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Funny chapter books to engage an 8-year-old who is a reluctant reader
— 925 books
Not quite right? Ask our librarian
Coming of Age
Melanie Lee
For the child navigating the shift from childhood to the pre-teen years while learning to see their family members in a
Ages 8–12
Mr. Putter & Tabby Run the Race
Cynthia Rylant
For the child who enjoys gentle humor and seeing that having fun is more important than winning the race.
Ages 6–9
The Middle Moffat
Eleanor Estes
For the child who feels lost in the shuffle of siblings and is searching for their own unique place and identity within
Ages 8–12
Amazing Ash & Superhero Ah Ma: End of an Era
Melanie Lee
For the child navigating the complex shift in family roles as a grandparent ages, wrapped in a high-stakes superhero adv
Ages 8–12
How the Whale Became and Other Stories
Ted Hughes
For the child who asks why the world is the way it is, these lyrical fables explore how our choices and habits shape who
Ages 7–11
Harriet the Spy
Louise Fitzhugh
For the child who observes the world a little too closely and needs help navigating the fallout when their private thoug
Ages 8–12
Rescue Me
Alice Alfonsi
For the child navigating the highs and lows of middle school social life, where psychic visions and big secrets lead to
Ages 8–12
The Class Picture Day from the Black Lagoon
Mike Thaler
For the child who gets nervous about their appearance or anxious about school milestones, this funny tale turns picture
Ages 6–9
The Spring Dance from the Black Lagoon
Mike Thaler
For the child who feels anxious about school social events or dances, this funny story uses monster-sized humor to ease
Ages 7–10
From Nerd to Ninja!
Anh Do
For the child who feels like an underdog, this hilarious adventure shows that being uncool or clumsy might just be the p
Ages 7–10
How to Die of Embarrassment Every Day
Ann Hodgman
For the child who feels like every social slip-up is a disaster, this humorous memoir turns cringey childhood moments in
Ages 8–12
Freddie Mole, Lion Tamer
Alexander McCall Smith
For the child who wants to help their family during tough times, this whimsical circus tale shows that even the smallest
Ages 7–10
Liza Lou and the Yeller Belly Swamp
Mercer Mayer
For the child who needs to see that quick thinking and confidence can overcome even the scariest obstacles. A brave girl
Ages 4–9
Yellow & Pink
William Steig
For the child who asks big questions about where we come from and why we look the way we do, this fable explores the mys
Ages 4–9
The Year of Billy Miller
Kevin Henkes
For the child feeling nervous about a new school year or worried they aren't 'smart enough,' this gentle story navigates
Ages 7–10
Half Upon a Time
James Riley
For the child who loves uncovering secrets and seeing familiar stories in a whole new light. A clever quest about findin
Ages 8–12
Is There Really a Human Race?
Jamie Lee Curtis
For the child who feels pressured to be the best, this rhythmic inquiry helps shift the focus from winning to the joy of
Ages 4–8
Miss Quinces
Kat Fajardo
For the child who feels caught between their own interests and their family's traditional expectations, especially when
Ages 8–12
Ellie Engle Saves the World Herself!
Leah Johnson
For the child who prefers the sidelines but is finding their own voice, this story celebrates the quiet strength and bra
Ages 8–12
Outcasts of River Falls
Jacqueline Guest
For the child who feels like a square peg in a round hole and needs to know that being different is exactly what makes t
Ages 7–11
Harriet the Invincible
Ursula Vernon
For the child who feels restricted by expectations and wants to rewrite their own rules. This subverted fairy tale celeb
Ages 8–12
The Best at It
Maulik Pancholy
For the child who feels the pressure to be perfect while navigating complex feelings about who they are and where they f
Ages 8–12
Death Watch
Ari Berk
For the child who feels like a misfit or struggles to meet expectations, this epic adventure celebrates the power of emp
Ages 7–12
Shoebag
Mary James
For the child who feels like an outsider or struggles to fit in, this playful twist on Kafka explores what it truly mean
Ages 8–12
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