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

Looking for the perfect story books for 7-8-year-olds that will captivate their imagination and enhance their reading skills? You're in the right place! Whether you're seeking to stock up your home library or find a special gift, we've compiled a variety of engaging books that are ideal for young readers in this age group. Keep reading to discover our top picks for story books that are sure to be a hit with 7-8-year-olds!

Fun Story 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 a young pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte crafts clever messages in her web to persuade the farmer to spare his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life, all woven together with gentle humor and wisdom.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and stories about friendships.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A little girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike other giants, is kind and charming. Together, they embark on an adventure to capture the evil, man-eating giants who are terrorizing the human world.
  • Why we recommend this book: Dahl's imaginative storytelling filled with whimsy and unique language makes this a captivating read that sparks creativity and a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a big imagination and a taste for adventure.

• 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 brave mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It tells of his quest for honor and a crusade against darkness in the kingdom.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written fairy tale with themes of bravery, forgiveness, and redemption that resonate with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy fairy tales with heroic quests and unlikely heroes.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child unappreciated by her crude, distant parents. Her discovery of telekinetic powers leads to school-time escapades and a battle against the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, encouraging readers to believe in their own power to overcome obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or dream of doing great things.

• 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 across time and space on various adventures and missions.
  • Why we recommend this book: Each book combines history, science, and adventure, making learning fun and accessible. It's a great way to get reluctant readers excited about books.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who love to learn about different times and places through stories.

Educational Story Books for 7-8-Year-Olds

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Science, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Inspired by real-life scientists, this book 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, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity and perseverance, especially in science, and is an inspiring story for young readers, particularly girls, interested in STEM fields.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young scientists and curious minds.

• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Multicultural
  • Synopsis: After Unhei moves from Korea to the US, she worries that American kids will not like her Korean name. She decides to choose a new name from a "name jar" her new classmates fill with suggestions, but a deeper appreciation of her own culture and identity emerges instead.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural diversity, social skills, self-acceptance
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story that teaches the importance of accepting and celebrating one's own heritage and uniqueness.
  • Perfect for: Children experiencing or learning about cultural diversity and the value of self-identity.

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Science, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Rosie is a brilliant inventor of gizmos and gadgets who dreams of becoming an engineer. After being laughed at for one of her inventions, she might give up—until her great-great-aunt Rose (Rosie the Riveter) shows her that the first flop isn't something to fear but something to celebrate.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, perseverance, engineering concepts
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages kids to never give up on their dreams and shows that failure is just a step on the path to success.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and creators, and anyone who needs encouragement to keep trying.

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: A little girl and her best friend, who happens to be a dog, decide to make the most magnificent thing. Despite her best efforts, the task proves more challenging than expected. Through her journey, she learns the value of perseverance and creativity.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, creativity, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a wonderful tale about the rewards of perseverance and creativity, demonstrating that it's okay to make mistakes.
  • Perfect for: Young builders and anyone who has ever had a big idea that didn't go as planned.

• Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This story follows Alice Rumphius, who longs to travel the world, live in a house by the sea, and do something to make the world more beautiful. She achieves all these goals and finds her own way to leave the world a better place.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, life goals
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires children to think about how they can contribute positively to the world, encouraging a sense of responsibility and purpose.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and young environmentalists.

Challenging Story Books for 7-8-Year-Olds

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Milo is bored with life until a mysterious tollbooth appears in his room. Driving through it, he enters a strange and fantastical world where he embarks on a journey that teaches him the value of learning and curiosity.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a rich vocabulary and a plethora of puns, idioms, and wordplay that require a higher level of reading comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative adventure that promotes a love for learning and shows the joy in acquiring knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy puzzles and word games, and those looking for a whimsical yet intellectually stimulating read.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This timeless tale tells the story of a young prince who travels the universe gaining wisdom. Through his travels, he meets a series of adults embodying various human follies and a pilot stranded in the desert, learning profound life lessons.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores deep philosophical themes and abstract ideas that are usually not tackled in children's books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound insights on love, loss, and what it means to be human, providing valuable lessons for readers of all ages.
  • Perfect for: Thoughtful children who appreciate deep stories and those interested in philosophy and life’s big questions.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Follow Alice as she falls down a rabbit hole into a fantastical world. In Wonderland, she encounters various bizarre characters like the Cheshire Cat and the Queen of Hearts in a peculiar and unpredictable environment.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex and surreal, filled with riddles and nonsensical logic that challenge conventional thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a classic that encourages imagination and creativity, while its unique characters and whimsical plot engage and entertain.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and anyone who enjoys a good puzzle or a story that turns the ordinary on its head.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sour-faced and sullen orphan, transforms into a kind and caring girl as she discovers a neglected garden that she brings back to life. The garden's magic also brings health and happiness back into her life and that of her cousin, Colin.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features themes of loss, rejuvenation, and the healing power of nature, wrapped in somewhat archaic language and detailed narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches resilience and the transformative power of nature and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of transformation and nature lovers.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the life of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is mistakenly sent to two siblings who wanted to adopt a boy to help them on their farm in Prince Edward Island. Anne's vibrant personality and vivid imagination bring a new, joyful life to the community and her adoptive family.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses rich, descriptive language and explores themes of identity, belonging, and transformation.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's adventures and misadventures teach about the importance of perseverance, the value of being oneself, and the impact one individual can have on a community.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers, imaginative kids, and anyone who’s ever felt a little bit different.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-8-year-old develop great reading habits, you've come to the right place. Below are some fun and effective exercises designed just for them. Each one is tailored to make reading a more engaging and beneficial part of their daily routine. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special place in your home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a physical space that encourages regular reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book Club for Two
  • What it is: Schedule a weekly book club where you and your child discuss a book you've both read.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and gives your child a chance to express their thoughts.
  • Tips: Keep the discussion light and fun, focusing on what each of you enjoyed about the book.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Before finishing a story, ask your child to predict what will happen next.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and active engagement with the plot.
  • Tips: Discuss why they think the story will go in that direction, linking back to parts of the text.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Dress up and act out scenes from the book with your child.
  • How it helps: Helps deepen understanding of the characters and their motivations.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the activity more exciting and memorable.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks the number of books your child reads.
  • How it helps: Motivates children to read more frequently.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards for reaching reading milestones, like an extra half-hour of playtime.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Have your child draw scenes from the book they are reading.
  • How it helps: Reinforces story comprehension and sparks creativity.
  • Tips: Display their artwork at home to show how proud you are of their effort.

Wrapping up, these exercises aren't just about reading more books; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of your child's life. By incorporating these activities, you're helping your child build a strong foundation in literacy that will benefit them immensely as they grow. Happy reading!