30 Exciting Books For 3rd Grade Reading List

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For many children, the 3rd grade is a pivotal moment in their reading journey. It's a time when they begin to transition from basic reading skills to more complex storytelling and comprehension. The books they read during this period can have a lasting impact on their love for reading and learning. In this article, we'll explore 30 exciting books that are perfect for 3rd-grade readers, covering a range of genres and themes that will captivate their imagination and keep them engaged.

Classic Tales for 3rd Graders

The 3rd grade is an excellent time to introduce children to classic tales that have stood the test of time. These stories have been delighting readers for generations and continue to be a staple of children's literature.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White: A timeless tale of friendship and loyalty between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte.
• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter: A mischievous rabbit's adventures in Mr. McGregor's garden have been charming readers for over a century.
• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame: Join Mole, Ratty, Toad, and Badger on their exciting escapades along the riverbank.

Animal Stories for 3rd Graders

Who doesn't love animals? These stories feature furry friends, feathered companions, and even a few scaly ones, guaranteed to captivate 3rd-grade readers.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate: A heartwarming tale of a gorilla who finds his voice and becomes an unlikely hero.
• The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary: When a mouse befriends a young boy, the adventures begin, and the fun never stops.
• The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford: Three pets embark on an epic journey through the Canadian wilderness to find their way back home.

Imaginative Adventures for 3rd Graders

Imagination knows no bounds in these thrilling tales that will transport 3rd-grade readers to magical worlds, futuristic cities, and mystical realms.

• The Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne: Siblings Jack and Annie discover a mysterious tree house that whisks them away on incredible adventures through time.
• The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi: A group of siblings uncover a hidden world of fairies and other creatures living in secret all around them.
• Zoey and Sassafras by Asia Citro: A young girl and her cat, Sassafras, help magical creatures with science and creativity.

Realistic Fiction for 3rd Graders

Sometimes, the best stories are the ones that reflect our everyday lives. These tales of friendship, family, and growing up will resonate with 3rd-grade readers.

• The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies: Two siblings engage in a fierce competition to see who can sell the most lemonade, teaching them valuable lessons about business, family, and love.
• The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin: A heartwarming story of a young girl's journey to find her place in the world, exploring themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage.
• Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston: When Amari discovers a supernatural agency, she must navigate a new world of ghosts, ghouls, and magical creatures.

Humor and Illustrations for 3rd Graders

Laughter is the best medicine, and these side-splitting stories, accompanied by engaging illustrations, are sure to delight 3rd-grade readers.

• Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey: The hilarious adventures of two fourth-grade pranksters and their accidental creation of a superhero.
• The Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney: The humorous and relatable story of middle-school student Greg Heffley and his misadventures.
• The Adventures of Captain Awesome by Stan Kirby: A young boy becomes a superhero to fight the evil forces of boredom and save the world from the diabolical villain, Professor Mayhem.

Graphic Novels for 3rd Graders

Graphic novels are an excellent way to engage reluctant readers and offer a unique visual storytelling experience.

• Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke: A brave and determined heroine embarks on an intergalactic quest to save her friends and explore the cosmos.
• Princess Princess Ever After by Katie O'Neill: A sweet and modern fairy tale about two princesses who fall in love and save the kingdom from an evil witch.
• Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson: A young girl discovers her passion for roller derby and learns valuable lessons about friendship, perseverance, and self-acceptance.

Non-Fiction and Biographies for 3rd Graders

Non-fiction books can spark curiosity and inspire a love for learning. These engaging stories about real people and events will captivate 3rd-grade readers.

• The Who Was...? Series: A collection of biographies about famous historical figures, written in an accessible and entertaining style.
• National Geographic Kids: A range of fascinating books about science, nature, and the environment, featuring stunning images and engaging text.
• I Survived... by Lauren Tarshis: A series of books about real historical events, such as natural disasters and wars, told through the eyes of a child.

Mystery and Detective Stories for 3rd Graders

Solve the mystery, crack the code, and unravel the puzzle with these intriguing detective stories that will keep 3rd-grade readers on the edge of their seats.

• The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner: Four orphaned siblings solve mysteries and have exciting adventures.
• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin: A complex and thrilling mystery about a group of people competing to solve the puzzle of a millionaire's will.
• The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies: A brother and sister's lemonade stand becomes a catalyst for a fierce competition, teaching them valuable lessons about business and family.

Fantasy and Science Fiction for 3rd Graders

Explore enchanted realms, futuristic worlds, and magical creatures in these captivating fantasy and science fiction stories.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill: A young girl with extraordinary powers must navigate a magical world filled with witches, dragons, and wonder.
• The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau: Two teenagers living in an underground city must solve the mystery of their world and find a way to save their community.
• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle: A classic science fiction novel about a young girl's journey through space and time to find her missing father.

Historical Fiction for 3rd Graders

Step into the past and experience historical events through the eyes of a child. These engaging stories will bring history to life for 3rd-grade readers.

• The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare: A young girl accused of being a witch in a small Connecticut town during the late 1600s.
• Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell: A historical fiction novel based on the true story of a young Native American girl living alone on an island off the coast of California.
• The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne: A heart-wrenching tale of a young boy's friendship with a boy in a concentration camp during World War II.

By exploring these 30 exciting books for 3rd-grade readers, you'll help foster a lifelong love for reading and learning. Remember to encourage their curiosity, engage in discussions, and make reading a fun and enjoyable experience.