In third grade children can usually read chapter books all by themselves. This is the year the world of books really opens up and a love of personal reading develops. So make sure that your child reads good books that will hold their interest. I have included a description of my top ten favorite books for 3rd and 4th graders. As well as ten other great books for this age group.
The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Every child dreams of running away and living on their own and that is exactly what the children in this book do. After their parents die they are supposed to go and live with their grandfather. But they don’t know him and are afraid he will be mean. So instead they run away and live in a boxcar.
Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink
Caddie is a tomboy growing up in a world where girls are supposed to be young ladies, wear dresses, and stay inside. Well, Caddie has a different idea.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
The book is always better than the movie and this one is no exception. Children will delight as Charlie tours the incredible world of Willie Wonka.
The Enormous Egg by Oliver Butterworth
What child wouldn’t want their very own dinosaur? That is exactly what happens in this book when an enormous egg hatches and out comes a triceratops. Now has his very own dinosaur, but it isn’t all it’s “cracked” up to be.
From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
All children want to run away from home at some point and the children in this book do, to a museum. But then Claudia found that she could not go home until she discovered the maker of a statue, a question that even the experts could not answer.
The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynn Reid Banks
What would happen if a plastic Indian came alive? Omri and Patrick find out that it’s not all fun and games.
The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
What happens when you open a wardrobe door and enter a whole new world? Four children find out exactly what happens when they enter Narnia. So begins an imaginary tale where four children learn who they really are and with the help of the lion Aslan, become heroes, conquering the evil White Witch.
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
This is a classic tale of a young girl Laura Ingalls growing up in the America frontier.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Spoiled Mary is sent to live with her uncle while there she discovers a secret garden and her sickly cousin Colin. With the help of a boy named Dickon she brings the garden and her Colin back to life. In the process she learns about love and friendship.
Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Children will take away a great lesson as they struggle with the main character 11-year old Marty Preson to decide if a mistreated beagle pup should be returned to his owner.
Other recommended titles:
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Bestsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace
Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting
Freddie Goes To Florida by Walter R. Brooks
Mrs. Piggle-wiggle by Betty MacDonald
The Moffats by Eleanor Estes
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
The Summer of the Swans by Betsy Byars