50 Top Book for 8th Graders​: Recommended List for Aged 13-14

Finding the right books for 8th graders can feel overwhelming—whether you’re a parent seeking age-appropriate reads, a teacher building a classroom library, or a student hunting for your next favorite story.

At this pivotal age, 13-14 year olds crave books that challenge their minds, reflect their emotions, and spark conversations with friends.

That’s why we’ve created this ultimate guide: to cut through the noise and deliver a handpicked list of the best books for 8th graders in 2025. From award-winning fiction to eye-opening nonfiction, every title here is chosen to balance fun, growth, and relevance. Let’s dive in and find your next great read!

Book for 8th Graders: Top List

You want reading to be fun and safe. Epic gives you both. Epic is a top digital reading platform for kids. You get thousands of books picked for your interests and level. Ms. Roberts, an Epic Teacher, chooses books for the ‘Middle School’ collection. She finds stories that make you curious and enjoy reading.

Epic helps you find your next favorite book easily. You can try new genres and meet characters from many backgrounds. You dive into stories that stretch your imagination. Teachers and parents like Epic because it has good books and is easy to use. You can make your own library and see your reading progress. You can even read offline when you want.

Epic helps you feel confident as a reader. You get book suggestions just for you. There are interactive features and tools that make reading more fun.

Here’s what makes Epic special:

Feature	Description
Extensive Collection	Over 40,000 children’s books, with new titles added every week.
User-Friendly for Educators	Teachers can set up accounts, assign books, and track progress easily.
Engagement Tools	Quizzes, badges, and videos keep you motivated and excited about reading.
Offline Reading	Download books and read anywhere, even without internet.
Language Variety	Books available in Spanish, French, and Chinese for diverse backgrounds.
Customizable Libraries	Build your own collection based on your interests and reading level.
Progress Monitoring	Track your reading level and see your growth over time.
Free for Educators	Teachers use Epic in classrooms at no cost.

Epic adds games and challenges to your reading. You play and learn at the same time. The Spotlight Words feature helps you find new vocabulary as you read. You get book picks based on what you like. These features keep you interested and wanting to read more.

Now, let’s look at some top books from Epic’s ‘Middle School’ collection. You will find something for every mood. You can laugh, solve mysteries, or explore new worlds.

Book Title	Author/Series	Genre/Theme
Diary of a Wimpy Kid	Jeff Kinney	Humor, Realistic Fiction
Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword	Barry Deutsch	Fantasy, Adventure
The Breadwinner: A Graphic Novel	Deborah Ellis	Historical, Graphic Novel
Hilda and the Stone Forest	Luke Pearson	Fantasy, Adventure
National Geographic Readers: Titanic	National Geographic	Nonfiction, History
Space Tech: Mars Rovers	Various	Nonfiction, Science
Beautiful Minecraft	Various	Nonfiction, Technology
True Crime Clues	Various	Nonfiction, Mystery
Donner Dinner Party	Nathan Hale	Nonfiction, History, Graphic Novel
Treaties, Trenches, Mud, and Blood	Nathan Hale	Nonfiction, History, Graphic Novel
Stealing Home	Becky Wallace	Sports, Realistic Fiction
Sheets	Brenna Thummler	Realistic Fiction, Graphic Novel
The Wanderer	Sharon Creech	Adventure, Realistic Fiction
The Invention of Hugo Cabret	Brian Selznick	Mystery, Historical Fiction
The 39 Clues series	Various	Adventure, Mystery

You can share your favorite books with friends on Epic. You might join reading challenges and earn badges for your progress. Epic makes reading social and fun.

Ready to find your next favorite book? Jump into Epic’s Middle School collection and let your imagination fly!

Best Books for 8th Graders [Recommended for Aged 13-14]

Fiction Picks Books for 8th Graders

You want stories that feel real and relatable. Contemporary fiction lets you see yourself in the characters and their lives. These books for 8th graders often deal with friendship, family, and growing up. Ms. Roberts, an Epic Teacher, included many contemporary titles in the Middle School collection because they help you understand your world.

• Refugee by Alan Gratz
  You follow three young people escaping danger in different times and places. Their journeys show courage and hope.
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Book 1) by Jeff Kinney
  You laugh at Greg’s middle school struggles. His diary is full of funny moments and awkward situations.

• Sheets by Brenna Thummler
  You meet Marjorie, a girl dealing with loss and responsibility, and Wendell, a ghost who just wants to belong.

• Stealing Home by Becky Wallace
  You join a girl who loves baseball and faces tough choices about her future and her family.

Tip: If you like stories about real life, start with these books for 8th graders. You might find a character who feels just like you.

Adventure & Mystery

Adventure and mystery books for 8th graders keep you guessing and make you want to turn every page. You solve puzzles, chase clues, and explore new places. Ms. Roberts picked these because they spark curiosity and excitement.

• The 39 Clues series by various authors
  You race around the world, searching for clues and solving mysteries with Amy and Dan Cahill. Each book brings a new challenge.

• Hereville #1: How Mirka Got Her Sword by Barry Deutsch
  You follow Mirka, a girl who wants to fight dragons but faces trolls and tricky problems instead.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  You discover secrets in a Paris train station with Hugo, a boy who loves machines and mysteries.

• Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
  You dive into a virtual world full of puzzles and adventure. Wade Watts must solve riddles to win a huge prize.

Classic Books for 8th Graders

American Classics

Classic books for 8th graders help you see how stories have shaped our culture. Many schools include these in their reading lists. You learn about history, big ideas, and famous characters.

• Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
  You read about power, betrayal, and loyalty in ancient Rome. This play is a favorite in 8th grade English classes.
• Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

You explore justice, mercy, and friendship in this classic drama.

Note: Classics can feel challenging, but they help you think deeply and see new perspectives.

International Classics

International classics open your mind to stories from around the world. You discover new cultures and timeless adventures.

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
  You travel with Bilbo Baggins on a quest full of magic, danger, and treasure.

• Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne
  You join explorers who dig deep into the earth and find strange wonders.

• The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis
  You step through a wardrobe into a magical land with talking animals and epic battles.

Fantasy & Sci-Fi Books for 8th Graders

Magical Worlds

Fantasy books for 8th graders let you escape into worlds full of magic and adventure. You meet heroes, creatures, and powerful forces.

• The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis
  You discover Narnia, a place where animals talk and children become kings and queens.
• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
  You join Bilbo on his journey with dwarves, dragons, and magic rings.
• L’Engle’s works (like A Wrinkle in Time)
  You travel through time and space with Meg and her friends.

Dystopian

Dystopian books for 8th graders show you worlds that are very different from ours. You see how characters fight for freedom and justice.

• Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
  You follow Ender, a boy chosen to save humanity from alien threats.
• The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
  You meet Matteo, a clone who must find his place in a dangerous society.
• The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury
  You read short stories about strange futures and big questions.

If you love science fiction, Epic’s Middle School collection has even more choices. Ms. Roberts picked books that stretch your imagination and make you think about what’s possible.

You can find all these books for 8th graders and more in Epic’s Middle School collection. Start reading and see which adventure calls to you!

Nonfiction & Memoir Books for 8th Graders

Nonfiction and memoir books show you real stories. You learn about people’s lives and true events. These books help you see the world in new ways. You find out about history, famous people, and big moments. Ms. Roberts picked many for Epic’s Middle School collection. They help you learn and grow.

Biographies

Biographies tell you about people who changed things. You read about athletes, artists, leaders, and heroes. These stories show how people faced hard times and made a difference.

Here are some top biographies for 8th graders:

• Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
  You follow Jarrett as he grows up with a tough family. He learns to share his feelings through art.
• It’s Trevor Noah: Born A Crime by Trevor Noah
  You see Trevor’s childhood in South Africa. He uses humor to get through hard times.
• Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander
  You learn about Muhammad Ali’s early life. You see what helped him become a champion.
• Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose
  You meet Claudette, a teen who stood up for civil rights before Rosa Parks.
• Unbroken: An Olympian’s Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive by Laura Hillenbrand
  You follow Louis Zamperini’s journey from Olympic runner to World War II hero.

Tip: When you read biographies, you see how real people solve problems. You might find someone who inspires you to keep going.

History & Social Issues

History and social issues books help you learn about the world. You find out about big events, ideas, and people who work for change.

Some great picks include:

• Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, & You by Jason Reynolds & Ibram X. Kendi
  You explore the history of racism in America. You learn how to stand up for justice.
• The Borden Murders: Lizzie Borden and the Trial of the Century by Sarah Miller
  You dive into a true crime mystery. You try to solve a famous case.
• The Radium Girls: The Scary But True Story of the Poison That Made People Glow in the Dark by Kate Moore
  You read about brave women who fought for safety at work.
• The Breadwinner: A Graphic Novel by Deborah Ellis
  You follow Parvana, a girl in Afghanistan. She faces danger and helps her family survive.

Reading nonfiction and memoir books gives you more than facts. You build your vocabulary, learn about the world, and connect with real stories. Here’s a quick look at what you gain:

Benefit	Description
Vocabulary Development	Nonfiction helps you learn new words and use them.
Background Knowledge	You learn facts and ideas that help you in other classes.
Connection to the World	You see how your life connects to big events and real people.

You also learn to think carefully, read charts and graphs, and find topics that interest you.

Graphic Novels Books for 8th Graders

Graphic novels are great if you like pictures and action. You see the story in both words and art. Many students say these books make reading fun and less stressful.

Fictional Stories

Fictional graphic novels let you jump into adventures and friendships. Here are some favorites:

• Sheets by Brenna Thummler
  You meet Marjorie and Wendell, a ghost. They become friends in a surprising way.
• Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword by Barry Deutsch
  You follow Mirka, a girl who wants to fight monsters and solve puzzles.
• This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki
  You spend a summer with Rose. She faces changes in her family and friendships.
• Hilda and the Stone Forest by Luke Pearson
  You join Hilda on magical adventures. She explores a world full of trolls and spirits.

Graphic novels help you learn to read faces and follow action. You guess what happens next. They help if you find long books hard to finish.

Nonfiction Comics

Nonfiction comics tell true stories in a fun way. You get facts, history, and real-life drama with cool pictures.

• The Shadow Hero by Gene Luen Yang
  You discover the story of the first Asian American superhero.
• Donner Dinner Party (Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales #3) by Nathan Hale
  You learn about a famous survival story from American history.
• Treaties, Trenches, Mud, and Blood (Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales #4) by Nathan Hale
  You explore World War I through exciting comics.
• Roller Derby by Christine Fletcher
  You see what it takes to join a roller derby team and compete.

Graphic novels help all kinds of readers. They help you practice reading, learn new words, and enjoy stories even if you don’t like long chapters. If you are learning English, the pictures make it easier to follow.

Diverse Voices Books for 8th Graders

Diverse voices books let you see the world through many eyes. You read about people from different backgrounds, cultures, and identities. Ms. Roberts made sure Epic’s Middle School collection has these stories. You can find books that reflect your life and open your mind.

Multicultural

Multicultural books help you learn about different cultures and experiences. They show how people live, what they believe, and what they dream about.

Title	Author	Description
Gabi, a Girl in Pieces	Isabel Quintero	You read Gabi’s diary. She deals with family, friends, and finding her voice as a Latina teen.
How It Went Down	Kekla Magoon	You see a community react to a tragedy. You hear many sides of the story.
Yes! We Are Latinos	Alma Flor Ada & Isabel Campoy	You meet young Latinos from many backgrounds through poems and art.
The Shadow Hero	Gene Luen Yang	You discover the origin of an Asian American superhero.

When you read multicultural books, you build empathy. You learn to understand people who are different from you. These stories help you become a better friend and a kinder person.

LGBTQ+

LGBTQ+ books share stories about identity and acceptance. You meet characters who face challenges and celebrate who they are.

Title	Author	Description
Beyond Magenta	Susan Kuklin	You hear from six transgender teens. They share their real-life stories.
I’ll Give You the Sun	Jandy Nelson	You follow twins Jude and Noah. They deal with love, loss, and growing up.

Reading books from diverse voices helps you see the world in new ways. You learn to respect differences, challenge stereotypes, and connect with people from all walks of life. These books help you become kind and open-minded.

Note: When you read stories from many voices, you grow your empathy and understanding. You also find books that feel like they were written just for you.

Award-Winning Books for 8th Graders

Do you want to know which books for 8th graders have won big awards? These stories are special because experts and readers really like them. Ms. Roberts, who chooses books for Epic’s Middle School collection, always looks for books that have earned top honors. You get to read stories that inspire you, challenge you, and entertain you.

Recent Winners

Award-winning books often talk about important topics and have characters you will remember. Here are some recent winners you might like:

• New Kid by Jerry Craft
  This graphic novel won the Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Author Award, and Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature. You follow Jordan Banks, a seventh grader learning about identity and belonging at a new school. The story feels real and easy to connect with.
• Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas
  This book was on the National Book Award Longlist and got a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor. Bree, the main character, joins her school’s swim team. She learns about determination and teamwork with help from a mentor.
• The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
  You jump into the world of basketball and family. The book won the Newbery Medal and is fast-paced with lots of poetry.
• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
  This memoir won the National Book Award and the Coretta Scott King Award. You read about growing up and finding your voice.

Tip: If you want to read stories that judges and readers love, start with these recent winners. You’ll meet characters who feel real and stories that stay with you.

Popular Series

Some series win awards because they keep readers interested from book to book. You might already know some of these from Epic’s Middle School collection.

Series Title	Author(s)	Why You’ll Love It
Diary of a Wimpy Kid	Jeff Kinney	You laugh at Greg’s adventures and awkward moments.
The 39 Clues	Various	You solve mysteries and travel the world.
Hereville	Barry Deutsch	You join Mirka as she faces trolls and puzzles.
Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales	Nathan Hale	You learn history through exciting comics.
Hilda	Luke Pearson	You explore magical worlds with Hilda.

You can find these series in Epic’s Middle School collection. Ms. Roberts picks them because they keep you reading and wanting more.

Classic books for 8th graders

Classic books for 8th graders help you see how stories shape culture and history. You read about big ideas, famous characters, and timeless adventures. These books are on many school reading lists.

• Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
  You learn about power, betrayal, and loyalty in ancient Rome.
• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
  You travel with Bilbo Baggins on a quest full of magic and danger.
• Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne
  You join explorers who dig deep and find strange wonders.
• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
  You step into a magical world with talking animals and epic battles.

Note: Classics might seem hard at first, but they help you think deeply and see new ideas.

History books for 8th graders

History books for 8th graders let you discover real events and people who changed the world. You learn about bravery, struggle, and big moments in history. Teachers suggest these books because they make the past feel real.

• My Brother Sam is Dead
  You see the American Revolution through the eyes of a young boy.
• Johnny Tremain
  You follow a silversmith’s apprentice during the Boston Tea Party.
• Slave Dancer
  You learn about the horrors of the slave trade.
• Fever, 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
  You experience the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia.
• Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco
  You read about friendship and courage during the Civil War.
• George Washington’s Socks
  You travel back in time to the Revolutionary War.
• Dear Ellen Bee by Mary E. Lyons and Muriel Branch
  You discover the fight for freedom and equality.
• Books by Rosemary Sutcliff
  You explore Roman-occupied Britain and ancient adventures.
• Books by Walter Dean Myers and Gary Paulsen
  You find stories about war, survival, and growing up.

If you want to understand history, these books help you see the world in new ways. You get to walk in someone else’s shoes and learn from their experiences.

You can find many of these titles in Epic’s Middle School collection. Ms. Roberts makes sure you have access to stories that teach, inspire, and spark curiosity.

Chapter books for 8th graders

You might wonder, what makes a chapter book perfect for 8th graders? Chapter books give you a chance to dive deep into stories, follow characters through twists and turns, and really get lost in another world. These books often have more pages and complex plots, but they’re still easy to follow and super rewarding to finish. If you love getting hooked on a story, chapter books are your best friend.

Ms. Roberts, who curates Epic’s Middle School collection, knows that you want books that keep you turning the pages. She picks stories with strong characters, real-life challenges, and adventures that make you think. Whether you like realistic fiction, fantasy, or historical tales, you’ll find something that fits your taste.

Here are some of the most popular chapter books among 8th graders right now:

Book Title	Description
Show Me a Sign: Sail Me Away Home	Follow Mary Lambert, a deaf heroine, as she navigates life in a unique 19th-century community.
Front Desk	Meet Mia, a Chinese American girl who helps her immigrant parents run a motel and faces bullies and racism.
The Wanderer	Join Sophie and her family on a daring ocean voyage full of secrets and self-discovery.
Stealing Home	Step into the shoes of a girl who loves baseball and must make tough choices about her family and future.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret	Discover Hugo’s world in a Paris train station, where mystery and adventure await at every turn.

You can find these titles and more in Epic’s Middle School collection. Ms. Roberts makes sure there’s something for everyone, so you never run out of great stories.

Tip: If you’re not sure where to start, try reading the first chapter of a few different books. You’ll know right away which one grabs your attention!

Why Chapter Books Matter

Chapter books help you build reading stamina. You get to know characters over time and watch them grow. You also learn to follow longer plots and remember details from chapter to chapter. This skill helps you in school and makes reading even more fun.

Some chapter books, like Front Desk, show you what it’s like to live in someone else’s shoes. Others, like Show Me a Sign, introduce you to new cultures and histories. Books such as The Wanderer and Stealing Home let you experience adventure and personal growth.

More Chapter Book Favorites from Epic

Here are a few more chapter books you might love, all handpicked by Ms. Roberts for the Middle School collection:

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Book 1) – Laugh along with Greg as he navigates the ups and downs of middle school.
• Hereville #1: How Mirka Got Her Sword – Cheer for Mirka as she faces trolls and solves tricky problems.
• The Breadwinner: A Graphic Novel – Follow Parvana’s journey in Afghanistan as she bravely supports her family.
• Hilda and the Stone Forest – Explore magical worlds with Hilda and her adventurous spirit.

You can start reading any of these books right away on Epic. The platform makes it easy to find your next favorite, and you can even get personalized recommendations based on what you like.

Note: Chapter books aren’t just for strong readers. If you find a story you love, you’ll be surprised how quickly you finish it!

So, grab a chapter book from Epic’s Middle School collection and see where the story takes you. Whether you want to laugh, solve mysteries, or travel to new worlds, there’s a book waiting for you.

Top Suggestions for 8th Graders’ Reading

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Do you ever feel like reading just isn’t your thing? You’re not alone. Many 8th graders want books that grab their attention right away. Fast-paced, high-interest books can turn reading into something you actually look forward to. If you need a little extra motivation, you’ll love these suggestions.

Let’s start with what makes a book truly engaging for you:

Characteristic	Description
Engaging narratives	Stories that pull you in and keep you turning the pages.
Relatable themes	Plots and characters that feel real and connect to your own experiences.
Diverse genres	Choices from adventure, mystery, humor, and more, so you never get bored.

You get to pick what you want to read. You control your reading sessions. You can even try out different formats, like comics or magazines. This freedom makes reading feel less like homework and more like fun.

Graphic novels and short chapter books are perfect if you want quick wins. These books give you a sense of progress and accomplishment. You see your reading skills grow with every page. The pictures in graphic novels help you understand the story, even when the words get tricky. You don’t have to worry about getting lost in a long, confusing plot.

Here’s why these formats work so well:

Evidence Type	Description
Accessible Formats	Short chapters and fewer pages help you finish books faster and feel proud of your progress.
Visual Support	Illustrations make stories easier to follow and boost your understanding.
Predictable Patterns	Clear story structures help you focus on what’s happening without feeling overwhelmed.

Tip: Graphic novels aren’t just comics. They have real stories, deep characters, and lots of action. You get the best of both worlds—words and pictures!

Ready to try something new? Here are some top picks from Epic’s Middle School collection, curated by Ms. Roberts:

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Book 1) – Laugh out loud at Greg’s middle school adventures.
• Hereville #1: How Mirka Got Her Sword – Join Mirka as she faces trolls and solves puzzles.
• The Breadwinner: A Graphic Novel – Follow Parvana’s brave journey in Afghanistan.
• Hilda and the Stone Forest – Explore magical worlds with Hilda.
• Sheets – Meet Marjorie and Wendell in a story about friendship and ghosts.
• The 39 Clues series – Race around the world solving mysteries.

You can also check out short nonfiction books like National Geographic Readers: Titanic or Space Tech: Mars Rovers if you love facts and real-life adventures.

Don’t be afraid to try a new genre or format. You might discover a book that makes you want to read more every day!

You should have a book list that feels fun and friendly. Reading stories from different cultures helps you respect others. It also helps you feel like you belong. When you have many kinds of books, everyone can find something they enjoy.

• Reading different books helps classmates understand and respect each other.
• Telling friends about your favorite books can make them curious. It can help everyone feel like part of a group.
• If you want more books, look at Epic’s Middle School collection by Ms. Roberts. You can also try the Libby app for more options.

Keep looking for new stories, share what you like, and help friends find good books!

Conclusion

Reading in 8th grade is about more than checking off a list—it’s about finding stories that make you laugh, think, and feel understood. Whether your 8th grader is into fantasy, real-life drama, or classic tales, the books on this list are designed to meet them where they are. Remember: the best book is the one they’ll pick up again and again.

FAQ

What is Epic’s Middle School collection?

Epic’s Middle School collection is a group of books picked by Ms. Roberts, an Epic Teacher. You find stories for ages 13–14, including adventure, mystery, graphic novels, and nonfiction. You can start reading right away!

How do I choose the best book for me?

Think about what you like—adventure, humor, or real-life stories. Try reading the first chapter of a few books. Epic gives you suggestions based on your interests. You can always ask Ms. Roberts for help, too!

Can I share my favorite books with friends?

Yes! You can share on email, link, Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. Epic makes it easy to tell friends about books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword.

Are there graphic novels in the Middle School collection?

You’ll find lots of graphic novels! Try Sheets, The Breadwinner: A Graphic Novel, or Hilda and the Stone Forest. These books mix pictures and words for a fun reading experience.

What if I want to read about real events or history?

Epic has nonfiction books like National Geographic Readers: Titanic, Donner Dinner Party, and Treaties, Trenches, Mud, and Blood. You learn about history, science, and true stories.

Who picks the books for Epic’s Middle School collection?

Ms. Roberts, an Epic Teacher, curates the collection. She chooses books that match your age, interests, and reading level. You get a mix of genres and voices.

Can I read Epic books offline?

You can! Download your favorite books and read them anywhere, even without internet. This helps you keep reading on trips or when you’re away from Wi-Fi.

What are some popular series for 8th graders on Epic?

You might enjoy Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The 39 Clues, Hereville, and Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales. These series keep you hooked with exciting stories and cool characters.