If you’re looking for the perfect books to engage and educate your 3rd grader, you’re in luck!
In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of the 50 best books for third graders in 2024.
As a former public school teacher, camp counselor, and mom of three, I have a knack for picking out books kids will like.
And research has shown that children who read for pleasure not only perform better in school, but also develop stronger analytical and critical thinking skills.
That’s why I’ve carefully selected books that will not only captivate your child’s imagination, but also provide valuable life lessons.
From classics that have stood the test of time to contemporary favorites and chapter books, this book list covers it all.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover some of the best books out there for third graders to add to your home or classroom library.
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Contemporary Books
The One and Only Ivan
The One and Only Ivan is a children’s novel written by Katherine Applegate. It tells the story of Ivan, a silverback gorilla who lives in captivity at a shopping mall circus. Ivan spends his days in a small, concrete enclosure, longing for freedom and reminiscing about his life before he was captured.
This great book has won many awards and is based on a true story. It explores themes of animal rights, friendship, and the power of art. Ivan forms a close bond with a young elephant named Ruby, and together they dream of escaping their captivity and living in the wild.
The War That Saved My Life
The War That Saved My Life is a historical fiction novel written by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. The story is set during World War II and follows the life of Ada, a ten-year-old girl who has been kept in a small, one-room apartment by her abusive mother all her life. When her little brother Jamie is evacuated from London to escape the bombings, Ada sneaks away with him and the two siblings find themselves living in a small English village with a woman named Susan who takes them in as her own.
As Ada adapts to her new life in the countryside, she learns to ride horses, make friends, and overcome the physical and emotional scars of her past. The story explores themes of resilience, identity, family, and the power of love.
The Princess in Black
The Princess in Black is a children’s book series written by Shannon and Dean Hale, with illustrations by LeUyen Pham. The series follows the adventures of Princess Magnolia, who is secretly a superhero known as the Princess in Black. In each book, Princess Magnolia must balance her royal duties with her superhero identity, as she fights monsters and saves the kingdom from danger.
The Princess in Black is a beloved series for young readers, particularly those who enjoy stories about princesses and superheroes. The books feature engaging characters, humor, and action-packed plotlines that keep readers engaged from beginning to end. The series has also been praised for its positive messages about girl power and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Wishtree
Wishtree is a children’s novel written by Katherine Applegate, the same author as The One and Only Ivan. The story is narrated by a wise old oak tree named Red who has been around for over two hundred years. The tree serves as a wishtree, a place where people come to tie their wishes on its branches.
When a new family moves into the neighborhood, the tree and the animals that live in its branches witness an act of prejudice against the family due to their nationality. The incident prompts Red to take action and unite the community to protect the family and their home.
Hello, Universe
Hello, Universe is a Newbery Medal-winning middle school novel by Erin Entrada Kelly. The story follows four different children whose paths intersect one fateful day.
There’s Virgil, a shy and kind-hearted boy who is bullied by his classmates; Valencia, a deaf girl who has trouble communicating with others; Kaori, an aspiring psychic who wants to help Virgil find his lost pet; and Chet, the bully who learns a valuable lesson about empathy and kindness. The book explores themes of identity, friendship, and the power of fate, all while telling a heartwarming and entertaining story that resonates with readers of all ages.
Pax
Pax is a middle-grade novel by Sara Pennypacker that tells the story of a boy named Peter and his pet fox, Pax. When Peter’s father enlists in the military, Peter is forced to leave Pax in the woods to fend for himself. Heartbroken and determined to be reunited with his beloved pet, Peter sets off on a dangerous journey to find Pax and bring him home. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the bond between humans and animals. It is a touching and thought-provoking story that will appeal to readers of all ages, especially those who love animals and nature.
Ghost
Ghost is a middle-grade novel by Jason Reynolds that follows the story of a young boy named Castle “Ghost” Cranshaw. After a traumatic incident in his past, Ghost turns to running as a way to cope with his pain and anger.
When he catches the attention of a local track coach, Ghost is given the opportunity to join a competitive track team and work towards achieving his dreams. The book explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the power of second chances. It is a powerful and thought-provoking story that is both heartwarming and emotionally resonant, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers of all ages.
The Wild Robot
The Wild Robot is a middle-grade novel by Peter Brown that tells the story of a robot named Roz who is stranded on a remote island. As Roz adapts to her new environment and learns to navigate the natural world, she becomes an integral part of the island’s ecosystem and develops meaningful relationships with the animals that inhabit it.
The book explores themes of identity, friendship, and the relationship between humans and nature. It is beautifully written and illustrated, and its compelling storyline and thought-provoking themes make it a must-read for young readers and adults alike. The Wild Robot has received widespread critical acclaim and has been embraced by schools and libraries as a powerful tool for teaching environmental awareness and empathy.
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“>A Boy Called Bat
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When Bat’s veterinarian mother brings home an orphaned baby skunk for him to care for, Bat sees it as a chance to prove to his mom that he is responsible enough to have a pet of his own. The book explores themes of family, friendship, and what it means to be different. It is a heartwarming and engaging story that is perfect for young readers who love animals and stories about growing up.
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street is a middle-grade novel by Karina Yan Glaser that follows the story of a family living in a brownstone in Harlem. When the family’s landlord unexpectedly decides not to renew their lease, the five Vanderbeeker siblings band together to try to convince him to change his mind and let them stay in their beloved home.
The book explores themes of community, friendship, and the power of determination. It is a heartwarming and beautifully written story that is perfect for young readers who love stories about family and the magic of everyday life. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street has been praised for its diverse cast of characters and its portrayal of a vibrant and tight-knit community in Harlem.
Front Desk
Front Desk is a middle-grade novel by Kelly Yang that tells the story of a 10-year-old girl named Mia Tang, who immigrates with her parents from China to the United States. Mia’s parents take a job managing a motel, and Mia becomes responsible for running the front desk. As Mia navigates the challenges of school, family, and running a motel, she learns important lessons about the power of perseverance, compassion, and standing up for what is right.
The book explores themes of immigration, family, and the American Dream, and is a powerful and poignant portrayal of the immigrant experience. Front Desk has received critical acclaim and has been embraced by readers of all ages as a heartwarming and inspiring story of hope and resilience.
The Last Kids on Earth
The Last Kids on Earth is a middle-grade novel by Max Brallier that follows the story of 13-year-old Jack Sullivan and his group of friends as they navigate a world overrun by zombies and monsters. After a monster apocalypse hits, Jack and his friends band together to fight off the zombie hordes and find a place to call home.
The book explores themes of friendship, survival, and what it means to be a hero. It is a fast-paced and action-packed adventure story that is perfect for readers who love stories about monsters and the end of the world. The Last Kids on Earth has been praised for its humor, suspense, and relatable characters, and has become a fan favorite among young readers.
The Parker Inheritance
For kids who love mystery books, The Parker Inheritance is a middle-grade novel by Varian Johnson that tells the story of 12-year-old Candice Miller, who moves to Lambert, South Carolina with her mother after her parents’ divorce.
Candice becomes fascinated with the mystery of the town’s former African American city manager, who was forced to resign in 1957 after being accused of stealing funds. Candice, with the help of her good friend Brandon, sets out to solve the mystery and uncover the truth about the city’s buried past.
The book explores themes of race, history, and family, and is a powerful and thought-provoking portrayal of the legacy of racism in America. The Parker Inheritance has been praised for its complex characters, engaging plot, and its ability to tackle difficult themes in a way that is accessible to young readers.
The Dragonet Prophecy
The Dragonet Prophecy is the first book in the Wings of Fire series by Tui T. Sutherland. The book follows the story of five dragonets, Clay, Tsunami, Glory, Starflight, and Sunny, who are destined to end a war that has been raging for years between the seven dragon tribes. The dragonets are raised in hiding, and are trained to fulfill their destiny of stopping the war by their mysterious and reclusive guardian, a dragon named Kestrel.
As the dragonets come of age, they begin to question their destiny and the motives of their guardian, and must decide whether to follow the path that has been set out for them, or forge their own. The Dragonet Prophecy is a thrilling and action-packed adventure story that is perfect for readers who love stories about dragons, magic, and epic battles. The book has been praised for its world-building, character development, and its ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Refugee
Refugee is a middle-grade novel by Alan Gratz that follows the stories of three different refugees from different parts of the world and time periods. The first is a Jewish boy named Josef, who escapes Nazi Germany in 1938 on the MS St. Louis ship bound for Cuba. The second is a Cuban girl named Isabel, who flees with her family to Miami during the 1994 Balseros crisis.
The third is a Syrian boy named Mahmoud, who escapes with his family to Europe during the Syrian refugee crisis in 2015. The book explores themes of survival, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a powerful and poignant portrayal of the refugee experience, and is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the challenges faced by refugees around the world. Refugee has been praised for its gripping storytelling, its ability to tackle difficult topics in a way that is accessible to young readers, and its relevance in today’s world.
Wonder
“Wonder” is a relatable novel by R.J. Palacio that follows the story of August Pullman, a ten-year-old boy with a facial deformity. The novel chronicles August’s journey as he starts fifth grade at a new school, navigating the challenges of making friends and dealing with bullying.
The book is told from multiple perspectives, including August’s, his sister’s, and his classmates’, and explores themes of empathy, kindness, and acceptance. The novel showcases a deep and meaningful friendship between the main character, Auggie, and his best friend, Summer. “Wonder” has been widely acclaimed for its powerful message of inclusivity and its ability to inspire compassion and understanding in readers of all ages.
Harry Potter
Harry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels written by J.K. Rowling. The story follows the life of a young orphan boy named Harry Potter who discovers that he is a wizard and is invited to attend a magical school called Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Throughout the series, Harry and his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger battle the evil Lord Voldemort and his followers, known as Death Eaters. The books are renowned for their imaginative world-building, relatable characters, and themes of love, friendship, and bravery. The series has been adapted into several successful films and has become a cultural phenomenon worldwide.
The Terrible Two
“The Terrible Two” is a hilarious book series for children written by Jory John and Mac Barnett. The series follows the mischievous pranks and schemes of Miles Murphy, a young boy who loves to pull elaborate practical jokes on his classmates. But when he moves to a new town, he meets his match in Niles Sparks, the school’s top prankster.
The two initially compete against each other, but soon join forces to pull off the ultimate prank. The books are full of witty humor, clever wordplay, and hilarious illustrations, making them a favorite among young readers. “The Terrible Two” is a fun and engaging read that encourages creativity and critical thinking, and teaches valuable lessons about friendship and teamwork.
The Unadoptables
“The Unadoptables” by Hana Tooke is a captivating middle-grade novel about a group of orphans in early 20th century Amsterdam who are considered too difficult to be adopted by families. The story centers around five children with unique personalities, including an inventor, a artist, and a storyteller, who are determined to find their forever home.
Along the way, they uncover the secrets of their past and face numerous challenges, including a treacherous sea journey and a mysterious woman who seems to be following them. “The Unadoptables” is a heartwarming tale of friendship, courage, and perseverance, and celebrates the power of found family.
The Puzzling World of Winston Breen
“The Puzzling World of Winston Breen” by Eric Berlin is a thrilling mystery novel for young readers that follows the adventures of twelve-year-old Winston Breen, a puzzle enthusiast who stumbles upon a real-life treasure hunt.
When Winston and his friends discover an old book that leads them on a quest to solve a series of puzzles, they soon find themselves in a race against time to uncover the hidden treasure before it’s too late. Along the way, they must use their wits and problem-solving skills to decipher clues, navigate dangerous situations, and outsmart their competition. “The Puzzling World of Winston Breen” is a fun and engaging read that will keep young readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The Secret Keepers
“The Secret Keepers” by Trenton Lee Stewart is an exciting adventure novel for young readers that follows the story of 11-year-old Reuben Pedley as he unravels a decades-old mystery in his hometown of New Umbra. After discovering an unusual antique pocket watch, Reuben soon finds himself embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a sinister group of individuals who will stop at nothing to get their hands on the watch.
With the help of some unlikely allies, Reuben must use his intelligence and resourcefulness to solve the mystery and uncover the truth behind the watch’s origins. “The Secret Keepers” is a captivating and suspenseful read that will keep third grade students enthralled from beginning to end.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
The Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a popular children’s book series written by Jeff Kinney. The series follows the misadventures of middle-schooler Greg Heffley as he navigates the ups and downs of adolescence, from dealing with bullies and crushes to surviving the school cafeteria and trying to become popular.
The books are written in the form of a journal, with Greg chronicling his daily experiences and observations in a series of hilarious and relatable entries. The series has become a cultural phenomenon and has been praised for its humor, authenticity, and ability to connect with readers of all ages.
In addition to the original book series, the Diary of a Wimpy Kid franchise has expanded to include a movie series, a musical adaptation, and several spin-off books, including The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book and The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary.
Invention of Hugo Cabret
“The Invention of Hugo Cabret” is a novel by Brian Selznick that tells the story of a young orphan named Hugo, who lives in a train station in Paris in the 1930s. Hugo is a clockmaker’s apprentice and has a passion for fixing and restoring mechanical objects. He is on a quest to fix an automaton, a mechanical man that his father had been repairing before he died. Along the way, he befriends a girl named Isabelle and uncovers a secret about her family that helps him solve the mystery of the automaton. The book is unique in that it includes both text and intricate black-and-white illustrations, making it a hybrid of a novel and a graphic novel.
The Magic Misfits
“The Magic Misfits” is a popular book series for children written by actor Neil Patrick Harris. The series follows the adventures of a group of young friends who love magic and use their skills to solve mysteries and outsmart villains. The main character, Carter, is a young boy who loves magic and dreams of becoming a great magician like his hero, Harry Houdini.
Along with his friends, Carter uses their unique talents to save their town from a dangerous thief and his accomplices. The books are filled with magic tricks, puzzles, and illusions that engage and entertain young readers, and the characters are relatable, diverse, and full of heart. “The Magic Misfits” is a fun and exciting read that teaches valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and the power of imagination.
The Girl Who Drank The Moon
“The Girl Who Drank the Moon” by Kelly Barnhill is a whimsical and enchanting story about a young girl named Luna, who is raised by a kind witch and a tiny dragon in a magical forest. Luna’s town believes that the witch who lives in the forest is evil, and they leave her a yearly sacrifice.
But the witch, who is actually good-hearted, accidentally feeds Luna moonlight, which gives her magical powers. As Luna grows older, she learns about her true identity and must confront the evil forces in her world. This Newbery Medal-winning novel is full of adventure, magic, and heart, making it a perfect book for young readers.
Inside Out and Back Again
“Inside Out and Back Again” by Thanhha Lai is a powerful story about a ten-year-old girl named Ha who, in 1975, flees her war-torn home country of Vietnam with her family and settles in Alabama. Ha struggles to adjust to her new life in America, including the language, culture, and discrimination she experiences.
Written in verse, the book explores themes of identity, loss, resilience, and hope through Ha’s perspective. It is a beautiful and poignant portrayal of the refugee experience and a reminder of the humanity and strength that can be found in the face of adversity.
Geronimo Stilton
Geronimo Stilton is a popular children’s book series written by the Italian author Elisabetta Dami. The books are a mix of adventure, comedy, and mystery, and are written in a unique format that incorporates colorful fonts, illustrations, and maps.
The series follows the adventures of the titular character, Geronimo Stilton, a mouse who works as a journalist and editor for the fictional newspaper “The Rodent’s Gazette”. Throughout the series, Geronimo and his friends go on a variety of adventures, solving mysteries, uncovering secrets, and having fun. The series has become incredibly popular around the world, and has been translated into over 40 languages.
Captain Underpants
Accessible and entertaining for early readers, Captain Underpants is a popular series written by Dav Pilkey. It follows the adventures of two mischievous boys named George Beard and Harold Hutchins, who love to create comic books and practical jokes.
One day, they accidentally hypnotize their mean school principal, Mr. Krupp, into becoming Captain Underpants, a superhero who wears only underwear and a red cape. As Captain Underpants, Mr. Krupp is heroic, but also silly and often oblivious to the danger around him. The series is known for its humor, playful language, and cartoon-like illustrations, and has become a popular choice among young readers.
Esperanza Rising
“Esperanza Rising” by Pam Muñoz Ryan is a coming-of-age story of a young girl named Esperanza, who grows up in luxury in Mexico during the Great Depression. However, after a tragedy strikes her family, Esperanza and her mother must flee to California, where they become farm workers.
Esperanza must learn to adapt to a completely different way of life and overcome the challenges that come with it, such as poverty, prejudice, and the loss of her privileged upbringing. The story is filled with themes of resilience, family, and the pursuit of the American dream, making it a powerful and important read for third grade readers.
Classic Books
The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden is a classic children’s novel written by Frances Hodgson Burnett and first published in 1911. The story follows a young girl named Mary Lennox who is orphaned in India and sent to live with her uncle in England. Mary is a spoiled and unhappy child who has never known love or friendship, but when she arrives at her uncle’s estate, she discovers a secret garden that has been locked up and abandoned for years.
With the help of a local boy named Dickon and her cousin Colin, who is bedridden due to an unspecified illness, Mary begins to bring the garden back to life. As they work on the garden together, the children’s lives are transformed as they learn to appreciate the beauty of nature and the power of friendship.
The Secret Garden is a heartwarming tale about the healing power of love and the importance of finding joy in simple things. The book has been beloved by children and adults for over a century and has been adapted into several films, television shows, and stage productions. The story has also been credited with inspiring a renewed interest in gardening and the natural world.
The BFG
The BFG (short for “The Big Friendly Giant”) is a classic book written by Roald Dahl and first published in 1982. The story follows a young orphan named Sophie who is snatched from her bed in the middle of the night by a giant, who takes her to a faraway land called Giant Country.
Sophie soon learns that the giant who has taken her is the BFG, who is much different from the other, mean-spirited giants in Giant Country. Unlike the others, the BFG is kind and gentle, and spends his days catching dreams and delivering them to sleeping children.
With the help of the BFG, Sophie hatches a plan to stop the other giants from snatching and eating children. The two friends concoct a special dream that will convince the Queen of England to help them stop the other giants once and for all.
The BFG is a heartwarming and funny story that has been widely acclaimed for its imaginative storyline, memorable characters, and Dahl’s signature humor. The book has been adapted into several films, including a 1989 animated film and a 2016 live-action film directed by Steven Spielberg. The BFG is considered to be one of Dahl’s most beloved works and has been enjoyed by children and adults alike for over 30 years.
The Magic Tree House
The Magic Tree House is a popular children’s book series written by Mary Pope Osborne. The series follows the adventures of siblings Jack and Annie as they travel through time and space in a magical tree house filled with books.
In each book, Jack and Annie are transported to a different time and place in history, from the age of the dinosaurs to ancient Egypt, medieval Europe, and beyond. The two siblings use their wits and bravery to solve puzzles, overcome challenges, and help the people they meet on their travels.
The Magic Tree House series has been widely praised for its engaging storytelling, educational value, and ability to capture children’s imaginations. The books have sold over 140 million copies worldwide and have been translated into numerous languages.
In addition to the original book series, Osborne has also written several non-fiction companion books that provide further information about the historical periods and locations featured in the stories. The Magic Tree House has also been adapted into a stage show and have been made into graphic novels, making it a beloved and enduring favorite among young readers.
The Boxcar Children
The Boxcar Children is a classic children’s book series written by Gertrude Chandler Warner. The series follows the adventures of four orphaned siblings named Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny, who run away and take up residence in an abandoned boxcar in the woods.
The children face a number of challenges as they try to make a life for themselves, including finding food, staying warm in the winter, and avoiding being discovered by authorities who might send them to live with strangers. Despite these difficulties, the siblings are resourceful, kind, and supportive of one another, forming a close-knit family unit and demonstrating the power of resilience and determination.
The Boxcar Children series has been widely praised for its engaging storytelling, relatable characters, and positive messages about family, friendship, and perseverance. The books have been adapted into several movies, TV shows, and audio dramas, making them a beloved and enduring favorite among young readers.
Charlotte’s Web
A timeless classic by E.B. White about a pig named Wilbur and his unlikely friendship with a spider named Charlotte. Charlotte helps Wilbur avoid becoming bacon by weaving messages about his worth into her webs.
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
In this C.S. Lewis classic, four siblings are transported to a magical land called Narnia through a magical wardrobe, where they help a lion named Aslan defeat the evil White Witch.
Little House in the Big Woods
The first book in the beloved “Little House” series by Laura Ingalls Wilder follows the adventures of the Ingalls family living in a log cabin in the Wisconsin woods in the late 1800s.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
When a tornado sweeps Dorothy and her dog Toto to the land of Oz, they embark on a journey to meet the Wizard and find their way back home. (Author: L. Frank Baum)
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Black Beauty
A classic tale by Anna Sewell of the life of a horse named Black Beauty, who experiences both kindness and cruelty at the hands of humans.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
After chasing a white rabbit down a hole, Alice finds herself in a strange and surreal world where she encounters various bizarre characters and situations. (Author: Lewis Carroll)
Heidi
After being orphaned at a young age, Heidi is sent to live with her reclusive grandfather in the Swiss Alps, where she befriends a young goat-herder named Peter and learns to love the simple life. (Author: Johanna Spyri)
Peter Pan
The timeless story by J.M. Barrie of a boy who never grows up and his adventures with the Darling children in Neverland, where they battle pirates and encounter magical creatures.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Set in the 1800s in a small Missouri town, this novel follows the mischievous adventures of young Tom Sawyer and his friends, including his love interest Becky Thatcher. (Author: Mark Twain)
The Call of the Wild
This Jack London novel tells the story of a dog named Buck, who is stolen from his home in California and sold into the brutal world of the Alaskan sled dog teams.
The Wind in the Willows
This charming story by Kenneth Grahame follows the adventures of Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger, four anthropomorphic animal friends who live along the banks of a river in the English countryside. When Toad becomes obsessed with motorcars and gets into trouble with the law, his friends must band together to save him from himself.
Along the way, they encounter wild animals, explore the riverbank, and engage in all manner of hijinks and adventures. This timeless classic is a delightful tale of friendship, loyalty, and the joys of the natural world.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
A classic children’s book by Beatrix Potter about a mischievous rabbit named Peter who disobeys his mother and ventures into the dangerous garden of Mr. McGregor.
Mary Poppins
When the Banks children’s new nanny blows in on the wind, they have no idea that they’re in for a magical and unforgettable adventure with the eccentric Mary Poppins. (Author: P.L. Travers)
Pippi Longstocking
The mischievous and adventurous Pippi Longstocking lives with her monkey and horse in a colorful and quirky house, and has many wild and hilarious adventures. (Author: Astrid Lindgren)
A Wrinkle in Time
Meg Murry, her brother, and a friend travel through time and space to rescue Meg’s father from evil forces. (Author: Madeleine L’Engle)
Little House in the Big Woods
The first book in the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, this tells the story of a pioneer family living in a log cabin in the woods of Wisconsin.
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
A small mouse with big ears, a brave rat, and a lonely princess all play roles in this story about love, forgiveness, and redemption. (Author: Kate DiCamillo)
The Cricket in Times Square
This beloved classic by George Selden tells the story of Chester, a country cricket who accidentally finds himself in the bustling Times Square subway station in New York City. There, he meets a boy named Mario and a cat named Tucker, and the three become fast friends. Chester’s musical chirping soon draws crowds of people, and he becomes a local celebrity.
But when Chester’s cricket instincts lead him to make a dangerous mistake, he must use all his wits to make things right. This heartwarming tale of friendship and adventure is sure to delight readers of all ages.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl is a classic children’s novel that follows the story of Charlie Bucket, a poor boy who wins a golden ticket to tour the mysterious and magical chocolate factory of Willy Wonka. Along with four other children, Charlie embarks on a journey through the chocolate factory, encountering a series of wacky and fantastical events.
The book is filled with Dahl’s signature blend of humor and whimsy, and the characters are vividly brought to life through Quentin Blake’s illustrations. The novel has been adapted into several successful movies and continues to be a beloved children’s classic.
Nancy Drew
Nancy Drew is a beloved character in the world of children’s literature, and many of her adventures are accessible and enjoyable for 3rd grade readers. Nancy Drew is a teenage detective who solves mysteries with her intelligence and bravery, often with the help of her friends.
These mystery novels are engaging and suspenseful, with twists and turns that will keep young readers on the edge of their seats. Third graders who love puzzles and problem-solving will enjoy following Nancy Drew’s investigations, and may even be inspired to solve some mysteries of their own. Overall, Nancy Drew is a great choice for third graders who love a good mystery and a strong female protagonist.
Stuart Little
“Stuart Little” is a children’s novel written by E.B. White. It tells the story of a small, adventurous mouse named Stuart Little who lives with his human family in New York City. Despite his size, Stuart is incredibly brave and sets out on a series of exciting adventures, from racing sailboats to befriending a bird named Margalo.
Along the way, he encounters challenges and meets new friends, all while trying to find his place in the world. With its charming characters, engaging plot, and timeless themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery, “Stuart Little” has become a beloved classic of children’s literature.
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
“Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing” by Judy Blume follows the story of Peter Hatcher, a nine-year-old boy, who struggles with his pesky younger brother, Fudge. The book captures the humor and drama of sibling rivalry, as Peter navigates the challenges of living with a sibling who seems to always get into trouble.
The story deals with themes of family, friendship, and growing up, and is sure to resonate with third graders who may be dealing with similar issues in their own lives.
So, there you have it!
In this blog post, I’ve included the best chapter books I could find for third graders, with a mix of classic novels and new books that are considered contemporary.
From adventure stories to meaningful books about historical events, there is something on this list for everyone.
I hope this list of the best 3rd grade books was helpful to you and will help inspire a love of reading in your children and students.
Related Posts:
Classic Novels Your Kids Will Love
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
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