Best Books for Third Graders

As kids age 8 and 9 get deeper into the world of chapter books, they begin to discover the genres that most appeal to them, from sci-fi, horror, and fantasy to mystery, history, and adventure. From beloved classics to more recent sensations, these relatable books will be a hit with your third grader. There are also plenty of graphic novels and funny tales that are perfect to hook reluctant readers and get them hungry for other types of books. Take a look at our list and see what might grab your young reader. Once they're done, try the Best Books for Fourth Graders.

Amari and the Night Brothers Poster Image
BOOK

Amari and the Night Brothers: Supernatural Investigations, Book 1

age 8+

Girl finds her magic in fun fantasy full of surprises.

By: B.B. Alston (2021)
Black Brother, Black Brother Poster Image
BOOK

Black Brother, Black Brother

age 8+

Boy challenges school bully in exciting sports story.

The City of Ember Poster Image
BOOK

The City of Ember

age 8+

Part fantasy, part mystery, part treasure hunt.

By: Jeanne DuPrau (2004)
Coraline Poster Image
BOOK

Coraline

age 8+

Strange, surreal tale sure to creep kids out.

By: Neil Gaiman (2004)
Dragons in a Bag, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Dragons in a Bag, Book 1

age 8+

Exciting tale of New York kid's journey to magical world.

By: Zetta Elliott (2018)
Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures Poster Image
BOOK

Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures

age 8+

Funny, poignant tale of cynical girl, superpowered squirrel.

By: Kate DiCamillo (2013)
From the Desk of Zoe Washington Poster Image
BOOK

From the Desk of Zoe Washington

age 8+

Girl works to clear her father of a crime in smart tale.

By: Janae Marks (2020)
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BOOK

Gone Crazy in Alabama

age 8+

Harrowing tale of Gaither girls' summer in the South.

James and the Giant Peach Poster Image
BOOK

James and the Giant Peach

age 8+

Lonely boy's magical adventure still satisfies.

By: Roald Dahl (1961)
The One and Only Ivan Poster Image
BOOK

The One and Only Ivan

age 8+

Heartwarming story of a heroic, artistic, captive gorilla.

By: Katherine Applegate (2012)
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BOOK

Simon B. Rhymin', Book 1

age 8+

Fun story about boy whose creativity sparks his empathy.

By: Dwayne Reed (2021)
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BOOK

Things Seen from Above

age 8+

Kids discover a quirky loner's talent in lovely, kind story.

By: Shelley Pearsall (2020)
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky: Tristan Strong, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky: Tristan Strong, Book 1

age 8+

Teen connects with African folklore in exciting fantasy.

By: Kwame Mbalia (2019)
What Was? Series Poster Image
BOOK

What Was? Series

age 8+

Exceptional, relevant series brings history to life.

By: Who HQ et al. (2018)
When You Trap a Tiger Poster Image
BOOK

When You Trap a Tiger

age 8+

Superb family tale of loss has mystery, folklore, sadness.

By: Tae Keller (2020)
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BOOK

Where Is? Series

age 8+

Interesting, fun facts about natural and human-made places.

By: Who HQ et al. (2015)
Who Was? Series Poster Image
BOOK

Who Was? Series

age 8+

Exceptional biography series teaches history, culture, too.

By: Who HQ et al. (2014)
A Wish in the Dark Poster Image
BOOK

A Wish in the Dark

age 8+

Dazzling, Thai-inspired riff on Les Mis has big heart.

Anne of Green Gables Poster Image
BOOK

Anne of Green Gables

age 9+

Beloved classic features lovable, imaginative heroine.

By: L.M. Montgomery (1908)
Artemis Fowl, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Artemis Fowl, Book 1

age 9+

Witty and exciting series start with irresistible antihero.

By: Eoin Colfer (2001)