YALSA NonfictionUnequal: A Story of America
YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Finalist
Books by Grades and College
Best Books for 8th Grade
Parents and educators of eighth graders, generally ages 13 to 14, will find books here for readers stepping toward young adult literature. Many readers this age want novels that take their questions seriously, from identity and justice to history and belonging, and they often enjoy memoirs, graphic novels and poetry that speak directly to teen experience.
The page is organized with award winners first, then books by subject, then the full list for this grade. Grade ranges are editorial guidance rather than rules, and every reader is different, so the parent notes on each book can help you decide what fits.
All books for 8th Grade
- YALSA Nonfiction
CaldecottAin't Burned All the Bright
Caldecott Medal Honor
Orbis PictusCall and Response: The Story of Black Lives Matter
Orbis Pictus Award Honor
Coretta Scott KingThe People Remember
Coretta Scott King Book Awards Honor
NebulaRaybearer
Nebula Awards Finalist
NewberyRed, White, and Whole
Newbery Medal Honor
NebulaA Game of Fox & Squirrels
Nebula Awards Finalist
Winterdance
BluebonnetAmina's Voice
Texas Bluebonnet Award Shortlist
NewberyHatchet
Newbery Medal Honor
The hobbit, or, there and back again
The Return of the King
BluebonnetAmber on the Mountain
Texas Bluebonnet Award Shortlist
National Book AwardLips Touch: Three Times
National Book Award Finalist
The Legend of Bass Reeves
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
The Transall saga
The Crossing
The Island
NewberyEverything on a Waffle
Newbery Medal Honor
The Quilt
The Glass Cafe, or, The stripper and the state
How Angel Peterson Got His Name
Brian's Hunt