-260x400.jpg)
Tap a cover to jump to that book
Eight-year-olds are reading with growing independence and growing opinions. In Year 4 they are ready for longer stories, bigger adventures and books that make them think, and they will tell you exactly which ones they love.
The short answer
- The one to start with
- A Boy and a Bear in a Boat by Dave Shelton — Winner of the Branford Boase award this quirky debut is a perfect mix of…
- A favourite to share
- The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander — A brilliantly bold, poetically rousing picture book presentation of Black…
- For keen readers
- The Little Match Girl Strikes Back by Emma Carroll — Award winning author Emma Carroll and former Children’s Laureate Lauren…
What to look for at age 8
Offer a mix: page-turning adventures, funny books, gentle mysteries and the odd story that tackles something real, such as friendship or fairness. Illustrated novels and graphic novels count as real reading and keep many children going.
Our pick of the best books for 8 year olds
A Boy and a Bear in a Boat by Dave Shelton
Winner of the Branford Boase award this quirky debut is a perfect mix of words and illustration and a genuinely heartwarming storyReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
A brilliantly bold, poetically rousing picture book presentation of Black American history and achievements.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Little Match Girl Strikes Back by Emma Carroll
Award winning author Emma Carroll and former Children’s Laureate Lauren Child bring a fresh twist and a whoosh of magic to one of Hans Christian Andersen’s best-loved…Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Accidental Diary of B.U.G. by Jen Carney
Make friends with Billie Upton Green via her fabulous doodle diaryReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamBill's New Frock by Anne Fine
Groundbreaking classic story which challenges gender stereotypes and has even more resonance todayReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamWe Are Family - Six Kids and a Super-Dad by Oliver Sykes
An original, moving collection of poems, highly recommendedReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamLoki: A Bad God's Guide to Being Good by Louie Stowell
This doodle-packed diary relates the hilarious (mis)adventures of trickster god Loki after he’s forced to live as an 11-year-old boyReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamKorobá: The Case of the Missing Kolo by Àlàbá Ònájìn
A graphic novel mystery story bright enough to cheer up the dullest day.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamTime Travel Twins: The Maya Sacrifice by Josh Lacey
A thrilling new adventure for the time-travelling twins in which we discover there was much more to the Maya than chocolate.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamDadbot by Jack Noel
Car boot sale capers, an evil inventor, and a robot with a remarkable butt — this glorious graphic novel is a riot of humour and adventure.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Day My School Got Famous by Jen Carney
Explosive adventures with Ferris and his familyReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamBallet Besties: Indu's Time to Shine by Yasmine Naghdi, Chitra Soundar
A 21st century delightful ballet story about friendship and facing your fears.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamSupa Nova by Chanté Timothy
A ‘supa’ new graphic novel adventure to inspire and entertain young readers.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Book of Not Entirely Useful Advice by A. F. Harrold
An entirely essential collectionReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamMoo by Sharon Creech
An unforgettable story of unexpected friendships and a very special cowReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamDanny Chung Does Not Do Maths by Maisie Chan
Danny Chung loves art. Unfortunately, everyone else – parents and schoolfriends alike - thinks he should love maths.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Wonder Brothers by Frank Cottrell-Boyce
Magical mystery tour of Las Vegas, via Blackpool, bursting with humour and real heartReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamStink: Fairy vs Boy: A Stink Adventure by Jenny McLachlan
Readers will laugh out loud at this madcap story!Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Boy Who Made Monsters by Jenny Pearson
Funny, tender storytelling from a truly skilful authorReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamBridget Vanderpuff and the Baked Escape by Martin Stewart
Orphanage escape story without compareReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids team
-268x400.jpg)
These 20 books come from our Year 4 reading list of 40 titles for the 2026/27 school year. Looking for a little younger or older? See books for 7 year olds and books for 9 year olds, or our guide to Best Books for 7-9 Year Olds.
Chosen by experts, not an algorithm
Every title here comes from our Year 4 reading list, chosen by LoveReading4Kids’ children’s-book specialists — people who match books to real children every day. We’ve recommended on merit since 2005, and through our Schools Reading Programme we see which stories genuinely land with this age group. When you buy through us, up to 25% of the cover price can go to a school of your choice.
Each is named, with a photograph and full biography, on our editorial experts page.
Members of the panel include:
Julia Eccleshare MBEAward-winning children’s literature expert and former Guardian Children’s Editor
Andrea ReeceChildren’s literature expert, editor and former children’s publisher
Tricia AdamsFormer Director of the School Library Association and Carnegie & Kate Greenaway judging Chair
Deborah MaclarenLoveReading CEO and literary prize judge, championing books and reading for pleasure
Your questions answered
What should a 8 year old read?
Our editors recommend starting with A Boy and a Bear in a Boat by Dave Shelton, The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander and The Little Match Girl Strikes Back by Emma Carroll, all from our Year 4 reading list. The full list of 20 books is on this page.
Which school year is a 8 year old in?
In England, most children turn 8 during Year 4, so these books come from our Year 4 list. Children read at very different levels, so look at the ages either side too.
How are these books chosen?
By LoveReading4Kids’ children’s-book specialists, including former Carnegie judges and school librarians, not by sales rank or an algorithm. We have recommended books on merit since 2005.
What if my child is a reluctant reader?
Try shorter, funnier or illustrated books first, and let them choose. Our guide to the best books for reluctant readers has picks chosen to win children round.