The most recommended books for 8 year olds

Who picked these books? Meet our 1,351 experts.

1,351 authors created a book list with books for 8 year olds, and here are their favorites.

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Book cover of The Very Best Story Ever Told: The Gospel with American Sign Language

Nancy Tupper Ling Author Of One Perfect Plan: The Bible's Big Story in Tiny Poems

From my list on Christian picture reads for kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a childrenā€™s author, poet, bookseller, and librarian, I surround myself with books and sometimes books of faith. I remember the joy I felt reading many Bible stories with my parents as a child. It took months to journey from the battle of David and Goliath to the bravery of Queen Esther, and then onto Jesusā€™ miracles. Exploring something new, I decided to tell these stories through short poem, so a family could read an entire book in one sitting. I truly appreciate when faith-based books work to build the love of God for young readers. Thankfully, more books exist now to show young readers what a faith-centric life looks like.

Nancy's book list on Christian picture reads for kids

Nancy Tupper Ling Why did Nancy love this book?

A Junior Library Guild Selection, this is a book I wish I had in our home when our daughters were young.

The Bible becomes interactive and alive as children learn 13 different words in American Sign Language that are embedded in each story. They also discover Godā€™s love for our world throughout this engaging book. Words such as ā€œlove,ā€ ā€œbaby,ā€ ā€œfish,ā€ and ā€œHeavenā€ are highlighted, so any child can learn how to sign, making it memorable for all. 

By Robin Currie, David Kurtz Williams (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Very Best Story Ever Told as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

"

Winner of Serious Writer's Book of the Decade Award

The Very Best Story Ever Told shares the Gospel story in a unique and creative way, from God's love for the world to Jesus' life to the Spirit surrounding us today. Each line of this story includes important words reinforced with American Sign Language to engage the whole child. As kids learn the signs and repeat the words, visual learning, auditory learning, and kinesthetic learning are fully engaged to equip them to retell the Gospel story again and again.

""This book is a delight! Its charming illustrations, clear retelling ofā€¦


Book cover of My Name Is Tani... and I Believe in Miracles: The Amazing True Story of One Boy's Journey from Refugee to Chess Champion

Alysa Wishingrad Author Of The Verdigris Pawn

From my list on for chess lovers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love games; board games, card games, head games*; any kind of situation in which employing strategy is the only way forward. And yet, Iā€™m not a big game playerā€”aside from word games. Iā€™m also endlessly fascinated by the mechanisms of power and how societies arrange themselves. The marriage between writing and understanding politics (in the traditional, not the partisan sense) is my true north. Writing a book in which a chess-like game provides the foundation felt inevitable for me, for what game better explores the dynamics of power and strategy? *I donā€™t play head games, but I do find manipulation fascinating fodder for writing.

Alysa's book list on for chess lovers

Alysa Wishingrad Why did Alysa love this book?

My Name is Tani... is the inspiring story of an 8-year-old Nigerian immigrant who, after playing chess for only one year, went on the win the NYS Chess Championship. But itā€™s also a story about family, faith, resilience, and the very real power of kindness. The Adewumi family lived prosperously in Nigeria, until they were targeted by the terrorist organization Boko Harem. After fleeing to America their lives were categorically changed, and they wound up living in a homeless shelter. Yet they were never going to be defeated. Taniā€™s journey of learning, and quickly mastering, chess is one part of this story, yet the very real truth that ā€œTalent is universal, opportunity is not,ā€ provides the beating heart, highlighting as it does the vast inequities in our society. 

By Tanitoluwa Adewumi, Kayode Adewumi, Oluwatoyin Adewumi

Why should I read it?

1 author picked My Name Is Tani... and I Believe in Miracles as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

A true story of sacrificing everything for family, living with nothing but hope, then sharing generously all they received to discover the greatest riches of all.

Tani Adewumi didn't know what Boko Haram was or why they had threatened his family. All he knew was that when his parents told the family was going to America, Tani thought it was the start of a great adventure rather than an escape. In truth, his family's journey to the United States was nothing short of miraculous-and the miracles were just beginning.

Tani's father, Kayode, became a dishwasher and Uber driver while Tani'sā€¦


Book cover of Yaffa and Fatima: Shalom, Salaam

Arthur A. Levine Author Of The Hanukkah Magic of Nate Gadol

From my list on Hanukkah picture books for trying times.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™ve had a long career, publishing books that have won the highest awards in the industry, including two books that won Caldecott Medals. Iā€™m best known as the editor of the Harry Potter books. But my expertise in this area also comes from being a father, a reader, and the author of several books with Jewish and intersectional themes.

Arthur's book list on Hanukkah picture books for trying times

Arthur A. Levine Why did Arthur love this book?

My motivations for recommending this book are very similar to the ones that make me recommend the previous book. 

Beyond the rhetoric of the news, what can we reach for that is undeniably true during these holidays that fall during the darkest days of the year?

Hebrew and Arabic have words for ā€œPeaceā€ that are nearly identical. Can we start there on a path to mutual understanding? Fawzia Gilani-Williams imagines this possibility.

By Fawzia Gilani-Williams, Chiara Fedele (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Yaffa and Fatima as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Two neighborsā€•one Jewish, one Muslimā€•have always been best friends. When they both fall on hard times, can they find a way to help each other? In Fawzia Gilani's retelling of this folktaleā€•which has both Jewish and Arab originsā€•differences are not always causes for conflict and friendship can overcome any obstacle.


Book cover of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Hans Bluedorn Author Of Archer and Zowie

From my list on exploring with friends and siblings.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was homeschooled, and when I was young (back in the last millennium), we didnā€™t have a TV, so my parents read to us kids hours every day. This really helped pass the time because we lived in the middle of a cornfield, and there was nothing else to do but . . . watch corn grow! Later in my teens, I started writing myself. This has continued until today. Writing is a good way to explore the world of ideas. All of the books on this list have influenced my writing. 

Hans' book list on exploring with friends and siblings

Hans Bluedorn Why did Hans love this book?

This is a story about a whole sibling group that causes a lot of trouble. But in a way, they are the only ray of light in an otherwise dull town.

I get the idea that the townsfolk enjoy the drama more than they let on. What I really liked about this book is the writing style. It is very engaging and conversational. I was always waiting for the next punchline/payoff. Very funny.

I listened to the audiobook. It is read by Elaine Stritch. She has the best voice. I could listen to her talk all day long.

By Barbara Robinson,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Best Christmas Pageant Ever as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

This yearā€™s pageant is definitely like no other, but maybe thatā€™s exactly what makes it so special.

Laughs abound in this bestselling Christmas classic by Barbara Robinson! The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows the outrageous shenanigans of the Herdman siblings, or ā€œthe worst kids in the history of the world.ā€

The siblings take over the annual Christmas pageant in a hilarious yet heartwarming tale involving the Three Wise Men, a ham, scared shepherds, and six rowdy kids. You and your family will laugh along with this funny story, perfect for independent reading or read-aloud sharing.

Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Ollie,ā€¦


Book cover of The Princess Who Hid in a Tree: An Anglo-Saxon Story

Sylvia Vetta Author Of Sculpting the Elephant

From my list on Oxford and where town meets gown.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was a freelance writer for The Oxford Times for 20 years when it was well respected. For ten of those years, I wrote the Oxford Castaway series in which I cast away inspirational people from 5 continents whose lives have been affected by their time in the city. Even Lord Chris Pattern of Barnes ā€“ the Chancellor of Oxford University and former Governor of Hong Kong let me cast him away on Oxtopia! Oxford is still divided between Town and Gown but I stride the two and my husband was an academic at that other Oxford University: Oxford Brookes.

Sylvia's book list on Oxford and where town meets gown

Sylvia Vetta Why did Sylvia love this book?

This is the story of Frideswide and the creation of Oxford as a place of learning told for young children. Our grandchildren are weaned on superheroes and I would like them to know the stories of heroes and heroines from the past as well.

By Jackie Holderness, Alan Marks (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Princess Who Hid in a Tree as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

This story is about a brave and kind Anglo-Saxon princess called Frideswide who lived in Oxford a long time ago and just happened to be brilliant at climbing very tall trees. Her talent came in useful one day when a wicked king tried to kidnap her. How did she and her friends escape, and what happened to the king and his soldiers?

With stunning illustrations by award-winning artist Alan Marks, Saint Frideswide's legend is retold for young children as a tale of adventure, courage in the face of danger, friendship, and kindness, with a few surprises along the way.

Theā€¦


Book cover of Mouse in the Matzah Factory

Sylvia A. Rouss Author Of Sammy Spider's First ABC

From my list on for Jewish preschool children.

Why am I passionate about this?

I believe that good Jewish stories are important tools in building Jewish identity. But when I first taught preschoolers, the books were either too didactic or written for older children. One day, when the children in my class were enthusiastically discussing the Christmas display at the mall, the idea came to me that maybe an eight-legged Spider celebrating the eight days of Hanukkah could compete with Frosty the Snowman. When Sammy Spider asks to spin a dreidel, he is told, ā€œSpiderā€™s donā€™t spin dreidels. Spiders spin webs.ā€ The response became a favorite with Jewish children and a form of the phrase is part of all the Sammy Spider holiday and values books.

Sylvia's book list on for Jewish preschool children

Sylvia A. Rouss Why did Sylvia love this book?

This is one of my favorite stories and it allows the reader to observe the process of making matzah. Through the eyes of a little mouse, we watch the care that is taken from growing and harvesting the wheat, to transporting it to the matzah factory, and finally, baking it into matzah. I think this story more than any other inspired my writing. I wanted to create a relatable character that would engage young children ā€“ a character who exhibits childlike curiosity and who wants to discover and participate in the events occurring around him. 

By Francine Medoff, Nicole In Den Bosch (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Mouse in the Matzah Factory as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Journey with a curious little mouse as he travels from a wheat field in the country to a big city factory where harvested wheat is baked into matzah.


Book cover of Osnat and Her Dove: The True Story of the World's First Female Rabbi

Erica Lyons Author Of Zhen Yu and the Snake

From my list on illustrated stories that are Jewish&.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a Jew that is both Ashkenazi and Persian that lives in Hong Kong where Iā€™m raising my Jewish Chinese children, I see Judaism for its rich diversity. Iā€™m passionate about changing peopleā€™s perceptions about what Jews look like and where we hail from. We are not a single story. To further that goal, in 2009, I founded Asian Jewish Life - a journal of spirit, society, and culture, have penned book chapters and articles on Jewish Asia, have written childrenā€™s books about communities that are Jewish&, and have lectured internationally on related topics. These books are about Jewish communities, but theyā€™re really about family and tradition. Read diverse books! 

Erica's book list on illustrated stories that are Jewish&

Erica Lyons Why did Erica love this book?

Osnat and her Dove is so much more than a book that reflects Iraqi Jewish culture.

It is a book that will inspire girls to see the limitless possibilities that they have to choose their own paths. Itā€™s a window into a community and history that readers likely know little about. The layered gouache illustrations create the illusion of texture and make the book even more magical. 

By Sigal Samuel, Vali Mintzi (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Osnat and Her Dove as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Osnat was born five hundred years ago - at a time when almost everyone believed in miracles. But very few believed that girls should learn to read.

Yet Osnat's father was a great scholar whose house was filled with books. And she convinced him to teach her. Then she in turn grew up to teach others, becoming a wise scholar in her own right, the world's first female rabbi!

Some say Osnat performed miracles - like healing a dove who had been shot by a hunter! Or saving a congregation from fire!

But perhaps her greatest feat was to beā€¦


Book cover of Mother God

Victoria Robb Powers Author Of My Love, God Is Everywhere

From my list on Christian reads for kids that are inclusive and safe.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an ordained minister with over 10 years of experience serving as a pastor in both the hospital and church settings. Iā€™m also a mom of three children, ages 2, 5, and 7. I routinely get asked for resources to help raise children in the Christian faith. As both a pastor and a mother, I am a strong advocate for teaching children a theology they wonā€™t have to heal from. All the books I recommend are progressive, inclusive, and diverse. Iā€™ve done extensive research when it comes to faith-based literature, and Iā€™m passionate about finding the best books to recommend to families.

Victoria's book list on Christian reads for kids that are inclusive and safe

Victoria Robb Powers Why did Victoria love this book?

Every page of this book should be framed.

The illustrations are incredible, and the language invites readers of every age to imagine how expansive God is. I love the use of the female imagery for God. This has been lost for too long. If youā€™re looking to instill a theology thatā€™s broad, diverse, and full of wonder, start here.

By Teresa Kim Pecinovsky, Khoa Le (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Mother God as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Teach your kids that God's love transcends single-gender expression--God is creative, fierce, protective, and her love as a Mother knows no bounds.

With lyrical, rhyming text and exquisite illustrations, Mother God introduces readers to a dozen images of God inspired by feminine descriptions from Scripture. Children and adults alike will be in awe of the God who made them as they come to know her as a creative seamstress, generous baker, fierce mother bear, protective mother hen, strong woman in labor, nurturing nursing mother, wise grandmother, and comforting singer of lullabies.

This gorgeous picture book welcomes children into a fuller,ā€¦


Book cover of God's Great Love for You

Natalee Creech Author Of Nothing: Nothing Can Separate You from God's Love!

From my list on childrenā€™s books about Godā€™s love.

Why am I passionate about this?

ā€œI am loved and forgiven. What a wonderful thing! Iā€™m adopted as Godā€™s own. Iā€™m a child of the King!ā€ I am an author who wants to help parents write important truths on their childrenā€™s hearts. Nothing is a book I wish I had written sooner, and would have loved to have read with my own children when they were little enough to hold in my lap. I hope these book recommendations help you share Godā€™s love with your little ones, so that when they grow up they are sure of the promise that nothing can ever separate them from Godā€™s love.

Natalee's book list on childrenā€™s books about Godā€™s love

Natalee Creech Why did Natalee love this book?

This book is short, but it contains a powerful message for children: God created you and loves you - everywhere and always. Despite its economy of words, it can spark deep conversations. The text is a wonderful affirmation for children to take into their hearts. It can be savored, but can also be a quick read on those busy nights when parents are as tired as their listeners during storytime. (For reference, Godā€™s Great Love for You is the same number of words as this recommendation.) 

By Rick Warren, Chris Saunders (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked God's Great Love for You as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

God's Great Love

Created the entire universe

And everything in it

Including you.

God's Great Love for You, written by #1 New York Times bestselling author and respected pastor Rick Warren, takes children on a whimsical and heartfelt journey that lets them know God's love is with them wherever they go. With breathtaking illustrations by Chris Saunders, the simple yet poignant text comes alive as a child journeys to places far and near and discovers God's great love is perfect, and everywhere, and will never end.


Book cover of The Diary of Laura's Twin

Kathy Clark Author Of Ivan's Choice

From my list on youth during the Holocaust.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a child of Holocaust survivors. It wasnā€™t until I was an adult that I truly appreciated the horrendous circumstances that they lived through. But even more than their plight and will to survive, I was impressed with the heroism of the people willing to sacrifice their lives in order to help others. It is their story, above all else that I want to tell in my books.

Kathy's book list on youth during the Holocaust

Kathy Clark Why did Kathy love this book?

This story effectively unites the present with the past. Two girls anticipate their Bat Mitzvah in very different circumstances. Laura learns to appreciate the freedoms she has to make her own choices through the past life of a girl the same age as her but facing severe limitations. It is a thought-provoking book for young teens.

By Kathy Kacer,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Diary of Laura's Twin as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Title: The Diary of Laura's Twin <>Binding: Paperback <>Author: KathyKacer <>Publisher: SecondStoryPress


Book cover of The Very Best Story Ever Told: The Gospel with American Sign Language
Book cover of My Name Is Tani... and I Believe in Miracles: The Amazing True Story of One Boy's Journey from Refugee to Chess Champion
Book cover of Yaffa and Fatima: Shalom, Salaam

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