Best Books for Third Graders
Here are my favorite books to recommend to third graders, ages 8-9. In third grade, heartwarming classics and more challenging chapter books take center stage as reading skills reach new heights. Graphic novels and nonfiction are great options for reluctant readers and those who need a high-interest subject to reel them in. The picture books below can be shared as classroom read-alouds or enjoyed independently.
A quick note: As Donalyn Miller said in The Joy of Reading, a list is only as good as its maker. While these titles have been successful with my own children and the families I’ve served, I don’t expect you to share them wholesale with yours. You know your community best! I hope you discover a few new titles that boost your readers’ advisory and foster a connection with your readers.
Chapter Books for Third Graders
The Mighty Macy
By Kwame Alexander and Illustrated by Kitt Thomas | 2026
4 Starred Reviews
A sweet and spirited third grader finds her voice to help save her school library from closing, but also wonders if her dad will make it to her violin recital. For fans of Ways to Make Sunshine and Gracie Wei.
The Wild Robot
By Peter Brown | 2016
4 STarred Reviews
A robot named Roz discovers she is alone on a remote island. Will she survive storms and bear attacks and learn her purpose? For fans of The One and Only Ivan.
The Tale of Despereaux
By Kate DiCamillo & Illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering | 2003
2004 Newbery Medal Winner
Despereaux the mouse loves music, stories, and a Princess named Pea, but is that enough to be a hero? For fans of The Mouse and the Motorcycle.
Turtle in Paradise
By Jennifer L. Holm | 2010
2011 Newbery Honor Book
In 1935, eleven-year-old Turtle is sent to Key West to live with rambunctious relatives and sets out to hunt for pirate treasure.
Calpurnia Tate Girl Vet: Skunked!
By Jacqueline Kelly | 2016
4 Starred Reviews
Calpurnia and her little brother attempt to nurse an abandoned baby skunk back to life while keeping him a secret from their mother.
Ranger in Time: Rescue on the Oregon Trail
By Kate Messner | 2015
CYBILS Awards Finalist
Ranger is a time-traveling golden retriever who always saves the day! After digging up a mysterious box, he’s transported to 1850, where a boy needs his help on the Oregon Trail. For fans of The Magic Tree House series.
Sideways Stories from Wayside School
By Louis Sachar | 1978
IRA/CBC Children’s Choice Award
Humorous stories from a classroom on the thirtieth floor of a school accidentally built sideways.
Amina Banana and the Formula for Friendship
By Shifa Saltagi Safadi & Illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel | 2025
2 Starred Reviews
Amina loves science and the color yellow! She recently moved from Syria to Indiana, where she learned that making new friends is harder than it seems.
Charlotte’s Web
By E.B. White & Illustrated by Garth Williams | 1972
1973 Newbery Honor Book
The heartwarming, classic story of Wilbur the pig, who is saved by the actions of his unlikely friend, Charlotte the spider.
Graphic Novels for Third Graders
Peter & Ernesto: A Tale of Two Sloths
By Graham Annable | 2018
School Library Journal Starred Review
The cutest graphic novel you’ll ever read about sloths. One friend seeks adventure while the other stays home and frets, but both learn big lessons.
Giants Beware!
By Jorge Aguirre and Rafael Rosado | 2012
2 Starred Reviews
Claudette sets out to become a giant slayer, but can she pull it off before her parents find out she’s gone?
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea!
By Ben CLanton | 2016
2017 Eisner Award Winner
A narwhal and a jellyfish bond over their love of waffles. Great choice for struggling readers or fans of silly cuteness.
Press Start!: Game Over, Super Rabbit Boy!
By Thomas FLintham | 2017
FCBG Children’s Book Award
Super Rabbit Boy is a super-fast and brave video game character, but what happens when Sunny, the boy playing his game, loses?! For reluctant readers and fans of The Bad Guys and Dog Man.
InvestiGators
By John Patrick Green | 2020
Super spy alligators, Mango and Brash, surf sewers, fight evil, and are on the case! For fans of Dog Man.
Babymouse: Queen of the World!
By Jennifer L. HOlm & Matthew Holm | 2005
ALSC Notable Book
Will Babymouse’s best friend forgive her if she skips their monster movie marathon for Felicia Furrypaws’s exclusive slumber party? For fans of the Owl Diaries series.
Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth
By Judd Winick | 2015
2 Starred Reviews & NYPL Best Book for Kids
D.J. and Gina are normal kids until Hilo crashes down from the sky, setting them on a path to save the planet from destruction. For fans of Max Meow.
Picture Books for Third Graders
I Yam a Donkey
By Cece Bell | 2015
Publishers Weekly Starred Review
Sloppy pronunciation and poor grammar cause misunderstanding and giggles.
I’m Sorry You Got Mad
By Kyle Lukoff & Illustrated by Julie Kwon | 2024
5 Starred reviews
Jack learns how to write a sincere apology the hard way.
Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear
By Lindsay Mattick & Illustrated by Sophie Blackall | 2014
2015 Caldecott Medal Winner
In 1914, a veterinarian, on his way to tend horses during World War I, rescues a baby bear, and the rest is literary history.
The Real Dada Mother Goose
By Jon Scieszka & Illustrated by Julia Rothman | 2022
3 STarred Reviews
Classic nursery rhymes reimagined with nonsense and fun.
How I Learned Geography
By Uri Shulevitz | 2008
2009 Caldecott Honor Book
A young boy explores his father’s world map to escape the realities of refugee life.
Nonfiction for Third Graders
An American Story
By Kwame Alexander and art by Dare Coulter (306.3) | 2023
2024 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Winner
An honest yet hopeful introduction to American slavery.
Sarah Gives Thanks
By Mike Allegra and Illustrated by David Gardner (394.264) | 2014
Kirkus Starred Review
During the nineteenth century, groundbreaking writer and mother Sarah Hale dedicated her life to making Thanksgiving a national holiday.
Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal
By Paul Fleischman and Illustrated by Julie Paschkis (398.2) | 2007
School Library Journal Starred Review
The stories of Cinderella from Mexico, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and more are woven together into one global tale.
Neighborhood Sharks: Hunting the Great White Sharks of California’s Farallon Islands
By Katherine Roy (597.3) | 2014
2015 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor
Learn about the life cycle and hunting habits of these awesome creatures. Check out the book’s coloring page and Core Curriculum Guide.
The History of We
By Nikkolas Smith (599.93) | 2025
2026 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor
A stunning look at our shared past and a celebration of where we come from.
Trombone Shorty
By Troy Andrews and Illustrated by Bryan Collier (921) | 2014
2016 Caldecott Honor Book & Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Winner
The story of a six-year-old New Orleans trombone prodigy who grew into a Grammy-nominee.
Helen’s Big World: The Life of Helen Keller
By Doreen Rappaport and Illustrated by Matt Tavares (921) | 2012
2013 ALA Notable Book
An introduction to the impressive life of a determined woman.
The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus
By Jen Bryant and Illustrated by Melissa Sweet (921) | 2014
2015 Caldecott Honor & Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Winner
Learn about Peter Mark Roget, the joy of learning, and the power of words.
Star Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysteries of the Cosmos
By Stephanie Roth Sisson (921) | 2014
3 STarred Reviews
Learn about the curious boy who brought the cosmos into homes across America.
Sergeant Reckless
By Patricia McCormick and Illustrated by Iacopo Bruno (951.904) | 2017
3 STarred Reviews
The true story of a Korean War horse who became the only animal to officially hold a military rank and was awarded two Purple Hearts.
More Resources for Finding the Best Books for Third Graders
Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List from ALA’s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table
Children’s 3rd-5th Grade Favorites from the Children’s Book Council
Great Books for Third Grade from the Princeton Public Library
SJPL Picks: Third Grade from the San Jose Public Library
Great Kids’ 2025 Non-Fiction from Libraries of Marin
Recommended Books from ALSC, including summer reading lists for Grades 3-5
