27 Best Books for 8 Year Old Boys That Will Have Them Hooked

Finding the best books for 8 year old boys wasn’t always easy for me.

My son has always loved stories, but his interests changed so fast, one day he was all about adventure, the next he wanted funny books that made him laugh out loud.

I quickly learned that the key to keeping him excited about reading was variety.

Some of these books became instant favorites, ones he read over and over, while others sparked new interests I never saw coming.

Whether your child is a bookworm or needs a little encouragement, this list is filled with stories that have kept my son turning pages long past bedtime.

Colorful collage featuring book covers with the title "27 Best Books for 8 Year Old Boys" in large, playful text. Visible book covers include "My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish Boxed Set" by Mo O'Hara, "Sideways Stories from Wayside School" by Louis Sachar, "Diary of a Minecraft Zombie: A Scare of a Dare" by Zack Zombie, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Deep End" by Jeff Kinney, and "The Ice Monster" by David Walliams.

**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**

Best Books for 8 Year Olds

At 8, my son hit that stage where some books felt “too babyish,” but big chapter books still felt overwhelming.

Finding the right ones took trial and error, but when we did, he couldn’t put them down.

Some books made him laugh until he had tears in his eyes, while others had him so caught up in the adventure that he’d bring them everywhere—even to the breakfast table.

If your child is anything like mine, they’ll love books that spark their curiosity, make them laugh, or pull them into an unforgettable adventure.

Whether they’re drawn to fast-paced stories, funny characters, or real-life heroes, this list has something that just might become their new favorite.

Pokemon Super Special Flip Book

If your child loves Pokémon, this set is a must-have. When my son went through his Pokémon phase (which, let’s be honest, never really ended), he couldn’t get enough of these stories.

They follow Ash, Pikachu, and their friends on action-packed adventures, and the best part?

The flip book format made it feel like two books in one, which he thought was the coolest thing ever. If your 8-year-old loves battles, friendships, and collecting everything Pokémon, this is a solid pick.

The Last Kids on Earth

This series was an instant hit in our house. My son devoured it faster than I expected—probably because it’s the perfect mix of adventure, humor, and just the right amount of "gross" factor to keep kids entertained.

The story follows Jack and his friends as they battle zombies and monsters in a post-apocalyptic world, and the illustrations make it even more fun to read. If your child likes books that feel like a mix between a video game and a comic, this one is a winner.

THE ICE MONSTER

This book had my son hooked from the first page. It’s about a brave girl named Elsie who teams up with a woolly mammoth for an incredible adventure through Victorian London. It’s funny, fast-paced, and packed with heartwarming moments.

My son loved the wild journey, but I think what really kept him interested was the friendship between Elsie and her giant, furry companion. If your kid enjoys a good adventure with plenty of laughs, this is a great choice.

Grumpy Monkey Freshly Squeezed

We’ve all had those days where nothing goes right, and this book captures that feeling perfectly—except it does it in the most hilarious way.

My son loves Jim Panzee, the grumpy monkey, and this book had him cracking up at every page. It’s a fun mix of comics and storytelling, and it even sneaks in a great lesson about emotions without being preachy. If your 8-year-old enjoys graphic novels with humor, this one will be a hit.

How to Train Your Dragon

This was one of the first fantasy series my son really got into, and I knew it was a winner when he started pretending to train his stuffed animals like dragons.

The story of Hiccup, the unlikely Viking hero, is full of adventure, humor, and heart. It’s a bit different from the movies, but in a good way—it has a quirky charm that makes it even more fun to read. If your child loves dragons, underdog heroes, or books with lots of humor, this one is a must-read.

Stuntboy, in the Meantime

This book is packed with humor, action, and a main character who’s impossible not to love. My son thought Stuntboy was hilarious—he’s a kid who’s always ready to pull off stunts, but he’s also figuring out how to deal with life’s everyday struggles.

The writing style is fun, the illustrations are great, and the story is relatable in a way that made my son want to keep reading. If your child enjoys books that feel fresh and fast-paced, this one is a great pick.

The Secret Zoo

Imagine discovering a hidden zoo filled with magical creatures—my son was hooked just from that idea alone. This book is full of mystery, adventure, and a group of kids who set out to uncover its secrets.

It had just the right mix of suspense and fantasy to keep my son guessing what would happen next. If your child loves stories about exploring the unknown, this is the kind of book they won’t want to put down.

The One and Only Ivan

This book hit differently than most—my son and I both ended up talking about it long after he finished reading. Ivan, a gorilla who has spent years in captivity at a shopping mall, shares his story in a way that’s both heartbreaking and hopeful.

It’s a slower-paced book compared to action-packed series, but the emotional depth and beautiful writing kept my son hooked. If your child connects with stories about animals, friendship, and resilience, this is one they won’t forget.

Future Hero

This one surprised me. At first, my son wasn’t sure about it, but once he got into the story, he couldn’t stop talking about Jarell and his incredible adventure. A boy who never quite fits in suddenly finds himself in a legendary world where he’s meant to be the hero—what’s not to love?

With cool creatures, epic battles, and a fast-moving plot, this book feels like a mix between a superhero origin story and a video game. Perfect for kids who love action and fantasy!

Stephen Curry: The Boy Who Never Gave Up

If your child loves basketball, this is a no-brainer. My son went through a phase where he wanted to learn everything about his favorite athletes, and this was one of the books that really stuck with him.

It’s a simple but inspiring story about how Stephen Curry went from being an underestimated kid to one of the greatest basketball players of all time. It’s a great reminder for kids that hard work and persistence pay off—plus, it sparked plenty of basketball games in our driveway!

If your child enjoys sports, they might also love these basketball scavenger hunt clues

Wish

This book was more emotional than I expected, but in the best way. It’s about Charlie, a girl struggling with a tough home life who finds comfort in a stray dog named Wishbone.

My son isn’t usually drawn to more heartfelt stories, but something about Charlie’s journey really resonated with him. It’s a great pick for kids who enjoy books about friendship, family, and learning what it means to belong.

Boys are Wonderful

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one, but my son really liked the mix of short stories and empowering messages. The book features different boys navigating challenges, making brave choices, and learning about resilience and kindness.

It’s a refreshing read, especially since a lot of books focus on action and humor but don’t always highlight character development. If you’re looking for a book that reinforces confidence and positivity, this one is a great pick.

Legend of the Star Runner

This book is like part mystery, part puzzle, and part adventure. My son loves books that let him solve clues along the way, and this one had him scanning the pages, trying to figure things out before the main character did.

It’s a great pick for kids who like interactive storytelling and a little bit of detective work mixed into their reading.

Alvin Ho

Alvin Ho is the kind of character my son immediately related to—he’s a little anxious, a little awkward, and completely hilarious. This book follows Alvin as he navigates school, friendships, and some very real fears (including girls).

The humor kept my son engaged, and I loved that it subtly showed kids that it’s okay to feel nervous sometimes. If your child enjoys funny, character-driven stories, Alvin Ho is a fantastic choice.

Diary of a Minecraft Zombie: A Scare of a Dare

If your child is into Minecraft, this book is an easy win. My son picked it up expecting a quick read and ended up tearing through the entire series.

It’s written from the perspective of a Minecraft zombie, which makes it even more fun, and the humor had my son laughing out loud. It’s the kind of book that makes kids want to keep turning the pages—especially if they already love the game.

The Deep End

At this point, we’ve lost count of how many Diary of a Wimpy Kid books my son has read, but The Deep End was one he kept rereading. It follows Greg Heffley and his family on a road trip gone wrong, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments along the way.

The mix of comics and text makes it an easy, entertaining read—even for kids who aren’t big on reading. If your child loves humor, this series is always a safe bet.

The Secret Lake

This book was a hit because it’s got a little bit of everything—mystery, adventure, and even time travel. My son got hooked trying to figure out how two kids stumble upon a hidden lake that takes them back in time.

It reminded me a little of The Secret Garden but with more action and suspense. If your child enjoys books that feel magical without being too complicated, this one is a great pick.

Awesome Jokes That Every 8 Year Old Should Know!

This book didn’t just get read—it became a daily comedy routine in our house. My son loves joke books, and this one had plenty that actually made us laugh (which isn’t always the case with joke books for kids!).

If you’re looking for something fun that gets kids reading without it feeling like “reading,” this is a great choice. Just be prepared to hear the same jokes over and over again!

Wilderness Survival Guide for Kids

This book was perfect for my son’s “survival expert” phase. He loved learning how to start a fire, build a shelter, and even find food in the wild (though thankfully, we didn’t have to test that last one).

It’s filled with practical tips, cool illustrations, and step-by-step guides that make it feel like an adventure in itself. If your child loves the outdoors or is always looking for new skills to master, this one is worth checking out.

Dog Man: The Epic Collection

Dog Man is one of those series that turns kids into readers without them even realizing it. The mix of comics, action, and humor had my son hooked from the first page.

The jokes are silly, the characters are lovable, and the stories move fast—making it perfect for kids who like books that don’t feel like “work.” If your child enjoys graphic novels, this is an absolute must-read.

I Was a Third Grade Spy

This book was a fun surprise! My son wasn’t sure about it at first, but once he got into the story—where a talking dog helps a third grader spy on the girls in his class—he was all in.

It’s lighthearted, funny, and just the right amount of ridiculous. If your child enjoys books with a little mystery and a lot of humor, this one is a great pick.

Mistakes That Worked

My son loves weird facts, so this book was right up his alley. It’s all about inventions that happened by accident—things like potato chips, silly putty, and even the microwave.

The short, fun stories make it easy to pick up and read a little at a time, but my son ended up reading most of it in one sitting because he kept wanting to see what crazy mistake led to the next big discovery.

If your child is curious about how things are made (or just loves random fun facts), this book is a great pick.

Related: Inventors worksheets

Sideways Stories from Wayside School

I read this book as a kid, so I was thrilled when my son got just as into it. It’s completely wacky in the best way possible—each chapter tells a different story about the students in a school that was accidentally built sideways.

The characters are quirky, the humor is offbeat, and there’s just enough absurdity to keep kids giggling the whole way through. If your child enjoys funny, slightly weird books, this one is a classic for a reason.

Magic Tree House Series

This was one of the first series my son really fell in love with. It’s got time travel, mystery, and just the right mix of adventure and history to keep things interesting.

Jack and Annie’s journeys take them everywhere—from the age of dinosaurs to ancient Egypt—which sparked a ton of "Did this really happen?" moments that led to even more reading. If your child likes books that make learning fun, this series is perfect.

The BFG

Roald Dahl’s books have always been a hit in our house, and The BFG was no exception. My son was completely fascinated by the idea of a Big Friendly Giant who collects dreams and refuses to eat humans like the other giants.

The story is equal parts funny, heartwarming, and just the right amount of weird. Plus, it’s packed with Dahl’s signature made-up words, which had my son trying to create his own "gobblefunk" language for days.

Related: Roald Dahl Day activities

My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish Boxed Set

If your child likes silly, slightly ridiculous books, this series is pure gold. It’s about a zombie goldfish with hypnotic powers who teams up with his owner to fight off an evil scientist older brother.

My son thought it was hilarious, and the fast-paced, short chapters made it a great pick for independent reading. If your 8-year-old enjoys funny books with a little adventure, this one’s a guaranteed winner.

Would You Rather Age 8 Version

This book basically turned into a family game night staple in our house. It’s filled with hilarious and sometimes totally gross "Would You Rather" questions that had my son cracking up and coming up with his own.

It’s not a traditional story, but it’s a great way to get kids thinking, talking, and having fun with reading. If you want a book that feels more like a game than a reading assignment, this is a great one to have around.

With so many incredible books out there, finding the right one for your child can feel overwhelming, but I hope this list helps! These books have kept my son entertained, laughing, and always eager for the next chapter.

If your child has a favorite book that’s not on this list, let me know in the comments! I’m always looking for great recommendations to add to our reading list.

Last Updated on 8 April 2025 by Clare Brown

Best Books for 8 Year Olds

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