Habitual reading at the 4th grade level helps students be creative and imaginative. The acquisition of this skill is life-changing and prompts students to ask questions as they read and discover more about the world around them. Our list of engaging 4th grade books will help turn reluctant readers into advanced readers in no time.
1. The Girl Who Drank the Moon
Xan, guardian of the forest and deliver of babies, accidentally feeds a newborn moonlight instead of starlight. She decides to raise this magical baby as her own instead of delivering her to a human home. As baby Luna's 13th birthday approaches, her powers begin to present.
Check it out: The Girl Who Drank the Moon
2. The Chocolate Touch
In this classic 4th grade book, King Midas is gifted with a magical ability that turns everything his lips touch into chocolate.
Check it out: The Chocolate Touch
3. Fantastic Mr. Fox
Fantastic Mr. Fox devises a quick plan of escape after he is captured for stealing from the farms surrounding his burrow.
Check it out: Fantastic Mr. Fox
4. The World According to Humphrey
Humphrey the hamster, everyone's favorite class pet, soon becomes one of the top pupils of the class as he learns to read and write and play tricks on his human classmates.
Check it out: The World According to Humphrey
5. The Mouse with the Question Mark Tail
This adventurous journey revolves around a mouse on a mission who seeks out Queen Victoria to learn more about his past and who he is today.
Check it out: The Mouse with the Question Mark Tail
6. The Bookwanderers
Explore the magic wonders of a bound world. This is an imaginative story about all the places books can transport you to.
Check it out: The Bookwanderers
7. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
Fudge is up to no good and his older brother, Peter, has finally had enough! Peter is determined to catch Fudge in the middle of an act and expose his mischievous ways.
Check it out: Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
8. The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy
Get ready to experience the best summer ever as the Penderwick children adventure on a beautiful estate in Massachusetts.
Check it out: The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy
9. The First Rule of Punk
Malú fights for the right to express herself and isn't afraid to stand out from the crowd in this 4th grade coming-of-age story.
Check it out: The First Rule of Punk
10. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
Young Minli is inspired after hearing her father's folk tales of the man in the moon and departs from her valley home, on an epic journey to find him.
Check it out: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
11. James and the Giant Peach
Orphan James is about to get the shock of his life after leaving crystals by his aunt's old peach tree and strange things quickly start to occur.
Check it out: James and the Giant Peach
12. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
This classic story by C.S. Lewis reveals a fantasy world located inside an old wardrobe and changes 4 young kids' lives forever!
Check it out: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
13. Magic Tree House Boxed Set
The Magic Tree House box set is a beautiful collection of 28 thrilling adventure books that allow you to enjoy incredible tales set in different lands.
Check it out: Magic Tree House Boxed Set
14. Holes by Louis Sachar
Stanley Yelnats is wrongfully banished to a detention center where he is instructed to dig holes at Camp Green Lake. Stanley soon realizes that the head warden is searching for something and is determined that he and his fellow inmates must find it before the warden does.
Check it out: Holes by Louis Sachar
15. The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Unlock the mystery of Hugo Cabret as his path suddenly crosses with a spritely young girl in the Paris train station.
Check it out: The Invention of Hugo Cabret
16. Wish by Barbara O'Connor
Find the meaning of family and sacrifice housed within the spine of this heart-warming read. A young girl has made the same wish day after day since she was small, but is just waiting for the day it comes true!
Check it out: Wish by Barbara O'Connor
17. Dog Diaries: A Middle School Story
Middle school student Rafe is in for the ride of his life as he starts training his sneaky dog in this hilarious book written from a dog's perspective.
Check it out: Dog Diaries: A Middle School Story
18. The Rhino in Right Field
A young immigrant boy named Nick aims to make his baseball dreams come true, but must first contend with his strict parents and the rhino on the right field!
Check it out: The Rhino in Right Field
19. Caterpillar Summer
This gripping book is about an amazing girl, her brother with special needs, and their unforgettable and life-changing summer together.
Check it out: Caterpillar Summer
20. Here in the Real World
Introverted Ware is signed up to attend Rec camp by his well-intentioned parents. Ware and a girl named Jolene start bunking camp activities in order to build a fun dream world of their own.
Check it out: Here in the Real World
21. Matilda
Matilda is a remarkable girl who is tired of being bullied by her family and headmistress. When she suddenly acquires magical powers, it's no surprise that she quickly finds the courage to stand up for herself.
Check it out: Matilda
22. Rocket to the Moon!
Unveil what all goes into building a rocket with this historical fiction book based on a true story.
Check it out: Rocket to the Moon!
23. Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster
This story follows a girl and her monster who are city outcasts and adventure through life together.
Check it out: Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster
24. The Bridge Home
The Bridge Home will soon become your favorite book! This heartwarming tale follows the journey of 4 abandoned children in their quest to build a life and home for themselves.
Check it out: The Bridge Home
25. When Stars Are Scattered
Be exposed to life inside a Kenyan refugee camp as two inspirational brothers lead the charge in this award-winning novel.
Check it out: When Stars Are Scattered
26. Some Places More Than Others
Discovering your roots and finding your place in the world isn't always easy. Some Places More Than Others is a beautiful read that sees the main character, Amara, learn to love her background.
Check it out: Some Places More Than Others
27. All the Impossible Things
A tender-hearted foster care girl learns to navigate all the impossible things placed in her path in this compelling fiction book.
Check it out: All the Impossible Things
28. Lemons by Melissa Savage
Lemonade Liberty Witt tries to make the most of moving to a new town, but it isn't as easy as it seems.
Check it out: Lemons by Melissa Savage
29. The Girl Who Rode the Wind
Lola is swept away to Siena for the Summer by her loving grandmother. During this trip, she discovers the unbreakable bond between a horse and its rider and learns more about her mysterious family history.
Check it out: The Girl Who Rode the Wind
30. El Deafo by Cece Bell
Cece, a lonely young girl, has impaired hearing and has to use a hearing aid. She soon discovers that she has the power to hear her teacher anywhere in the school and is hoping to use her newly acquired power to attract a good base of friends.
Check it out: El Deafo by Cece Bell
31. Emily Windsnap and the Monster from the Deep
Be enchanted as Emily Windsnap discovers an ocean monster lurking in the deep waters in this 4th grade level story.
Check it out: Emily Windsnap and the Monster from the Deep
32. The Ickabog
Accompany Bert and Daisy on their awesome adventure to discover the truth about a creature named Ickabog who lives in the forest.
Check it out: The Ickabog
33. Girl's Best Friend
Maggie Brooklyn Sinclair is on the hunt for a neighborhood dog-napper. Will she be able to discover who it is before her very own pup is stolen?
Check it out: Girl's Best Friend
34. Inside Out and Back Again
This moving book is based on the true account of a refugee family's move from Vietnam to Alabama after the Vietnam War.
Check it out: Inside Out and Back Again
35. Fourth Grade Fairy
Willow Doyle is a 4th grade fairy who wants nothing more than to be normal. When she's afforded the opportunity to attend her neighborhood middle school, will it be everything she's dreamed of?
Check it out: Fourth Grade Fairy
36. Boys Are Dogs
After learning that she can train her new puppy, Annabelle wonders if she can train her 6th grade friends in the same way!
Check it out: Boys Are Dogs
37. Just Me. Morley
Morley Star is an inspirational go-getter who does everything she can think of to help her family improve their financial situation. In this addition to the Morley Stories Series, Morley hopes to adopt a cat.
Check it out: Just Me. Morley
38. Who's Afraid of Fourth Grade?
Katie Kazoo has dreamed of starting fourth grade, but after a couple of days isn't too sure if she's such a fan of this new grade after all.
Check it out: Who's Afraid of Fourth Grade?
39. Surfside Girls: The Secret of Danger Point
Enjoy the summer adventure of the Surfside Girls as they discover a secret underwater cave and some pretty spooky things within its walls.
Check it out: Surfside Girls: The Secret of Danger Point
40. Case Closed #1: Mystery in the Mansion
Carlos takes on a mystery case that could save his mom's career, but will he be a successful sleuth and solve the mystery in the mansion?
Check it out: Case Closed #1: Mystery in the Mansion
41. Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise
Follow Coyote on her 3,600-mile drive back to Washington state and be a part of all the adventures along the way!
Check it out: Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise
42. The Secret Zoo
Inquisitive adventurers soon discover that there is far more to their town's zoo than what first meets the eye. Explore the mysterious world of the secret zoo and all that it has to offer.
Check it now: The Secret Zoo
43. Selah's Sweet Dream
Selah, a young girl, rescues a horse and dreams of becoming a famed equestrian in this book by Susan Count.
Check it out: Selah's Sweet Dream
44. Becoming Brianna
Becoming Brianna is about a young girl's journey through middle school and the lead-up to a big day- her bar mitzvah.
Check it out: Becoming Brianna
45. It's Alive: From Neurons and Narwhals to the Fungus Among Us
This fun fact book exposes 4th graders to new information about the world around them. Find answers to the strangest and most interesting things with It's Alive - a fun and factual illustrated book!
Check it now: It's Alive: From Neurons and Narwhals to the Fungus Among Us
46. The Trumpet of the Swan
Louis the swan desires the affection of beautiful Serena and even learns to play a brass trumpet in the hopes of attracting her attention.
Check it out: The Trumpet of the Swan
47. Bridge to Terabithia
Jess and friend Leslie's imaginations run wild as they create their own magical kingdom known as Terabithia.
Check it out: Bridge to Terabithia
48. Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins is a rather unusual nanny, but arrives at number 17 Cherry Tree Lane and changes the lives of the Banks children forever.
Check it out: Mary Poppins
49. The Adventures of Robin Hood
One of the most classic stories of all time. Robin Hood adventures through the forest with his champion band of misfit friends.
Check it out: The Adventures of Robin Hood
50. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library
Kyle Keeley and his friends have to use clues to solve the complex puzzle of how to escape the newly built library. Mr. Lemoncello, a genius inventor and game maker, designed the library so it's sure to be no easy challenge!
Check it out: Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library
51. There's A Boy in the Girls' Bathroom
Bradley Chalkers is the most hated kid in 5th grade, but can his new school counselor help Bradley be better and help his peers enjoy his company. Read There's A Boy in the Girls' Bathroom to find out.
Check it out: There's A Boy in the Girls' Bathroom
52. When You Trap a Tiger
Lily makes a deal with a tiger to help heal her sick grandmother, but must be careful as, in the long run, deals with tigers aren't always as clearcut as they may first seem!
Check it out: When You Trap a Tiger
53. Where the Red Fern Grows
Billy's esteemed hunting team encounters a trying tragedy in the town and must work together to courageously face the future.
Check it now: Where the Red Fern Grows
54. Up the Creek!
Up the Creek is a tale of 4 friends who go canoeing up the creek only to be faced with the most exhilarating experience of their lives!
Check it out: Up the Creek!
55. Journey to Zentobia
Brother and sister, Maggie and Peter, discover a rainbow portal to an alternative world, called Zentopia, where they are entrusted with preserving its fate.
Check it now: Journey to Zentobia
56. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
Tristan Strong encounters the battle of his life in this epic adventure tale about trying to retrieve his best friend's journal after it was stolen.
Check it now: Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
57. The Island of Lost Horses
The Island of Lost Horses is a thrilling read about two girls' jungle discovery and how their lives will remain forever changed!
Check it out: The Island of Lost Horses
58. The Baby-Sitters Club: Logan Likes Mary Anne!
Will Logan join Mary Anne and the gang as part of the Baby-Sitters Club or will Mary Anne and Logan become more than just friends? Find out in the new BSC book - Logan Likes Mary Anne!
Check it out: The Baby-Sitters Club: Logan Likes Mary Anne!
59. Has Anyone Seen Jessica Jenkins?
Jessica Jenkins suddenly discovers that she has the power to disappear and goes on to form a group with other super-powered kids in her class! You'll love this fantasy tale by Liz Kessler!
Check it out: Has Anyone Seen Jessica Jenkins?
60. Born Curious: 20 Girls Who Grew Up to Be Awesome Scientists
Born Curious inspires young girls to dream big and be curious by exposing them to the amazing biographies of 20 female scientists.
Check it out: Born Curious: 20 Girls Who Grew Up to Be Awesome Scientists
61. Hannah Saves the World
It's up to Hannah to save the world, but this detective scientist may not be able to figure out why, in time!
Check it out: Hannah Saves the World
62. Whatever After: Spill the Beans
Whatever After: Spill the Beans is a hilarious take on the classic tale of Jack and the beanstalk.
Check it out: Whatever After: Spill the Beans
63. Wings of Fire: The Hive Queen
Cricket the dragon faces a tough mission in trying to reveal the Queen's secret whilst trying to remain undetected.
Check it out: Wings of Fire: The Hive Queen
64. North of Nowhere
North of Nowhere is a tale of granddaughter Mia's discoveries in uncovering more about the sudden disappearance of her beloved grandfather.
Check it out: North of Nowhere
65. Never Girls: The Space Between
The Never Girls journey home is scattered with unanswered questions and the team must work together to navigate the space between worlds.
Check it out: Never Girls: The Space Between
Reading should be encouraged as much as possible in the 4th grade. Students who regularly engage with books at this level are going far in enhancing their potential for later success. Students at this age should be prompted to read in order to further their pre-existent knowledge of the world.
65 Thrilling 3rd Grade Books Every Child Should Read
