Comment Re:Tolkien, of course (Score 1) 726
Tolkien is good for kids, though by eight years old he may already be spoiled by television's constant action to thoroughly enjoy his works. Then again, the hobbit has songs and quite a bit of mostly family friendly action so thats still a good choice. I read Jurassic Park in first grade, but it took me all year and I was obscenely obsessed with dinosaurs, so I may already have been where you want your son to be.
I would also suggest books by Terry Pratchett -- namely The Wee Free Men, which is a great story from a child's point of view, is hilarious to read (even for you) and has two sequels that are very much in the same vein. The books are easily readable, and reasonably quick. (200 some pages)