Growing Reader

16 Books That 6- to 8-Year-Old Boys Say Are Must-Reads

by Kari Ness Riedel

I’m a believer that a book recommendation from another kid is one of the best ways to get a child hooked on a new book. I spoke to a bunch of 6-, 7-, and 8-year-old boys (and their parents) to compile this list of kid-approved books.

These books had 6- to 8-year-old boys raving, either because they made them laugh, were full of adventures, or were just so exciting they had to keep reading to find out what happened next!

One thing to note is that kids in this age group have a wide range of reading levels, spanning all the way from those just starting to read on their own to Harry Potter-level readers. I included a mix of levels on this list, but most of the books are considered chapter books. They can be read by newly independent readers or would work well as a family read-aloud.

Funny Stories with Real Kid Escapades

My Weird School Series

by Dan Gutman, illustrated by Jim Paillot

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Hilarity reigns in this weird and wacky school with teachers like crazy Ms. Daisy, Mr. Klutz, and Miss Small. Christian says, “It is a hilarious and quick read.” Ms. Cebrian, an elementary reading specialist, recommends it, saying, “I love this series for hooking readers.”

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Junie B. Jones Series

by Barbara Park, illustrated by Denise Brunkus

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Feisty and clever, Junie B. Jones is a character that all kids can relate to — and laugh with — as she shares her daily adventures at school and home. Pranav raves, “It is awesome. Everyone should read this book.”

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Calvin and Hobbes

by Bill Watterson

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This classic comic has been passed along to a new generation for good reason. Leo couldn’t put it down, and Jonathan shares that this series is “hilarious with a little bit of trouble-making added in.”

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The Unlucky Lottery Winners of Classroom 13

by Honest Lee, illustrated by Joelle Dreidemy

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Alvin Ho

by Lenore Look, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

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Horrid Henry

by Francesca Simon, illustrated by Tony Ross

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George Brown, Class Clown

by Nancy Krulik, illustrated by Aaron Blecha

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Silly Animal Action and Adventure Stories

Mercy Watson Series

by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

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Mercy Watson is a butter toast loving pig that inevitably ends up on a wild adventure helping to solve a mystery. Matthew loves this series and Andy declares, “Mercy never fails to make me laugh.”

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Elephant & Piggie Series

by Mo Willems

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Gerald the elephant is careful while his best friend Piggie is not. A set of mismatched best friends is the perfect setup for funny adventures that also teach life lessons about topics like sharing, waiting, and being honest. Mattie says, “This book is so awesome, I re-read it all the time.”

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Kung Pow Chicken Series

by Cyndi Marko

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Readers can’t help but root for this unlikely superhero that fights crime in Fowladelphia. It’s a great book for newly independent readers. Trevor puts it simply, “Well, I love it because it was funny!”

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Geronimo Stilton

by Geronimo Stilton

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Hank the Cow Dog

by John R. Erickson

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The Chicken Squad

by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Kevin Cornell

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Historical and Nonfiction Adventure Stories

Magic Tree House Series

by Mary Pope Osborne

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Siblings Jack and Annie discover a magical, time traveling tree house that transports them on exciting adventures throughout history. It’s a great way to learn about historical people and places. Robin admits that these stories “can be a little scary,” but says “things always work out in the end.”

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I Survived Series

by Lauren Tarshis

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Epic tales of fictional kids surviving real events like the bombing of Pearl Harbor or the sinking of the Titanic. Kids who enjoy history gobble up these books. Alex shares, “I really enjoyed this book because it was very realistic and it was full of bravery.”

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Who Would Win? Series

by Jerry Pallotta

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What would happen if a great white shark and a killer whale met? These are the type of questions asked in this series. Readers are given facts and details to make their choice, picking up all kids of new knowledge along the way without even realizing it. Asher recommends this series to fans of nonfiction books.

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Weird But True!

by National Geographic

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Who Wins? 100 Historical Figures Go Head-to-Head and You Decide the Winner

by Clay Swartz, illustrated by Tom Booth

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Ranger in Time

by Kate Messner, illustrated by Kelley McMorris

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Fantasy Books with Heroes, Dragons, and Pirates

Dragon Slayers' Academy Series

by Kate McMullan, illustrated by Bill Basso

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Wiglaf sets out to fulfill his foretold destiny that he will be a hero by signing up for the Dragon Slayers' Academy. This series chronicles the adventures that he and his fellow future heroes have at this medieval boarding school. Derek loved it: “It has great characters and … pig Latin!”

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Zapato Power Series

by Jacqueline Jules, illustrated by Miguel Benítez

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Freddie Ramos is an ordinary kid until he receives a mysterious box with shoes that give him super speed. He uses his new powers to conquer wrongdoings in his neighborhood. Jack simply says, “This book is super fun … read it!”

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The High-Skies Adventures of Blue Jay the Pirate

by Scott Nash

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Arthur proclaims, “This is the best book I’ve ever read.” Captain Blue Jay loves to find treasure, especially eggs. When one of his treasures hatches, he and his crew embark on a fast-paced adventure across land, sky, and sea.

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Thorfinn the Nicest Viking Series

by David MacPhail, illustrated by Richard Morgan

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Thorfinn is not your typical Viking. He prefers tea and scones to pillaging and burning down villages. But this polite Viking finds that his manners help him in his adventures with savage Scotsmen and other sworn enemies. Luca shares that both boys and girls would like this story and says, “It's the humor that makes the book!”

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Dragon Masters

by Tracey West

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My Father’s Dragon

by Ruth Stiles Gannett

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The Ice Cream Kid

by Todd Clark

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Whodunit Mystery Stories

A to Z Mysteries Series

by Ron Roy, illustrated by John Steven Gurney

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Kids love to help Dink, Ruth, and Josh Rose solve mysteries. Each book tackles a case that starts with a different letter of the alphabet. Edyn raves, “A to Z Mysteries is my favorite series. My goal is to read all of them.”

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The Virginia Mysteries Series

by Stephen K. Smith

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Brothers Derek and Sam move to Virginia and uncover a 60-year-old mystery in the woods behind their house. It’s like Hardy Boys meets Magic Tree House. Kian highly recommends this series to other kids who like mysteries.

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The Boxcar Children

by Gertrude Chandler Warner

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Siblings Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden have been solving mysteries for 75 years. The original stories are still beloved by kids, or try the new mini-series where the Aldens have been recruited by a secret society to return lost artifacts and treasures to their rightful locations around the world.

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The Capital Mysteries

by Ron Roy

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Hardy Boys: The Secret Files

by Franklin W. Dixon

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Encyclopedia Brown

by Donald J. Sobol

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