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Top 10 Books for 8 Year Olds

Best Books for 8-Year-Old Children

The idea of books as gateways to new worlds of imagination and knowledge is something to continually impart to your child. The top 10 books for 8 year olds does this beautifully! Help your child’s mind expand with this incredible list designed specifically for the 8 year old in your life.

Give your youngling the chance to learn about the Greek gods, enter the magical (and illustrated) world of Harry Potter, and laugh till their sides hurt via hilarious poems from Shel Silverstein. The top 10 books for 8 year olds also features some classic words of wisdom by Dr. Seuss, body-positive messages for girls, and that big, friendly giant story from Roald Dahl.

Every book on the list provides your child with an education outside of the classroom. Reading offers innumerable benefits no matter your age, and is especially helpful to developing young minds. Whether learning new vocabulary words, the power of kind deeds, or why it is important to love who you are, the top 10 books for 8 year olds has what you want as a parent.

What’s here: This fantastic compilation of the 10 best books for children 8 years of age for the spring and summer months of 2017 was created by real moms and educators who enjoyed these books themselves or taught them in class. Numerous types and themes of books are included in the list to keep your youngin’ stimulated.

For shoppers: Purchasing any of these high-quality book options is easy–just visit Amazon! Please note that we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links.  Also, note that our recommendations are 100% made because we love the companies and products and are never influenced in any way by any commission we may receive.

Post Updated: April 9th, 2017


What’s Here:

1. The Trials of Apollo, Book 1: The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan
2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: The Illustrated Edition by J.K. Rowling
3. The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls (Revised Edition) by Valorie Schaefer
4. Seuss-isms! A Guide to Life for Those Just Starting Out…and Those Already on Their Way by Dr. Seuss
5. Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
6. Fancy Nancy: Nancy Clancy, Soccer Mania by Jane O’Connor
7. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
8. Are We There Yet? by Dan Santat
9. The BFG by Roald Dahl
10. Time for Kids Big Book of Why – 1,001 Facts Kids Want to Know


Top 10 Books for 8 Year Olds:

1. The Trials of Apollo, Book 1: The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan

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In the #1 spot of the top 10 books for 8 year olds this year is The Trials of Apollo, Book 1: The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan.

When the God Apollo is banished from Olympus to New York City, he is placed inside the form of an average teenage boy. Of course he is hardly average…his father Zeus is angry with him and his enemies (demons, demi-gods, and terrifying creatures) are still after him! Yikes! Apollo has to relearn serious survival as a mortal and hopefully not get killed by the many creatures who want to take advantage of his weakened state. His one big hope is to make it to Camp Half-Blood, a center for the demigod children of the Greek pantheon.

Written by the same guy who writes the Percy Jackson series, this book offers a great adventure for your 8-year-old and will likely inspire him or her to learn more about the Greek gods, demi-gods, and the mortals and monsters they encountered. Give it to your child as the perfect jumping off point for a Greek myth education!

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2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: The Illustrated Edition by J.K. Rowling

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I am in love with this! Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: The Illustrated Edition by J.K. Rowling comes in at a strong second place among the best books for 8 year old kids for 2017.

I remember when the first Harry Potter book came out. The librarian suggested it numerous times before I finally gave it a chance, and I never looked back. I was hooked. This edition is the original introduction of Harry Potter and friends, but with colorful, vivid illustrations throughout the book. In other words, it is the perfect introduction to the magical world of Harry and friends (and enemies).

In case you don’t know the story, Harry is an 11-year-old orphan living with his unpleasant aunt and uncle and their spoiled son. Harry lives in the cupboard under the stairs and one day gets a letter from a most peculiar place…Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The 11-year-old is suddenly plunged into a whole new world where everyone knows that he is a wizard…and what the lightening scar on his forehead means.

Your child will love reading this beautiful book…and diving into Harry’s world!

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3. The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls (Revised Edition) by Valorie Schaefer

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Hitting third on the list – The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls (Revised Edition) by Valorie Schaefer.

Now with awesome updated content, this must-read for little ladies covers the details of hygiene, puberty, personal care, and confidence. Girlies will learn all about their bodies, from what to expect to tips on how to prepare for inevitable changes. It is simply wonderful, and a perfect way to start the conversation about growing up and how the body changes. You can give it to your young daughter whenever you feel the time is right and tell her you can read it together if she want or she can read it and come to you with any questions. The book also emphasizes the importance of confidence and loving yourself…two things you cannot stress enough as a parent!

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4. Seuss-isms! A Guide to Life for Those Just Starting Out…and Those Already on Their Way by Dr. Seuss

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Fourth among the ten best books for eight year old boys and girls – Seuss-isms! A Guide to Life for Those Just Starting Out…and Those Already on Their Way by Dr. Seuss.

Dr. Seuss is the master of concealed life lessons. Those stories that consist of quirky rhymes and silly characters, but really hit on major issues, like leaving home, trying new things, overcoming bullies, and saving the Earth. This book is a compilation of Seussian quotes from his most beloved classics. It is truly a great guide to life!

Whether your child is a longtime Dr. Seuss fan or new to the fantastical world of the good doctor, this is a great book to keep and pass down to future generations. The wisdom contained in this book is timeless and provides your child with comfort whenever it is necessary. Awesome.

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5. Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

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Always a classic favorite – Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein also ranks among the “best of” books for 8 year old kids in 2017.

Shel Silverstein shares the stage with Dr. Seuss when it comes to amazing poetic collections and funky, cool illustrations. Where the Sidewalk Ends features thought-provoking, funny favorites for generations of Silverstein fanatics, many of which inspire the reader to LOL. This is the extended anniversary edition (extra poems), which makes it a great gift for any young Shel Silverstein fan who has checked his books out from the library over and over. A true classic, Where The Sidewalk Ends is a wonderful addition to any children’s library.

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6. Fancy Nancy: Nancy Clancy, Soccer Mania by Jane O’Connor

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Next up on this year’s list – Fancy Nancy: Nancy Clancy, Soccer Mania by Jane O’Connor.

Nancy Clancy has really grown up since we were first graced with her toddler presence in the first-ever Fancy Nancy books. This chapter book follows Nancy on the soccer field. She is sassy, sweet, and different, but when she is on the field, she is one member of an amazing team. Nancy loves cheering for her teammates and getting into the spirit of everything; however, she is a wee bit slow. Will Nancy reach her goal of at least being okay at the sport? Your little ‘un will just have to read this chapter book and find out.

A great story for kids who are not super-athletically-inclined or have not found what they are best at yet, this book is filled with humor and fun.

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7. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

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One from Peter Brown – The Wild Robot comes in at #7 of the top 10 books for 8 year old kids in 2017.

Roz is an unsuspecting Robot who comes to life on a deserted island. The wilderness is overgrown and crawling with dangers—ones that Roz has to learn how to escape and survive. A heartwarming story of adaptability, Robot Roz slowly begins to understand her place in the wide, lonely world. She becomes friends with the island’s animals and eventually thinks of the island like home…but what about her mysterious past? It comes back in a big, big way.

A great story about the collision between nature and technology, your youngling will have a hard time putting this book down! It is truly a wonderful new take on the classic story of survival.

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8. Are We There Yet? by Dan Santat

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Are We There Yet? by Dan Santat takes up the 8th spot on our 10 best books for 8 year olds this year.

We have all asked our parents, “are we there yet?” on those long car rides. Even if it were merely 5 minutes to the grocery store. This book is about a bored little boy with a big imagination. From dinosaurs and princesses, his perspective puts a spin on road trips. He and his parents are driving to his grandmother’s birthday party, but everything seems to be going slowly. Really, really slowly. So slow, in fact, that the boy finds himself going back in time!

The perfect book for the kid who does not like long car rides (which is, um, most kids), it also inspires plenty of fun in the realm of imagination.

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9. The BFG by Roald Dahl

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At 9th up on the list – The BFG by Roald Dahl.

The BFG has been around for decades, but kiddos are just now discovering it because Steven Spielberg adapted it into a film. Sophie is a little girl carried off by a big, jumbly giant—one who is merely seeking a friend. Awwww.

Roald Dahl’s classic, unusual tales entered the children’s literature pantheon sometime ago and will undoubtedly remain their as long as books are written. This story emphasizes that things are not always what they seem and it is very possible to be deceived by appearances. The BFG seems scary at first, but is actually the only friendly giant in the land, and the one to help Sophie save other children from not-so-friendly giants!

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10. Time for Kids Big Book of Why – 1,001 Facts Kids Want to Know

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2017’s final item on the list of the top 8 year old kids’ books is Time for Kids Big Book of Why – 1,001 Facts Kids Want to Know.

Kids are naturally curious. When they learn to talk, the average youngster can prattle off over a thousand questions per day. Most consisting of, “why?” This book answers those questions with 1,001 facts about anything and everything, like space, technology, animals, humans…and Swiss cheese. It is a wonderful, super-fun book ideal for the curious child eager to learn more about the world. Don’t be surprised if your kiddo cannot wait to share what he or she has learned with you, other family members, friends, classmates, teachers, and anyone else!

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