Finding the right books to capture the attention of your third graders can be a game-changer in the classroom. At this grade level, children are curious, imaginative, and ready to dive into the world of chapter books that challenge their thinking, introduce new ideas, and take them on incredible adventures. Whether you’re working with advanced readers or reluctant readers, this book list offers a variety of options that will keep your 3rd grade readers engaged and excited about reading. Let’s explore these great books together!
Click here to see a list of books for 4th graders and here for 5th graders.
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1. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
“Charlotte’s Web” is a timeless classic that never fails to enchant young readers. The story of friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte is perfect for teaching third graders about loyalty, sacrifice, and the beauty of life’s cycles. This is one of those third grade books that provides a safe place for students to explore big themes like life and death, making it a great addition to your classroom reading list.
2. Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
The “Magic Tree House” series is a hit with 3rd grade readers for a reason—each book is an adventure that transports Jack and Annie, the main characters, to different times and places. These adventure stories are great books for sparking curiosity about history, geography, and different cultures. Plus, the easy-to-follow structure makes them perfect for both reluctant readers and advanced readers who are just stepping into the world of chapter books. The best part? The entire series is available at most local libraries, making it easy for your students to continue the journey.
3. The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
“The Boxcar Children” follows four orphaned siblings who make a new home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar. This book is perfect for third graders who enjoy mystery books and stories about independence and resourcefulness. The first book in this classic series introduces themes of hope, family, and adventure. It’s also a great choice for 3rd grade teachers looking to provide students with good books that can lead to discussions about real life and the challenges we face.
4. Freckle Juice by Judy Blume
“Freckle Juice” is a fun, lighthearted story that teaches important lessons about self-acceptance and being careful what you wish for. The main character, Andrew, goes to hilarious lengths to try to get freckles, only to learn that being himself is the best thing he can be. This funny book is a good fit for third grade classrooms, offering plenty of opportunities for discussions about self-esteem and the importance of liking yourself just the way you are. It’s one of those 3rd grade books that resonates with children of all ages.
5. The BFG by Roald Dahl
“The BFG” is a magical tale of a Big Friendly Giant who befriends a little girl named Sophie. This book is great for 3rd grade readers who enjoy funny books with lots of adventure. It’s an excellent read for teaching themes like friendship, bravery, and standing up against injustice. The playful language and imaginative story make it a favorite among third graders and a great book to add to your reading list.
6. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
“The One and Only Ivan” is a powerful, fictional story told from the perspective of a gorilla living in captivity. This book is perfect for third graders who are ready to explore themes of friendship, freedom, and the ethical treatment of animals. It’s also a great book for discussing empathy and the importance of standing up for what’s right. “The One and Only Ivan” is an excellent read that can inspire meaningful discussions and is a great fit for any classroom book club.
7. Judy Moody Was in a Mood by Megan McDonald
Judy Moody is a spirited character whose adventures are full of humor and heart. “Judy Moody Was in a Mood” is great for third graders who enjoy stories about self-expression, friendship, and dealing with emotions. The book’s engaging narrative and relatable themes make it a perfect addition to your list of 3rd grade books. It’s also a fun book for students who are just beginning to explore longer chapter books and are looking for something with a lot of personality.
8. Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
“Dog Man” is a graphic novel series that has taken the world by storm, and it’s especially popular with 3rd graders. The series follows the adventures of a half-dog, half-human police officer who fights crime in hilarious and imaginative ways. This book is perfect for reluctant readers and those who love humor, action, and a good dose of silliness. It’s a great way to get kids excited about reading, and the series format encourages them to keep coming back for more.
9. The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey
“The Bad Guys” is another popular graphic novel series that’s perfect for third graders. It’s about a group of misunderstood villains who decide to turn over a new leaf and become heroes—though things don’t always go as planned. This series is packed with humor, action, and quirky illustrations, making it a favorite among young readers. It’s especially great for kids who might be hesitant to pick up a traditional chapter book.
10. Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott
This fantasy adventure follows a boy named Jaxon who discovers that his grandmother is a witch tasked with delivering baby dragons to a magical world. When the dragons accidentally escape into Brooklyn, Jaxon and his friends must find them before they cause too much trouble. This book is ideal for 3rd graders who enjoy fast-paced, imaginative stories with diverse characters.
11. The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies
“The Lemonade War” is a fantastic choice for 3rd grade readers who enjoy stories about competition and entrepreneurship. The book follows a brother and sister who turn a simple lemonade stand into a full-blown business war during their summer vacation. It’s a great book for discussing themes like sibling rivalry, honesty, and the value of hard work. The real-life scenarios in the story make it relatable for students, and it’s an excellent read for encouraging discussions about business, math, and problem-solving in the third grade classroom.
12. Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish
Amelia Bedelia is a lovable character known for taking things a bit too literally, leading to hilarious misunderstandings. This book is great for exploring the nuances of language and idioms while keeping things light and fun. “Amelia Bedelia” is a good fit for third grade readers who enjoy funny books with lots of wordplay. The humor in Amelia Bedelia’s adventures makes it a perfect addition to your classroom’s list of 3rd grade books, providing both entertainment and education.
13. Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown
“Flat Stanley” tells the story of a boy who gets flattened by a bulletin board and discovers he can have all sorts of adventures in his new flat form. This book is great for sparking creativity and discussing themes like adaptability, problem-solving, and making the best of unexpected situations. It’s a fun book for 3rd graders who enjoy imaginative stories and is a great choice for inspiring classroom activities. The book’s engaging narrative and relatable characters make it one of the best chapter books for young readers.
14. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
“The Wild Robot” tells the story of Roz, a robot who wakes up on a remote island with no memory of how she got there. As she learns to survive in the wilderness, Roz forms unexpected friendships with the island’s animals. This book is a great fit for 3rd graders who enjoy adventure and stories about the intersection of technology and nature. It’s an engaging and thoughtful read that encourages discussions about what it means to be alive and connected to the world around us.
15. Narwhal and Jelly Series by Ben Clanton
This graphic novel series follows the adventures of Narwhal and his best friend Jelly, a jellyfish. The books are full of fun, friendship, and oceanic wonder, making them a hit with young readers. The series is perfect for reluctant readers or those who love a mix of humor and heart. It’s a great way to introduce graphic novels to 3rd graders who are just starting to explore different types of books.
16. The Chicken Squad by Doreen Cronin
“The Chicken Squad” is a hilarious series about four chicken siblings who solve mysteries on their farm. The books are filled with humor, adventure, and a bit of detective work, making them perfect for 3rd graders who love funny stories and a good mystery. The short chapters and engaging illustrations make these books accessible to young readers who are still building their confidence with chapter books.
17. Stink Series by Megan McDonald
Stink, Judy Moody’s younger brother, has his own series of books that are just as funny and engaging. In these books, Stink deals with all sorts of hilarious situations, from superpowers to gross science experiments. The series is great for 3rd graders who enjoy humor, relatable characters, and a bit of mischief. It’s also a good choice for reluctant readers who need a fun and fast-paced story to keep them engaged.
18. Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
“Captain Underpants” is a wildly popular series that’s perfect for 3rd graders who love humor, adventure, and a bit of toilet humor. The books follow the antics of two boys who create a superhero called Captain Underpants, who comes to life and fights evil in his underwear. This series is particularly popular among reluctant readers and those who enjoy fast-paced, funny stories with lots of illustrations. It’s a great way to encourage reading while providing plenty of laughs along the way.
19. Clementine by Sara Pennypacker
“Clementine” is a delightful series about a spunky third grader who always seems to find herself in trouble, even when she’s just trying to help. The stories are full of humor, heart, and relatable situations that third graders will love. Clementine’s unique perspective and quirky personality make these books a hit with young readers, especially those who enjoy character-driven stories with a lot of charm.
20. The Critter Club Series by Callie Barkley
This series is about four best friends who start a club to help animals in need. Each book in “The Critter Club” series focuses on a different member of the club, their love for animals, and the adventures they go on to save their furry friends. The series is perfect for 3rd graders who love animals, friendship stories, and light-hearted adventures.
21. EllRay Jakes Series by Sally Warner
“EllRay Jakes” is a series about an African-American boy navigating the ups and downs of elementary school life. The books deal with common issues like bullying, fitting in, and standing up for what’s right, all told from EllRay’s humorous and relatable point of view. These books are perfect for 3rd graders who enjoy realistic stories with a strong and likable main character.
22. Ivy + Bean Series by Annie Barrows
“Ivy + Bean” is a popular series about two very different girls who become best friends despite their differences. The books are full of fun, mischief, and the kind of adventures that can only happen when two imaginative kids team up. This series is great for 3rd graders who enjoy stories about friendship, creativity, and the occasional bit of trouble.
23. The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes
This Newbery Honor-winning book follows the year in the life of Billy Miller, a second-grader dealing with school, family, and friendships. The story is full of gentle humor, warmth, and the everyday challenges of being a kid. It’s an excellent read for 3rd graders who enjoy realistic fiction that’s relatable and comforting.
24. The Notebook of Doom Series by Troy Cummings
This series follows Alexander, a boy who moves to a new town and discovers a notebook filled with drawings of monsters—and learns that the monsters are real! Each book in “The Notebook of Doom” series is filled with humor, mystery, and plenty of monster action, making it a great choice for 3rd graders who enjoy slightly spooky stories with a lot of laughs.
25. The Humphrey Series by Betty G. Birney
“The World According to Humphrey” and its sequels follow the adventures of Humphrey, the class hamster, as he observes and sometimes influences the lives of the students and teachers at Longfellow School. This series is perfect for 3rd graders who love animals and stories told from a unique perspective. The books are full of humor, heart, and plenty of hamster hijinks.
26. The Last Firehawk Series by Katrina Charman
This action-packed fantasy series follows a young owl named Tag and his friends as they embark on a quest to save their world from a dark force. “The Last Firehawk” series is perfect for 3rd graders who love fantasy, adventure, and stories about courage and friendship. The books are illustrated, making them accessible and engaging for young readers who are transitioning to chapter books.
27. My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
This classic fantasy adventure follows a young boy named Elmer Elevator who sets out on a quest to rescue a baby dragon. The book is filled with imaginative challenges and clever solutions, making it an engaging and fun read for 3rd graders. It’s a great introduction to longer chapter books, and the illustrations add to the charm of the story.
28. The Princess in Black Series by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
“The Princess in Black” series is about a princess who leads a double life as a monster-fighting hero. The books are perfect for 3rd graders who enjoy stories that mix action, humor, and a bit of fairy tale magic. The series is especially popular with readers who love strong, adventurous characters and fun, fast-paced plots.
29. Gooseberry Park by Cynthia Rylant
“Gooseberry Park” is a heartwarming story about friendship and teamwork among a group of animals who come together to help a friend in need. This book is great for discussing themes like cooperation, kindness, and the power of community. The lovable characters and charming story make it a great addition to your third grade reading list. It’s a good book for any classroom that values stories about helping others and the strength of friendship.
30. Zoey and Sassafras Series by Asia Citro
In this STEM-focused series, Zoey discovers that magical animals come to her family’s barn for help—and it’s up to her to use science to solve their problems. “Zoey and Sassafras” is perfect for 3rd graders who love animals, science, and a bit of magic. The series is engaging, educational, and a great way to introduce young readers to the wonders of scientific thinking.
Engaging Your 3rd Graders with These Must-Reads
These 30 books offer a fantastic mix of stories that will captivate your third graders and provide countless opportunities for learning and discussion. Whether you’re introducing them to the world of chapter books, building their reading skills, or just enjoying a great story together, these books are perfect for your classroom.
And after you’ve enjoyed these stories with your students, don’t forget to use these simple and easy Book Review Templates! These templates are a fun and easy way for your students to reflect on what they’ve read, share their opinions, and give each book a star rating. It’s a great way to encourage critical thinking, improve writing skills, and keep your students engaged with the material. Happy reading!
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