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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Check it out: The One and Only Ivan
16. Just Grace
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Take a tour through your guts and learn about what is happening beneath your skin with this amazing informational book.
Check it out: Science Comics: The Digestive System: A Tour Through Your Guts
34. My Little Brain!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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
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
Billy Miller makes a wish but is surprised to find out that it turns out to be something quite unexpected!
Check it out: Billy Miller Makes a Wish
51. Unicorn Famous: Another Phoebe and Her Unicorn Adventure
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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.
65 Spectacular 2nd Grade Books Every Child Should Read
