I want your third grade 8- year old boys and girls to have lots of good chapter books to read. That’s why I’ve put together a list of all the books I’ve reviewed and recommend for 8- year olds in third grade.
LEXILE: A reader recently asked me to include the Lexile reading levels of the books on this list. If this is helpful, you’ll see a number followed by an L. The general reading levels for third grade are 330L to 770L according to the Lexile website. (If there is no number listed, it’s because I didn’t find it’s Lexile level.)
TOO CHALLENGING? If you see a book that you think will be interesting but too challenging for your child, use it for a read aloud at bedtime. Kids still need to be read to and hear as much story and vocabulary as possible. This is a great way to spend time together and to read more difficult books.
Go here to visit the best book series for third graders.
Nonfiction Books for 8 Year Olds
Gifts for 8 Year Old Girls
Gifts for 8 Year Old Boys
Best Books for 8 Year Olds (Third Grade)
Lunch Lady by Jarrett J. Krosoczka HUMOR
320L
If you haven’t read these addictive and hilarious graphic novels, they are a must — anyone who has eaten lunch in school will appreciate the humor, even parents love these books.
Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar HUMOR
460L
Old school humor at it’s best! These describe a wacky school with crazy teachers and even crazier events.
Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo
450L
Mercy lives with Mr. and Mrs. Watson. They feed her buttered toast and take her for drives in their convertible. One night, Mercy gets scared and decides to sleep with Mr. and Mrs. Watson. Can you imagine what happens next? Hilarious and quirky, this is a fun series filled with many amazing adventures.
Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce HUMOR
430L
We LOVE this series — each book is hilarious about Nate’s life at home, school, and sports. 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.
Zoey and Sassafras Dragons and Marshmallows #1 by Asia Citro, illustrated by Marion Lindsay SCIENCE / FANTASY
This is an entertaining and well-written story with the coolest mix of science and magic, a diverse main character, and fantastic illustrations that will get kids reading and learning. Zoey, like her mom, can see magical creatures and is tasked to care for any injured creatures that might need help. In this story, she uses her science skills (including research and the scientific method) to figure out how to care for a sick baby dragon.
Mal and Chad by Stephen McCranie HUMOR
400L
I hate to compare books but this is like the Calvin and Hobbs for the next generation. Funny and perfect for second and third graders.
Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel HUMOR
650L
In a word: Hilarious. We all think Bad Kitty is very naughty. But, oh so funny. These books are easy to read and fun to reread.
Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts STEM
Totally FANTASTIC! Andrea Beaty successfully writes her famous main characters of Rosie Revere, Iggy Peck, and Ada Twist into a fun-filled, STEM adventure chapter book. I loved this first book in the series from beginning to end. Rosie’s Aunt Rose and her WWII friends, the Raucous Riveters, need Rosie’s help. Their friend June broke both her arms and she needs an invention so she can paint in the upcoming art contest. Can Rosie and friends invent something to help June paint with her casts? After one disaster after another, including at the art contest, Rosie continues to persevere and problem solve to find a solution that will work. I’m so glad to see the same whimsical illustrations as the beloved picture books, too. (Added to Wholesome Easy Chapter Books for Girls.)
Never Girls FANTASY
480L
These friends accidentally travel from England to the Never Land fairy world of Tinker Bell. What adventures they will have?!
Strongheart: Wonder Dog of the Silver Screen by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Eric Rohmann
REALISTIC / HISTORICAL FICTION / BOOKS ABOUT DOGS
You will love this story about a real dog’s life. From his beginnings as a maltreated German police dog to subsequent adoption and new life as a beloved movie star, this suspenseful story is filled with both love and hope along with false accusations and jail time. Readers will zip through this heart-warming story with fascination; dog lovers will be extra impressed with this German Shepard’s incredible story. Fantastic black-and-white illustrations throughout and easier text, make me think this is about 2nd or 3rd grade reading level.
Dog Man by Dav Pinkey GRAPHIC NOVEL / HUMOR
390L
Weird. Quirky. Funny. I think all three describe this new graphic novel from the creator of Captain Underpants. In this 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 you for hours.
Doodle Adventures: The Search for Slimy Space Slugs! by Mike Lowery HUMOR SCI-FI
This book not only hooks the reader with it’s space-adventure plot and hilarious narrator Carl the Duckbut it invites YOU to find the missing priceless artifact requiring bravery, heroism and drawing. Yes, drawing. Along the journey to retrieve the artifact from Captain Sleezoog (he’s a slug), you’ll be tasked with doing your part. So 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!
Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke HUMOR
310L
The Zita books rock — they’re full of adventure, humor, and fantastic characters!! Zita is an awesome, courageous problem-solving heroine who accidentally gets stuck in space.
Whatever After by Sarah Mlynowski FANTASY / HUMOR
Once upon a time, a regular girl and her brother accidentally went into a fairy tale. And messed it all up. (Whoops.) We love all the books in this series so far.
The Critter Club by Callie Barkley, illustrated by Marsha Riti
450L
The girls in the Critter Club love animals and want to help them any way they can. Sweet stories!
Dragon Slayer’s Academy
500L
When a traveling minstrel foretells that he is to become a hero, Wiglaf sets out to fulfill his destiny: he signs up at the Dragon Slayers’ Academy. But how can he ever hope to be a dragon slayer when he can’t even stand the sight of blood?
Marty McGuire Has Too Many Pets! by Kate Messner, illustrated by Brian Floca REALISTIC
Just like her mother, 3rd grader Marty loves animals. She wants to “adopt” a chimp in the chimp sanctuary. To raise money, she decides to pet sit. Soon she gets more pets than she and her friends can handle including a trash talking parrot, a python who escapes, and a gerbil who might just be that big bulge in the snake. Luckily, Marty’s cool grandma helps save the pet-sitting business from total disaster. A well-paced adventure that kids will enjoy.
Stink and the Shark Sleepover by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds REALISTIC
550L
I loved this adventure because it’s an exciting adventure as well as it includes a lot of factual information about marine life. Stink gets to sleep over at the aquarium. While he’s there, he learns more about sharks, gets to solve a mystery, learns a ghost story, and has tons of fun. I like that kids can easily relate to the characters in the story, as well as the setting. Of course, the Peter H. Reynolds illustrations are ah-mazing as always.
Wedgie & Gizmo by Suzanne Selfors DIVORCE / HUMOR
Dog owners will nod along with the ADHD stream of conscious narration of Wedgie, the barkie dog who LOVES everything. Contrast this with the diabolical plotting narration of the evil genius guinea pig Gizmo (remind anyone of Pinkie and the Brain?) who is horrified to be living in a Barbie house instead of his own habitat. The two pet’s alternating narrations show a newly blended family which Gizmo’s servant/owner, Elliot, is not happy about. Selfors skillfully addresses a family in transition through the humorous lenses of the pets. I hope we hear more from these two.
Power Forward by Hena Khan
Filled with Urdu and Pakistani culture, this is a short beginning chapter book about a boy who loves basketball. Unfortunately, he skips violin lessons and lies to his parents in order to go to extra basketball practices. Zayd learns some hard lessons both about honesty and communication with his family which, in the end, makes his life better.
The Philly Fake Ballpark Mysteries by David A. Kelly, illustrated by Mark Meyers MYSTERY / SPORTS
Not only is this a well-written mystery, I loved how the author included so much history within the story. I really enjoyed reading it and thought the mystery had a great hook. One of my top picks for early chapter books!
Dolphin Rescue (Animal Planet Adventures #1) by Catherine Nichols REALISTIC
Key Hunters and the Mysterious Moonstone (Key Hunters #1) by Eric Luper MYSTERY
550L
Have you seen this fantastic new easy mystery series for early elementary students yet? In this first book, two friends discover a letter from their favorite librarian saying she’s trapped in a book. They decide to go into a book to rescue her. They arrive in 19th century England to help a detective find a stolen gem. Here the story starts racing along with perfect pacing and entertainment value. If you like this story, there are already five more books in the series to keep you reading.
Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows, illustrated by Sophie Blackall ADVENTURE
510L
Get ready to laugh along with these charming young friends who won’t stop until they find the best way to solve their environmental issue, no matter how many ideas they must try. Fantastic series.
Amelia Bedelia Unleashed
580L
I’ve been enjoying these updated Amelia chapter books by the original author’s son. In this story, Amelia searches for the perfect puppy.
A to Z Mysteries: The Absent Author by Ron Roy
510L
The A to Z Mysteries series rocks! 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 and several more than once. In this story the famous writer that is coming to the bookstore doesn’t show up. Dink and his friends, Josh and Ruth Rose, must find out what happened and where the author is.
Shelter Pet Squad: Jelly Bean by Cynthia Lord REALISTIC
560L
I’m a big fan of Cynthia Lord’s middle grade books and I really like this new series, too. Suzannah joins the Shelter Pet Squad because her apartment building doesn’t allow pets. She meets a sad girl who has to leave her guinea pig, Jelly Bean, at the shelter due to moving. Suzannah promises the girl she’ll find Jelly Bean a good home. Only it’s not as easy as she first though. The Shelter Pet Squad works together to find the perfect home — a kindergarten classroom.
Eerie Elementary: The School is Alive! by Jack Chabert, illustrated by Sam Ricks ADVENTURE
460L
Sam isn’t thrilled about becoming hall monitor. Especially when he discovers that the school is ALIVE and trying to harm he and the other students. Sam has quite a wild adventure trying to save the students from the school. I think kids who like sort of scary things (it’s not too bad) will enjoy this book.
Stick Cat: A Tail of Two Kitties by Tom Watson HUMOR
Stick Cat and his neighbor kitty, Edith, want to save their neighboring piano man whose arms are stuck inside the piano. but HOW? Well, their rescue involves a laundry line 23 floors above the ground and the pockets of an apron. Even though the neighbor cat, Edith, isn’t the smartest, she helps Stick Cat and unknowingly ends up saving the day.
Galaxy Zack Hello, Nebulon! by Ray O’Ryan, illustrated by Colin Jack
470L
An easy chapter book that’s simple, fun, and entertaining about a boy who moves to a new planet.
Zeke Meeks by D.L. Green and Josh Alves HUMOR
490L
I loved Zeke Meeks – it’s a combo of text with comics and always a good life lesson. Funny and thought-provoking.
Zoo Camp Puzzle by Gail Herman MYSTERY
Good Crooks Missing Monkey! by Mary Amato, illustrated by Ward Jenkins REALISTIC
430L
What a fun premise! These are children of thieves who really want to do good things, not bad things like their parents. So when their parents steal a monkey from the zoo, the kids must figure out how to return it without their parents figuring out that their children are up to some good.
Frankie Pickle by Eric Wight ADVENTURE HUMOR
530L
Your kids will totally relate to this imaginative boy whose wild adventures are written in comic form — it’s funny and entertaining!
Fancy Nancy: Nancy Clancy, Secret Admirer
450L
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!
Like Carrot Juice on a Cupcake by Julie Sternberg, illustrated by Matthew Cordell REALISTIC
440L ?
I really loved this story told in first person from Eleanor’s point of view. It’s about the challenges when Eleanor gets jealous of a new girl she thinks her best friend Pearl might like better than her. This made my top five list of best books for the year.
Here’s Hank: Bookmarks Are People Too! #1 by Henry Winkler & Lin Oliver
570L
Catnapped! Puppy Pirates by Erin Soderbergh ADVENTURE
590L
Calling all dog lovers! Read about the most awesome pirate puppies who due to an unfortunate prank one pulled, are now prisoners on the pirate kitten’s ship –with no escape. This is a charming and funny rollicking adventure and #3 in the new Puppy Pirate series. See also: Puppy Pirates #1 Stowaway and Puppy Pirates #2 x Marks the Spot.
Galactic Hot Dogs: Cosmoe’s Wiener Getaway by Max Brallier, illustrated by Rachel Maguire and Nichole Kelley HUMOR SCI-FI
I resisted reading this for awhile but after seeing so many kids LOVING it, I knew I should give it a go. Now I know what the fuss is all about — it’s got non-stop action and danger, 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. Not to mention the loads of cartoon illustrations throughout and hilarious writing with a kagillion exclamation marks!!!! I see what kids are loving now — and see why it’s totally up some kids reading alleys. (Book 2, The Weiner Strikes Back is also out now.)
Jessica Finch in Pig Trouble by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Erwin Madrid
410L
Jessica Finch is a delightful early chapter book with exceptionally pleasing and colorful illustrations. Jessica wants nothing more than a pig for a pet. For her birthday. When a misunderstanding happens with her best friend, Judy Moody, she learns a valuable lesson about not making assumptions and calling people names. This is one of my top picks for an early chapter book, I loved it!
The Haunted Library by Dori Hillestad Butler MYSTERY
520L
My daughter and I loved this entertaining new series about a boy ghost, Kaz, who is blown away from his family and into a new haunt – a library. But who is the library ghost — it’s not him. He and his new friend, Claire, decide to be detectives and discover the secret of the ghost.
Dory and the Real True Friend by Abby Hanlon REALISTIC
550L
Dory is one of my favorite book characters because her imagination is THE BEST! She has three imaginary friends: one monster friend, one fairy godmother that’s actually not a lady, and one bad lady nemesis. I love this story because she meets a real-life friend who understands all about imaginary friends and together, they’re the perfect match.
Shredderman: Secret Identity by Wendelin Van Draanen
580L
Illustrated with comics, hilarious, relatable, this book has it all. Awesome.
A Topps League Story: Book One: Jinxed!
by Kurtis Scaletta illustrated by Eric Wight550L
This is a story that will appeal to readers even if they don’t love baseball as much as Chad, the main character. He’s thrilled to be a bat boy for the summer but can’t understand why his classmate Dylan isn’t as thrilled. Nor can Chad figure out how to help his favorite player who can’t seem to stop all his bad luck. Is he jinxed?
Misty the Abandoned Kitten (Pet Rescue Adventures) by Holly Webb REALISTIC
Third Grade Mermaidby Peter Raymundo FANTASY
Shai and Emmie Star in Dancy Pants! by Quvenzhane Wallis with Nancy Ohlin, illustrated by Sharee Miller
Goldie Blox
Do you know the popular Goldie Blox STEM toys? Now kids can read about Goldie’s adventures in a chapter book. And much to my delight, this book is a very enjoyable, well-written adventure. Goldie’s unique school where she can be her quirky, inventor self is officially closing after she blew off the second story. Now she must attend a “high-performing” school. The other kids aren’t as out-of-the-box as Goldie but when she enlists her new classmates to help her reopen her old school, amazing transformations occur for both Goldie and her new friends.
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo REALISTIC
610L
Opal’s preacher father is always too busy and her mother has been gone since Opal was three, something Opal has always wondered about. But Opal finds someone to care, a stray dog that she names Winn-Dixie, and that dog brings hope and meaning into 10-year old Opal’s life. Brilliant.
Marguerite Henry’s Misty Inn Runaway Pony #3 by Kristin Earhart MYSTERY
590L
While their parents finish fixing up the recently purchased house to be a bed and breakfast, siblings Willa and Ben help their grandmother take care of the pony’s she’s rehabilitating. Both kids can’t figure out why the pony’s keep escaping but they do know that they’d be the perfect new owners for Starbuck, their favorite pony. Children will find this to be a well-written and easy-to-read story with an interesting plot, especially for animal-lovers. It might be fun to read one of the books which inspired these stories such as Misty of Chincioteqgue, — but have an adult read it aloud because it’s a more difficult reading level. See other books in this easy chapter book series: Buttercup Mystery #2 and Welcome Home #1.
The Vanishing Coin (Magic Shop Series) by Kate Egan and Mike Lane, illustrated by Eric Wight REALISTIC
560L
The Philly Fake Ballpark Mysteries by David A. Kelly, illustrated by Mark Meyers MYSTERY
590L?
Not only is this a well-written mystery, I loved how the author included so much history within the story. I really enjoyed reading it and thought the mystery had a great hook. One of my top picks for early chapter books!
Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon REALISTIC
550L
Dory’s family calls her Rascal (and a baby) because, well, she is. And proud of it. Especially when she’s playing with her invisible monster friend, Mary. Dory’s brother and sister invent a baby-stealing robber named Mrs. Gobble Gracker to try to scare Dory only it backfires. Dory is sort of scared and sort of fascinated, has a million questions about the robber, and excitedly asks her fairy godmother (who is really a gnome-like man) to turn her into a dog so the robber lady won’t see her. This book is totally hilarious and I love the child-like illustrations – it’s a favorite early chapter book for sure.
Lulu and the Rabbit Next Door by Hilary McKay REALISTIC
This is one of my favorite early chapter books this year! I loved this story of how Lulu and her cousin help their neighbor Arthur learn to love and care for his rabbit. She does this by writing George the rabbit notes and giving him gifts — not from her but from her pet rabbit named Thumper. (I also appreciate that the main characters are diverse – Lulu and her family have brown skin!!)
My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish by Mo O’Hara HUMOR
740L
Hysterical and totally believable . . . if your goldfish dies and you bring him back to life. It won’t work, your goldfish will be a zombie. One that can mesmerize you with his powerful eyes and you’ll do anything he wants. Aaaah!
Perfectly Princess FANTASY
390L
A series of colorful princesses (printed on the same color paper) stories. My third grader loved these.
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Secrets of the Manor: Claire’s Story, 1910 by Adele Whitby HISTORICAL MYSTERY
I loved this beginning chapter book — it’s 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 realize 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. Excellent first book in a new series for early readers!
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Old School by Jeff Kinney HUMOR
Greg’s mom petitions the town to take a break from electronics, Greg goes to wilderness school, and grandpa moves in. This is another funny story to add to your ever-growing Wimpy Kid chapter book collection.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
680L
So much more than a book about farm animals, this story is a beautiful tribute to friendship that incorporates love and death as well. It’s a classic for a reason and one of the best written children’s books in existence.
The Olympians series by George O’Connor MYTHOLOGY
640L
I’m a big fan of all these graphic novels by O’Conner – and my kids love them and they’re great for reluctant readers.
Dragonbreath by Ursula Vernon HUMOR
700L
Hysterical! I couldn’t stop laughing! A fantastic read for 8-year olds.
Star Wars Jedi Academy by Jeffrey Brown SCI- FI (series!)
650L
Engaging from the first page, this is a relatable 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, everyone else started long before him. Roan has ups and downs, as one does at a new school, but finds his place at the school and new friends. Highly recommended!
The Great Shelby Holmes by Elizabeth Eulberg MYSTERY
What a lovely surprise this Sherlock inspired book is– it’s so well, written and tells a great story that kids will enjoy as much as me. John Watson moves with his mom who has recently left both the military and John’s dad to Harlem. There he meets a very unique girl named Shelby Holmes who reluctantly allows him to tag along with her as she solves her latest crime — who took a posh, show-dog from a classmate’s secure house.
Louie Lets Loose!(Unicorn in the City #1) by Rachel Hamilton, illustrated by Oscar Armelles HUMOR
720L
I saw this in a bookstore and just had to buy it because unicorns. I’m glad I did! Louie arrives in New York to be a superstar in a performing arts school. His hilarious cluelessness is the kind of humor that kids (and dorks like me) love because it’s paired with a genuine, caring heart. In this delightful first adventure, Louie and his friends help raise money for his faun friend’s glasses while getting customers for his favorite place — the Sunshine Sparkle Dust Cafe.
Lucy & Andy Neanderthal by Jeffrey Brown HISTORY / HUMOR / GRAPHIC NOVEL
Little funny stories about the life of a neanderthal family are intermixed with factual information about the actual history — hunting practices, size of large cats, that sort of thing — in this graphic novel from the author of the Jedi Academy series.
I Survived by Lauren Tarshis – HISTORICAL FICTION / ADVENTURE
Wow – these are one of my favorite discoveries this year! They’re excellent, fast-paced adventures set during significant historical events. Your kids will zip through these fascinating adventures. The books always are about a young boy trying to survive the historically important, life-changing event.
The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John, illustrated by Kevin Cornell REALISTIC / HUMOR
620L
My daughter read this first and begged me to read it immediately. It’s SO funny! And, you can learn some valuable cow trivia. But, it’s mostly the hilarious adventure of two pranksters who eventually work together to pull off the biggest prank of all time — a prank that will ensure they get April Fool’s Day off from school.
Sammy Feral’s Diaries of Weird by Eleanor Hawken FANTASY
Sammy’s entire family is bit by the family puppy – who happens to be a werewolf. Sammy must lock up his snarling family in one of the zoo cages (they own a zoo) and keep them there until the full moon passes and then figure out how to cure them. If that’s even possible.
STAT: Standing Tall and Talented: Home Court by Amar’e Stoudemir, illustrated by Tim Jessell SPORTS
650L
Based on the real story of Amar’e Stoudemire, this is the story of when he was 11, a skateboarder, a basketball player, and a worker with his dad’s landscape company. When other kids start trash talking his friends, he uses his intelligence and basketball skills to find a solution.
The Year of the . . . book series 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.
The Kicks Hat Trick by Alex Morgan (book 4) REALISTIC
670L
Finally, a fantastic book (series) for soccer girls! If you have a soccer player in your house, and I think a LOT of you do, you’ll want to get your soccer lover this book –actually, buy her the entire series. Written by Olympic Gold Medalist and U.S. Soccer team member (among other things), Alex Morgan, it’s a realistic story of life, friendship, and playing soccer.
Spirit Animals by various authors FANTASY
680L
Our main characters are some of the rare children who when of a certain age, can summon a spirit animal. These heroes must use their new bonds with their animals and each other to save the world from a dark and evil force. I haven’t read this series but my kids say it’s awesome.
Ranger in Time #1: Rescue on the Oregon Trail by Kate Messner, illustrated by Kelley McMorris HISTORICAL FICTION
690L
Ranger, a golden retriever trained for search-and-rescue, travels back to the Oregon Trail to help a family in need. It’s a good fictional introduction to the ups and downs of traveling on the Oregon Trail.
The World According to Humphrey
by Betty Birney670L
Class pet, Humphrey, is a hamster who travels to a students’ home on the weekends and has lots of adventures. One of the best books series for 7- year old kids.
Get to Work, Hercules! (Myth-O-Mania) 
This book got us hooked on the Myth-O-Mania series. It’s so hilarious! Hades narrates the TRUE stories of the Greek Myths with panache. (Apparently, his younger brother Zeus is a big fat liar and edited all the myths to make himself look good.) In this story, Hades watches over his young, not-too-smart nephew, Hercules whom Hera has it out for — since he’s the son of Zeus from another woman. LOVE it!
Pip Bartlett’s Guide to Magical Creatures by Jackson Pearce and Maggie Stiefvater FANTASY
690L
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!
The Perilous Princess Plot (Buckle and Squash) by Sarah Courtlauld HUMOR FANTASY
Very sarcastic and funny humor will keep you entertained throughout this book about a silly sister obsessed with princes and her more reasonable sister who ends up rescuing her from a kidnapping plot. Also, the great illustrations will help beginning readers enjoy this funny chapter book.
The Curious Cat Spy Club by Linda Joy Singleton MYSTERY
What a fantastic new book series — my daughter and I devoured this first book. (She’s currently enjoying the 2nd.) Three kids from seemingly different social circles band together to rescue kittens they found in a dumpster — and solve the mystery of who would try to kill the kittens.
Your Grandparents Are Zombies! by Anson Montgomery CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
If you give your parents a potion that turns them into zombies, they’ll do whatever you say. It sounds good but will work out how you think?
Diary of a Minecraft Zombie Book 1: A Scare of a Dare by Herobrine Books SCI-FI
590L
Short sentences with witty observations on life from the perspective of a Minecraft zombie that will crack you up. I was surprised to say the least that this was such an entertaining, funny read. Nothing scary. Just fun. Especially for Minecraft enthusiasts. (These are FREE for Kindle Unlimited subscribers!)
Darling Dimple is thrilled to be moved from a kitchen scrubber to an upstairs dress presser for the princess. One day, she discovers a special closet of enchanted dresses. When Darling suspects a plot against the princess she uses dresses magic to help her investigate. Who is trying to free the dragons? Who wants to take over the kingdom? This lovable heroine and charming magical plot will enchant readers.
Secret Agent, Jack Stalwart
In this action-packed new series, nine-year old secret agent Jack Stalwart travels the globe in search of his missing older brother Max while solving international crimes for the Global Protection Force.
Nanny Piggins and the Runaway Lion by R. A. Spratt, illustrated by Dan Santat ADVENTURE
I can’t believe I missed this series until now! It’s totally charming and entertaining. This is another adventure about a family with children whose dad detests the children and tries to get rid of them (to Nicaragua in this case) but their amazing nanny (who is a pig) always figures out how to outsmart the dad. I love Nanny Piggins!
Nick and Tesla’s High-Voltage Danger Lab by Science Bob Pflugfleder and Steve Hockensmith MYSTERY
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 soy beans 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. Fun and adventurous!
Marty McGuire Has Too Many Pets! by Kate Messner, illustrated by Brian Floca
660L
Just like her mother, 3rd grader Marty loves animals. She wants to “adopt” a chimp in the chimp sanctuary. To raise money, she decides to pet sit. Soon she gets more pets than she and her friends can handle including a trash talking parrot, a python who escapes, and a gerbil who might just be that big bulge in the snake. Luckily, Marty’s cool grandma helps save the pet-sitting business from total disaster. A well-paced adventure that kids will enjoy.
The Case of the Claymore Diamond Math Inspectors by Daniel Kenney and Emily Boever MYSTERY
Viva math! These friends love math and are proud of it — in fact, they’re sure they can use their math skills to solve crimes. This first mystery is about a jewelry store robbery. And they do solve it by finding clues that the police miss, freeing an innocent man. This is a delightful easy chapter book series.
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Download my "Can't Put 'Em Down" book lists for your kids ages 3 - 13.
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I have a granddaughter who will be 7 in November, will be in the first grade (due to the Nov. birth date) and appears to be reading at least at the 3rd grade level. Any suggestions for advanced young readers would be very helpful. Content and maturity level are not always suitable.
Try A to Z Mysteries, Hamster Princess, The Critter Club, Animal Planet Adventures, Amelia Bedelia, Fancy Nancy, Judy Moody and Friends, The Haunted Library, and Dory Fantasmagory. All are series so if she likes one, she’ll have more to read.
A very useful list. However, I strongly disagree with the inclusion of Ivy and Bean. The protagonists are very poor role models. As a mother of two girls, I especially cringe at the despicable sister relationship portrayed in this series. At this age, parents are not always present when the child reads, so can’t provide the discussion around these kinds of topic to counteract the impressions being made on impressionable younger readers. I get that these books are entertaining, but I really don’t see the worth in Ivy & Bean, Ramona, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and other popular series that normalize meanness. There are plenty of other books with good role modeling, so why are these series consistently among top books to read on different lists like yours?
You bring up a good point. I think it’s a personal choice as to what bothers you. I like to recommend books that kids love to read that I think are also good. I didn’t find the stories to be offensive but I certainly will take another look to consider your point.
Pretty much all the protagonists featured on the front covers of these books are white. Where’s the diversity?
I know — it’s sadly lacking, unfortunately!
i love this website it is so fun
I’m so glad I found your site!
It would be so helpful if you could add the Lexile level of these books so that it’s easier to tell which books are appropriate for my new reader. I’ve noticed that if I have books around that are too hard, he gets discouraged, so I’m trying to get books that are right in his sweet spot. All of the descriptions of the books sound great, but I would need to know if he can read them before purchasing. I cross referenced many of them on lexile.com, but it would be great if you could allow site readers to see the level without clicking off your site.
I can do that!
Holly — I’ve added the Lexile levels that I could find which is the majority. Hope that helps!
Hi! Lexile.com looks like a great reading resource! But I am having a hard time figuring out it works. How do I have my child take a test to see his reading level? Thanks for the help!
No, you don’t need to test your child. I would only use the Lexile levels as a starting point. If your child is generally on grade level for reading, any of these books should be a good fit. If he or she doesn’t understand what the book is about, then find an easier book using the Lexile levels listed. I highly recommend giving kids a choice about what they read. Often this is enough motivation that even more challenging books will be fine. It, of course, depends on the child and his or her learning needs.
Really wish I could print this to take to the library. The ads are really weighing down the performance of the site.
I’m sorry to hear that — I will see what I can do to fix the ad / page load time. Thanks for the feedback.