23 Best Books for 3rd Graders

Shila said:  Part dragon, part kitten (aka dritten!), the magical characters at Dunwiddle Middle School experience a series worth of adventures that are engaging and fun to read.

Kelly R said:  Wayside School was accidentally built sideways (and 30 stories high!), and the stories that happen within its walls are equally silly. Each chapter in Louis Sachar's Wayside School books is a different wacky short story, so it's easy to read just one or two in a sitting - and really fun to read aloud!

Kristy Pepping said:  This year my daughter decided to do a 3rd grade summer reading book club with her friends. They are all reading "The Year of the Dog" by Grace Lin. The book is about Pacy who is Chinese American. She struggles to fit in because she is criticized by classmates. Students tell her she is either "too Chinese" or "too Americanized." Readers will learn some Chinese culture throughout the book and learn lessons about accepting classmates for who they are. The chapters are short and easy points to stop and pick up the book later in the day or the next.

Shila said:  Todd and Noelle are the third-grade detectives that take the knowledge that they've learned in class to crack the codes to unlock perplexing mysteries in school and around town. The type of cases are fun and non scary, such as The Mystery of the Hairy Tomatoes or The Secret of the Green Skin. The type of evidence they discover and their problem-solving methods are simple enough for most elementary kids to grasp independently.

Kelly R said:  Eleanor learns lessons about welcoming change and new beginnings as she loses her favorite babysitter to a move and gets ready to start third grade. Written in free verse with short chapters, this is a fun and quick read for kids - especially if they enjoy poetry books! It is the first of three books in the Eleanor series.

Sunshine Girl said:  These are thrilling, chilling, camp fire like ghost stories that are kid appropriate. Each book in the American Chillers Series takes place in one of the 50 states; the Michigan Chillers Series in notable towns of Michigan, where the author is from. Each chapter ends on a suspenseful cliff hanger that excites young readers to keep reading on to find out what happens.

Alexandra F. said:  Younger readers can enjoy the story telling magic of Chinua Achebe in this fantastic story about 11-year-old Chike, who longs to cross the Niger river to visit the great city of Asaba. As readers follow along on Chike's adventures, they also get a glimpse into tribal life in Nigeria at that time. It is a magical and heartwarming journey of self-discovery, and one of those stories sure to capture the imagination of our growing readers.

The Sophie Washington book series follows the humorous and heartwarming adventures of Sophie, a relatable preteen living in Houston, Texas, as she navigates school, friendships, family, and everyday challenges. Each book in the series teaches valuable lessons about growing up, responsibility, and the importance of kindness.

Shila said:  These easy-to-read books touch upon more modern-day tween aspects like getting cell phones and playing video games, making them especially relatable to young readers too.