8th grade books about Death
4 books commonly assigned to 8th grade students explore death— every title’s grade range covers 8th grade, so each is grade-appropriate by curriculum placement. Each links to its reading level, themes, and the curricula that cite it.
What this list holds: All 4 titles are cited by at least one US curriculum or award list for 8th grade, first published between 1996 and 2004.
4 8th grade books about death
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Blackwater
Eve BuntingCited in 1 curriculum, taught from grade 6 to 8. Also covers drowning, guilt and accelerated reader.
Drive-By
Lynne EwingCited in 1 curriculum, taught from grade 3 to 8. Also covers gangs, brothers and sisters, drive-by shootings.
Perfect
Natasha FriendCited in 1 curriculum, taught from grade 6 to 9. Also covers grief, bulimia, fathers and daughters.
Red Kayak
Priscilla CummingsCited in 1 curriculum, taught from grade 6 to 8. Also covers conduct of life, boats and boating, friendship.
Death books at other grades
3rd grade · 4th grade · 5th grade · 6th grade · 7th grade · 9th grade · 10th grade · 11th grade
Other 8th grade themes
Family · Friendship · Identity · Courage · Survival · History · Mystery and Detective Stories · Schools
← Full 8th grade reading list · All deathbooks →
Frequently asked questions
What death books are good for 8th grade students?
4 books exploring death have a grade range that covers 8th grade and are assigned across US-school curricula — Common Core exemplars, AP, IB, Cambridge, and state ELA standards. Each title on this page links to its full curriculum citations and reading level.
Are these death books grade-appropriate for 8th grade?
Every title's grade range covers 8th grade, so each is age-appropriate by curriculum placement. Check each book's themes and content notes before assigning.
How many death books are on the 8th grade list?
This page lists 4 8th grade titles about death, ordered by how many US curricula cite each one for this grade (ties alphabetical). The list expands as more curriculum references are verified.
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