Skip to content
wonderlit
Books
Discover
Life Moments
Themes
Interests
Ages
Articles
Feedback
Send Feedback
Bug
Suggestion
Book Data Issue
Other
Send Feedback
Search Books – Wonderlit | Wonderlit
Search
All
Board Books
Picture Books
Early Readers
Chapter Books
Middle Grade
Young Adult
Funny chapter books to engage an 8-year-old who is a reluctant reader
— 445 books
Not quite right? Ask our librarian
The Beginning
Elise Allen, Daryle Conners
For the child juggling a busy schedule who needs to see that being dependable and responsible is a true superpower, even
Ages 8–12
The Virtue of Ardor
T. T. MacDangereuse
For the child who feels overwhelmed by their own big passions or struggles against strict rules, this satirical tale exp
Ages 8–12
The Night Has Ears African Proverbs
Ashley Bryan
For the curious child discovering the power of words, this collection of African proverbs uses vibrant art to share ance
Ages 4–10
Lights, Camera, Kim!
Lauren Brown
For the child dreaming of the big screen who needs to navigate the gap between public fame and personal friendships.
Ages 8–12
Picnic at Mudsock Meadow
Patricia Polacco
For the child who feels overlooked or teased, follow William as he navigates a spooky town picnic to find his own brand
Ages 4–8
Ramona the Brave
Beverly Cleary
For the child navigating the big transition to first grade, finding their voice with a strict teacher, and learning that
Ages 6–9
Neck & Neck
Elise Parsley
For the child feeling overlooked or jealous of a 'shiny' newcomer. A hilarious zoo adventure about finding your value wh
Ages 4–8
Gibbus Moony Wants to Bite You!
Leslie Muir
For the child who is eager to grow up and use their 'big kid' skills, but needs a gentle reminder about making safe and
Ages 4–8
Hook's Revenge
Heidi Schulz
For the child who feels out of place in a conventional world and longs to prove they are capable of more than society's
Ages 8–12
Mr. Tiger Goes Wild
Peter Brown
For the child who feels restricted by rules and expectations, this story celebrates the joy of being yourself and findin
Ages 3–8
King of the Playground
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
For the child who feels intimidated by a playground bully. Kevin learns how to use logic and humor to shrink a bully's s
Ages 4–8
Downhill
Jasmine Jones
For the child who feels mortified by their parents but still needs to save the day. A fast-paced adventure about balanci
Ages 7–11
The Dark Lord Clementine
Sarah Jean Horwitz
For the child who feels pressured to follow in a parent's footsteps but wants to forge their own path. This story explor
Ages 8–12
Why Don't Haircuts Hurt?
Melvin Berger, Gilda Berger
For the curious child who wonders why bodies do strange things, from blushing to goosebumps. This book explains the scie
Ages 6–10
Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm
Megan McDonald
For the child who is feeling a bit unlucky or obsessed with superstition, Judy's 'lucky' winning streak offers a fun loo
Ages 6–10
Dear Mom, You're Ruining My Life
Jean Van Leeuwen
For the pre-teen who suddenly finds everything their parents do deeply embarrassing, this story mirrors the awkward tran
Ages 8–12
Sammy Carducci's Guide to Women
Ronald Kidd
For the middle schooler navigating the awkwardness of first crushes, this funny story highlights why being yourself is b
Ages 8–12
Secret of Platform 13/Island of the Aunts Flip Book
Eva Ibbotson
For the child who feels like an outsider and dreams of a world where their quirks are celebrated, these tales offer a ma
Ages 8–12
Elizabeth I Reigns Supreme
Margaret Simpson
For the child who finds history textbooks boring: this witty look at the Virgin Queen uses gossip, grit, and facts to sh
Ages 8–12
Fanny's Dream
Caralyn Buehner
For the child who dreams of being a princess but needs help seeing the magic in their own backyard. A grounded, sweet al
Ages 4–8
The Great Brain Is Back
John D. Fitzgerald
For the child navigating the shift from clever childhood games to the confusing world of first crushes and teenage indep
Ages 8–12
The Good Tiger
Elizabeth Bowen
For the child who feels the pressure to always be on their best behavior and wonders if they can still be themselves whi
Ages 4–8
City of Thirst
Carrie Ryan, John Parke Davis
For the child navigating a world where they feel invisible or forgotten, this high-seas adventure explores the deep desi
Ages 8–12
Odds & Ends
Amy Ignatow
For the child preparing to say goodbye to middle school and navigate the bittersweet transition of growing up and moving
Ages 8–12
1
...
5
6
7
8
9
...
19