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

Looking for the perfect read for your young reader? Discovering the right book can be a magical journey, especially with our curated selection of Waterstones books for 8-year-olds. Whether your child is a budding adventurer or a curious thinker, Waterstones offers a treasure trove of options that perfectly cater to their growing imaginations. Keep reading to explore our various lists of Waterstones books for 8-year-olds that promise to captivate and inspire!

Fun Waterstones Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Ice Monster by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Victorian London, this story follows a young orphan named Elsie who embarks on a wild adventure after discovering a woolly mammoth at the Natural History Museum.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with history, making learning fun and engaging. The story is fast-paced and filled with heart, ideal for keeping young readers hooked.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love adventure with a twist of history and humor.

• The 117-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This installment of the Treehouse series features Andy and Terry's ever-growing treehouse with new additions like a tiny-horse level, a pajama-party room, and an 'Underpants Museum.'
  • Why we recommend this book: It's wildly imaginative and hilariously funny, encouraging creativity and providing endless entertainment.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy zany humor and creative, out-of-the-box thinking.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Classic
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, but her parents are too caught up in their mundane lives to notice her. At school, she meets the tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull, and with the help of her lovely teacher Miss Honey, Matilda discovers her extraordinary powers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It champions the power of reading and the resilience of children, inspiring young readers to believe in their own abilities.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood and those who appreciate tales of triumph over adversity.

• The Train to Impossible Places by P.G. Bell, illustrated by Flavia Sorrentino
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Join Suzy as she boards a magical train driven by trolls, which travels through impossible places and delivers parcels to fantastical realms.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its creative settings and quirky characters, making reading a thrilling journey.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love fantasy and adventures that transport them to extraordinary worlds.

• Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Humor
  • Synopsis: Part dog, part man, and all hero, Dog Man faces off against a new villain and his army of fleas. With help from his friends, he fights to save the city.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with action and humor, presented in a comic book style that's easy to read and visually engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy superheroes, laughs, and a good graphic novel format.

Educational Waterstones Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Exploring the Elements: A Complete Guide to the Periodic Table by Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Sara Gillingham
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This visually stunning book introduces young readers to every element in the periodic table, combining fascinating facts with engaging design.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of basic chemistry, scientific vocabulary, and data interpretation
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes complex scientific concepts accessible and interesting, sparking curiosity about the building blocks of the universe.
  • Perfect for: Budding scientists and any kid curious about how the world works at a molecular level.

• The Atlas of Monsters and Ghosts by Federica Magrin, illustrated by Laura Brenlla
  • Genre(s): Mythology, Geography
  • Synopsis: Learn about the myths, legends, and ghost stories from around the world in this thrilling atlas that takes readers on a global tour of the supernatural.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Geographic knowledge, cultural understanding, mythological stories
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines educational content with the thrill of monster stories, making learning about different cultures fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who love scary stories and exploring different cultures.

• The Big Book of the Blue by Yuval Zommer
  • Genre(s): Nature, Science
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book explores the vast oceans and the diverse life within them, from tiny krill to the giant blue whale.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Marine biology, environmental awareness, conservation
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages an appreciation for marine life and the importance of ocean conservation through engaging and informative content.
  • Perfect for: Young ocean enthusiasts and future marine biologists.

• The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay
  • Genre(s): Technology, Engineering
  • Synopsis: From levers to lasers, from cameras to computers, this book explains how hundreds of machines and devices work in a clear and engaging way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Mechanical understanding, critical thinking, technological literacy
  • Why we recommend this book: It demystifies the mechanics behind everyday technology, fostering a better understanding of how things work.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds fascinated by technology and engineering.

• Absolutely Everything! A History of Earth, Dinosaurs, Rulers, Robots and Other Things Too Numerous to Mention by Christopher Lloyd
  • Genre(s): History, Science
  • Synopsis: A sweeping journey through the history of the world, from the Big Bang to the present day, packed with fascinating facts and events.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, scientific understanding, chronological thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a comprehensive overview of many different aspects of world history and science in an accessible and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young historians and scientists who are eager to learn about the big picture of our planet's past and present.

Challenging Waterstones 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 thwart a global crisis.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features complex riddles and puzzles that challenge critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages teamwork, perseverance, and intelligence, as the characters use their unique abilities to face various challenges.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and using their brains to solve complex challenges.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magical Realism
  • Synopsis: In this enchanting tale, a young girl named Luna is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As Luna grows, her magic becomes stronger and more unpredictable.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is sophisticated with multiple points of view and a deep exploration of themes like sacrifice, power, and love.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's beautifully written with rich, poetic language and a compelling plot that weaves together various stories into a cohesive whole.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate beautifully crafted stories and deep, meaningful themes.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this visually stunning novel follows young orphan Hugo as he tries to solve the mystery of a broken automaton and a hidden message from his late father.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel uniquely blends text and full-page illustrations to tell the story, requiring the reader to interpret visual clues and text together.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating, immersive reading experience that blends art, literature, and history in a unique format.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and readers who enjoy a cinematic approach to storytelling.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: This heartwarming story follows Auggie Pullman, a boy with facial differences, as he attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time and strives for acceptance and kindness.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex themes of identity, acceptance, and resilience through the perspectives of different characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes empathy and understanding, showing the importance of accepting everyone for who they are.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking to understand and appreciate the diversity of human experiences.

• Pax by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen
  • Genre(s): Animal Fiction, War, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A deeply moving story about a boy named Peter and his pet fox Pax. The narrative alternates between their points of view as they try to reunite amidst the horrors of war.
  • Why this book is challenging: The dual narrative requires readers to understand and empathize with both human and animal perspectives, dealing with themes of loss, war, and the bond between a pet and its owner.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant tale that teaches about the impact of war and the power of love and loyalty.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in stories that explore emotional depth and resilience.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-year-old develop stellar reading habits, Waterstones has a fantastic selection of books that can captivate young minds. But, just picking out great books isn't enough. Here are some fun reading exercises that can turn this journey into a habit-forming adventure. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy spot dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and enjoyable activity.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions or posters.

• Book Bingo
  • What it is: Create a bingo card with different types of books or genres to read.
  • How it helps: Encourages exploration of different subjects and genres.
  • Tips: Reward a completed line or card with a small prize or extra reading time.

• Read Aloud Days
  • What it is: Dedicate certain days to read stories aloud together.
  • How it helps: Improves listening and comprehension skills.
  • Tips: Use different voices for characters to make the reading more engaging.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Pause during reading to guess what might happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking and anticipation skills.
  • Tips: Discuss why certain events might unfold based on the story context.

• Character Role-Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book as the characters.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of character development and plot.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more immersive play.

• Reading Challenge Tracker
  • What it is: Keep a chart or list to track books read over a period.
  • How it helps: Provides a visual progress indicator, which can be very motivating.
  • Tips: Set achievable goals and celebrate milestones to keep the enthusiasm high.

• Book Club for Kids
  • What it is: Start a book club with a few of your child’s friends or classmates.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and deeper understanding of the reading material.
  • Tips: Host a monthly meeting where the kids can discuss the book and share their views.

There you have it! Integrating these exercises into your child’s reading routine can not only enhance their skills but also make reading a fun and rewarding part of their daily life. Remember, the goal is to foster a love for reading that will last a lifetime. Happy reading!