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THIRD grade books
In third grade heartwarming classics and more challenging chapter books take center stage as reading skills reach new heights. The books found here include some of my favorites for sharing with ages 8-9.
Graphic novels and nonfiction are great options for reluctant readers or those who need a high-interest subject to reel them in. The picture books below can be shared as a classroom read-aloud or enjoyed independently.
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chapter books for THIRD graders
Magic in the Mix by Annie Barrows
Twins Miri and Molly go on a time-traveling adventure due to their magical house.
The Lemonade War by Jaqueline Davies
Two siblings go to war with their dueling lemonade stands.
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
Despereaux the mouse loves music, stories, and a Princess named Pea, but is that enough to be a hero?
Calpurnia Tate Girl Vet: Skunked! by Jacqueline Kelly
Calpurnia and her little brother attempt to nurse back to life an abandoned baby skunk while keeping him a secret from their mother.
Dragon Slayer's Academy: The New Kid at School by Kate McMullan
How do you become a dragon slaying hero when you can’t even stand the sight of blood?
Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
Humorous stories from a classroom on the thirtieth floor of a school accidentally built sideways.
The Time Warp Trio: Summer Reading is Killing Me! by Jon Scieszka
Joe, Sam, and Fred are trapped inside their summer reading list, battling well-known children’s book characters.
Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson
Ryan sees the best in people and does what she can to be positive among changes at home and in preparation for the school talent show.
Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom by Eric Wight
Frankie's latest adventure persuades him that his room really is too messy.
Charlotte's Web by E. B. White
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
3rd Grade Graphic Novels
Giants Beware! by Jorge Aguirre
Claudette sets out to become a giant slayer, but can she pull it off before her parents find out she’s gone?
Gabby & Gator by James Burks
They don’t fit in with their own kind, but find acceptance in each other.
The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Evil Penguin Plan by Maxwell Eaton III
Ace and Bub’s tropical island is threatened by penguins hoping to freeze their paradise.
The Glorkian Warrior Delivers a Pizza by James Kochalka
The Glorkian Warrior and his talking backpack deliver a clams and peanut butter pizza.
Mr. Pants: Camping Catastrophe! by Scott McCormick
Mr. Pants and his sisters test their survival skills in their hilarious 4th book.
Babymouse Goes for the Gold by Jennifer L. Holm
Will hard work and determination earn Babymouse a gold medal in swimming?
3rd Grade Nonfiction
nonfiction for THIRD graders
An American Story by Kwame Alexander (306.3)
An honest and hopeful introduction to American slavery.
Separate is Never Equal by Duncan Tonatiuh (379.263)
An American citizen of Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage and her parents helped end segregation in California.
Sarah Gives Thanks by Mike Allegra (394.264)
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 (398.2)
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)
Learn about the life-cycle and hunting habits of these awesome creatures.
Trombone Shorty by Troy Andrews (921)
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 (921)
An introduction to the impressive life of a determined woman.
The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus by Jen Bryant (921)
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 Sisson (921)
Learn about the curious boy who brought the cosmos into homes across America.
3rd Grade Picture Books
picture books for THIRD graders
I Yam a Donkey! by Cece Bell
Sloppy pronunciation and poor grammar causes misunderstanding and giggles.
I'm Sorry You Got Mad by Kyle Lukoff
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
In 1914, a veterinarian on his was to tend horses in World War I rescues a baby bear and the rest is literary history.
The Real Dada Mother Goose by Jon Scieszka
Classic nursery rhymes reimagined with nonsense and fun.
How I Learned Geography by Uri Shulevitz
A young boy explores his father's world map to escapes the realities of refugee life.
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