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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect series books for 8-year-olds that will keep your young reader hooked and excited? Finding engaging stories that match their growing interests and reading skills can be a delightful adventure. Whether you're looking to stock up on new reads for your home library or need a gift that keeps on giving, you've come to the right place. Keep reading to discover our handpicked lists of captivating series books for 8-year-olds that are sure to spark their imagination and love for reading!

Fun Series Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow siblings Jack and Annie as they 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 combines adventure with history, making learning fun and accessible. The series encourages imagination and a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and budding history buffs.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Graphic Novels
  • Synopsis: The series chronicles the life of Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges of middle school with his best friend Rowley.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its humorous take on everyday school life and family dynamics is relatable and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy laughter mixed with a bit of mischief and real-life situations.

• Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park, illustrated by Denise Brunkus
  • Genre(s): Humor, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Junie B. Jones is a kindergartner (later a first grader) who goes through the ups and downs of school life with a unique and comedic perspective.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's funny and speaks in a voice that young readers can relate to, making reading enjoyable and a part of daily fun.
  • Perfect for: Children who love to laugh and see the world through a quirky lens.

• The Magic School Bus by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: Ms. Frizzle takes her class on magical field trips with their transforming school bus, exploring everything from the solar system to the human body.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes science exciting and accessible, encouraging curiosity about the natural world.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and explorers eager to learn about the world in a fun way.

• Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Humor, Action, Graphic Novels
  • Synopsis: Two fourth-graders, George and Harold, create a superhero named Captain Underpants, who accidentally becomes real when their principal is hypnotized into believing he’s the superhero.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with action and humor, appealing to kids' sense of fun while encouraging them to read more.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy comics, superheroes, and lots of laughs.

Educational Series Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Zoey and Sassafras Series by Asia Citro, illustrated by Marion Lindsay
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Zoey and her cat Sassafras use science experiments to help magical creatures in their forest.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific method, problem-solving, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends science with fantasy, encouraging curiosity and systematic problem solving.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and any kid who loves magic and animals.

• The Data Set Series by Ada Hopper, illustrated by Sam Ricks
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Join three friends as they encounter crazy adventures after discovering a mad scientist living in their neighborhood.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logic, basic science concepts, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to scientific ideas through thrilling adventures and fun.
  • Perfect for: Budding scientists and lovers of thrilling adventures.

• The Questioneers Series by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): STEM, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follows kids like Ada Twist, Rosie Revere, and Iggy Peck as they explore their love for STEM and go on problem-solving adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Engineering, science, perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes STEM fields and inspires creativity and persistence in solving problems.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring engineers, architects, and scientists, and any child who loves to ask "why?"

• The Never Girls Series by Kiki Thorpe, illustrated by Jana Christy
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four friends find themselves in Never Land and experience magical adventures with fairies.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, friendship dynamics, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of adventure and the value of friendships through engaging storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and fans of fairies and Disney’s Peter Pan.

• The Time Warp Trio Series by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Lane Smith
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Three friends use a magical book to travel through time, experiencing different historical events firsthand.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, reading comprehension, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes history accessible and fun, weaving humor and factual events seamlessly.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love history and time travel adventures.

Challenging Series 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: The book features complex puzzles and moral dilemmas that require advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to use their intelligence and resourcefulness, fostering a love for puzzles and strategic thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and strategists who enjoy cracking codes and solving mysteries.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is thrust into a world of Greek mythology where he must fulfill prophecies and battle legendary monsters.
  • Why this book is challenging: It integrates complex Greek mythology with fast-paced adventure, requiring readers to keep up with intricate plots and historical details.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling introduction to Greek mythology, wrapped in action and adventure, making ancient stories accessible and exciting.
  • Perfect for: Fans of mythology, adventure seekers, and anyone who loves a heroic quest.

• The Spiderwick Chronicles by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After moving into the dilapidated Spiderwick Estate, the Grace children discover a secret world of faeries and other creatures hidden from the human eye.
  • Why this book is challenging: The series introduces a complex fantasy world with a detailed faerie lore that requires imaginative and analytical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a captivating exploration of a magical world that coexists with our own, sparking imagination and curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers and fans of magical creatures and mystical adventures.

• The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Epic
  • Synopsis: Eragon, a young farm boy, finds a mysterious stone that turns out to be a dragon egg, leading him on a journey to become a Dragon Rider and battle the tyrannical ruler of his world.
  • Why this book is challenging: With its elaborate world-building and complex language, the series offers a more sophisticated reading experience that challenges young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an epic fantasy that teaches about duty, honor, and the complexities of war and peace.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring heroes and anyone who dreams of dragons and epic battles.

• The Green Ember Series by S.D. Smith
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Heather and Picket are sibling rabbits who find themselves caught in the midst of an epic struggle to reclaim their home and protect the Great Wood from tyranny.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative builds a complex world with its own politics, cultures, and conflicts, requiring readers to engage deeply with the text to understand its nuances.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventure with deep moral questions about leadership, sacrifice, and community.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about courage, adventure, and animals in heroic roles.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-year-old develop strong reading habits while enjoying their favorite series books, here are some fun and effective exercises to try out. These exercises are designed to be engaging and beneficial, ensuring that reading becomes a joyful and habitual part of their daily routine.

• Create a Reading Calendar
  • What it is: Set up a monthly calendar dedicated to reading activities.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistent reading by visualizing and planning reading times.
  • Tips: Let your child place stickers or markers on days they read, making it fun and rewarding.

• Series Book Club
  • What it is: Form a small book club focused on a series of books.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and interest through group discussion and peer learning.
  • Tips: Schedule regular meetings, perhaps after finishing each book in the series, to discuss the story, characters, and themes.

• Character Diary
  • What it is: Keep a diary from the perspective of a favorite character in the series.
  • How it helps: Develops deeper understanding and empathy for characters while practicing creative writing.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to write entries after each reading session, imagining the character's feelings and reactions.

• Book-Based Projects
  • What it is: Create projects based on the themes or settings of the series.
  • How it helps: Reinforces understanding and makes connections between the book's content and the real world.
  • Tips: Projects can range from drawing maps, creating models, or even baking something that's mentioned in the books.

• Predict the Next Plot
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next in the series before reading the next book.
  • How it helps: Stimulates imagination and anticipatory skills, making the reading more engaging.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions and see how they unfold as you continue the series, which can be a thrilling experience for young readers.

By incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine, you not only make reading a fun and interactive experience but also support the development of critical thinking and creative skills. Happy reading and exploring the adventures that lie within the pages of their favorite series books!