22 Best Books for 3rd Graders

These classic children's chapter books follow the everyday adventures of a spirited and imaginative young girl named Ramona as she navigates childhood. Beloved for the relatable characters, humorous situations, and honest portrayal of the challenges and joys of growing up.

Four orphaned siblings make an abandoned boxcar their home in these classic mystery books, originally created in 1942. Everywhere this family goes, there's another mystery to solve. Young readers remain impressed at how well these amateur sleuths work to solve clues on their own, with little to no adult supervision.

Sarah C. said:  This is a fun chapter series for sure! I read them with my daughter, because I do find there to be topics that she has questions about and it is easier to talk about it right then.

These kid-favorite graphic novels recount the hilarious stories of a boy trying to make his way through middle school, and transition often between writing and pictures to make them a fun and absorbing read even for those who may not otherwise be drawn to reading.

Katie G. said:  My current 5th grader started reading this series in 3rd grade, but still loves these books and has re-read them this year. He loves graphic novels and this one is definitely at the top of the list!

Vanessa M. said:  The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate is an award-winning book that is creative, poignant, and smart. Ivan is a silverback gorilla who has spent a solitary life being watched by humans from inside the glass walls of a strip mall zoo. When he is introduced to a baby elephant taken from the wild, an unlikely friendship is kindled. Kids will be touched by Ivan's humor and bravery, and will feel as though they have found a good friend in Ivan.

Against all odds, 10-year-old Charlie Bucket finds a golden ticket that grants him entrance to Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory. His wacky adventures within have captured the imagination of children across generations.

Alexandra F. said:  One of my childhood favorites, and now my daughter's as well. Although Roald Dahl wrote so many chapter books that have become beloved children's classics, my family thinks this one is his absolute best.

Erynn said:  My kids loved the Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne, but while extensive, it's a bit "young" for 3rd grade and up. The Merlin Missions series is the answer to my dilemma! Beginning with Christmas in Camelot, the stories are for experienced readers with plenty more adventuring to be had!

Kelly R said:  The World According to Humphrey and the rest of the books in the Humphrey series are great chapter books for third grade boys and girls alike. These endearing stories are told from the perspective of a classroom pet hamster.

Kristy Pepping said:  My girls love American Girl books. This series features a different girl based on their popular doll line. Just like the dolls, each girl has a special talent or hobby they like to do. Every book offers a great lesson and a positive story line. Plus, they are all chapter books so great for the next step up in reading. In this story, by Jessie Haas, Saige is a horse loving young girl who is determined to save her school's art class.

Alexandra F. said:  The various Warriors series by Erin Hunter, starting with the book Into The Wild, follow the life of forest cats and their struggle to survive starvation, cold weather, wars between the different cat "Clans" and capture from the "Twolegs" (humans). It is a fun and intriguing read, filled with battle and excitement, though the depictions of violence may be upsetting to younger or more sensitive readers.

Generations of children have fallen in love with Astrid Lindgren's red-haired, freckle faced Pippi Longstocking, with her upside down braids and her wild sense of adventure. Readers will delight in Pippi's adventures with her friends and her unusual pets, a horse and monkey. The classic 80s family movie is a fun pick for movie night!

Lisa R said:  Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery kicks off the Bunnicula and Friends mystery series, by Deborah and James Howe. The stories are headlined by talking pets and a rabbit that may or may not be a vampire. It has just the right amount of suspense and silly humor to keep young readers on the edge of their seats.

Erynn said:  As a grownup, I love some James Patterson - and fortunately, he's rolled out some bestsellers for kids, too. Of course, what kid can resist books about robots? My favorite thing about the House of Robots series is the recurring theme of friendship, honesty, and compassion, but my 3rd grader just likes the tech that's the basis of the books - and the crazy twists that happen!

Shila said:  Whatever After books spin classic folktales into modern adventures and stories. These are great chapter books for 3rd graders who may want another go-ahead with fairy tales, but with an updated take on the idea! There are over 12 books in the current series inspired from Snow White, Cinderella, Frozen, Little Red Riding Hood, Aladdin, etc.

Shila said:  Part dragon, part kitten (aka dritten!), the magical characters at Dunwiddle Middle School experience a series worth of adventures that are engaging and fun to read.

Shila said:  Part illustrative book, part graphic novel, this zany chapter book series by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton capture imagination at its best on every page. The main characters work as authors in an ever-expanding magical treehouse filled with slapstick humor and insanely whimsical ideas while they attempt to publish their own book.