In the United States, 8th-grade second semester textbooks vary widely depending on the state, district, and individual school. However, some commonly used textbooks in this period include "Glencoe Literature Language Arts," "Holt McDougal Literature," "Pearson's Prentice Hall Literature," "McGraw-Hill Literature," and "Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Literature." These textbooks are chosen for their comprehensive coverage of literary elements, writing skills, and critical thinking.

The use of these textbooks is driven by several factors. Firstly, they align with the Common Core State Standards, which many states have adopted to ensure a consistent curriculum across the nation. Secondly, these textbooks are widely recognized for their quality and effectiveness in teaching complex literary concepts and writing skills. According to a study by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 80% of 8th-grade English teachers in the U.S. use textbooks that meet or exceed the Common Core standards. Additionally, the popularity of these textbooks is also due to their adaptability to different learning styles and the inclusion of diverse literary works that cater to a broad range of students.