60 Best 3rd Grade Books in a Series

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What are the best 3rd grade books in a series for 8 year olds? Here are good book series that are just right for third graders and that they’ll LOVE to read.

As young readers gain more confidence and independence, they’ll be interested in books about real life (true stories), finding a good informational book about a topic of interest, reading book series like the ones on this list, binging favorite best selling books like Dog Man, and may start noticing books that are award winning books.

Often by 3rd grade, some students become reluctant readers for a variety of reasons — technology could be interfering, or a learning difference might need to be addressed. I urge you to do everything you can to find solutions and answers — because the longer a young reader goes without success or efficacy, the harder it is to reengage these 3rd grade readers with reading.

(For those of you not in the U.S., third grade is generally about 8 years old.)

3rd grade books in a series

–> ALL book recommendations for 8-year-olds (3rd graders) here.

SHOP this booklist.

3rd Grade Books in a Series (Kids Will Love to Read)

Katie the Catsitter by Colleen AF Venable, illustrated by Stephanie Yue
ADVENTURE GRAPHIC NOVEL
Katie desperately wants to join her friends at their summer camp to earn money, she gets a job for her neighbor Madeline catsitting 217 super-smart cats with destructive behaviors and powerful abilities. Then she discovers that her neighbor might be the supervillain, Moustress. Then, when the Moustress gets captured, Katie decides she and the cats must save their friend.

Sparks by Ian Boothby, illustrated by Nina Matsumoto
SUPERHERO
After escaping the evil laboratory, cats August and Charlie help others in a “Super Dog” dog disguise. But their evil scientist nemesis, a diaper-wearing baby named Princess, will stop at nothing to recapture the escaped cats…and conquer the entire world. Filled with adventure, friendship, and humor!

Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott, illustrated by Geneva B
FANTASY
Jax is a young boy staying with an irascible old lady named Ma who helps magical animals travel between worlds. In this case, three dragons. She accidentally travels back in time instead of to the world of magic, and gets stuck there. Now it’s up to Jax to rescue Ma and deliver the dragons to where they belong. But one of the dragons is missing!

Cat Kid Comic Club by Dav Pilkey
HUMOR
I adore this book about encouraging kids to write comics! Plus, it’s totally hilarious. Cat Kid teaches a class for the tadpoles about making their own comic books…which doesn’t go well until the tadpoles get excited about failure and get started writing and drawing. If you like a lot of silliness (including potty humor) with great messages about writing, creativity, and persistence, read this book next.

Dragon Kindom of Wrenly: The Coldfire Curse by Jordan Quinn
FANTASY
When Cinder’s father crashes, it’s clear that he’s sick from the dreaded “cold curse” so Cinder must ask the king for help. Cinder meets a red dragon named Ruskin, the pet of the human king. Cinder, Ruskin, and their friend Groth travel to the fairies in order to get the ingredients to cure the curse. It’s a fast-paced and excellent story with a hook that will keep you reading the series!

Pizazz by Sophy Henn
SUPERHERO
Not only is Pizazz embarrassed by her name, but she’s also embarrassed about her superpower. Pizazz grumbles that her superhero duties of saving the world are inconvenient. At school, she is assigned the job of eco-monitor, which she doesn’t like until a classmate helps her see that they might be able to save the park…without superhero powers. 100% fun, relatable, and entertaining.

Love Puppies: Best Friends Furever by JaNay Brown Wood
MAGICAL REALISM
The magical Crystal Bone calls the pups to help a lonely girl named Meiko. The Love Puppies plan turns to disaster. How will the puppies accomplish their mission? Warmhearted and sweet, you’ll love these caring puppies and the kids they help. I know this book series will be a hit with 2nd and 3rd graders!

P.I. Butterfly Gone Guppy Case #1 by Karen Kilpatrick, illustrated by German Blanco (GRAPHIC NOVEL)
MYSTERY
Fabulous, funny, and entertaining! P.I. Butterfly is a girl who loves butterflies and mysteries. When she discovers the family guppy is missing from the fish bowl, she’s determined to discover what happened. But who did it? Was it her sister? Her mother? Her cat? She searches for clues and interviews suspects. She puts together the evidence, follows the trail of clues, and tries to get a confession–and with hard work and persistence, solves the case! Not only is this a delightful story, but it’s filled with problem-solving, critical thinking, and deductive reasoning.

Legends of Lotus Island: The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Kevin Hong
FANTASY
Plum loves the garden worms and plants where she lives with her grandparents. Even so, she’s thrilled with the opportunity to go to a Guardian school where she hopes she’ll turn into a Guardian to protect the natural world. At the Guardian Academy, Plum struggles to focus; she worries that she’ll never get her animal bond like the other students. But she learns how to fight and talk to animals, and hopes she can prove herself. Readers will love the cool world-building, the captivating illustrations, and the engaging story!

Bad Kitty Supercat by Nick Bruel 
HUMOR GRAPHIC NOVEL
Bad Kitty’s owner tells Bad Kitty to get off screens and play with some other cats. But Bad Kitty isn’t happy about having playdates. Eventually, Playdate Candidate #4 (Strange Kitty) brings imagination and comic books and Strange Kitty helps Bad Kitty find his superhero persona –just in time to meet the supervillain! Playful, imaginative, and hilarious–this is my new favorite Bad Kitty book and his first graphic novel.

Book Series 3rd Graders Love to ReadA to Z Mysteries: The Absent Author by Ron Roy
MYSTERY
The A to Z Mysteries books are the best! None of the books need to be read in any particular order, each has a self-contained mystery. (I think my kids read most of the books in this series more than once; they are that good.) In this story, the famous writer coming to the bookstore doesn’t show up. Dink and his friends Josh and Ruth Rose must find out what happened to the missing author. Box set here.

Reading Journal for Kids

102 pages of fun!

Write reviews for books! Draw, imagine, and write more about the books you read. This is a wonderful journal to get kids excited about what they read!

Mythics: Marina and the Kraken written by Lauren Magaziner, illustrated by Mirelle Ortega
FANTASY
What an exciting start to what is sure to be a smash-hit series of adventure, girl power, and mythical creatures! When Marina doesn’t get matched with a familiar like the other kids, she and four other 10-year-old girls discover their familiars aren’t everyday animals but mythical creatures and together, they’re destined to save Terrafamiliar. The girls start their search by boat to look for Marian’s familiar. But they’re chased by a golden jumpsuit lady who wants to steal their mythical powers. As they evade their pursuer, Marina discovers that her familiar is a kraken– a kraken who accidentally capsizes their ship. Now she and her kraken must save her friends from drowning and escape the sinister lady.

book series for 3rd graders Class Critters

Tally Tuttle Turns into a Turtle by Kathryn Holmes
REALISTICish
Tally’s nervous about her new school and when the other students make fun of her name, she wants to hide in a shell. That’s when it happens--she turns into a turtle! As a turtle, Tally meets helpful and kind animals who help her see that if she can make friends with them, she can make friends with people, too. When she decides she’s ready to be a girl again, she transforms back into a kid.

Book Series 3rd Graders Love to Read
Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel
FUNNY BOOK
In a word: hilarious. Kids think Bad Kitty is very naughty but, oh so funny. These books are addictive to read and fun to reread. Illustrated with minimal text on every page. Bad Kitty has an attitude. She makes life difficult for her owner, Uncle Murry, puppy, and so on and so forth. Boxed set here.

Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
HUMOR / GRAPHIC NOVEL
The Zita books rock — they’re full of adventure, humor, and fantastic characters!! Zita is a young girl who is a courageous, problem-solving heroine who accidentally gets stuck in space while trying to save her friend from kidnappers and save the universe.

Dragonbreath by Ursula Vernon
FANTASY
Hysterical! I couldn’t stop laughing! This is a fantastic chapter book series for 3rd grade kids about Danny Dragonbreath and the crazy adventures he has with his friends. Boxed Set HERE.

Ninja Kid: From Nerd to Ninja by Anh Do
SUPERHERO
Nelson is a nerdy and likable main character who wakes up on his 10th birthday with perfect vision and… ninja moves! (How cool is that?) His mum and grandma explain that, like his missing fisherman dad before him, Nelson is the LAST ninja in the world — and he’s destined to SAVE the world. Action-packed, funny, appealing illustrations, and likable characters, this book has it all. You won’t want to stop with book one either because there’s a bit of a cliffhanger…

Cat Ninja by Matthew Cody, illustrated by Yehudi Mercado
SUPERHERO
At night, this pet turns into Cat Ninja, Metro City’s protector! His nemesis is Leon’s sister’s evil hamster, Master Hamster. Learn the Cat Ninja’s origin story, then follow his perilous, exciting, and humorous adventures! This graphic novel will appeal to reluctant readers.

Into the Game (Minecraft Woodsword Chronicles) by Nick Eliopulos
MINECRAFT
First in one of the BEST Minecraft book series published, this adventure follows five players who are transported inside the game– and it’s real! They’ll have to use all their survival and problem-solving skills to stay alive. BOXED SET of Books 1 – 4 HERE.

Ivy Lost and Found by Cynthia Lord, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin
REALISTIC
An old doll gets a new life as a book buddy! Ivy’s been in the attic for years until her girl, now an adult, donates Ivy to the Book Buddy’s shelf at the library. That’s when a lonely girl named Fern borrows Ivy. Fern is visiting her dad and his new family, and she needs a friend like Ivy. Then, when Ivy gets left outside in the rain, she has a surprise adventure of her own and makes friends with two other Book Buddies. Eventually, Fern feels better about her new blended family and returns her to the library.


Who Would Win? Whale vs. Giant Squid
by Jerry Pallotta, illustrated by Rob Bolster
NONFICTION
Teachers say that their 3rd grade students can’t get enough of the Who Would Win? books. This particular title pits two ocean carnivores against each other. First, you’ll learn facts about a sperm whale, then you’ll learn about the giant squid. Finally, read what happens when these two creatures face-off.  Can you predict who will win? See all the addicting informational books in the Who Would Win series.


Unicorn Academy: Sophia and Rainbow
by Julie Skyes, illustrated by Lucy Truman
UNICORNS
Well-written and charming, this unicorn book series is sure to entrance many young readers. In this story, Sophia arrives at Unicorn Academy and is paired with the lovely Rainbow. But, she feels guilty for making a new friend and leaving her best pony, Clover, back at home. On top of that, the unicorns’ magic is wonky because the lake is being poisoned. When someone accuses Sophia, she and her new friends decide to investigate.

Whatever After by Sarah Mlynowski
FANTASY / HUMOR
Once upon a time, a regular girl and her brother accidentally are transported into a fairy tale story. And mess it all up. (Whoops.) Now they have to fix the story before the ending gets changed. My kids and I love all the books in this series!

book series for 4th grade
Dog Man by Dav Pinkey
GRAPHIC NOVEL / HUMOR
Weird. Quirky. Funny. I think all three describe this new graphic novel from the creator of Captain Underpants. In the first story, a police officer and a dog are joined together — the top from the dog, the bottom from the officer to make: Dog Man. Dog Man solves crimes and has adventures, the likes of which will entertain 8-year-old readers for hours.

First Cat in Space by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Shawn Harris (GRAPHIC NOVEL)
FUNNY
Absurdly hysterical, this is a bizarrely perfect adventure in space! When rats eat a slice of the moon, the world’s leaders send their secret weapon– a cat and a stowaway toenail-clipping robot. The two adventurers travel to the moon where they meet the Queen of Moonopolis. Their journey is bizarre and hilarious. But the spaceship’s computer joins the Rat King’s evil side, and when the heroes arrive at the Rat King’s, they GET CAPTURED. Don’t worry– somehow they’ll escape. Right?

Reading Journal for Kids

102 pages of fun!

Write reviews for books! Draw, imagine, and write more about the books you read. This is a wonderful journal to get kids excited about what they read!

Get to Work, Hercules! (Myth-O-Mania)  by Kate McMullanHUMOR / MYTHOLOGY
Hades narrates the “TRUE” stories of the Greek Myths with panache and humor. Apparently, his younger brother Zeus is a big fat liar and edited all the myths to make himself look good. In this updated myth, Hades watches over his young, not-too-smart nephew, Hercules, whom Hera has it out for. Your kids are going to LOVE these books! My library can’t keep them on the shelves.

Book Series 3rd Graders Love to Read
My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish by Mo O’Hara
HUMOR
Hysterical and totally believable, right? Find out what happens if your goldfish dies and you bring him back to life. Only you messed it up and your goldfish becomes a zombie that can mesmerize you with his powerful eyes, making you do anything he wants. Aaaah!

Book Series 3rd Graders Love to ReadI Survived by Lauren Tarshis
HISTORICAL FICTION
Your kids will zip through these short, fast-paced adventures. The I Survived stories always are about a young person trying to survive the historically important, life-changing event such as the Titanic, Hurricane Katrina, Pearl Harbor, Nazi Invasion, and the Hindenburg crash. You’ll probably want to get a box set so your kids can immerse themselves in this excellent series.

Book Series 3rd Graders Love to Read third grade book series
The Haunted Library by Dori Hillestad Butler
MYSTERY
My 3rd-grade daughter and I loved this entertaining mystery series about a boy ghost, Kaz, who is blown away from his family and into a new haunt — a library. In this first story, he and his new friend, Claire, decide to be detectives. They want to discover the secret of the other ghost haunting the library plus find his missing family.

Book Series 3rd Graders Love to Read third grade book series
Hamster Princess: Harriet the Invincible
 by Ursula Vernon
FRACTURED FAIRY TALE
Princess Harriet is the COOLEST heroine in this Sleeping Beauty 2.0. She’s thrilled to know she’ll fall into a deep sleep when she’s twelve because that means she can do anything crazy and dangerous without dying. In fact, she searches out danger and the results are hilariously entertaining. The other books in this fairy tale series with a twist series are just as remarkable. You’ll love the quirky humor.

Book Series 3rd Graders Love to Read third grade book series
Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
HUMOR
Get ready to laugh along with these charming young friends who won’t stop until they find the best way to solve their perplexing troubles, no matter how many ideas they must try. A fantastic series for third graders. Boxed Set HERE.

Book Series 3rd Graders Love to Read
Big Nate
 by Lincoln Peirce
HUMOR
The funny plots are about Nate’s life at home and school are totally relatable to any kid, especially boys. Some, like this one, are written in a combo of text and comics while others are straight graphic novels like Big Nate Welcome to My World. Box set here.

BEST BOOK SERIES FOR 3RD GRADERSDolphin Rescue (Animal Planet Adventures #1) by Catherine Nichols
MYSTERY
Siblings Maddie and Atticus can’t figure out who is dumping trash everywhere. And when they rescue a baby dolphin entangled in trash, they know they must get to the bottom of this mystery. Full-color photographs with information about dolphins, marine life, and more add in bonus nonfiction information for readers.

Book Series 3rd Graders Love to ReadDoodle Adventures: The Search for Slimy Space Slugs! by Mike Lowery
INTERACTIVE SCI-FI
These books invite YOU the reader to help solve the mysteries with your own bravery, heroism, and imaginative drawing. Yes, drawing. For example, in this story, you’ll make sure (by drawing) that you’ve got a spacesuit, you’ve packed everything you need to bring, the rocket design is perfect plus has some silly (bandages!?) extras, and lots more as the adventure ensues. It may sound contrived but it’s a fun, engaging adventure that any kid, artist or not, will love. And there is MORE in the series! Also read: The Pursuit of the Pesky Pizza Pirate! and The Rise of Rusty-Robo-Cat!.


Trapped in a Video Game
by Dustin Brady, illustrated by Brady Jessee
SCI-FI
Gamers and nongamers alike who love exciting and dangerous stories won’t want to miss this excellent series. Jesse’s friend gets an early release of a video game — and it sucks in both boys. They’re literally trapped. Inside the game, they meet a classmate who has been missing for weeks, now a grown-up man in the game. Because there’s no way out.

Book Series 3rd Graders Love to Read
The Year of the Book  by Andrea Chang
REALISTIC
Growing up is challenging and in the first novel, The Year of the Book, Anna turns to books for company while she learns how to make friendships in real life. The subsequent books in the series are just as realistic and well-written. I highly recommend them & love the diversity of the main character.

good book series for 3rd gradersJada Jones Rock Star by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton
REALISTIC / STEM
Jada starts the school year hoping to find new friends, hopefully, ones that love rocks like she does. She misses her best friend but feels excited when her class studies geology. Unfortunately, one bossy girl in Jada’s group project makes fun of Jada’s interest in rocks. This is a well-written STEM story that shows the challenges of getting along with others and staying true to yourself.

Nonfiction Books for 9 Year Olds (4th Grade)
Little Guides to Great Lives Nelson Mandela
by Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Hannah Warren
BIOGRAPHY
This is another new biography series that I highly recommend for elementary-age readers. Written like a narrative story, these little books are fast-paced and informative. This particular title is about one of the world’s most admired activists and leaders, Nelson Mandela. Little Guides to Great Lives series contain perfect text to picture ratio, captivating illustrations, informative content, and just-right pacing. Plus, they’re very well-written.

book series for 3rd graders
Franny K. Stein
 
by Jim Benton
HUMOR / SCI-FI
Franny is not a normal kid but a mad scientist. We love these stories that are wacky and laugh-out-loud funny sharing the many unfortunate antics of Franny.

funny hilarious chapter books for children Diary of a Minecraft Zombie Book 1: A Scare of a Dare by Herobrine Books
SCI-FI
Short sentences with witty observations on life from the perspective of a Minecraft zombie will crack you up. These diaries are entertaining, funny reads. Nothing scary and perfect for any Minecraft enthusiasts. 

Two-Headed Chicken by Tom Angleberger 
Hilarious!! If you like wacky, bizarre humor, then this is your next favorite read. This is a story about the multiverse in which you are a two-headed chicken being chased by a moose…and it’s probably one of the top five funniest books I’ve ever read. (And I’ve read a lot of books.) Add in funny quizzes, a fish with deep feelings, and lawyers…Needless to say, I laughed out loud throughout this funny book, perfect for kids in 2nd3rd, or 4th grade.

Book Series 3rd Graders Love to ReadStar Wars Jedi Academy by Jeffrey Brown
SCI-FI / HUMOR
Engaging from the first page, this is a relatable (and funny) graphic novel adventure story about a young boy, Roan, who dreams of becoming a pilot . . . but gets into Jedi school instead. He’s the oldest new student because the other kids started long before he did. Roan has ups and downs, as one does at a new school, but finds his place at the school with new friends.

Ada Lace is On the Case by Emily Calandrelli with Tamson Weston, illustrated by Renee Kurilla
MYSTERY / STEM
Ada moves to a new neighborhood where she observes everything that happens out her window. She and a new friend notice a distraught neighbor whose dog is missing and they determine to solve the mystery. Along with another neighbor boy, they use science and technology to solve the mystery of the missing dog.

Best Books for 8 Year Olds (3rd Grade) The Bad Guys #1 by Aaron Blabey
Bad Guys is a hysterical book and a favorite series for many boys especially. Mr. Wolf invites other bad guys to a meeting in hopes they will join him in being good. Lots of drawings and minimal text make this a sure bet for beginning readers who like irony and humor. (Note: If you don’t like potty humor, this is not the book for you. I will admit, after a few books, I was DONE with it.)

Book Series 3rd Graders Love to Read
Sideways Stories from Wayside School
 by Louis Sachar
HUMOR
Old school humor at its best! These goofy books describe a wacky school with crazy teachers and even crazier events. Be ready to laugh.

Mrs. Frogbottom’s Field Trips I Want My Mummy by Nancy Krulik
HISTORY
Welcome to 4th grade with a teacher who isn’t like any other teachers…mostly because of her magic map that transports the entire class all over the world. In this story, Mrs. Frogbottom takes the class to Egypt — and our narrator, Tony, does not like it one bit, not the black cat following them, not that his friend Sofia disappears and not that Aiden wanders into a tomb where the friends get trapped! Camels, too much sand, pyramids, tombs, and an actual mummy make this terrified student very glad to go back home. This educational adventure series is off to a great start. Next stop, Scotland. 

Best Book Series for 3rd graders
Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute 
by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
HUMOR
If you haven’t read these addictive and hilarious graphic novels, they are a must for anyone who has eaten lunch at school. BOX SET

best books for 8 year olds 3rd grade

Jasmine Toguchi Mochi Queen by Debbi Michiko Florence, illustrated by Eliazbet Vukovic
REALISTIC
Jasmine is so jealous that the older kids in her family have important jobs on the mochi making day — she wants to do what the older boys and men are doing, pound the mochi rice. Her understanding father figures out a way for Jasmine to join in. And even though it didn’t work out how she wanted, her family is proud of her and decide it’s okay to break some rules like who gets to pound the rice. Not only is the story’s message sweet, Jasmine’s Japanese-American culture and warm family community shine through.


The Story of Olympic Swimmer Duke Kahanamoku
by Ellie Crowe, illustrated by Richard Waldep (The Story Of series)
BIOGRAPHY
Kids will love learning about cool but lesser-known people like Duke, a famous Hawaiian who is known for his dominance of the sport of surfing as well as being an Olympic swimmer. Helpful informational insets give readers background on topics covered in the biography such as how surfboards are made. Love it.

best book series for 8-year olds (third graders)
Amelia Bedelia Unleashed
 by Herman Parish, illustrated by Lynne AvrilREALISTIC
I’ve been enjoying these updated Amelia chapter books by the original author’s son. In this story, Amelia searches for the perfect puppy in her charming, Amelia Bedelia way.


Fancy Nancy: Nancy Clancy, Secret Admirer 
by Jane O’Connor, illustrated by Robin Preiss GlasserMYSTERY
Another enjoyable book in the Nancy Clancy series. In this book, Nancy and her best friend, Bree, decide to play matchmaker for Nancy’s babysitter, Annie, and her guitar teacher, Andy. Funny and fun! BOX SET

Book Series 3rd Graders Love to ReadGalactic Hot Dogs: Cosmoe’s Wiener Getaway by Max Brallier, illustrated by Rachel Maguire and Nichole Kelley
SCI-FI / HUMOR
If you like non-stop action, potty humor, space adventures, zombie aliens, mutant worm wrestling, a misunderstood evil princess, good friends, video games, and a diabolical, hunting-them-down evil queen, then this series is for you. Plus, it has loads of cartoon illustrations throughout and hilarious writing with a kazillion exclamation marks!!!! (If you like this, you’ll want to read book 2, The Weiner Strikes Back.)

Book Series 3rd Graders Love to Read third grade book series
Dying to Meet You (43 Old Cemetery Road)
by Kate Klise, illustrated by M. Sarah Klise
MYSTERY
Written in letters, drawings, newspaper articles, and other unique texts, accompanied by illustrations, you’ll find this is a mesmerizing series about an old man named Ignatius B. Grumply and the ghosts that live in his home. Surprisingly not scary and quite punny, this was a favorite series for my 3rd grader.

good books in series for third gradersOlga and the Smelly Thing From Nowhere by Elise Gravel
HUMOR
If you like kooky books, this book fits the bill. Olga finds an unusual, unknown creature whom she names “MEH” after the sound that it makes. She uses her deductive reasoning to figure out what it is (something new!) and what it likes to eat (olives)! But what will she do when Meh disappears? Here’s what I love about this book… One, the illustrations rock! Two, the narrator’s voice is believable and funny. Three, the plot includes mean girls who aren’t so mean after all.

books for 8 year olds
Kristy’s Great Idea Babysitter’s Club #1
 by Ann M. Martin, illustrated by Raina Telgemeier
REALISTIC / GRAPHIC NOVEL
We’re loving these updated Babysitter’s Club graphic novels by the uber-talented Raina Telegemeier who wrote the highly-acclaimed Smile and Sister. I recommend starting with book one since the stories are told in a specific order with details from previous stories. These are funny and fun to read, maybe even more than once. BOX SET HERE.

Book Series 3rd Graders Love to Read third grade book series
Nick and Tesla’s High-Voltage Danger Lab
 by Bob Pflugfleder and Steve Hockensmith
MYSTERY/STEM
Siblings Nick and Tesla are shipped off to live with their mad-scientist Uncle Newt for the summer while their parents are . . . doing something with soybeans in Uzbekistan. When left to fend for themselves, they discover something very suspicious happening at the old mansion down the street, more than just losing their rocket in that yard. If you like science, technology, and adventure, this is the series for you. (Also read: STEAM and STEM Chapter Books for Kids)

Sarai and the Meaning of Awesome by Sarai Gonzalez and Monica Brown
ENTREPRENEUR
A warm-hearted, sweet story about a Latinx girl who’s an entrepreneur and devoted daughter and granddaughter. When her grandpa (tata) tells Sarai Gonzalez that his rental house is being sold, she determines to help by selling more cupcakes than ever. Even her sisters join in to help and so do her cousins. A darling start to a new series inspired by Sarai’s own life!

Bookmarks are People Too! good books for 8 year oldsHere’s Hank: Bookmarks Are People Too! #1 by Henry Winkler & Lin Oliver
REALISTIC
Hank’s brain freezes up when he talks to people — and also when he tries out for his class play. That’s why he gets the bookmark role. But, when the lead actor flubs his lines, Hank jumps in to save the play from disaster. I love Hank’s relatable character to whom learning doesn’t come easily

Stick dog
Stick Dog
by Tom Watson
HUMOR
Stick Dog is hilarious. Why is he called Stick Dog? Because our author/narrator can’t draw. And also, because he likes sticks. The funny cartoonish illustrations make this story of stray dogs easy to read and very entertaining series for kids.

good books in series for 3rd gradeBeatrice Zinker Upside-Down Thinker by Shelly Johannes
REALISTIC
3rd grader Beatrice is a divergent problem solver. So when her best friend Lenny comes back from camp a changed girl and seems to have a new best friend that is NOT Beatrice, Beatrice decides to get her friend back. Kids will be cheering Beatrice on as she tried to figure out how to reconnect with her former best friend. Cute!

Notable Chapter Books for Summer ReadingPip Bartlett’s Guide to Magical Creatures by Jackson Pearce and Maggie Stiefvater
FANTASY
If you like mythical creatures, independent thinkers, and mysteries, you’ll love this first book in the Pip Bartlett series as much as me. Pip’s world is just like ours except for one significant difference — magical creatures exist and often are pets!

book series for 3rd grade
Judy Moody Was in a Mood
by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
REALISTIC
Want to get your kids reading a great series? Try Judy Moody. She’s a relatable third grader with a big personality, an annoying little brother, and humorous antics.



Secrets of the Manor:  Claire’s Story, 1910 by Adele Whitby
HISTORICAL MYSTERY
This is a captivating story about an orphan girl who moves to France to live with friends of her family. She befriends a servant girl and the duo realizes there are mysteries that must be answered — like what happened to the daughter of the manor and why did her parents send her to this family. An excellent first book in a new series for 3rd graders.

You Might Also Like:

Best Read Aloud Books for 3rd Grade

All book recommendations for 8-year olds

Nonfiction Book Recommendations for 3rd Graders

Best Boxed Book Sets for Kids

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Funny Books

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10 Comments

  1. Thanks for the round up of third grade series. I had no idea there were so many. It’s wonderful! We’ll be looking for these.

  2. My daughter loves to read and is in third grade! In school, they are tested by AR level and have a goal they have to meet. She is also very competitive and wants to get the highest score each time. Problem is she doesn’t like Harry Potter or science fiction type books. The girls that won last time read Harry Potter books which are worth 29 points or more and they are also on a 6th grade level or higher. No one is really suppose to read higher than their AR level and hers is 5.5 (5th grade 5th month) and she is the top reader in her grade. Anyways, i was just wondering if you knew any books that might be good for her to read that would be worth a lot of points, but not too mature for her.

    1. I’m dislike AR for a variety of reasons so I am not familiar with the # of points for books. That being said, you might check these titles as they would be around 5th grade level and still appropriate.
      Belly Up by Stuart Gibbs
      The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
      Escape from Mr. Lemonchello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein
      The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
      Nooks and Crannies by Jessica LawsonJackie Ha-Ha by James Patterson
      All Four Stars by Tara Dairman

    2. I too am not a fan of AR because it seems to push competition and not a love for books. That being said, a lot of the classics have more points since they use harder words. Little Women if I remember correctly had like 50 points. I started reading it to my daughter when she was in 2nd grade and she ended up finishing it herself and passing the AR test.

    3. Maybe try Percy Jackson, I don’t like harry potter or science fiction either but I read Percy Jackson when I was in 5th grade and loved it, I remember finishing it in like a week

  3. Thank you for all these great titles! Enticing selections for girls or boys. And since they are series, it’s like you recommended dozens of books in this post. I’m maxing out the holds on our library cards. 🙂

  4. Thanks SO much for or including CURIOUS CAT SPY CLUB on this wonderful list! I admire so many of the other series included. I feel very honored!

    A 5th book, DOG-GONE DANGER, comes out in March. And a box set of the first 3 books comes out Oct. 1st. Anyone who contacts me (via website link) will get a free spy kid activity packet. Again, thanks!!!!

    Linda Joy Singleton