Here are the top 30 bestselling computers & technology books for 8 year olds. Please click Read Review to read book reviews on Amazon. You can also click Find in Library to check book availability at your local library. If the default library is not correct, please follow Change Library to reset it.
1. Secret Coders
by: Gene Luen Yang, Mike Holmes Release date: Sep 29, 2015 Number of Pages: 96 Find in Library Read Review |
Gene Luen Yang is the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and is a MacArthur Fellow, a recipient of what’s popularly known as the MacArthur “Genius” Grant.
Welcome to Stately Academy, a school which is just crawling with mysteries to be solved! The founder of the school left many clues and puzzles to challenge his enterprising students. Using their wits and their growing prowess with coding, Hopper and her friend Eni are going to solve the mystery of Stately Academy no matter what it takes!
From graphic novel superstar (and high school computer programming teacher) Gene Luen Yang comes a wildly entertaining new series that combines logic puzzles and basic programming instruction with a page-turning mystery plot!
2. Who Was Steve Jobs?
by: Pam Pollack, Meg Belviso, John O’Brien, Nancy Harrison Release date: Mar 29, 2012 Number of Pages: 112 Find in Library Read Review |
3. Paths & Portals (Secret Coders)
by: Gene Luen Yang, Mike Holmes Release date: Aug 30, 2016 Number of Pages: 96 Find in Library Read Review |
Gene Luen Yang is the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and is a MacArthur Fellow, a recipient of what’s popularly known as the MacArthur “Genius” Grant.
There’s something lurking beneath the surface of Stately Academy?literally. In a secret underground classroom Hopper, Eni, and Josh discover that the campus was once home to the Bee School, an institute where teachers, students, and robots worked together to unravel the mysteries of coding. Hopper and her friends are eager to follow in this tradition and become top-rate coders. But why are Principal Dean and the rugby team suddenly so interested in their extracurricular activities?
From graphic novel superstar (and high school computer programming teacher) Gene Luen Yang comes the second volume of Secret Coders, Paths & Portals, a wildly entertaining new series that combines logic puzzles and basic programming instruction with a page-turning mystery plot!
4. Who Is Bill Gates? (Who Was…?)
by: Patricia Brennan Demuth, Ted Hammond, Nancy Harrison Release date: Mar 21, 2013 Number of Pages: 112 Find in Library Read Review |
5. Scratch Programming Playground: Learn to Program by Making Cool Games
by: Al Sweigart Release date: Oct 08, 2016 Number of Pages: 288 Find in Library Read Review |
Scratch, the colorful drag-and-drop programming language, is used by millions of first-time learners, and in Scratch Programming Playground, you’ll learn to program by making cool games. Get ready to destroy asteroids, shoot hoops, and slice and dice fruit!
Each game includes easy-to-follow instructions, review questions, and creative coding challenges to make the game your own. Want to add more levels or a cheat code? No problem, just write some code.
You’ll make games like:
- Maze Runner: escape the maze!
- Snaaaaaake: gobble apples and avoid your own tail
- Asteroid Breaker: smash space rocks
- Fruit Slicer: a Fruit Ninja clone
- Brick Breaker: a remake of Breakout, the brick-breaking classic
- Platformer: a game inspired by Super Mario Bros.
Learning how to program shouldn’t be dry and dreary. With Scratch Programming Playground, you’ll make a game of it!
6. Scratch Coding Cards: Creative Coding Activities for Kids
by: Natalie Rusk, The MIT Scratch Team Release date: Nov 30, 2016 Number of Pages: 75 Find in Library Read Review |
Want to introduce kids to coding in a fun and creative way?
With the Scratch Coding Cards, kids learn to code as they create interactive games, stories, music, and animations. The short-and-simple activities provide an inviting entry point into Scratch, the graphical programming language used by millions of kids around the world.
Kids can use this colorful 75-card deck to create a variety of interactive programming projects. They’ll create their own version of Pong, Write an Interactive Story, Create a Virtual Pet, Play Hide and Seek, and more!
Each card features step-by-step instructions for beginners to start coding with Scratch. The front of the card shows an activity kids can do with Scratch–like animating a character or keeping score in a game. The back shows how to put together code blocks to make the projects come to life! Along the way, kids learn key coding concepts, such as sequencing, conditionals, and variables.
This collection of coding activity cards is perfect for sharing among small groups in homes and schools.
7. George’s Secret Key Paperback Collection: George’s Secret Key to the Universe; George’s Cosmic Treasure Hunt; George and the Big Bang
by: Lucy Hawking, Stephen Hawking, Garry Parsons Release date: Sep 06, 2016 Number of Pages: 992 Find in Library Read Review |
This three-book collection includes:
George’s Secret Key to the Universe
George’s Cosmic Treasure Hunt
George and the Big Bang
8. So, You Want to Be a Coder?: The Ultimate Guide to a Career in Programming, Video Game Creation, Robotics, and More! (Be What You Want)
by: Jane (J. M.) Bedell Release date: May 03, 2016 Number of Pages: 256 Find in Library Read Review |
Behind the screen of your phone, tablet, computer, or game console lies a secret language that allows it all to work. Computer code has become as integral to our daily lives as reading and writing, even if you didn’t know it! Now it’s time to plug in and start creating the same technology you’re using every day.
Covering everything from navigating the maze of computer languages to writing code for games to cyber security and artificial intelligence, So, You Want to Be a Coder? debugs the secrets behind a career in the diverse and state-of-the-art industry.
In addition to tips and interviews from industry professionals, So, You Want to Be a Coder? includes inspiring stories from kids who are working with code right now, plus activities, a glossary, and helpful resources to put you on the path to a fun and rewarding career with computer code today!
9. How to Be a Blogger and Vlogger in 10 Easy Lessons: Learn how to create your own blog, vlog, or podcast and get it out in the blogosphere! (Super Skills)
by: Shane Birley Release date: Jun 01, 2016 Number of Pages: 64 Find in Library Read Review |
In this new addition to the Super Skills series, children can master a new digital talent–creating blogs, vlogs, and podcasts–in 10 easy lessons! Each stage is fully illustrated with step-by-step illustrations and photographs, so children can learn 10 key skills to develop and promote an exciting new online blog or vlog. Along with professional tips and practical techniques, this book will help young readers become expert bloggers in no time. From planning what to share with the world to learning how to stay safe online, this book leads the way.
10. Super Scratch Programming Adventure! (Covers Version 2): Learn to Program by Making Cool Games
by: The LEAD Project Release date: Oct 31, 2013 Number of Pages: 160 Find in Library Read Review |
Scratch is the wildly popular educational programming language used by millions of first-time learners in classrooms and homes worldwide. By dragging together colorful blocks of code, kids can learn computer programming concepts and make cool games and animations. The latest version, Scratch 2, brings the language right into your web browser, with no need to download software.
In Super Scratch Programming Adventure!, kids learn programming fundamentals as they make their very own playable video games. They’ll create projects inspired by classic arcade games that can be programmed (and played!) in an afternoon. Patient, step-by-step explanations of the code and fun programming challenges will have kids creating their own games in no time.
This full-color comic book makes programming concepts like variables, flow control, and subroutines effortless to absorb. Packed with ideas for games that kids will be proud to show off, Super Scratch Programming Adventure! is the perfect first step for the budding programmer.
For Ages 8 and Up
Now Updated for Scratch 2
11. Dinotopia, The World Beneath: 20th Anniversary Edition (Calla Editions)
by: James Gurney, Michael Brett-Surman Release date: Aug 22, 2012 Number of Pages: 192 Find in Library Read Review |
Now Professor Denison decides to explore the natural mysteries of Dinotopia. He turns his attention to the ancient caves that point to a long-lost Dinotopian civilization that seems to have used a technology beyond any that the Professor has ever before encountered. His journey takes him deeper and deeper into the heart of Dinotopia, into the World Beneath. Little does he know that his quest to uncover Dinotopia’s deepest mystery will soon become a desperate race to save the very existence of the island.
Beloved by a generation of readers, James Gurney’s classic story returns in this lavish edition from Calla Editions™. The artwork has been reproduced from new plates digitally scanned from the original transparencies. This unabridged, expanded edition includes 30 additional pages, including a new Foreword by paleontologist Michael Brett-Surman and an Afterword by the author with over 40 behind-the-scenes sketches and photos.
12. Secrets & Sequences (Secret Coders)
by: Gene Luen Yang, Mike Holmes Release date: Mar 07, 2017 Number of Pages: 112 Find in Library Read Review |
13. George and the Unbreakable Code (George’s Secret Key)
by: Stephen Hawking, Lucy Hawking, Garry Parsons Release date: Sep 06, 2016 Number of Pages: 352 Find in Library Read Review |
George and his best friend Annie haven’t had any space adventures for a while and they’re missing the excitement. But not for long, because seriously strange things have started happening.
Banks are handing out free money, supermarkets aren’t able to charge for their produce so people are getting free food, and aircrafts are refusing to fly. It looks like the world’s biggest and best computers have all been hacked. And no one knows why…
It’s up to George and Annie to travel further into space than ever before in order to find out what—or who—is behind it.
14. Start Making!: A Guide to Engaging Young People in Maker Activities
by: Danielle Martin, Alisha Panjwani, Natalie Rusk Release date: Apr 21, 2016 Number of Pages: 208 Find in Library Read Review |
Start Making! is a program developed by the Clubhouse Network to engage young people all over the world in Maker-inspired activities. With this guide, you will discover how to plan and coordinate Start Making! projects in your home, school, library, community center, after-school club, or makerspace. You’ll learn strategies for engaging young people in creative thinking, developing individual and team projects, and sharing and reflecting on their creations.
Each session includes a list of the supplies you’ll need, step-by-step instructions for completing the projects, and prompts for stimulating discussion, curiosity, and confidence. These fun do-it-yourself (and do-it-together) projects teach fundamental STEAM concepts — science, technology, engineering, art, and math — while introducing young people to the basics of circuitry, design, coding, crafting, and construction. They’ll make paper cards and creations that light up, play music using a MaKey MaKey keyboard and Scratch programming, join together to make paintings with light, design and construct 3D sculptures, build a vibrating art-bot that makes drawings, and sew fabric creations with wearable circuits.
Dip into the activities once a week, run them as a week-long summer activity, or go through the guide in any way that works for you. By offering your own Start Making! program, you can inspire young people in your community to develop creative ideas, learn new skills, and share their creations.
The Clubhouse Network is a global network of community-based centers led by Boston’s Museum of Science in collaboration with the MIT Media Lab.
15. Sylvia’s Super-Awesome Project Book: Super-Simple Arduino (Volume 2)
by: Sylvia “Super-Awesome” Todd, Sylvia “Super-Awesome” Todd Release date: Nov 20, 2014 Number of Pages: 44 Find in Library Read Review |
16. Computational Fairy Tales
by: Jeremy Kubica Release date: Jun 26, 2012 Number of Pages: 202 Find in Library Read Review |
17. Crisis Zero (Codename Conspiracy)
by: Chris Rylander Release date: Feb 02, 2016 Number of Pages: 400 Find in Library Read Review |
From Chris Rylander, author of the breakout hit Fourth Stall saga, comes the third book in the Codename Conspiracy series—an incredibly funny and clever mash-up of middle grade school story and spy adventure, perfect for fans of Gordon Korman.
There is a computer program so unspeakably powerful that its mere existence is unknown to all but the most senior government agents. This computer program is capable of controlling every aspect of communication, transportation, and defense on the planet. This computer program must never fall into the wrong hands or civilization as we know it will be utterly destroyed.
This computer program is in North Dakota.
Carson Fender, aka the retired Prank Master, aka Agent Zero, aka the all-in-one World’s Greatest Hero and World’s Greatest Screwup, must protect this program, codenamed Exodus. He is paired once again with his best friend, Danielle, aka Agent Atlas. Together, they must expose an enemy agent working from inside their school—an enemy agent with the mandate to stop at nothing to help secure Exodus. Can Zero and Atlas foil this enemy before it is too late? Carson’s final mission will test his loyalty, smarts, and courage as never before.
18. Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times
by: Eric C. Sheninger Release date: Jan 14, 2014 Number of Pages: 264 Find in Library Read Review |
Move leadership into the digital age
Digital leadership is a strategic mindset and set of behaviors that leverages resources to create a meaningful, transparent, and engaging school culture. It takes into account recent changes such as ubiquitous connectivity, open-source technology, mobile devices, and personalization to dramatically shift how schools have been run and structured for over a century. Leading in education becomes exponentially powerful when using technology to your advantage.
Eric Sheninger—“Principal Twitter”—shares his Pillars of Digital Leadership to help readers
- Transform school culture by initiating sustainable change
- Use free social media tools to improve communication, enhance public relations, and create a positive brand presence
- Integrate digital tools into the classroom to increase student engagement and achievement
- Facilitate professional learning and access new opportunities and resources
The time is now, whether you are a building level or teacher leader, to boldly move schools forward in the digital age.
19. Cell Phoney
by: Julia Cook, Anita DuFalla Release date: Nov 01, 2012 Number of Pages: 32 Find in Library Read Review |
20. George’s Secret Key Hardcover Collection: George’s Secret Key to the Universe; George’s Cosmic Treasure Hunt; George and the Big Bang; George and the Unbreakable Code
by: Stephen Hawking, Lucy Hawking, Garry Parsons Release date: Sep 06, 2016 Number of Pages: 1280 Find in Library Read Review |
This four-book collection includes:
George’s Secret Key to the Universe
George’s Cosmic Treasure Hunt
George and the Big Bang
George and the Unbreakable Code
21. Integrating Technology into the Curriculum 2nd Edition (Effective Teaching in Today’s Classroom)
by: Kathleen N. Kopp Release date: Jan 01, 2015 Number of Pages: 224 Find in Library Read Review |
About Shell Education
Rachelle Cracchiolo started the company with a friend and fellow teacher. Both were eager to share their ideas and passion for education with other classroom leaders. What began as a hobby, selling lesson plans to local stores, became a part-time job after a full day of teaching, and eventually blossomed into Teacher Created Materials. The story continued in 2004 with the launch of Shell Education and the introduction of professional resources and classroom application books designed to support Teacher Created Materials curriculum resources. Today, Teacher Created Materials and Shell Education are two of the most recognized names in educational publishing around the world.
22. Getting Started With Raspberry Pi: An Introduction to the Fastest-Selling Computer in the World
by: Wallace, Matt Richardson Release date: Jul 30, 2016 Number of Pages: 206 Find in Library Read Review |
The Raspberry Pi is a credit card-sized computer that plugs into your TV and a keyboard. It is a capable little computer which can be used in electronics projects, and for many of the things that your desktop PC does, like spreadsheets, word processing, browsing the internet, and playing games. It also plays high-definition video. This book takes you step-by-step through many fun and educational possibilities. Take advantage of several preloaded programming languages. Use the Raspberry Pi with Arduino. Create Internet-connected projects. Play with multimedia. With Raspberry Pi, you can do all of this and more.
23. Integrating the Arts Across the Content Areas (Strategies to Integrate the Arts)
by: Lisa Donovan, Louise Pascale Release date: Oct 01, 2012 Number of Pages: 224 Find in Library Read Review |
About Shell Education
Rachelle Cracchiolo started the company with a friend and fellow teacher. Both were eager to share their ideas and passion for education with other classroom leaders. What began as a hobby, selling lesson plans to local stores, became a part-time job after a full day of teaching, and eventually blossomed into Teacher Created Materials. The story continued in 2004 with the launch of Shell Education and the introduction of professional resources and classroom application books designed to support Teacher Created Materials curriculum resources. Today, Teacher Created Materials and Shell Education are two of the most recognized names in educational publishing around the world.
24. Women Who Launched the Computer Age (You Should Meet)
by: Laurie Calkhoven, Alyssa Petersen Release date: Sep 06, 2016 Number of Pages: 48 Find in Library Read Review |
In 1946, six brilliant young women programmed the first all-electronic, programmable computer, the ENIAC, part of a secret World War II project. They learned to program without any programming languages or tools, and by the time they were finished, the ENIAC could run a complicated calculus equation in seconds. But when the ENIAC was presented to the press and public, the women were never introduced or given credit for their work. Learn all about what they did and how their invention still matters today in this story of six amazing young women everyone should meet!
A special section at the back of the book includes extras on subjects like history and math, plus interesting trivia facts about how computers have changed over time. With the You Should Meet series, learning about historical figures has never been so much fun!
25. Digital Storytelling in the Classroom: New Media Pathways to Literacy, Learning, and Creativity
by: Jason Ohler Release date: May 28, 2013 Number of Pages: 304 Find in Library Read Review |
A must-read for incorporating digital literacy into your classroom!
Equip your students with essential 21st-century media literacy skills, as they read, write, speak, and create art within the context of digital storytelling, and reach deeper understandings in all areas of the curriculum! In this second edition, both novice and technologically adept K-12 educators will find:
- Practical techniques to combine storytelling with curriculum content
- Tips for exploring effective storytelling principles through emerging digital media as well as via traditional literacy skills in reading, writing, speaking, and art
- Visual aids and video clips that illustrate best practices in media composition
26. Minecraft Creator Markus “Notch” Persson (Stem Trailblazer Bios)
by: Kari Cornell Release date: Apr 01, 2016 Number of Pages: 32 Find in Library Read Review |
When he was eighteen, Persson landed his dream job as a video game programmer. In 2009, he designed Minecraft in a single weekend. In the game, players use blocks to build whatever they choose. Persson wanted to let players use their imaginations, and the idea paid off. Today, Minecraft is one of the most popular computer games in the world. Although Persson doubts he will ever top this success, he continues to develop games, while fans wait for what’s next.
27. Using Google Apps
by: Meghen Ehrich, Monica Kinney Release date: Aug 28, 2013 Number of Pages: 544 Find in Library Read Review |
- In-chapter lessons are presented in easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions.
- Apply learned skills by completing end-of-chapter exercises.
- Self-assessments allow you to identify areas needing reinforcement.
28. Popular Mechanics Robots: A New Age of Bionics, Drones & Artificial Intelligence
by: Daniel H. Wilson Release date: Sep 01, 2015 Number of Pages: 144 Find in Library Read Review |
29. Literacy Is NOT Enough: 21st Century Fluencies for the Digital Age (The 21st Century Fluency Series)
by: Lee Crockett, Ian Jukes, Andrew Churches Release date: May 22, 2012 Number of Pages: 232 Find in Library Read Review |
How to upgrade literacy instruction for digital learners
Educating students to traditional literacy standards is no longer enough. If students are to thrive in their academic and 21st century careers, then independent and creative thinking hold the highest currency. The authors explain in detail how to add these new components of literacy:
- Solution Fluency
- Information Fluency
- Creativity Fluency
- Collaboration Fluency
Students must master a completely different set of skills to succeed in a culture of technology-driven automation, abundance, and access to global labor markets. The authors present an effective framework for integrating comprehensive literacy or fluency into the traditional curriculum.
30. Getting Started with Adafruit FLORA: Making Wearables with an Arduino-Compatible Electronics Platform
by: Becky Stern, Tyler Cooper Release date: Feb 22, 2015 Number of Pages: 112 Find in Library Read Review |
This book introduces readers to building wearable electronics projects using Adafruit’s tiny FLORA board: at 4.4 grams, and only 1.75 inches in diameter, and featuring Arduino compatibility, it’s the most beginner-friendly way to create wearable projects. This book shows you how to plan your wearable circuits, sew with electronics, and write programs that run on the FLORA to control the electronics. The FLORA family includes an assortment of sensors, as well as RGB LEDs that let you add lighting to your wearable projects.
Best Selling Books for 8 year olds:
- Action & Adventure
- Activities, Crafts & Games
- Animals
- Biographies
- Classics
- Comics & Graphic Novels
- Computers & Technology
- Early Learning
- Education & Reference
- Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths
- History
- Holidays & Celebrations
- Humor
- Literature & Fiction
- Mysteries & Detectives
- Religions
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Science, Nature & How It Works
- Sports & Outdoors
- Children’s Cookbooks
Recommended Books for 8 year olds:
- Action & Adventure
- Activities, Crafts & Games
- Animals
- Biographies
- Classics
- Comics & Graphic Novels
- Computers & Technology
- Early Learning
- Education & Reference
- Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths
- History
- Holidays & Celebrations
- Humor
- Literature & Fiction
- Mysteries & Detectives
- Religions
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Science, Nature & How It Works
- Sports & Outdoors
- Children’s Cookbooks
Best Selling Computers & Technology Books for:
- 8 Year Olds
- 9 Year Olds
- 10 Year Olds
- 11 Year Olds
- 12 Year Olds
- Teen & Young Adults
- 5 Year Olds
- 6 Year Olds
- 7 Year Olds
Recommended Computers & Technology Books for:
- 8 Year Olds
- 9 Year Olds
- 10 Year Olds
- 11 Year Olds
- 12 Year Olds
- Teen & Young Adults
- 5 Year Olds
- 6 Year Olds
- 7 Year Olds
Last updated: Monday, December 5, 2016 6:20 AM