The best books for 3rd graders will have your kiddos reading under the covers with a flashlight long after bedtime. From fantastical adventures to realistic fiction, your 8 and 9-year-old kids will love these stories. Check them out!
The Challenge of Finding Books for 3rd Graders
I’m going to say this right from the outset. Finding the perfect books for 3rd graders can be quite a challenge! As a school librarian, this is the age where it becomes more difficult to match a student with the perfect book or series. Why? Well, there are a couple of big reasons
First, the variance in kids’ reading abilities in third grade is huge. While many students at this age are extremely proficient readers, there are still many others who continue to work on and build upon their foundational skills.
This means you have some kids with stellar fluency and a strong mastery of comprehension, but many others who are having a harder transition moving from learning to read to reading to learn. This is perfectly normal! But it can nonetheless make choosing books for your child more difficult.
Books for 3rd graders and the maturity factor
Secondly, as if that leap isn’t enough, you also have the big issue of maturity levels.
Books for third graders must straddle the fine line of having more challenging text and vocabulary than an easy chapter book, while also maintaining content that is suitable for a 9-year-old.
So what does this mean? All 8 and 9-year-olds are different, of course, but many of them are not quite mature enough for the middle-grade novels that they will be ready to conquer in fourth or fifth grades.
Thus, books for 3rd graders must hit that perfect sweet spot, and it’s not always an easy spot to hit!
Don’t worry though. We’ve got you covered with some of the best books for 3rd graders right here, so check out our list below! While all of the books below are wonderful on their own, most of these selections are also part of a series. We absolutely love series books, because once they find a story they love, they will rip through the rest of the remaining books.
Happy reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
My biggest suggestion is to give your reader a choice when it comes to reading books for pleasure. Take them to the bookstore or the library and let them pick what they think looks fun and/or interesting! Choice is so important when it comes to reading for enjoyment, especially as many kids are told what books to read in school. If your child is not already an avid reader, having to slog through a book they aren’t interested in class makes them think reading is boring. Once they realize how many amazing options there are out there, we can begin to change this attitude!
There are so many great choices. The biggest goal here is to give your third grader options. Some third graders can’t get enough of The 13th Story Treehouse series. Other third graders are infatuated with The Vanderbeekers series and the Dragons in a Bag series. Third graders are reading at such different levels and also have maturity levels that vary wildly. Thus, when selecting books for 3rd graders, it is important to consider your particular child’s abilities, sensitivities, and maturity, in addition to their interests and fears! Our list below will help.
Oooh – you’re lucky because this is awesome! If your child loves reading graphic novels, let them read graphic novels! I am very passionate about helping parents and teachers understand that graphic novels are REAL novels. They are so good, in fact, that over the last several years, they have taken home some top-notch awards from some of the most recognized committees in America. Graphic novels hook even the most reluctant readers with their visual nature, complex plots, and nuanced characters, and these fantastic stories are being taught in classrooms around the country. My suggestion? Ride this wave. If your kiddo has fallen in love with graphic novels, or even — wait for it! — a whole series of graphic novels, do everything you can to keep that love alive and strong! Does the format of the book they are reading matter? No. They are reading, and that’s what counts! They will have plenty of time to bridge the gap into traditional novels down the road. For now, lets keep the reading love alive! For more on the benefits of graphic novels, click the link!
YES! Many young, avid readers have difficulty finding other bookworms with whom they can connect and share their love of reading. Book clubs are phenomenal for fostering a child’s love of reading, encouraging socialization with other readers, introducing kids to new authors and genres, and expanding the way they think about and analyze stories. Did you know we run a virtual book club that connects young readers in grades 3 through 7 around the country? Check out The Dawn Society here!
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The best books for 3rd graders!
In this metafictional series, Andy and Terry live together in a treehouse. But it’s not just any old treehouse, of course. Indeed, their treehouse is the coolest one in all of the world, complete with thirteen stories, a bowling alley, a swimming pool, an underground laboratory, and a marshmallow machine that shoots marshmallows right into your mouth whenever you’re hungry. My older son devoured these books and was totally and completely obsessed with this series. Need I say more? These books for 3rd graders are pure fun!
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This is one of our favorite read-aloud books! One day, Jax’s mom leaves him with a crotchety old lady named Ma while she has important matters to attend to. Though Jax first believes Ma is his grandmother, he quickly learns she is no such thing. To the contrary, Ma is a witch, and she has a very important mission. Ma must deliver three baby dragons to the magical world where they will be safe. Jax decides to help, and promises to obey Ma’s two very important rules: (1) don’t let the dragons out of the bag, and (2) absolutely, positively don’t feed them anything sweet! Will Jax abide by Ma’s instructions and get the dragons delivered to the right place at the right time? This one is totally captivating, friends! It is an utter delight and without a doubt one of the best books for 3rd graders!
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This is one of our favorite book series for 3rd and 4th graders, and my big one devoured each and every one! Mac Barnett can do no wrong, and in this hilarious and fun spy series, readers follow a young Mac on various adventures — because before he was a famous author, Mac Barnett was a kid spy, of course! Mac’s shenanigans lead him on some daring quests for the Queen of England to save parts of history, return the Crown Jewels to their rightful owner, and even navigate secret tunnels underneath the Berlin Wall. Fun, smart and oh-so-wacky, these are fabulous books for 3rd graders!
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The Vanderbeeker family has lived in a Harlem brownstone on 141st Street forever. When their reclusive landlord tells them they have mere days to move out as their lease will not be renewed, the siblings take matters into their own hands. The five Vanderbeeker kids act quickly, coming up with one crazy antic after another. They will stop at nothing to convince their landlord just how special their family is and why they need to remain in their home. Will the Vanderbeekers be forced to leave nonetheless? Though set in the present day, this wonderful novel has an old-fashioned, throwback feel, featuring authentic characters and heartfelt storylines. A gem!
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Fifth-grader Simon Barnes, also known as “Notorious D.O.G.,” loves rapping and dreams of being world-famous. But sometimes, our biggest dreams come hand in hand with our biggest fears because we must face things that scare us to accomplish our goals. When Simon’s class is assigned to give an oral presentation about an issue affecting the community, Simon must not only tackle his fear of speaking in public but also learns about an important challenge in his neighborhood and then must dig deep to help solve the problem. From developing confidence to making a difference, this delightful book asks tough questions and sparks great discussion.
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This book, the first in a great new series, totally lives up to its name. It IS sunshine! Ryan, the young protagonist, is spunky, smart, and creative. And with a name that means “king,” she is determined to live up to its meaning! But life has been a bit challenging. Money is tight in her home, and Ryan’s dad still works nights. After moving to a new house with her family, will Ryan discover how to use her voice and move forward with her head held high even when she faces overwhelming obstacles? We cannot wait to see where Ryan’s stories take us. This is a fabulous new series of books for 3rd graders!
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In this magical series, a group of gifted magicians discovers the full breadth of their talents. Carter is a runaway street magician who never anticipated finding magic — much less friends — in a New England town. But somehow, Carter finds both, along with a crew of crooks eager to steal anything they can get their hands on. Carter pairs up with a group of illusionists, and using a little teamwork and a whole lot of magic, this team sets out to save the town!
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“Trees can’t tell jokes, but they can certainly tell stories…” And so it is with Red, a majestic oak tree nearly two hundred and sixteen “rings” old, harboring secrets and stories that have been nearly forgotten by the people in the community. Red is a wishtree who watches over the neighborhood, keeping mostly to himself. However, when a Muslim family moves onto the street, Red witnesses firsthand that all neighbors aren’t so welcoming, and even children are forced to undergo hateful messages and acts. It is then that Red realizes his status as a wishtree is more important than ever, and it might be just the time to break with tradition and intervene in the community to eradicate hate.
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Oh no! A terrible mistake has been made! Wayside School has been built thirty stories high, with one classroom right on top of another. The builder says he is sorry, but that doesn’t really help. Why? Because all sorts of shenanigans are in store, especially on the thirteenth floor. If your kids love to read funny stories, these classics will have them laughing out loud! Not only did my kids love these books, but they also loved knowing that I loved reading these books when I was their age! These are fun and funny books for 3rd graders!
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Roz wakes up for the very first time alone on a remote island. Who is she? How did she get here? She doesn’t know how to answer these questions. The only thing she knows for sure is that she is a robot, and she is programmed to survive. How, though, when no one in the wild is like her? Roz must learn to adapt to her surroundings, but the only ones she can learn from are the island’s animals… and the animals aren’t so welcoming of the “monster” in their midst. Will an orphaned gosling help Roz save herself? This is one of our favorite books for 3rd grade, and my students check this out on repeat!
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Fifth grade doesn’t start off on the right foot when Maya learns her two best friends are in a class without her — especially since making new friends is no easy feat for Maya. But just when life feels out of her control, she discovers a robot named Ralph at Mr. Mac’s convenience store. Mr. Mac allows Maya to use her expert science skills to get Ralph up and running, and from the moment Ralph comes to life, Maya has a new friend. Yet, when her new companion is tampered with at school, Maya must find her voice and inner strength to keep her light shining bright. For lovers of STEM and science, this heartfelt story speaks to confidence, community, innovation, and, most of all, hope.
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What can I say about these novels, aside from the fact that it was these original books that hooked me on reading as a young girl?! I devoured the stories of these girls in second and third grade, and I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to babysit. From toddler tantrums to prank phone calls, and tomboys to tough girls, this series highlights ingenuity, family, and, most importantly, true friendship. These are among my very favorite books for 3rd graders. Simply the best!
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Judy Blume can do no wrong, and my students — including my own son — still devour the hilarious Fudge series, even decades after it was first published! In this book, the first in the series, readers are introduced to Peter and his little brother Fudge, and they learn quite quickly that having a younger sibling is often more challenging than chill. Even though the adults think Fudge is just the cutest thing ever, Peter and his pet turtle know the truth. Fudge is chaos personified, and Peter has to figure out how to keep his sanity while keeping his brother in check!
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This is another great and super fun book for 3rd graders about sibling rivalry. Older brother Evan is common sense-smart — and very people savvy. But his younger sister, Jessie, has all the smarts when it comes to math. What happens when the siblings’ lemonade stand war begins? Who will win? This is such a fun read that weaves business tips, basic economics, and lots and lots of humor with an engaging plot about two siblings learning to navigate the ups and downs of life — and their relationship, too.
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If you have a kiddo fascinated by words, he’ll love this book about one creative boy who will stop at nothing to distract his teacher and create a little bit of trouble in the classroom. When Nick Allen learns about the origin of words and their creation, he gets inspired to launch his best plan ever: the frindle. After all, who says a pen must be called a pen? The term “frindle” catches on like wildfire, and soon not just his friends at school but people in the whole town are using the word. The word is spreading across the country, and though Nick’s teacher wants him to put an end it, it seems nothing Nick can do will stop the craziness. Will Frindle take on a life of its own? We love this book for 3rd graders!
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Inspired by a true story, this beautiful, powerful novel is written from the perspective of Ivan, a captive gorilla who spent twenty-seven years behind the glass walls of an enclosure at a shopping center. Ivan grew accustomed to being watched by humans all day, every day. Only when a new baby elephant is brought into captivity after being taken from the wild does Ivan recognize he needs a change — and all of the captive animals need a change — for the better.
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In Mian’s debut novel, one Muslim boy has a great big imagination! Omar just moved to a new home with his family and he is not excited to begin his new school. Will he have friends? What if his teacher is a zombie alien? Stranger things have happened, after all. Things seem to be on the up and up when Omar makes a cool best friend, until, that is, a bully named Daniel tries to make Omar’s life miserable. Daniel even tells Omar that all Muslims will be kicked out of the country. Could Daniel’s words be true? How will Omar survive his school nightmare? Luckily, Omar has his family, his new friends, and his awesome imagination to help him navigate the ups and downs of his new home.
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Jake and Lily are twins, and even though they have their differences, they feel like two halves of one person. They practically share the same thoughts! But once their eleventh birthday arrives, things start to change. They no longer share bedrooms, and Jake starts hanging out with a bunch of boys — the neighborhood “cool” kids. But when Jake starts hanging out with Bump, a kid who loves picking on others, Jake and Lily’s relationship is really put to the test. Will Jake succumb to peer pressure? We love this story about two kids forging their own paths — but making room for each other, too.
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If you have a reader who loves all things books, they will be captivated by this first book in the delightful Pages and Co. series. Ever since her mother disappears, Tilly has found comfort and solace in the stories of her grandparents’ bookshop. But when Anne of Green Gables and Alice from Wonderland keep popping in for a visit, Tilly discovers that she can “bookwander” into any story in the shop. Tilly’s new adventures are exciting– and at times, they are also `dangerous. Will Tilly’s new escapades lead her to unravel the mystery of her mother’s disappearance so many years ago? There is nothing better than a book-loving hero, and we adore this wonderful series! This is fabulous for advanced 3rd-grade readers.
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I cannot keep these books in our school library – the moment one is brought back, it’s immediately checked out again! This series centers around Jack Sullivan, a thirteen-year-old boy who has been living in his treehouse ever since the monster apocalypse. But in order to defeat the monsters, he needs some assistance! With the help of his rag-tag friends, Jake vows to slay the creepy monster known as Blarg, and achieve the ultimate Feat of Apocalyptic Success in the process. Will he and his buddies succeed? These are such fun books for 3rd graders!
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When her family celebrates Chinese New Year, Pacy’s mom tells her that the Year of the Dog means it’s a good year for people to find themselves. Thus, Pacy gets started right away. Pacy’s journey over the subsequent 12 months leads Pacy to discover her place in her family and among her friends, but what makes her unique, too. We love this universal story that grapples with questions and ideas so many children contemplate. Pacy is authentic, endearing, and so relatable, and we simply adore Lin’s work and spectacular writing!
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This fabulous series tells the adventures (and misadventures!) of a hero named Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the III. Hiccup wants nothing more than to pass the initiation test of his Viking clan by catching and training a dragon — but will said dragon tear him from limb to limb, or will he find a way to prevail after plucking a dragon from the nursery? While an unnatural hero, perhaps, Hiccup’s pluck, humor, and heart will keep your kids racing through each story in this fabulous series of books for 3rd grade!
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Are you ready to protect the mythical unicorn? If so, the society needs you. Quickly! Elliot and his new friend, Uchenna, are about to embark on a journey with a secret group of adventurers, The Unicorn Rescue Society. Their goal? Protect and defend the world’s mythical creatures. If your kids like unicorns, fantasy, AND adventure, this series is a must!
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