Gifts for 8-10-year-olds This Holiday Season

So many books…so little time! My students would never believe I narrowed this list down to just 10 books. When looking at buying a book for an 8–10-year-old, their reading level and maturity level must be considered. 

Best Series for Your Young Reader

If you are looking for books for a child that has just turned eight, or has yet to find that spark when reading, then the first three series on my list are must-haves. Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol, Dragon Masters, and The Bad Guy series have turned many children into avid readers. They are shorter, funny, have great storylines, and leave the child wanting the next book in the series! So, you may want to purchase more than just the first book!

Best Non-Fiction Series

Some children in this age range love non-fiction but haven’t made the transition from “Factbooks” to chapter books. Dan Gutman’s Wait?! What?! Series about various famous people, along with the I Survived series is the perfect place to start. Dan Gutman uses the same humor that has made him famous with his Weirder School books, to teach all about important figures in history. But- he doesn’t typically teach the same boring facts as other books! Children LOVE Lauren Tarshis’s I Survived series. There are over 20 books written about cataclysmic events in the world’s history. You are sure to find a book that will interest your child. 

Shorter in Length

Of the five remaining books, two are shorter in length, but appeal across the age range. Odder by Katherine Applegate is a book written in free verse about a sea otter rescued by the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The book is told from the point of view of a baby otter and quickly brings the reader into the world of ocean life. Katherine Applegate has added a treasure to our reading list. Sisterhood of Sleuths by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman introduces us to Maizy, a preteen who has stumbled upon a family secret in a box of old Nancy Drew books. Sisterhood of Sleuths is a wonderful story about family and friendships that preteen girls will love. 

Narnia for the Next Generation

And finally, one of my all-time favorite books for 8–10-year-olds, is The Land of Roar by Jenny McLachlan.  Think Narnia. Rose and Arthur must rediscover their magical land called Roar after discovering their Grandfather has been kidnapped by the evil Croaky and whisked away. It is a wonderful adventure story that focuses on what it means to be siblings with a shared childhood. This is book one in a three-book series. 

Marvellers- A Magical World We Will All Want to Join

The Marvellers, the first book of the Conjureverse series by Dhonielle Clayton, is phenomenal. It is a page-turner that will keep your child reading under the blanket with a flashlight. It is an all-new magical world with a flare of New Orleans and conjurers. Ella Durand is the first Conjuror to attend the infamous Arcanum Training Institute. She has a lot to prove, and a lot to learn. Unfortunately, not everyone wants her there. Come along to help Ella unravel the mystery and forge her own way and friendships at the Academy.

Leeva at Last by: Sara Pennypacker

Sara Pennypacker, from the acclaimed Clementine series, has written another brilliant story. Leeva at Last is for all those readers who love Matilda by Roald Dahl, and don’t mind the suspension of norms. The story is quirky, warm, perfectly paced, and a fast read. You will love Leeva and the librarian who befriends her.

I hope you can introduce your favorite 8-10-year-old to some of my favorite stories. They will make gifts to be remembered. Be sure to check out the Best Books of 2023 that would also make great gifts!

I have provided links to these books on Amazon. Feel free to read a more in-depth summary of each book there. Also, I encourage you to buy from your local, independent bookseller whenever possible! 

*Please be aware: I am an Amazon Affiliate and will earn a small commission if you purchase using one of the links below.