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 book reviews, visit Best Books for 8-Year Olds Book Reviews.
More boolists:
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 Funny Books
If you like funny books, you’ll love:
- Doodle Adventures: The Search for Slimy Space Slugs! (series) by Mike Lowery
- Myth-O-Mania (series) by Kate McMullan
- Bad Kitty (series) by Nick Bruel
- Lunch Lady (series) by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
- Wayside School (series) by Louis Sachar
- The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John
3rd Grade Realistic Books
If you like realistic stories, you’ll love:
- The Year of . . . (series) by Andrea Cheng
- Ellie, Engineer by Jackson Pearce
- STAT: Standing Tall and Talented: Home Court by Amar’e Stoudemire
- The Kicks by Alex Morgan
- Ivy and Bean (series) by Annie Barrows
- The Vanishing Coin (Magic Shop Series) by Kate Egan and Mike Lane
- Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
3rd Grade Adventure & Mystery Books
If you like adventure and mystery books, you’ll love:
- I Survived the San Francisco Earthquake (series) by Lauren Tarshis
- Diary of a Minecraft Zombie Book by Herobrine Books
- Secret Agent Jack Stalwart (series) by Elizabeth Singer Hunt
- The Great Shelby Holmes by Elizabeth Eulberg
- Zoo Camp Puzzle (series) by Gail Herman
- Nick and Tesla’s High-Voltage Danger Lab by Bob Pflugfleder & Steve Hockensmith
3rd Grade Fantasy Books
If you like fantasy books, you’ll love:
- The Misadventures of Salem Hyde Spelling Trouble (series) by Frank Cammuso
- Dragonbreath (series) by Ursula Vernon
- 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
- Who Would Win? Whale vs. Giant Squid by Jerry Pallotta
DON’T MISS THESE: Free Summer Printable for Kids, Activity Books for Kids, Summer Writing Ideas
Book Lists with Reviews
5- and 6- year olds
7-year olds
8-year olds
9-year olds
10-year olds
11-year olds
12-year olds
YA
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: https://imaginationsoup.net/best-books-8-year-olds/
more books for 6th graders with review for each: https://imaginationsoup.net/best-books-11-year-olds/