What kind of books does your 3rd grader enjoy reading? Here are my recommendations for ages 8 and 9 (third grade) summer reading.
Find funny books, fantasy books, friendship stories, adventure stories, and books about animals. These books will get your kids engaged and reading all summer long!
Don’t forget that a summer reading program can be awesome motivation. Download my free printable summer reading packet to help your kids set goals and stay on track.
Make sure the book is at the “just right” reading level with the 5 Finger Test.
For more ideas, visit my Best Books for 8-Year Olds Book Reviews.
2nd grade summer reading list
4th grade summer reading list
All reading lists by grade level
3rd Grade Summer Reading List (Ages 8 – 9)
3rd Grade Summer Reading List PRINTABLE (Updated for 2018)
3rd Grade Funny Books:
If you like funny books, you’ll love:
- The Chicken Squad: The First Misadventure (series) by Doreen Cronin
- Amelia Bedelia Unleashed
(series) by Herman Parish
- Doodle Adventures: The Search for Slimy Space Slugs! (series) by Mike Lowery
- Myth-O-Mania (series) by Kate McMullan
- Lunch Lady (series) by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
- Wayside School (series) by Louis Sachar
- Galactic Hot Dogs: Cosmoe’s Wiener Getaway (series) by Max Brallier
- My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish (series) by Mo O’Hara
3rd Grade Friendship Books:
If you like friendship stories, you’ll love:
- The Year of . . . (series) by Andrea Cheng
- Ellie, Engineer by Jackson Pearce
- The Vanishing Coin by Kate Egan and Mike Lane
- Ivy and Bean (series) by Annie Barrows
- The Friendship Code #1 Girls Who Code by Stacia Deutsch (STEM)
- Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
3rd Grade Adventure and Mystery Books:
If you like adventure and mystery books, you’ll love:
- I Survived (series) by Lauren Tarshis
- The Jolly Regina: The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters (series) by Kara LaReau
- Dragonbreath (series) by Ursula Vernon
- Secret Agent Jack Stalwart (series) by Elizabeth Singer Hunt
- The Great Shelby Holmes by Elizabeth Eulberg
- Zoo Camp Puzzle (series) by Gail Herman
3rd Grade Fantasy Books:
If you like fantasy books, you’ll love:
- The Misadventures of Salem Hyde Spelling Trouble (series) by Frank Cammuso
- The Dragonsitter (series) by Josh Lacey
- Of Giants and Ice (series) by Shelby Bach
- Whatever After (series) by Sarah Mlynowski
- Pip Bartlett’s Guide to Magical Creatures (series) by Jackson Pearce and Maggie Stiefvater
- The Imaginary Veterinarian (series) by Suzanne Selfors
3rd Grade Animal Books:
If you like animal books, you’ll love:
- Jenny and the Cat Club (series) by Esther Averill
- The Critter Club (series) by Callie Barkley and Marsha Riti
- Strongheart: Wonder Dog of the Silver Screen by Candace Fleming
- Dolphin Rescue (Animal Planet Adventures #1) (series) by Catherine Nichols
- The Rescue Princesses (series) by Paula Harrison
- Puppy Place (series) by Ellen Miles
DON’T MISS THESE: Free Summer Printable for Kids, Activity Books for Kids, Summer Writing Ideas
Book Lists with Reviews
Books for 5- and 6- year olds
Books for 7-year olds
Books for 8-year olds
Books for 9-year olds
Books for 10-year olds
Books for 11-year olds
Books for 12-year olds
YA Books
Welcome!
Download my "Can't Put 'Em Down" book lists for your kids ages 3 - 13.
Also, I'll send you a bonus "23 Reasons to Read" printable poster!
Ashleigh says
Are these books meant to be at a third grade reading level or simply of interest to 8 and 9 year old third graders? Some of the books would be of great interest to my third grade reader, but Scholastic lists several at 5th and 6th grade reading levels. Confused.
Melissa Taylor says
Thanks for asking, Ashleigh. It’s always a bit tricky for me on these posts since kids can vary in reading comprehension levels within a grade level so I tried to recommend books that are both of interest and that on reading level.
Although, if you think your child would like the story in the harder books, you might consider making them your bedtime story.
Do you want me to list the reading levels for each book? Would that help?
Amy says
Please do not reconsider your list! As a teacher, I hear from my students all the time that they are “embarrassed” at some of the books the librarian has them check out. They have to stay within a certain reading level. It does not challenge them and stagnates their love of reading. Challenge them! My own kids were reading the Eragon series in third grade.
I tell my kiddos to go by the five finger rule. If there are five words on a page you struggle with, you will want to pick the next level down. Three words, but the book interests you, keep going, but look those words up. One to two words, you are at a comfortable level. Never be afraid to challenge a child – they will amaze you!
Melissa Taylor says
so true!
Bob says
Looking for more good reading books for a 3rd grader and a 6th grader – both entering the 2015/2016 school year.
Melissa Taylor says
more books for 3rd graders with reviews for each: http://imaginationsoup.net/best-books-8-year-olds/
more books for 6th graders with review for each: http://imaginationsoup.net/best-books-11-year-olds/