In this list, educators and librarians have put together a list of books that are good for kids between the ages of 13-14. There are a lot of interesting and thought-provoking books for everyone in the 8th grade. Over the course of a year, these books should inspire both those who aren't interested in reading and those who are very good at it. Gerald Durrell, J.R.R. Tolkien, Sharon Creech, and Mary Shelley are some of the authors.

Books for Grade 8 – our recommendations

Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer

If you're a middle-schooler, this book is for you! It has won many awards. A lot of people live in New York, but Hope is working with her aunt in rural Wisconsin, which is a long way from where people live in New York. Her friendship with the owner of the diner, G.T. Stoop, turns into a story about trust and truth as she grows up.

My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell

Gerald Durrell lived on the island of Corfu for five years as a child, and this book is the first in the "Corfu Trilogy." It tells the story of how Durrell cared for the wildlife and animals he found on the island. His relatives are bigger than life, and the colorful people he meets make this a fun book for middle-schoolers who like nature and unconventional family life.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

In this well-known story, the animals take over the farm. They tried to make a world where everyone is valued and treated the same, but things didn't go as planned. This is a book that every teen should read because it is against controlling totalitarianism.

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

Author's own life is used to make it both poignant and funny. At the start of high school Junior is the only Indian on the campus. When he realizes he wants to follow his dreams, his whole life changes. He moves into a new high school and meets new people. It's a modern classic. A good book for 8th graders to read together.

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

a roller coaster of a story about the life of young Huckleberry Finn and his best friend, Tom Sawyer, and the mischief they get into on the Mississippi River banks. This book has a lot of controversial topics in it, like his father's alcoholism and how Jim, the slave of Miss Watson, is treated by her. A story that once you read, you can't forget.

Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

Her father Otto put the diary together after the Second World War. Anne Frank, who was 13 to 16, wrote about hiding from the Nazis and living in Amsterdam when she was hiding from them in a house in Amsterdam. Poignant and moving, this book should be on every high school's reading list. One of the most important books that was written in the 20th century, to say the least.

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

One of the best stories I've read this year is about Dill, a teen who's a misfit and awkward. He lives in a small town in Tennessee's "Bible Belt." When Dill's father becomes a bad person, he can't handle it on his own, so he asks for help from his two best friends. A heart-wrenching and powerful story about forgiveness and redemption that will move you to your heart.

The Hate you Give by Angie Thomas

A book about Starr Carter, a teenager who has one foot in the exclusive world of her school and the other in the poor neighborhood where she lives. As soon as her best friend is shot by a police officer, she is the only one who knows what happened. A shockingly powerful young adult book. 8th grade reading groups should talk about this book.

Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin

In this book, a powerful psychological and unrelenting study of growing up in an abusive home is told. Teenage boy: When the main character, a 14-year-old boy, learns that his family isn't what it seems, he starts to rebel against his preacher stepfather in this gritty first book set in Harlem.

2001 by Arthur C Clarke

In this story, a scientist finds a mysterious object on the Moon. People go on an expedition to the farthest reaches of space in search of an alien civilization. However, the journey is a long-term fight between man and computer that will end in disaster.

Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad

By protecting villagers from a local bandit, a disgraced naval officer shows that he can be good again. In this book, a third person tells a series of stories in a way that shifts time. It's a good book for eighth-graders to read.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

A young adult book that doesn't fit into any one category. It's perfect for grade 8 book clubs. A world called the "Elsewhere" is filled with angels and mythical creatures. Karou and Akiva are drawn together, as if by magic, from the opposing sides of the conflict into a love story. This could be the only way for peace to come.

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Life of Pi is a more difficult book for grade 8 students to read. It tells the story of 16-year-old Pi, who was the only person to survive a shipwreck. This is what he is with in the lifeboat. There is only one other person in the boat with him. Memorable, and written in a beautiful way.

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

Malala's story is going to be important in the 21st century. It goes from being a victim of the Taliban in 2012 to becoming the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize. If you're in middle school or junior high school, this book is sure to inspire and motivate you!

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

A boy Isabella is attracted to turns out to be a vampire when she moves to Forks, Washington, and things don't go as planned for her new place of work. This five-volume set is a great way to get teenagers excited about reading again. It's very easy to read and very popular.

Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

This is not your average story about dragons and heroes from history. Nimona is a classic comic book in the making. It's full of ironic observations and quick, pointed humor that 8th graders will enjoy. Stunningly shown.

The Other Side of Truth by Beverley Naidoo

They had to flee to London when their mother was killed because their father didn't want to keep quiet about corruption in Nigeria. If you want to know what it is like to be displaced and a refugee, this book is a must-read. In 8th grade reading groups, this is a book that will make people talk and think.

Parrot in the Oven by Victor Martinez

14-year-old People don't like Manny. He wants to show that he can do something and to show that he can kiss someone. This book, which has won many awards, tells the story of his life in the face of discrimination and poverty. Poignant and interesting.

Deep Blue by Jennifer Donnelly

Seraphina is a mermaid who lives in a world full of nightmares, magic dreams, and demons. She has to fight for peace between warring countries. She also wants to avenge her parents and marry a prince. Teenage drama and adventure on a huge and underwater scale, with a lot of drama and adventure.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Victor Frankenstein, an alchemist and scientist, makes a mistake when he tries to make a new creature out of dead body parts. He makes a monster that could kill him. An easy-to-read classic gothic horror with a lightning-fast pace that teens will enjoy.

Mosquitoland by David Arnold

She has to move across the state to live with her father after she and her husband had a bad fight. But when she learns that her mother is sick, she boards a greyhound and goes with the flow in this epic coming of age YA drama. Ideal for 8th grade reading groups.

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

A collection of science-fiction books that are sure to be a hit with reluctant 8th-grade readers. Cassie, a survivor of an alien attack, is desperate to find her brother and bring him home. Because she wants him so bad, she'll do anything she can, even if it means going to great lengths to find him.

Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien

For the most part, the story is about good vs. bad in a high-fantasy setting. A quest for a magical ring that gives its owner great power dominates. Popular with teenagers, this book was recently made into a series of big movies.

The One and Future King by TH White

Retelling of the legend of King Arthur in five parts, this is an epic and spellbinding version of the story. It tells about King Arthur and his castle, as well as Merlin and Owl and Guinevere, beasts that talk and men who fly. History, myth, and legend fans will love this book.

The Boys Who Challenged Hitler by Phillip Hoose

They were brave middle-schoolers who defied the Nazis in Denmark during World War II. This is a very interesting and inspirational story! Based on a real story.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

It's a well-known story of betrayal, imprisonment, and beautiful, slow revenge. When this book was first written, it was meant to be read weekly. It's fast-paced and gripping, and it might be the first book your teen reads that has more than 100,000 words. Even better as an audiobook, it's a great book to listen to

Absolutely Normal Chaos by Sharon Creech

Prequel to Walk Two Moons, Absolutely Normal Chaos tells the story of 13-year-old Mary Lou's summer vacation, which is full of adventure, gossip, and a new romance. It's a good book for 8th graders who are a little older.

The Rig by Joe Ducie

He thinks it will be easy to get out of The Rig, where he's been sent for the third time. That is, until he finds out that The Rig is in the middle of the Arctic Ocean. In the past, no one has even come close to breaking out of the prison cell. This is a great book for 8th graders who don't like to read. It's very exciting and fast-paced.

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