In the United States, 8th graders typically study a curated selection of classic books that are designed to enhance their literary understanding and analytical skills. These books often include timeless works from various genres, such as fiction, non-fiction, historical fiction, and poetry. Some of the most commonly studied classic books in 8th grade include "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank, "Huck Finn" by Mark Twain, and "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger. These texts are chosen for their enduring relevance, literary quality, and the insights they provide into human nature, societal issues, and historical contexts.

The selection of these classic books is based on several factors. Firstly, they are recognized for their literary excellence, which is crucial for developing critical reading skills. For instance, "To Kill a Mockingbird" is celebrated for its narrative style and its exploration of themes like racial injustice and moral growth. Secondly, these books are often required reading in school curricula due to their historical significance and the lessons they impart. "The Diary of a Young Girl" is a prime example, as it offers a poignant perspective on the Holocaust and the resilience of the human spirit. Additionally, data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) indicates that students who read classic literature tend to perform better on standardized reading tests and demonstrate higher levels of comprehension and analytical thinking. For instance, a study published in the "Journal of Literacy Research" found that students who engaged with classic texts showed significant improvements in their reading abilities compared to those who did not. Therefore, the inclusion of these classic books in 8th-grade curricula is not only justified by their literary value but also by their proven educational benefits.