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Readers Club
Grade 8 Core Literature List
Welcome to the Grade 8 Reading List! This diverse collection of books spans a range of genres, from historical fiction and classic literature to stories of resilience and social justice. Each title introduces unique characters, important themes, and significant events, encouraging students to reflect on courage, morality, and the complexities of human nature. Let this year’s reading journey inspire thought, discussion, and empathy.
Encourage your child to read for 20-30 minutes each day and fill in their weekly reading logs, which can be redeemed for exciting rewards at the Motivation Station!
Our Curated Book List:
Across Five Aprils
By Irene Hunt
Set during the Civil War, this powerful novel follows young Jethro Creighton as he experiences the turmoil of a country divided. Through Jethro’s perspective, readers gain insight into the war’s effects on family, loyalty, and the struggle for unity.
Theme: Historical Fiction, Civil War
My Brother Sam is Dead
By James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
Tim Meeker’s brother, Sam, joins the Patriots during the American Revolution, causing conflict within their Loyalist family. This emotional story captures the complexities of war, patriotism, and family loyalty.
Theme: Historical Fiction, Revolutionary War
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
By Mark Twain
Join mischievous Tom Sawyer on his adventures along the Mississippi River. This classic novel showcases Tom’s lively spirit, clever schemes, and the value of friendship in a charming portrayal of boyhood.
Theme: Classic, Adventure
The Outsiders
By S.E. Hinton
In this iconic tale, Ponyboy and his friends navigate the challenges of social class, loyalty, and identity. The Outsiders provides a heartfelt exploration of friendship, resilience, and the search for belonging.
Theme: Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
By Avi
When 13-year-old Charlotte embarks on a transatlantic voyage, she finds herself entangled in a high-seas mystery filled with danger and betrayal. This thrilling novel explores courage, loyalty, and self-discovery.
Theme: Historical Fiction, Adventure
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl
By Anne Frank
Written by a Jewish girl hiding during World War II, this poignant diary provides an intimate glimpse into Anne’s thoughts, hopes, and fears. It remains a testament to human resilience and the power of hope.
Theme: Memoir, Holocaust
Farewell to Manzanar
By Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston
This moving memoir chronicles Jeanne Wakatsuki’s experience in a Japanese-American internment camp during World War II. Through her story, readers explore themes of identity, prejudice, and perseverance.
Theme: Memoir, Social Justice
To Be a Slave
By Julius Lester
Through firsthand accounts, this powerful book presents the stories of those who lived through slavery. Readers gain a deeper understanding of resilience, survival, and the human spirit in the face of injustice.
Theme: Historical, Social Justice
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
By Elizabeth George Speare
Set in Puritan New England, this novel follows Kit Tyler, a young girl accused of witchcraft. As she navigates her new life, Kit learns the value of courage, independence, and standing up for what is right.
Theme: Historical Fiction, Freedom
O Pioneers!
By Willa Cather
Alexandra Bergson struggles to save her family’s Nebraska farm in this classic tale of resilience and the American frontier spirit. The novel delves into themes of perseverance, sacrifice, and the strength of community.
Theme: Classic, Determination
Night
By Elie Wiesel
This haunting memoir recounts Elie Wiesel’s experiences as a young boy in Nazi concentration camps. With powerful honesty, it explores themes of survival, faith, and humanity, leaving a lasting impact on readers.
Theme: Memoir, Holocaust
Summer of My German Soldier
By Bette Greene
In this powerful story set during World War II, Patty, a young Jewish girl, befriends a German POW in her small Arkansas town. Through Patty’s eyes, readers confront prejudice, friendship, and moral courage.
Theme: Historical Fiction, Friendship
The Education of Little Tree
By Forrest Carter
This touching story follows Little Tree, an orphaned Native American boy, as he learns about his heritage and the wisdom of nature. Through Little Tree’s journey, readers explore themes of identity, family, and resilience.
Theme: Coming of Age, Cultural Identity
Nothing But the Truth
By Avi
When a student’s act of defiance spirals into a national controversy, this novel explores the nature of truth, personal responsibility, and the complexities of media influence.
Theme: Realistic Fiction, Social Justice
Kidnapped
By Robert Louis Stevenson
Set in 18th-century Scotland, young David Balfour is betrayed by his uncle and embarks on an adventure filled with danger and intrigue. This classic novel explores loyalty, bravery, and the quest for justice.
Theme: Classic, Adventure
Little Women
By Louisa May Alcott
This novel follows Buck, a domesticated dog, as he returns to his wild instincts in the Yukon wilderness. A tale of survival and adaptation, it explores the powerful bond between nature and animal instincts.
Theme: Adventure, Nature
The Ox-Bow Incident
By Walter Van Tilburg Clark
This gripping novel follows two drifters who witness a lynch mob’s attempt to punish alleged criminals. It raises ethical questions about justice, prejudice, and the consequences of mob mentality.
Theme: Western, Justice
The Red Badge of Courage
By Stephen Crane
In this Civil War story, young Henry Fleming experiences the harsh realities of battle and confronts his own fears. It’s a powerful exploration of courage, fear, and the psychological impact of war.
Theme: Historical Fiction, War
April Morning
By Howard Fast
Set during the Battle of Lexington, this novel follows 15-year-old Adam Cooper as he grapples with the challenges of war and responsibility. The story explores maturity, duty, and the cost of freedom.
Theme: Historical Fiction, Revolutionary War
Uncle Tom’s Cabin
By Harriet Beecher Stowe
This influential novel exposes the horrors of slavery through the experiences of Uncle Tom, a gentle and devout man. It serves as a powerful call for compassion, justice, and understanding.
Theme: Classic, Social Justice
And Then There Were None
By Agatha Christie
In this suspenseful mystery, ten strangers are invited to an isolated island and systematically eliminated. As paranoia mounts, readers are kept guessing until the last page in this masterpiece of tension and intrigue.
Theme: Mystery, Suspense
Hey Reading Rangers,
Remember to log your reading every day in your Weekly Reading Log. Once completed, get it signed by a parent and redeem your points at our Motivation Station for fun rewards! Happy reading!
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