Good Books for 8th Graders
Last updated July 2, 2025
The Phantom Tollbooth
by Norton JusterMilo travels to the Lands Beyond, where words and numbers come alive. A whimsical, playful allegory that celebrates curiosity and learning.
The Blackbird Girls
by Anne BlankmanTwo Russian girls in 1986 face the Chernobyl disaster with courage and friendship. A page-turning, emotional tale of resilience in the face of real-world horrors.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
by Brian SelznickA silent Paris station, an automaton, and a boy's secret life intertwine. Cinematic and enchanting—a wordless symphony in ink and whimsy.
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl
by Anne FrankAnne's diary entries illuminate hope, fear, and adolescence during hiding in WWII. Poignant and timeless, it reveals a young heart's resilience.
Ghost
by Jason ReynoldsGhost joins a track team to outrun his past—but running isn't always enough. A powerful portrait of resilience, hope, and finding your stride.
Three Times Lucky
by Sheila TurnageTwelve-year-old Mo sets out to solve a murder in her quirky Louisiana town. Full of sharp dialogue, oddball charm, and a heroine with a heart as big as the bayou.
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning
by Lemony SnicketThe Baudelaire orphans face perils and mysteries under a sinister guardian. Cleverly morose and endlessly inventive, it's a darkly comedic page-turner.
Beetle Boy
by M. G. LeonardDarkus Cuttle teams up with extraordinary beetles to find his missing father—and outwit a wicked bug dealer. Quirky, science-driven, and utterly page-turning.
The Westing Game
by Ellen RaskinSixteen heirs must solve the mystery of Samuel Westing's death to claim his fortune. This Newbery Medal winner is a cleverly crafted puzzle that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
Bridge to Terabithia
by Katherine PatersonTwo imaginative friends create a secret kingdom, only to face a profound loss. A deeply moving story about friendship, imagination, and grief.