A new school year brings me new 8th graders who have reading interests unique to them. During the first quarter of this school year my students have loved so many books. Some books introduced them to new authors and new genres. And of course, students enjoy the tried and true favorite books for middle schoolers. Read on to discover the best books for 8th graders, according to my students.
Best Books For 8th Graders, According to 8th Graders
Best Novel in Verse: The Canyon’s Edge by Dusti Bowling
Nora and her father have gone on a hiking trip to bond. Well, and to distract themselves from the anniversary of Nora losing her mother. But, quickly, this trip turns into a nightmare when Nora and her father are caught at the bottom of a canyon when it suddenly floods.
As Nora faces the challenges of surviving, she must rely on her own courage and resourcefulness. Separated from her resources and her father, Nora battles the physical elements. She also faces some personal struggles along the way.
Told in free verse, readers are taken on a journey of survival and hope with Nora on her climb out of the canyon and onto the other side of tragedy.
Best Graphic Novel: Hoops by Matt Tavares
When my students requested that I add more graphic novels and more books within the sports genre, Hoops by Matt Tavares was a perfect addition to our classroom library.
Hoops is set in Indiana in 1975 and follows the story of the first year of the Wilkins Regional High School girls’ basketball team. One of the things that makes this a good book for 8th graders is that middle school students are facing choices about what they care about and are willing to fight for.
That is exactly what the characters do in Hoops. Most importantly, students will enjoy a fictional story inspired by true events.
Best Mystery Book: A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder by Holly Jackson
By far one of the best, and most requested books, this fall! Your students will love A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder if mystery, suspense, and a little love story are what they want in a good book.
Even better, it is the first book in a series, so you’re students will know exactly what to read after finishing this book. Soon you’ll find your students running their own book club to discuss the book that everyone is reading!
Favorite Series Book: School Trip by Jerry Craft
If your 8th grade students take the traditional school trip to Washington D.C., you must add this book to your classroom library.
All of the same characters from New Kid are back, and traveling to Paris for a school trip. As you can imagine, events do not go according to plan, and readers are taken on an adventure through an unfamiliar city.
Best Dystopian Book: The Maze Runner by James Dashner
The Maze Runner lands on students’ best books to read list year after year. If you’ve watched the movie, or read the books yourself, you’ll know why.
I use this book as an option for our dystopian book clubs unit and the story does not disappoint. Readers have to uncover why the characters are in an unfamiliar place and navigate all of the rules of the society. Then, the action kicks in and students just can’t put the book down until they find out what happens to all of the characters!
Also, this is the first book of a great series, making it a great addition to the best books for 8th graders list.
Favorite Memoir: Sunshine by Jarrett Krosoczka
What makes a story about volunteers at a camp for families with cancer one of the best books for 8th graders?
First, Jarrett Krosoczka writes and illustrates his own books. This makes the story come alive to students. Then, he tells a story that reveals parts of himself and others that are both great and sometimes not so great. Middle schoolers can definitely relate to that!
On top of the relatability, students share that this story gives them perspective. It makes them think about how good or bad things are for them. And what they can do to help make the lives of others a little better.
Favorite Author: Two Degrees by Alan Gratz
Alan Gratz knows how to write books for middle schoolers! So it is no surprise Two Degrees is on my students’ best books list.
This story follows three characters, much like Gratz’s famous story, Refugee. But in Two Degrees, the characters face challenges due to the impact of climate change. From Miami, Florida, to California, to Alaska, students read about how climate change impacts our world.
These books aren’t the only best books for 8th graders, but these were the most requested books by my 8th graders. And based on their reading notebooks, analysis activity projects, and self-reflections, students truly enjoyed the stories!
Whether your students read these books or others, I hope independent reading is thriving in your classroom.
And if you struggle to share about books in your classroom, I have a free guide for you!