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Funny chapter books to engage an 8-year-old who is a reluctant reader
— 44 books
Not quite right? Ask our librarian
Join the Club, Maggie Diaz
Nina Moreno
For the middle schooler who feels like they are the only one without a 'thing' while everyone else is busy and thriving.
Ages 8–12
Zombie's Birthday Apocalypse
Zack Zombie
For the child who loves gaming and needs a laugh while navigating the pressure of big milestones, like turning thirteen
Ages 7–12
Emily's Runaway Imagination
Beverly Cleary
For children whose big ideas lead to memorable, sometimes messy, adventures, this story celebrates the vibrant spirit of
Ages 8–12
Your Move, J.P.!
Lois Lowry
For the child navigating the awkward waters of middle school crushes and the tangled web of a 'harmless' lie that keeps
Ages 8–12
The Bear Nobody Wanted
Allan Ahlberg
For the child grappling with self-importance or feeling discarded, this classic tale follows a proud teddy bear's journe
Ages 7–11
Spy School Blackout
Stuart Gibbs
For the middle schooler who feels like technology is taking over, this fast-paced mission explores self-reliance when th
Ages 8–12
Logan Likes Mary Anne!
Ann M. Martin
For the child navigating the nervous excitement of a first crush and the changing dynamics of their friend group as they
Ages 8–12
The Coming Storm
Rob Kidd
For the child who loves imagining themselves as the leader of their own crew, this high-seas adventure explores how a yo
Ages 8–12
Old School
Gordon Korman
For the child who feels more at home with adults than peers, this funny tale follows a boy's rocky transition from a ret
Ages 8–12
Lost and Found
Andrew Clements
For the child seeking their own identity within a family or friend group, this clever story explores the thrill and risk
Ages 8–12
The Little Witch
Otfried Preussler
For the child who questions unfair rules or struggles to fit in, this tale celebrates finding your own definition of goo
Ages 8–12
Joey Pigza Loses Control
Jack Gantos
For children navigating neurodivergence or challenging family dynamics, this book explores self-acceptance and the compl
Ages 8–12
Erik the Viking
Terry Jones
For the child who questions the 'status quo,' this Viking adventure follows a hero who chooses kindness and peace over t
Ages 8–12
Alice-Miranda on Vacation
Jacqueline Harvey
For the child who thrives on independence and solving problems, this charming mystery follows a capable young girl navig
Ages 8–12
Rieden Reece and the Final Flower
Matt Guzman
For the middle schooler who feels the weight of making things right, this sci-fi thriller explores the pressure of fixin
Ages 8–12
Pippi Goes Aboard
Astrid Lindgren
For the child who dances to their own beat and needs to know that being different is a superpower, not a problem to be s
Ages 7–10
Igraine the Brave
Cornelia Funke
For the child who feels pressured to follow in their parents' footsteps and wants the courage to choose their own path,
Ages 8–12
Jack Plank Tells Tales
Natalie Babbitt
For the child who feels like a bit of a misfit, this whimsical collection of tales celebrates finding your place when yo
Ages 8–12
Uncanny!
Paul Jennings
For the child who loves the strange and unexpected, these stories embrace the weirdness of growing up with a deliciously
Ages 8–13
The Voyage of QV 66
Penelope Lively
For the child who wonders where they fit in, this whimsical adventure follows a crew of animals on a quest for identity
Ages 8–12
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