Recommended Reading for grade 8.
Here is a list of books our teacher editors
suggest
for students in grade 8. Our selections
include titles for both
girls and boys who have a variety of interests. These
selections include
both "academic" and "recreational" reading suggestions.
Check the synopsis for the book that might interest your
student.
If you want to buy the book, click on the book cover to order from Amazon.com. TeachersFirst receives a small portion of the proceeds to support our free service for teachers.
All Creatures Great and Small - by James HerriotFollow Herriot as he makes his veterinary rounds in rural England. A must for all animal lovers!
Among the Hidden - by Margaret HaddixThis American Library Association Best Book for Teens is a modern mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Brian's Winter - by Gary PaulsenThis Newberry winner tells a powerful and exciting story of a young boy's amazing survival in the Canadian wilderness.
The Cay - by Theodore TaylorThis story is set in the West Indies during the Second World War. A young boy must test his courage as he struggles to survive on a far away island.
Children of the River - by Linda CrewEver since Saundra had to leave Cambodia and her family behind, she has tried to be the "good Cambodian girl" in her aunt's family. A great read!
The Christmas Box - by Richard Paul EvansRead a Christmas story in July? Why not? A great message about what's important in life.
December Stillness - by Mary Downing HahnContemporary fiction about a teen's commitment to social action.
Dicey's Song - by Cynthia VoightPopular coming-of-age story with memorable characters.
The Endless Steppe - by Esther HautzigThis book tells the story of a family forced from their home in Poland to exile in Siberia. It is a moving tale of courage and the resiliency of the human spirit.
The Golden Compass - by Philip PullmanA fast-paced fantasy adventure, with a main character who is a girl.
Guts: The True Stories Behind the Hatchet Books - by Gary PaulsenGary Paulsen explains his life growing up in Minnesota and Alaska.
Gutsy Girls: Young Women Who Dare - by Tina SchwagerA collection of stories by young women about how to break new ground and stay healthy and safe.
Hatchet - by Gary PaulsenA young man survives a small plane crash and must make his way through the wilderness armed only with a hatchet.
Haveli - by Suzanne Fisher StaplesMemorable characters in this story of Pakistani culture; sequel to Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind.
Johnny Tremain - by Esther Forbes
Journey of the Sparrows - by Fran Leeper BussThis historical work focuses on the 1980-92 Civil War in El Salvador.
Let the Circle Be Unbroken - by Mildred TaylorThis novel continues the story told in of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.
Little Women - by Louisa May AlcottMeet the March family-with daughters Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth. The Osbournes they are not---a classic story of a connected family, featuring love, romance, sadness and courage.
The Lottery Rose - by Irene HuntA modern novel that shows strength of character can overcome difficulties.
The Master Puppeteer - by Katherine PatersonJapan in the 1700's is the setting for this mystery adventure.
Mrs. Mike - by Benedict and Nancy FreidmanA tale of adventure and love set in the wilderness of Canada.
Night - by Elie WeiselThis is an important story of courage and endurance. Wiesel recounts the horrors of live in a concentration camp and reminds us of the importance of human freedom.
A Night to Remember - by Walter LordThe tragic true story of the sinking of the Titanic.
The Outsiders - by S. E. HintonClassic story revealing the tragedy of teenage gang violence.
The Pearl - by John SteinbeckA powerful story that teaches the importance of family and human compassion. The mysterious Pearl of the World has the power to change lives for good or for evil!
The Prince and the Pauper - by Mark TwainMark Twain's classic story of mistaken identity.
Rebecca - by Daphne DuMaurierThe spell of the mysterious Rebecca lingers over the mansion Manderley. Read this famous story to unravel the secret.
Rimshots: Basketball Pix, Rolls, and Rhythms - by Charles SmithPoems and pictures about basketball.
A Separate Peace - by John KnowlesThis classic story of friendship and emotion is set in a boarding school during WW II.
Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind - by Suzanne Fisher StaplesA novel of growing up set with a background of Pakistani culture.
The Sign of the Chrysanthemum - by Catherine PatersonJourney to Japan in the 12th century in this fast-paced novel of a boy's search for his identity.
Streams to the River, River to the Sea - by Scott O'DellThis historical novel used the voice of the Indian Sacagawea to describe the journey of Lewis and Clark.
Summer of My German Soldier - by Bette GreeneSet during WWII, this story reveals the value of friendship and the importance of compassion.
The Red Pony - by John Steinbeck
A Thief of Time - by Tony HillermanA mystery adventure story set against the Navajo culture.
Things Not Seen - by Andrew ClementsA very hip teen wakes up one morning to discover that he's invisible. See what happens next.
Troubling a Star - by Madeleine L'EngleAn adventure/mystery story set against the backdrop of Antarctica by the author of A Wrinkle in Time.
Walk Two Moons - by Sharon CreechFollow Sal's journey from Kentucky to Idaho as she searches for her mother.
Walkabout - by James Vance MarshallA page-turning adventure set in the Australian outback. A real survivor's story!
The Watsons Go to Birmingham - by Christopher Paul CurtisIt is 1963 and an African American family from Michigan heads for Birmingham for a family visit. There they find hatred and more.
Winning Every Day: The Game Plan for Success - by Lou HoltzLearn strategies for commitment and focus from Coach Holtz, the inspiring and motivating man who led the Notre Dame football team to nine bowl games
Wringer - by Jerry Spinelli