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

Looking for the perfect easy reading books for 8-year-olds? You're in the right place! Whether your young reader is just starting out or looking to expand their library, we've curated a selection of engaging and enjoyable books that are just right for their age and reading level. Keep reading to discover our top picks of easy reading books for 8-year-olds that are sure to captivate and inspire!

Fun Easy Reading Books for 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 uses her web to write messages praising Wilbur, aiming to convince the farmer to spare his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches values of friendship, compassion, and the importance of creativity. The narrative is simple yet profound, making it an excellent choice for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who appreciate stories about friendship and loyalty.

• 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 provides a fun, adventurous way to learn about history and science. The simple language and engaging plots are perfect for keeping young readers hooked.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who love adventures and learning about new places and times.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: The book is a journal of Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges and embarrassments of middle school life, told with text and comic illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's hilarious and relatable, which makes it incredibly engaging for children. The blend of text and cartoons also makes it less daunting for reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy humor and those who might be a little hesitant about reading.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This story centers around Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with big ears who loves music and stories, and his adventures from the darkness of his mouse world to the light of the human world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fairy tale with beautiful messages about bravery, forgiveness, and the power of stories. The narrative is gentle yet captivating, ideal for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and any child who loves fairy tales and heroic quests.

• Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Humor
  • Synopsis: This series features Dog Man, a canine superhero with a policeman's head, as he embarks on hilarious and heroic adventures, often accompanied by colorful characters and silly villains.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines action, adventure, and humor in a comic book style, which is great for engaging young readers and encouraging them to enjoy reading.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love superheroes, comics, and lots of laughs.

Educational Easy Reading Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is narrated by Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and rarely misses his life in the jungle. His perspective changes when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare awareness, storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story that offers rich lessons in friendship, hope, and the importance of a safe habitat for all creatures.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who enjoy stories told from an animal's perspective.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book follows the adventures of a young girl named Sophie and the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who blows dreams into children's bedrooms at night. Together, they devise a plan to save the world from man-eating giants.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, imagination, vocabulary development
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor, fantasy, and excitement, making it a captivating read that sparks the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and fans of whimsical adventures.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: Ada Twist is 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, perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity about science and the importance of perseverance in seeking answers.
  • Perfect for: Budding scientists and curious minds who love to ask "why?"

• Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Folklore
  • Synopsis: This story is about a girl named Minli who lives in a poor village beneath a mountain and sets off on a journey to find the Old Man of the Moon to ask how she can change her family’s fortune.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, mythology, storytelling skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends Chinese folklore with an adventurous tale, providing both cultural education and entertainment.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and readers interested in other cultures and folklore.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Fiction, School story
  • Synopsis: The book tells the story of fifth-grader Nick Allen who invents a new word, "frindle," for what is commonly known as a pen, sparking a series of unforeseen events and discussions about language and creativity.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, vocabulary, understanding of language
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and inventive story that encourages creativity and shows the power of words and ideas.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young linguists who enjoy playful exploration of language.

Challenging Easy Reading Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must solve a series of puzzles and stop a global crisis.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex puzzles and moral dilemmas that require advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages teamwork, perseverance, and intellectual curiosity in a thrilling narrative context.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle lovers who enjoy a good challenge.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Milo, a bored young boy, receives a magical tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest to rescue the princesses of Rhyme and Reason.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story is rich with wordplay, puns, and philosophical ideas that challenge the reader to think deeply about the meaning of education and knowledge.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative journey that celebrates learning and the power of curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love language, word games, and imaginative adventures.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, discovers a neglected garden on her uncle's estate and, through her restoration of it, transforms her own life and that of her sickly cousin Colin.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative involves complex themes of loss, healing, and transformation that require a mature understanding from the reader.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the healing power of nature and friendship, and promotes resilience and self-growth.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate nature and stories of personal transformation.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Matilda Wormwood, a highly intelligent girl neglected by her family, discovers she has telekinetic powers and uses them to stand up to her cruel headmistress and protect her friends and favorite teacher.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with themes of child empowerment, justice, and overcoming adversity through wit and intelligence.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of a young girl who uses her intellect and powers for good, promoting a message of empowerment and justice.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood and those who love stories where kids triumph over adversity.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this illustrated novel follows Hugo Cabret, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station, as he tries to solve the mystery of his father's death and a broken automaton using his skills as a clockmaker.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's unique blend of text and intricate illustrations requires the reader to interpret visual elements as part of the storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visually stunning and emotionally engaging story that blends history, technology, and mystery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in art, history, and mystery-solving.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-year-old develop good reading habits while enjoying some easy reading books, here are some fun and effective exercises to try out. These will not only enhance their reading skills but also make the reading process more engaging.

• Set a Daily Reading Time
  • What it is: Dedicate a specific time each day solely 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 and attentive.

• Create a Cozy Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a comfortable, inviting space dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading experience enjoyable and something to look forward to.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading a book aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves vocabulary and reading comprehension.
  • Tips: Change your tone and pace to match different characters or scenarios in the story to make it more dynamic and engaging.

• Use Picture Books
  • What it is: Incorporate books with lots of illustrations that complement the text.
  • How it helps: Helps in visualizing the story and stimulates imagination.
  • Tips: Discuss the pictures and ask your child what they think is happening in the story.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: After reading, talk about the book with your child.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions that encourage your child to think and express their opinions.

• Incorporate Reading Rewards
  • What it is: Create a reward system for reaching reading milestones.
  • How it helps: Motivates children to read more and stick with their reading schedule.
  • Tips: Keep the rewards simple and reading-related, like bookmarks or a new book.

• Join a Library or Book Club
  • What it is: Encourage your child to join a local library or a children’s book club.
  • How it helps: Exposes them to a variety of books and other children who love reading.
  • Tips: Regularly participate in library events or book club meetings to maintain interest.

Wrapping up, these exercises can significantly boost your child's reading abilities and make their reading time something they always look forward to. Remember, the key is consistency and making sure that reading is seen as a fun and rewarding activity. Happy reading!