Choosing the right books for young readers can be challenging, especially when looking for stories that will engage, inspire, and challenge them. In this series, we’ll be recommending books for different grade levels, helping students, parents, and educators find excellent reads that match their interests and abilities. While students may come across some of these in their high school classes, most of our recommendations go beyond the curriculum to deepen and expand students’ learning.
This first instalment focuses on grade 8—a pivotal year for students to develop their reading tastes and explore complex themes. From fantasy and historical fiction to non-fiction and graphic memoirs, these selections offer adventure, insight, and thought-provoking narratives. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling escape, a compelling historical perspective, or a story of resilience, there’s something on this list for you.
Fiction
Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling
When eleven-year-old Harry Potter receives his invitation to Hogwarts, he little expects that the next few years will be spent practicing magic and battling forces who hope to control the wizarding world. The seven books in this series can be read independently, but most likely, once you start one, you will fly through the remaining six.
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkein (sometimes read in grade 8 English)
The adventures of Bilbo Baggins begin when the wizard Gandalf arrives at his home and asks that he accompany him on a daring raid. Along the journey, Bilbo meets many unusual characters, including Gollum, a strange and eerie creature obsessed with the One Ring. This award-winning fantasy is a book which you will find yourself returning to many times.
Escape from Aleppo by N H Senzai
Since the civil war began in Syria, the conflict has devastated the lives of millions. Twelve-year-old Nadia narrates Escape from Aleppo; through her, we learn about the social and political developments, which led to the revolt in 2011 and its disastrous aftermath.
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
When Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern move in with their estranged mother for the summer, they have no idea what to expect. Upon their arrival, Cecile is reluctant to spend time with them, preferring they attend a summer camp run by the Black Panthers. Despite this initial discord, the sisters settle into a routine and begin to enjoy their independence. This award-winning novel explores family ties, connection to community, and social movements of 1960s America.
The Ballerina of Auschwitz by Dr. Edith Eva Eger
Dr. Edith Eva Eger recounts her extraordinary true story of survival during the Holocaust in this powerful memoir. At just sixteen, Edith was sent to Auschwitz, where her love of dance and determination helped her endure unimaginable hardships. This moving and inspiring book offers lessons on resilience, hope, and finding freedom in the face of oppression.
Alone by Megan Freeman
When twelve-year-old Maddie plans a secret sleepover at her grandparents’ empty house, she doesn’t expect to wake up and find herself completely alone. Left behind in an evacuated town, Maddie must rely on her wits, her resourcefulness, and the companionship of her dog to survive. This gripping novel in verse is a story of strength, solitude, and self-discovery.
Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz
Working alongside his parents, who are both Irish spies, Michael infiltrates the Nazi youth to steal the plans for a jet plane. For young teens who enjoy historical fiction, Gratz’s novels are engaging and suspenseful.
Additional titles by Alan Gratz
Ground Zero
Refugee
Grenade
The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat
Sai dreams of escaping her lowly status in the kingdom of Mangkon, and her apprenticeship with a renowned mapmaker might be her ticket to a better life. When she joins an expedition to chart uncharted lands, Sai soon discovers that the voyage holds more secrets—and dangers—than she ever imagined. A thrilling adventure about ambition, identity, and the power of knowledge.
Additional titles by Christina Soontornvat
A Wish in the Dark
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
When thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson’s plane crashes in the Canadian wilderness, he is left alone with nothing but a hatchet and his wits. As he struggles to survive, Brian must learn how to find food, build shelter, and endure the harsh realities of nature. A gripping survival story about resilience, courage, and self-reliance.
Ranger’s Apprentice Series by John Flanagan
Orphaned and unsure of his future, Will is chosen to train as a Ranger—an elite protector of the kingdom known for stealth and skill with a bow. As he learns the ways of the Rangers, Will finds himself caught up in battles, betrayals, and dangerous missions. Packed with adventure, friendship, and humour, this bestselling fantasy series is perfect for fans of action and medieval lore.
Non-Fiction
All Thirteen – The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team – by Christina Soontornvat
In 2018, a young soccer team and their coach were trapped by floodwaters in the Tham Lang Nang Non cave in Thailand. All Thirteen chronicles the seventeen days they spent underground. Soontorvat movingly details their harrowing experience and remarkable rescue.
Plays
Harry Potter and The Cursed Child by Jack Thorne and John Tiffany
Since its premiere in 2016, The Cursed Child has won a multitude of awards. In this continuation of the Harry Potter series, the plotline has jumped ahead in time to when Harry is in his thirties. While a predominant theme continues to be friendship, ideas of identity and forgiveness are also explored. Not only does this play provide readers with a chance to return to the wizarding world of Hogwarts, but also to learn about Harry and his strained relationship with his younger son Albus.
Graphic Memoir
When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
This poignant graphic novel is based on Omar Mohamed’s experiences growing up in Dadaab, one of the world’s largest refugee camps. After fleeing the war in Somalia, he and his nonverbal and epileptic younger brother spent the majority of their formative years as refugees in Kenya, struggling to establish friendships and pursue their dreams of education.
Muhammad Najem, War Reporter by Muhammad Najem and Nora Neus
Growing up in Syria during the civil war, Muhammad Najem turned to social media to share the reality of life in a war zone. His videos, filmed on a simple smartphone, gained international attention and made him a powerful voice for those affected by conflict. In this gripping memoir, Muhammad recounts his journey from an ordinary teenager to a courageous citizen journalist. A compelling true story about resilience, bravery, and the power of speaking the truth.
Grade 8 is a time of growth, curiosity, and expanding worldviews, and the books on this list reflect that journey. Whether students are drawn to fantasy epics, real-world survival stories, or eye-opening memoirs, reading offers them a way to connect with different experiences and perspectives.
Stay tuned for the next post in this series, where we’ll highlight must-read books for grade 9 students.
