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65 Thrilling 3rd Grade Books Every Child Should Read

June 15, 2021 //  by Lauren Du Plessis

Our collection of 3rd grade books are an absolute must-have! This book list has a good mix of classic books, graphic novels, true stories, historical fiction, adventure stories, and more. With something to suit everyone's taste, there's not much more to do than to get reading! Browse through our top 65 recommendations to pick your favorite and get started!

1. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

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Explore Willy Wonka's famous chocolate factory with 5 famed characters in this classic story by Roald Dahl. Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, Mike Teavee, and kind-hearted Charlie Bucket are ready for an adventure. Feast your eyes on chocolate candy creations like no other!

Check it out: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

2. The Creature of the Pines

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Your help is needed in protecting a sacred creature that dwells in the enchanted Pine Barrens forest. Join Elliot and Uchenna as they embark on a class trip like no other - becoming part of a secret society that seeks to protect mythical creatures housed within the forest's borders.

Check it out: The Creature of the Pines

3. Jake the Fake Keeps it Real

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This witty book sees the main character, Jake, fake his way into a Music and Art Academy for incredibly talented musicians and artists. Follow along as Jake the Fake keeps it real and has to come up with a quick and witty solution.

Check it out: Jake the Fake Keeps it Real

4. Henry Huggins

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Henry Huggins, a bored teenager, is frustrated with the lack of excitement in his life - that is until a furry friend named Ribsy makes his way into this boy's life. These two quickly form an unbreakable bond, but will it be enough to keep Ribsy by his side when the dog's original owner makes an appearance?

Check it out: Henry Huggins

5. Wonder

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August Pullman, a wonderful kid, was born with a facial deformity that has prevented him from attending public school. That's all about to change as August prepares to join the 5th grade.

Check it out: Wonder

6. Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel

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Confident Dyamonde Daniel makes herself right at home in her new school and wants to be friends with a shy fellow newcomer.

Check it out: Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel

7. The Cricket in Times Square

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Tucker the street mouse and Harry the cat befriend a cricket who has recently moved into their Times Square neighborhood.

Check it out: The Cricket in Times Square

8. The Tale of Despereaux

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Explore the walls of the castle with Despereaux Tilling, a brave young mouse, who falls in love with Princess Pea.

Check it out: The Tale of Despereaux

9. Little House in the Big Woods

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Celebrate pioneer life with the Ingalls family as they curate a beautiful life for their family in the still of the woods.

Check it out: Little House in the Big Woods

10. The Lemonade War

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Rival siblings, Jessie and Evan Treski, go head to head in a lemonade war by setting up lemonade stands in a bet to see who will be more successful.

Check it out: The Lemonade War

11. How to Be Cool in the Third Grade

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Robbie York is tired of being uncool and so devises a plan that'll make his 3rd grade year the best one yet!

Check it out: How to Be Cool in the Third Grade

12. Charlotte's Web

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One of the most loved stories of all time has got to be Charlotte's web which is based on a unique friendship between Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider.

Check it out: Charlotte's Web

13. I Was a Third Grade Spy

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Arful the dog acts as a spy for his owner Josh. Arful's spy skills come in handy when the boys need to know what the girls are planning for the school contest in order to outdo them!

Check it out: I Was a Third Grade Spy

14. The Wild Robot

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Roz the robot wakes up to find she is all alone in the middle of nowhere. Read along as we find out if a robot can survive and thrive in the wild.

Check it out: The Wild Robot

15. The One and Only Ivan

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An unforgettable tale of friendship between Ivan the gorilla and Ruby, a baby elephant. Ruby introduces Ivan to the wild after he has been kept in captivity for 27 years.

Related Post:  32 Fun Poetry Activities for Kids

Check it out: The One and Only Ivan

16. Just Grace

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If you're for a collection of lighthearted chapter books about a fun-loving girl, look no further! This Just Grace box set includes 3 books and would make a wonderful gift.

Check it out: Just Grace

17. The Clue of the Left-Handed Envelope

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Third grade detectives are born in this thrilling story. Help solve the case of who is sending Amber Lee anonymous letters.

Check it out: The Clue of the Left-Handed Envelope

18. Frankie Sparks and the Class Pet

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Frankie Sparks is on a mission to convince her teacher that they should get a pet rat as a class pet, but will she be able to convince her successfully?

Check it out: Frankie Sparks and the Class Pet

19. Snazzy Cat Capers

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Ophelia von Hairball V is a famed cat burglar who adores diamonds and jewels. The FFBI offers her an opportunity like no other, but Ophelia must learn to work with a sidekick like never before.

Check it out: Snazzy Cat Capers

20. Stay

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Piper the dog sets out to help her friend, Baby, track down her owner. Follow along as a wonderful adventure tale unfolds.

Check it out: Stay

21. Mindy Kim and the Lunar New Year Parade

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Celebrate Korean life with Mindy Kim as you enjoy cooking up traditional dishes and learn about the Lunar New Year.

Check it out: Mindy Kim and the Lunar New Year Parade

22. The Chicken Squad: The First Misadventure

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This feisty squad is more than your average barnyard chickens. The gang enjoys solving mysteries and fighting crime, but is a UFO invasion too much for this bunch to handle?

Check it out: The Chicken Squad: The First Misadventure

23. House of Robots

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Sammy Hayes-Rodriguez's life is about to change forever when he takes his robot invention to school at his mother's insistence!

Check it out: House of Robots

24. Guinea Dog

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Rufus dreams of having a dog, but is in for a surprise when his mom brings home a feisty guinea pig who believes she's a dog and acts like one too!

Check it out: Guinea Dog

25. Bernice Buttman

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Bernice Buttman is ready to put her bullying days behind her and become a model citizen who makes an important difference to her town.

Check it out: Bernice Buttman

26. Shine!

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Shine inspires young readers to consider what they want to be when they grow older and encourages them to dream big!

Check it out: Shine!

27. The Story of Diva and Flea

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Unsuspecting pals Diva and Flea explore the streets of Paris, France together and get up to mischief along the way.

Check it out: The Story of Diva and Flea

28. Third Grade Mermaid

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Explore a fantasy undersea world with Cora the Third Grade Mermaid.

Check it out: Third Grade Mermaid

29. The Cat, the Cash, the Leap, and the List

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The Cat, the Cash, the Leap, and the List is a humorous chapter book that is centered around a family's lively trip and their hunt for a pregnant cat.

Check it out: The Cat, the Cash, the Leap, and the List

30. Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life

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Seven bold elementary students dream of changing their community by cracking the code for an epic life and giving back in a positive way in this sweet story.

Check it out: Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life

31. Ramona Quimby

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Beverly Cleary has done it again! Famed character Ramona Quimby faces new challenges as she navigates life whilst her parents are away in this coming of age story where she takes on new responsibilities.

Check it out: Ramona Quimby

32. Dog Man: Grime and Punishment

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This amazing story sees Dog man be released from the force before he is ready! Follow along as he navigates his new adventure.

Check it out: Dog Man: Grime and Punishment

33. Science Comics: The Digestive System: A Tour Through Your Guts

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Take a tour through your guts and learn about what is happening beneath your skin with this amazing informational book.

Related Post:  38 Best Reading Websites for Kids

Check it out: Science Comics: The Digestive System: A Tour Through Your Guts

34. My Little Brain!

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Picture books such as My Little Brain help kids retain important information by pairing information with vivid illustrations. Learn about the brain and its inter-workings with the help of this classic bookshelf addition.

Check it out: My Little Brain!

35. Stuart Little

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Stuart Little, a caring little mouse who is the son of a human family, embarks on his biggest adventure yet to rescue Margalo - a beautiful bird who becomes his best friend.

Check it out: Stuart Little

36. Pippi Longstocking

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Pippi Longstocking is the energetic and charismatic main character in this hilarious book. Pippi makes sure that whatever she is doing, she's doing it to the best of her ability and is excited to have you follow her journey in this fun read.

Check it out: Pippi Longstocking

37. The Secret of the Old Clock

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Famed teenage detective Nancy Drew discovers the secret of a clock in this gripping read.

Check it out: The Secret of the Old Clock

38. Ballet Shoes

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Three orphaned girls form an unbelievably special bond as they are raised together as sisters and discover their talents along the way.

Check it out: Ballet Shoes

39. The Adventures of Nanny Piggins

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Derrick, Samantha, and Michael, the 3 Green children, are in for a world of surprises when Nanny Piggins arrives on the scene!

Check it out: The Adventures of Nanny Piggins

40. Paddington Classic Adventures Box Set

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This box set of 3 classic stories will quickly become your 3rd grader's favorite books! Follow the adventures of a friendly brown bear from Peru as he arrives at Paddington station and is determined to make a life for himself in London!

Check it out: Paddington Classic Adventures Box Set

41. The Worst Class Trip Ever

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The worst class trip ever unfolds as an eighth-grade class takes a trip to Washington DC and everything goes wrong!

Check it out: The Worst Class Trip Ever

42. The Story of Doctor Dolittle

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Doctor Dolittle is an amazing veterinarian who can not only speak to animals but understand them as well.

Check it out: The Story of Doctor Dolittle

43. Summer of the Woods

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Adventure stories are some of the most popular stories of all time! Summer of the Woods is no different as two boys discover the mystery of a highly valuable coin collection that was stolen from a local Virginian museum many years ago.

Check it out: Summer of the Woods

44. Emily Windsnap and the Castle in the Mist

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Emily Windsnap meets a boy who shares her fate in the third installment of these fantasy stories!

Check it out: Emily Windsnap and the Castle in the Mist

45. Spy Ski School

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Ben isn't the best spy in the world, but he sure has been through a lot during his time as a sleuth!  Spy Ski School sees him become activated by the CIA and carry out an important mission.

Check it out: Spy Ski School

46. Ivy and Bean Get to Work!

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Ivy and Bean think they have their careers all figured out until along comes Herman the Treasure Hunter who gets them second-guessing!

Check it out: Ivy and Bean Get to Work!

47. Top-Secret, Personal Beeswax: A Journal

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Junie B Jones' top-secret journal is a compilation of Junie B's own personal diary entries and prompts readers to do some journaling of their own!

Check it out: Top-Secret, Personal Beeswax: A Journal

48. The Best of Iggy

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Iggy is the grades troublemaker, but will he be able to remain on his best behavior throughout the book - give The Best of Iggy a read and find out!

Check it out: The Best of Iggy

49. Wishypoofs and Hiccups: Zoey and Sassafras

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Cat and human friends,  Zoey and Sassafras, must find out why all of their friends are suddenly being transformed by magic before it's too late!

Check it out: Wishypoofs and Hiccups: Zoey and Sassafras

50. Billy Miller Makes a Wish

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Billy Miller makes a wish but is surprised to find out that it turns out to be something quite unexpected!

Related Post:  65 Great 1st Grade Books Every Child Should Read

Check it out: Billy Miller Makes a Wish

51. Unicorn Famous: Another Phoebe and Her Unicorn Adventure

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Phoebe Howell and her pet unicorn lead a unique life of luxury in this sweet book.

Check it out: Unicorn Famous: Another Phoebe and Her Unicorn Adventure

52. Dory Fantasmagory: Tiny Tough

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Dory Fantasmagory is one tough and tiny pirate! Dory embarks on a voyage to retrieve her sister's lost treasure and encounters some wildly imaginative creatures along the way.

Check it out: Dory Fantasmagory: Tiny Tough

53. Heidi Heckelbeck Has a Secret

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Heidi Heckelbeck is secretly a witch and has to carefully hide her powers from those around her, but it isn't always as easy as it seems!

Check it out: Heidi Heckelbeck Has a Secret

54. Franklin Endicott and the Third Key

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Franklin Endicott learns to control how easily he scares in this endearing read about mystery, friendship, and courage.

Check it out: Franklin Endicott and the Third Key

55. Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute

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The Lunch Lady takes on more than just cooking up sloppy joes for lunch in this action-packed book about a cyborg attack on the school!

Check it out: Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute

56. The Rock from the Sky

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This witty book is the perfect picture book for 3rd grade readers and follows a group of animals as they contemplate what to do with a rock that has fallen from the sky.

Check it out: The Rock from the Sky

57. The Nocturnals: The Mysterious Abductions

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A fox, pangolin, and sugar glider become the most unsuspecting group of friends and team up to learn more about mysterious abductions.

Check it out: The Nocturnals: The Mysterious Abductions

58. The Dragon Defenders

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The Dragon Defenders must courageously defend the mysterious creatures on their island as an impending invasion looms.

Check it out: The Dragon Defenders

59. Arty and The Forest of the Forsaken

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Arty and his friends must save the day as well as reclaim the Forest of the Forsaken in this thrilling fantasy tale when a wicked wizard threatens to take over!

Check it out: Arty and The Forest of the Forsaken

60. The Wondercurrent: Rella PenSword and the Red Notebooks

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Wondercurrent is about a brave young girl who must save the enchanted refuge of Hleo and its protective wondercurrent whilst on a quest to uncover the truth about her parents.

Check it out: The Wondercurrent: Rella Pensword and the Red Notebooks

61. The Wishing Stone: #1 Dangerous Dinosaur

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Spencer's life changes forever after he's approached by an unknown cowboy who gives him a small white stone which turns out to be a fantasy wishing stone!

Check it out: The Wishing Stone: #1 Dangerous Dinosaur

62. Scaredy Bat and the Frozen Vampires

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Ellie Spark is a scared 6th grade vampire who has a dream of becoming a detective; but will her phobias stop her from fulfilling her role as a sleuth?

Check it out: Scaredy Bat and the Frozen Vampires

63. The Treasure of the Lost Mine

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The 5 Wright brothers are in for the ride of their life after discovering an abandoned coal mine!

Check it out: The Treasure of the Lost Mine

64. The Secret Explorers and the Lost Whales

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Explore the seven seas with this clever group of kid-explorers who help locate a group of lost humpback whales.

Check it out: The Secret Explorers and the Lost Whales

65. My Weird School #1: Miss Daisy Is Crazy!

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Miss Daisy is in for a tricky year ahead as she discovers that she doesn't know how to perform simple mathematical sums that require her to add or subtract!

Check it out: My Weird School #1: Miss Daisy Is Crazy!

Help your 3rd graders develop their reading abilities and become independent readers in no time. Independent reading can be fostered with the help of our exciting 3rd grade book collection and by encouraging learners to make time for reading outside of the walls of your classroom.

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Category: Classroom IdeasTag: Reading

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