kind of beating a dead horse, but I owned a veiled chameleon for several years, and was fortunate enough to have one that actually liked to be handled, but that is a VERY RARE case. Chameleons are beautiful, and extremely enjoyable to watch, but I am not sure an eight year old would be able to handle the extreme care required to keep them healthy. Especially not for a first attempt at reptiles. I also agree a bearded dragon would be more appropriate, or maybe if he is interested a small snake, such as a small milksnake.