1980s books assigned in 8th grade
US schools assign 18 books written in the 1980s to 8th grade students, across 10 states, spanning 870L–1020L. Every title below is cited from a state ELA standard, district reading list, or AP/IB syllabus.
- Titles
- 18
- Written
- 1980–1989
- Lexile range
- 870L–1020L
- States assigning
- 10
The list — 1980s, 8th grade
Reading the whole 1980s 8th grade reading list? Kids who struggle with the print versions often finish the assigned books by listening.
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Rather listen? Kids who struggle with the print versions often finish the assigned books by listening.
Listen free on Audiblestarts instantlyNew members only · many assigned titles are included with the membership. As an Amazon Associate, ReadingList earns from qualifying purchases and membership trials at no extra cost to you.
- After the Dancing DaysMargaret Rostkowski
- Anthony BurnsVirginia Hamilton
Baby-Sitting Is a Dangerous JobWillo Davis Roberts- Behave Yourself, Bethany BrantPatricia Beatty
- Behind Barbed WireDaniel S. Davis
- Chimney SweepsJames Cross Giblin
- Conrad's WarAndrew Davies
- Giraffes, the Sentinels of the SavannasHelen Roney Sattler
HatchetGary Paulsen · 1020L- Me, My Goat, and My Sister's WeddingStella Pevsner
- Panama CanalJudith St. George
- Playing Beatie BowRuth Park
- Poverty in AmericaMilton Meltzer
Sixth Grade Can Really Kill YouBarthe DeClements- Streams to the River, River to the SeaScott O'Dell
- TancyBelinda Hurmence
The House on Mango StreetSandra Cisneros · 870L- The Weaver's GiftKathryn Lasky
Most-assigned 1980s authors in 8th grade
Virginia Hamilton · Willo Davis Roberts · James Cross Giblin · Gary Paulsen · Barthe DeClements · Scott O'Dell
Common questions
- How many 1980s books are assigned in 8th grade?
- 18 books written between 1980 and 1989 appear on 8th grade reading lists tracked by ReadingList. Each one is cited from a state department of education, district list, or AP/IB syllabus.
- What Lexile range do these 1980s books cover?
- Lexile measures for the 1980s titles assigned in 8th grade run from 870L to 1020L. Poetry, drama, and graphic novels without a published Lexile measure are not counted in that range.
- Are these assigned nationally or in a few states?
- 10 states assign at least one 1980s title at 8th grade in the lists tracked here, so this is a broad pattern rather than a single state's canon. Per-state lists are on each state page.