1980s books assigned in 8th grade
US schools assign 27 books written in the 1980s to 8th grade students, across 11 states, spanning 870L–1020L. Every title below is cited from a state ELA standard, district reading list, or AP/IB syllabus.
- Titles
- 27
- Written
- 1980–1989
- Lexile range
- 870L–1020L
- States assigning
- 11
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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Try it on audio — free. 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.
A Little FearPatricia Wrightson
A Long Hard JourneyPat McKissack
After the Dancing DaysMargaret Rostkowski
Anthony BurnsVirginia Hamilton
Auks, Rocks, and the Odd DinosaurPeggy Thomson
Baby-Sitting Is a Dangerous JobWillo Davis Roberts
Behind Barbed WireDaniel S. Davis
Charley SkedaddlePatricia Beatty
Chimney SweepsJames Cross Giblin
Conrad's WarAndrew Davies
Everett Anderson's GoodbyeLucille Clifton
Fallen AngelsWalter Dean Myers
HatchetGary Paulsen · 1020L- Justin and the Best Biscuits in the WorldMildred WalterJustin and the Best Biscuits in the WorldMildred Walter
Let the Circle Be UnbrokenMildred D. Taylor
Motown and DidiWalter Dean Myers
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 Illustrated Dinosaur DictionaryHelen Roney Sattler
Show all 27 titles
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- The Moves Make the Man · Bruce Brooks · Buy →
- The People Could Fly · Virginia Hamilton · Buy →
- The Weaver's Gift · Kathryn Lasky · Buy →
Most-assigned 1980s authors in 8th grade
Virginia Hamilton (2) · Walter Dean Myers (2) · Pat McKissack · Willo Davis Roberts · James Cross Giblin · Gary Paulsen
Common questions
- How many 1980s books are assigned in 8th grade?
- 27 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?
- 11 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.