illustrates the transformative power of nature and nurturing relationships.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate nature, mysteries, and stories of personal growth.

• 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 friend, a bird named Margalo.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book blends fantasy and reality in a sophisticated narrative that challenges young readers to suspend disbelief and embrace adventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages adventure and shows that being small doesn't mean you can't have grand adventures.
  • Perfect for: Children who love adventure and exploring the world around them.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, illustrated by John Tenniel
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Classic
  • Synopsis: Alice falls through a rabbit hole into Wonderland, a place of bizarre adventures and whimsical characters. Each encounter teaches Alice about the puzzling adult world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It plays with logic and language in a way that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fantastical journey that encourages imagination and critical thinking about the rules of the world.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young philosophers who enjoy puzzling through odd scenarios and whimsical narratives.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and disinterested in his everyday life, Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical puzzles.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates complex wordplay, puns, and abstract concepts that require higher-level thinking and a strong vocabulary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fun and engaging way to explore themes of education, boredom, and the importance of knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy clever wordplay and intellectual challenges.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-8-year-old develop good reading habits, you've come to the right place. Here are some fun and effective exercises designed specifically for young readers. These will not only enhance their reading skills but also make the process enjoyable. Let’s dive in!

• Set a Daily Reading Time
  • What it is: Dedicate a specific time each day exclusively for reading.
  • How it helps: Establishes a routine and makes reading a regular part of the day.
  • Tips: Choose a quiet time when your child is usually relaxed, perhaps before bedtime.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, comfortable space in your home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and enjoyable activity.
  • Tips: Let your child help in setting up and decorating the space to make it inviting.

• Book Choice Day
  • What it is: Allow your child to choose any book they want to read on this day.
  • How it helps: Encourages independence and interest in reading.
  • Tips: Take them to the library or bookstore and let them explore different genres.

• Read and Discuss
  • What it is: Read a book together and discuss the story, characters, and themes.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and critical thinking skills.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions to encourage your child to think and express their thoughts.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks reading progress and rewards accomplishments.
  • How it helps: Motivates children to read more and reach their reading goals.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards like extra playtime or a special treat for reaching reading milestones.

These exercises are not just about reading more books; they're about building a lifelong love for reading. By incorporating these activities into your child’s routine, you’ll help them develop not only their reading skills but also their imagination and critical thinking. Happy reading!