50 Best Books for 8th Graders

At every age, books are fundamental in developing critical thinking and independent thought. Knowing this, librarians and teachers across the country have compiled countless lists that are best suited for every grade to read. But for 8th graders especially, students typically between 13 to 14 years old, finding the right book to dive into while on the cusp of adolescence can be a tricky feat. Is the book challenging enough? Are the themes covered relevant to the 8th grade experience? How will the students respond to the stories? Thankfully, the reading list below is sure to inspire even the most reluctant readers. From thrilling adventures to moving literary fiction, these are 50 of the best books for 8th graders to read today–and to always go back to for years to come.

50 Best Books for 8th Graders

1) Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin

Set in Harlem in the 1930s, this seminal novel centers on a 14-year-old protagonist confronting the reality of his family behind the facade. The protagonist begins to go against his stepfather, a controversial preacher, and the abusive family environment as he navigates his journey of growing up.

2) The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

After World War Two, Anne Frank’s father, Otto Frank, compiled together the diary of his daughter. Her diary was written when she was 13 to 16 years old while Anne was hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam. Although this book is prevalent in high school curriculums, it’s also one of the best books for 8th graders to read today.

3) Animal Farm by George Orwell

Would your 8th graders believe a story about animals taking over a farm? This classic from George Orwell is a stimulating book for 8th graders as it’s an allegory that goes against the controlling nature of totalitarianism.

4) Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Although the main protagonist Pi in Yann Martel’s Life of Pi is older than the average 8th grader, at 16 years old he takes any reader on an unforgettable journey. Pi, the sole survivor of a shipwreck, learns how to stay in the boat with an orangutan, a hyena, and a tiger.

5) I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

In 2012, because she stood up for education, Malala Yousafzai was attacked by the Taliban but miraculously survived. This is Malala’s autobiographical story, covering the steps she took to fight for girls’ rights to education in Afghanistan. She eventually became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. I Am Malala is one of the best books for 8th graders to read as it holds the power to inspire an entire generation.

6) Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Considered a forever classic in gothic horror, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein tells the story of scientist Victor Frankenstein. What ensues when he pieces together dead body parts? What sort of creature arises? Further, what are our limitations as human beings? Shelley’s novel is an absolute must-read book for 8th graders everywhere.

7) The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

The trilogy of The Lord of the Rings cemented itself as a classic in high fantasy, so much so that your 8th graders will probably recognize the title by the blockbuster movies. But for the students who haven’t yet read the books, Tolkien’s trilogy poses the question of how far one will go to save the world around them from evil. It’s a timeless collection, making it one of the best books for 8th graders.

8) The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

This is a legendary tale about betrayal and vengeance–themes that are sure to fascinate the 8th graders around you. Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo is another thrilling classic that will make your students dive into older novels they wouldn’t have considered.

9) As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

What would you do if your home country was torn apart by war? Would you stay to help save those around you or would you flee? Follow along Salama’s teenage life as she works in a hospital, assisting the wounded and ill. Zoulfa Katouh’s novel is a heartbreaking and heartwarming story sure to resonate with 8th graders.

10) Northwind by Gary Paulsen

Freedom is a concept that 8th graders will always have something to say about. In Gary Paulsen’s Northwind, readers will find the orphan Leif’s journey to survive on his own in Norway inspiring and daunting. They’ll find themselves asking, where do we feel truly at home?

11) Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer

A Newbery Honor Book, Joan Bauer’s Hope Was Here is one of the best books for 8th graders as it centers on a coming of age story. What happens to Hope when she’s miles away from bustling New York and suddenly helping her aunt run a diner in rural Wisconsin?

12) The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Based on the author Sherman Alexie’s own life, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian raises questions of identity and belonging. Junior, the main protagonist, suddenly finds himself as the only Indian in his new high school. This is a story that resonates with many 8th graders.

13) Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Here’s another classic that stands as one of the best books for 8th graders. What sort of adventures await Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn as they travel up the Mississippi River? How do they treat the people around them, especially a man named Jim?

14) My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell

Gerald Durrell’s fascinating novel centers on the author’s childhood on the island of Corfu–and all the animals in his life. Through meeting Durrell’s eccentric, larger-than-life family, readers will inevitably consider how they are with their own family members. At once hilarious and captivating, My Family and Other Animals is a great read for 8th graders.

15) All Summer Long by Hope Larson

Hope Larson’s novel will have your 8th graders reflecting on the state of friendships in their own lives. What holds friendship together? What has the power to tear them apart? All Summer Long is a fantastic graphic novel for 8th graders that will stay with them for a while.

16) The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

Dill is an awkward teenager living in a small town in Bible Belt Tennessee. The moment Dill realizes his father has become a despised figure, Dill struggles to face the dilemma surrounding him. The Serpent King is a moving story about forgiveness and redemption, making it one of the best books for 8th graders.

17) 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke

An expedition to the moon. The search for an alien civilization. Doesn’t sound too far-fetched to what is proliferating the news? 8th graders will delight in Arthur C. Clark’s 2001: A Space Odyssey as it deals with timely issues of humankind’s relationship with technology and computers.

18) Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad

When a naval officer protects villagers from a local attack, he finds himself redeemed from the weight of his previous actions. Joseph Conrad’s Lord Jim will keep your 8th graders on their toes as they read through time shifts and the play on perspective in this classic.

19) Parrot in the Oven by Victor Martinez

How far would you go to demand respect for yourself? Would you kiss the girl? This is something 14-year-old Manny confronts as readers follow his journey amidst the poverty and destruction around him.

20) Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

The “Elsewhere” is a world where angels and mythical creatures clash. Like Romeo and Juliet, Karou and Akiva are brought together from opposing parties. How far will their love take them? Lani Taylor’s genre-bending Daughter of Smoke and Bone is sure to fascinate 8th graders all around.

21) Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

Another celebrated graphic novel, Noelle Stevenson’s Nimona defies whatever your 8th graders expect from historical tales of dragons and knights. Witty and ironic, this story stands as a smart and entertaining book for 8th graders with gorgeous illustrations.

22) Mosquitoland by David Arnold

After Mim, a teenager, witnesses her parents’ divorce, she has no choice but to move across the state to live with her father. But things take a drastic turn when Mim learns that her mother is ill. What lengths will Mim go to reach her mother? Centering on family dynamics and individual choices, Mosquitoland is a perfect read for 8th graders navigating their own sense of self.

23) Deep Blue by Jennifer Donnelly

Seraphina is a mermaid navigating a contentious underwater world of demons, magic, and nightmares. She’s fighting for a peace that seems so hard to obtain. 8th graders drawn to the dramatic world of fantasy will not hesitate to pick up Jennifer Donnelly’s Deep Blue.

24) The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

To any 8th grader who might seem hesitant about science fiction, try introducing them to The 5th Wave. In this collection of thrilling stories, follow Cassie along her journey to find her missing brother after an alien attack. How far will she go to find him?

25) The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club by Phillip Hoose

Based on a true story, The Boys Who Challenged Hitler tells the story of a group of courageous middle schoolers in Denmark during World War Two. Their brave acts defied the orders that came from Hitler, and this novel is a book that will inspire 8th graders year after year.

26) The Once and Future King by T.H. White

T.H. White’s novel is a retelling of the legend of King Arthur that is set to capture your 8th graders’ attention. The wizard Merlin tutors a young boy to prepare him for the future as the next great king of England.

27) The Rig by Joe Ducie

What would you do if you escaped from prison and were sent to a rig in the middle of the ocean? Joe Ducie’s The Rig is a thrilling page-turner that will capture the attention of the most hesitant 8th grade readers.

28) Absolutely Normal Chaos by Sharon Creech

Sharon Creech’s Absolutely Normal Chaos is a prequel to Walk Two Moons that follows 13-year-old Mary Lou on an unforgettable summer vacation. A perfect book for 8th graders to read in the summer, the story revolves around finding love and navigating the adventurous challenges of being a young teen.

29) The Chess Queen Enigma by Colleen Gleason

8th grade fans of vampires will want to get their hands on Colleen Gleason’s The Chess Queen Enigma. A fantasy set in historical London, the book follows the sister of Stoker and the niece of Holmes as they untangle mysteries around vampires.

30) Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

When Earth meets a staggeringly powerful alien invader, a leader is needed to guide the planet to victory. Ender, a teenager, is elected to guide troops into battle, but has he been tricked? Some of your 8th graders might already be familiar with this book since it was made into a movie in 2013.

31) Finding Wonders by Jeannine Atkins

Finding Wonders is a story collection of three transformative women in history, where each is presented as a poem. This is an inspirational book for 8th graders that will have them learn about Maria Merian, the documenter of metamorphosis, Maria Mitchell, who identified a new comet, and Mary Anning, a survivor of a lightning strike and discovered fossils.

32) Beautiful Swimmers by William W. Warner

For the 8th graders passionate about natural science and history, William W. Warner’s Beautiful Swimmers is a more challenging read. This nonfiction book dives into the world of blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay and how we’re all connected.

33) The Giver by Lois Lowry

What is the cost of total freedom? Lois Lowry’s classic The Giver follows 12-year-old Jonas as he lives in a world free of suffering but also free of joy. In his community, Jonas is soon given the title of Receiver of Memory, and what he uncovers is absolutely unexpected. This novel remains as one of the best books for 8th graders to read.

34) The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

The 1960s were a time of contentious self-discovery, and S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders brings us into the world of two rivalrous gangs. It’s a world of socioeconomic inequality and violence. What ensues when the two gangs come head-to-head? The Outsiders stands as a timeless classic read for 8th graders.

35) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The year is 1939. It’s Nazi Germany. Liesel Meminger is a foster child navigating her way through the bleak chaos of war and violence. As Death narrates Liesel’s story, 8th graders will be on their toes to understand how Liesel gets through each day in times of utter hopelessness.

More Best Books for 8th Graders

36) A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

37) The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

38) The Maze Runner by James Dashner

39) The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

40) Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

41) We Are Not from Here by Jeny Torres Sanchez

42) I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez

43) The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

44) Homecoming: The Tillerman Cycle, Book 1 by Cynthia Voigt

45) I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

46) The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis

47) All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

48) Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan

49) We Are Not Free by Tracy Chee

50) To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Books for 8th Graders — Final Thoughts

The curated list of the best books for 8th graders above will hopefully serve as a launching pad for your students’ reading journey. No matter the academic level your 8th grader is at, these books are bound to push their way of thinking and have them participating in book discussions–both inside and outside of the classroom. Why not encourage your students to also come up with a list of their most beloved books they read this year?