Favorite Classics for young adventurers; chosen by an 8 year old boy.

I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t usually love classic books. A lot of them feel outdated in their thinking—especially when it comes to gender roles and equality—and some of the language used would never fly today.

That being said, there are a few classics that completely won over my 8-year-old. These are the books he read again and again, the ones he couldn’t put down.

1. Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl

This clever little heist story had my son cheering for Mr. Fox and his family as they outsmarted the mean farmers. Dahl’s signature humor, fast-paced storytelling, and a hero who never gives up made this an instant favorite.

2. Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater

Penguins in the house? Say no more! My son loved the chaos and charm of this story about a man who ends up with a house full of penguins. It’s silly, lighthearted, and just fun—exactly what an 8-year-old wants.

3. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

Another Roald Dahl hit! (Guess who his favorite author is 😉) This one takes readers on a wild adventure with a boy, a giant peach, and some very unusual insect friends. The quirky characters and magical journey kept my son hooked from start to finish.

4. The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks

This one brought out so much imagination! The idea of a tiny figure coming to life fascinated my son, and he loved following Omri’s journey as he learned what it really meant to be responsible for someone else’s world. (Though, yes, this book has some problematic elements that definitely require discussion!)

5. The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White

A swan that plays the trumpet? My son was all in. This beautifully written story about Louis, a mute swan who finds his voice through music, was surprisingly captivating for him. He was completely invested in Louis’s journey and loved how determined the swan was to succeed.

6. The BFG by Roald Dahl

We can’t talk about favorite books without mentioning The BFG! My son was completely obsessed with the idea of a friendly giant who collects dreams. The mix of adventure, humor, and heart made this one of his all-time favorites.

Why These Books Stood the Test of Time
Even though I tend to be picky about classics, These books still hold a special kind of magic. They sparked my son’s imagination, made him laugh, and kept him reaching for them over and over again.

If you’re looking for classic books that today’s adventure loving kids will enjoy, these are a great place to start! What are some of your child’s favorite classic reads? Let me know in the comments!