Great Books Guide 2024-25: for 8 to 9-year-olds

Every night, six-year-old Astrid transforms into a Space Cadet, an intergalactic helper who zooms across the universe to solve problems and assist those in need. This fast-paced, funny chapter book is accompanied by magnificent black-and-white illustrations.

Two interlinked stories in one – flip the book to read the second one. Will Derek the vampire and Ruby the unusual fairy become film stars? 

Humphrey the egg isn’t allowed to do anything energetic – especially not climb walls. But when he and his new friend are locked in the park, he has to escape somehow! A very funny graphic novel that will have children giggling out loud. 

Vinay and his ​“Council of Friends” are disrupted by the arrival of his cousin. Together, they learn to set aside their differences and empathise with each other’s feelings. 

Beautifully simple poems are paired with comic-book style panel illustrations. Two characters across the course of the year as they express themselves through poetry. 

Keisha wants to be like her inspiring Great Aunt Bee and stand up for what’s right. Her first cause is the price of bunnies in the pet shop. Funny and packed with brilliant illustrations, this will have young readers coming back for more in the series.

Can Maysa and Musa solve the mystery of who destroyed the competition cookies? Relatable and funny, this is a story about everyday family life, with a gentle mystery and a BIG lie at the heart of it. 

Hugh is determined to clear his dog’s name when she’s accused of eating his homework. This hilarious chapter book is full of witty one-liners, daft puns and dynamic black-and-white illustrations.

A wordless picture book featuring a robot protagonist and a flooded landscape. It is a beautifully illustrated modern retelling of the Noah’s ark story. 

Find out the stories behind some of the world’s most important inventions in this funny, comic style, illustrated non-fiction book. 

Can the Breakfast Club Investigators find the Phantom Thief and save Asim from being blamed? A gentle mystery with short chapters and lots of energetic illustrations. 

Yomi, aged around 10 and her younger brother Kay are spending the summer with their Uncle Olu who is a Nkara (dragon) researcher travelling the world lecturing on African studies. They are in The Gambia’s capital city Banjul when Yomi sees Ninki Nanka, the famous and ferocious water dragon and realises it is in trouble.

A fascinating time-travel adventure exploring the politics and history of suffragettes. 

Presented in large, clear font and with black and white illustrations throughout, this funny, exciting, imaginative adventure story is a great introduction to fantasy fiction for newly independent readers. 

A brilliantly funny, and gloriously rambling, historical hunt for a monster with a great twist at the end and a subtle message about not judging by appearances.

Sports expert Clare Balding is here to commentate on a stupendous set of eight edge-of-your-seat sporting events featuring all manner of brilliantly fast, strong and agile animals.

Sun Wukong, legendary monkey king and warrior, faces an ancient evil which threatens the world. Join him on a wild and comical adventure as he battles the monsters of ancient Greece. 

Bobby wants his nana-ji and Trevor to be friends because they both love football. A heart-warming story of community and kindness – and football! Dyslexia friendly, and appealing to all readers. 

A powerful and quick to read adventure story on saving a humpback whale in Scotland.  

Hercules’ plan to play it cool when he starts secondary school goes awry when he becomes a target for the school bully. With the arrival of his estranged Greek father, Hercules’ popularity surges, but at what cost? With a generous smattering of Greek mythology, this laugh-out-loud tale explores the nature of friendship, love and loyalty with a perfect mix of warmth and humour.

After reluctantly moving to the tiny village of Knobbly Bottom, Maggie is astonished when she encounters a flock of vampire sheep who are determined to take over the world. This hilarious chapter book, with a fast-paced plot and dynamic black-and-white illustrations, is the first in a fabulously funny series that is perfect for junior readers.

From the big to the small, size is important and can tell us a lot about the animals and plants that live on planet Earth. This fascinating book zooms in on size to reveal all kinds of interesting facts about why things are the size that they are, and to give young readers a sense of scale.

When young moth Marnie Midnight enrols at Minibeast Academy, she and her new friends, Floyd the bee and Star the ant, embark on a perilous lunar adventure. The first in an exciting new series, this imaginative, bug-sized tale is richly illustrated and full of humour.  

Can Nora and her great grandchildren find the treasure before her dastardly foe? A hoot of an adventure starring an energetic old lady, a determined toddler and a wonky goose. Great fun. 

A funny and engaging poetry collection, perfect for reading aloud and for sharing.