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Looking for the best books for fourth graders?

Fourth grade is such a fun year for reading. Kids are becoming more confident independent readers, they’re able to follow increasingly complex stories, and they’re beginning to discover the kinds of books and authors they truly love.

But just like any grade, fourth-grade readers can vary tremendously.

Some 9- and 10-year-olds are flying through long fantasy novels, while others are most comfortable with shorter chapter books, illustrated novels, or graphic novels. Some kids love fiction, while others would happily read nothing but books about history, animals, science, or sports.

And that’s okay!

The best books for fourth graders aren’t necessarily the longest or most difficult books they can read. They’re books that keep kids reading, introduce them to wonderful stories and ideas, and help them grow into confident lifelong readers.

I’ve gathered some of our favorite fourth-grade books along with recommendations from teachers. You’ll find chapter-book series, classics, historical fiction, nonfiction, read-alouds, and plenty of choices for reluctant readers.

Whether you’re building a fourth-grade homeschool reading list, choosing classroom books, or just looking for your child’s next great read, I hope you find a few new favorites here.

What Should a Fourth Grader Be Reading?

By fourth grade, many children are comfortable reading chapter books independently and are ready for stories with more developed characters, longer plots, and increasingly sophisticated themes.

But that doesn’t mean every book needs to be challenging.

Fourth graders benefit from reading a wide variety of books, including:

• Chapter books they can comfortably read independently
• More challenging novels shared as read-alouds
• Historical fiction
• Nonfiction
• Graphic novels
• Poetry
• Biographies
• Classic children’s literature
• Books they choose simply because they look fun

And don’t stop reading aloud just because your fourth grader can read independently!

Children can usually understand more sophisticated books when they’re listening than when they’re reading alone. Read-alouds give you the opportunity to enjoy richer literature together while discussing vocabulary, characters, historical context, and difficult ideas.

Great Chapter Books and Series for 4th Graders

One of the best ways to encourage independent reading at this age is to help kids discover a series they love.

Once they’re invested in the characters and world of a series, choosing the next book becomes easy.

TALES OF A FOURTH GRADE NOTHING(opens in new tab) by Judy Blume

This one almost has to be on a fourth-grade reading list!

Peter Hatcher has enough to deal with without his mischievous little brother Fudge constantly creating disasters.

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing is funny, relatable, and a great introduction to Judy Blume. Even though it was first published decades ago, sibling frustration apparently never goes out of style.

And if kids enjoy it, there are more Fudge books waiting for them.

PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS(opens in new tab) by Rick Riordan

For kids who love adventure, mythology, and a good quest, the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series can quickly become a favorite.

In The Lightning Thief, Percy discovers that the Greek myths he’s learned about aren’t myths at all—and that he has a surprising connection to the gods himself. He soon joins forces with new friends on a dangerous quest filled with monsters, mysteries, and characters from Greek mythology.

Rick Riordan combines mythology with plenty of humor and fast-paced adventure, making this series especially appealing to kids who might be intimidated by slower or more traditional novels. It’s also a fun companion to a study of Ancient Greece and Greek mythology.

THE PENDERWICKS(opens in new tab) by Jeanne Birdsall

The four Penderwick sisters spend their summer having adventures at a beautiful estate called Arundel.

It’s a warm, funny family story with wonderfully developed characters and an old-fashioned feel despite being a modern novel.

This is also the beginning of a series, making it a great choice for children who become attached to the characters.

THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY(opens in new tab) by Trenton Lee Stewart

Four unusually gifted children are recruited for a mysterious mission that requires intelligence, creativity, teamwork, and courage.

This is a longer and more challenging book, so it may be better as a read-aloud for some fourth graders and independent reading for others.

Puzzle-loving kids especially may adore it.

THE LEMONADE WAR(opens in new tab) by Jacqueline Davies

When siblings Evan and Jessie compete to see who can earn the most money selling lemonade, their friendly competition becomes much more complicated.

This is a particularly fun choice because the story naturally incorporates math, money, entrepreneurship, sibling relationships, and problem solving.

THE VANDERBEEKERS OF 141ST STREET(opens in new tab) by Karina Yan Glaser

The five Vanderbeeker children love their Harlem brownstone, so when their landlord announces that their lease won’t be renewed, they devise a plan to convince him to let them stay.

It’s a lovely story about family, community, creativity, and working together—and another series kids can continue reading.

NANCY DREW(opens in new tab) by Carolyn Keene

Nancy Drew has been solving mysteries for generations.

These classic mysteries follow teenage detective Nancy as she follows clues, uncovers secrets, and solves cases.

Kids who enjoy mysteries may also love discovering that there are dozens of Nancy Drew adventures waiting for them.

Classic Books for 4th Graders

I tend to lean toward classics when I’m choosing books to share with my own kids. Fourth grade is a wonderful age to begin introducing children to some of the great stories that generations of readers have loved.

THE SECRET GARDEN(opens in new tab) by Frances Hodgson Burnett

After being sent to live with her uncle in England, lonely Mary Lennox discovers a mysterious locked garden that has been neglected for years.

As Mary brings the garden back to life, remarkable changes begin happening in the people around her, too.

The language can be more challenging for modern readers, which makes this an excellent family or classroom read-aloud.

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA(opens in new tab) by C.S. Lewis

Narnia is one of those fictional worlds children can completely disappear into.

Filled with adventure, talking animals, battles, courage, sacrifice, and unforgettable characters, the series can keep a strong fourth-grade reader busy for quite a while.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a wonderful place to begin.

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY(opens in new tab) by Roald Dahl

When Charlie Bucket finds one of the coveted Golden Tickets hidden inside a Wonka chocolate bar, he gets the chance to enter Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory.

Roald Dahl fills the story with strange inventions, unforgettable characters, ridiculous humor, and plenty of unexpected consequences. It’s a wonderfully imaginative book that works well for independent readers or as a family read-aloud.

Kids who enjoy Charlie and the Chocolate Factory can explore more books by Roald Dahl, including Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, and The BFG.

THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH(opens in new tab) by Norton Juster

Milo is bored with practically everything—until a mysterious tollbooth appears in his room and transports him into a world filled with wonderfully strange characters and places.

The book is packed with wordplay, idioms, mathematical ideas, and clever language, making it especially fun to discuss together.

I first read The Phantom Tollbooth in fourth grade, and it has remained a favorite for generations of readers.

BLACK BEAUTY(opens in new tab) by Anna Sewell

Told from the perspective of a horse, Black Beauty follows his life through kind and cruel owners and explores the treatment of animals.

Horse-loving kids may be especially drawn to this classic, although some of the events are difficult and make it a good book to discuss together.

POLLYANNA(opens in new tab) by Eleanor H. Porter

Orphaned Pollyanna goes to live with her stern aunt and brings her remarkably optimistic outlook with her.

Her famous “Glad Game” challenges her to find something to be glad about even in difficult circumstances.

BAMBI(opens in new tab) by Felix Salten

Many children know the Disney version without realizing that Bambi began as a novel.

The original story follows a young deer growing up in the forest and is more serious than the animated adaptation. It can lead to interesting conversations about wildlife, nature, survival, and human interaction with the natural world.

THE TWENTY-ONE BALLOONS(opens in new tab) by William Pène du Bois

A retired mathematics teacher sets out to travel across the Pacific in a giant balloon—and is later discovered among the wreckage of twenty balloons!

His explanation involves the island of Krakatoa, unusual inventions, and an extraordinary society.

It’s quirky, adventurous, and particularly fun for kids who enjoy inventions and STEM.

Historical Fiction for Fourth Graders

Fourth grade history studies often make historical fiction especially valuable. Stories help children imagine what daily life might have been like during another period rather than simply memorizing dates and events.

SARAH, PLAIN AND TALL(opens in new tab) by Patricia MacLachlan

Anna and Caleb live with their widowed father on the prairie when Sarah travels from Maine to consider becoming part of their family.

This short, beautifully written historical novel is accessible enough for independent reading but rich enough to discuss together.

THE COURAGE OF SARAH NOBLE(opens in new tab) by Alice Dalgliesh

Based on a true story, young Sarah travels with her father into the Connecticut wilderness in the early 1700s.

It’s a short historical novel and an approachable introduction to historical fiction.

Teacher/parent note: Because this is an older book, its portrayal of Native Americans reflects attitudes and language from the time in which it was written. If you use it, I’d pair it with contemporary Indigenous perspectives and discuss those portrayals with your child.

NUMBER THE STARS(opens in new tab) by Lois Lowry

Set in Denmark during World War II, this novel follows 10-year-old Annemarie as her family helps protect her Jewish friend from the Nazis.

It’s a beautiful story about courage and friendship, but because of its historical setting and themes, it’s one I’d read alongside children or discuss together.

SADAKO AND THE THOUSAND PAPER CRANES(opens in new tab) by Eleanor Coerr

Based on the true story of Sadako Sasaki, Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes tells the story of a young Japanese girl who became ill years after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

While in the hospital, Sadako begins folding paper cranes after learning about the Japanese tradition that says folding one thousand cranes may make a wish come true. Her story is both heartbreaking and hopeful and can help children begin to understand the human impact of war.

Because the story deals with illness, death, and World War II, this is a book I’d recommend reading and discussing together. It’s also a meaningful addition to a study of Japan, World War II, Hiroshima, or peace.

THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE(opens in new tab) by Louise Erdrich

This historical novel follows Omakayas, a young Ojibwe girl living near Lake Superior in the mid-1800s.

It’s an especially valuable addition to American history studies because it tells history from an Indigenous child’s perspective.

ESPERANZA RISING(opens in new tab) by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Esperanza’s comfortable life in Mexico changes dramatically, forcing her and her mother to flee to California during the Great Depression.

The story explores immigration, farm labor, family, resilience, and adapting to enormous change.

Great Read-Aloud Books for 4th Graders

Some books are simply better when you experience them together.

Fourth graders can understand sophisticated stories that may still be difficult for them to read fluently on their own, so don’t feel like family read-aloud time needs to disappear as independent reading improves.

A few wonderful choices include:

THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE(opens in new tab) by Kate DiCamillo

A beautiful china rabbit who cares very little about anyone but himself is separated from his owner and passes through many different hands.

It’s a beautiful story about love, loss, and learning to care for others.

THE HOBBIT(opens in new tab) by J.R.R. Tolkien

Bilbo Baggins would much rather stay comfortably at home, but a wizard and a group of dwarves have other plans.

For fantasy-loving families, this can be an unforgettable read-aloud filled with adventure, riddles, dragons, and wonderful language.

WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON(opens in new tab) by Grace Lin

Inspired by Chinese folklore, this beautifully told fantasy follows Minli as she sets off to find the Old Man of the Moon and change her family’s fortune.

The stories woven throughout the larger adventure make this especially wonderful to read aloud.

THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN(opens in new tab) by Katherine Applegate

Inspired by a real gorilla, this novel follows Ivan’s life in captivity and his growing determination to help a young elephant named Ruby.

It’s accessible, moving, and wonderful for discussions about animals, friendship, empathy, and captivity.

SWEEP: THE STORY OF A GIRL AND HER MONSTER(opens in new tab) by Jonathan Auxier

A young chimney sweep in Victorian London finds an unexpected protector in a mysterious creature made of soot and ash.

This is a beautiful, atmospheric story for stronger fourth-grade readers or as a family read-aloud.

Funny Books and Graphic Novels for Reluctant Readers

Not every fourth grader wants to curl up with The Secret Garden.

And that’s okay.

If you have a reluctant reader, I would worry less about whether a book is sufficiently “challenging” and concentrate first on finding something your child actually wants to read.

DORK DIARIES(opens in new tab) by Rachel Renée Russell

Nikki Maxwell records the ups and downs of middle-school life through diary entries and drawings.

The combination of humor, illustrations, and relatively short chunks of text can make these appealing to kids who are intimidated by traditional novels.

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID(opens in new tab) by Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley’s illustrated journals have turned countless reluctant readers into kids who voluntarily pick up books.

The humor and heavily illustrated format make these accessible even though Greg himself is navigating middle school.

THE BAD GUYS(opens in new tab) by Aaron Blabey

Mr. Wolf and his fellow “bad guys” would like everyone to believe they’re actually heroes.

Fast pacing, ridiculous humor, and lots of illustrations make this series especially approachable.

Amulet(opens in new tab) by Kazu Kibuishi

For kids who love graphic novels and fantasy, Amulet offers a much bigger adventure with an immersive fantasy world.

It’s proof that graphic novels can tell complex, compelling stories—and yes, graphic novels count as reading.

Nonfiction Books for 4th Graders

Fourth graders don’t need to get all of their reading practice from novels.

For some kids, nonfiction is actually the key to creating an enthusiastic reader.

THE 50 STATES(opens in new tab) by Gabrielle Balkan

Fourth grade is often a year when children spend more time learning about their own state and U.S. geography.

The 50 States uses colorful, fact-filled maps to introduce kids to landmarks, people, places, and interesting facts from across the country.

This would be a fun book to keep nearby during a United States geography study.

Who Was? and What Was? Series

These short biographies and history books introduce kids to famous people, places, and events in an approachable chapter-book format.

They’re great for kids who love learning true stories and can easily connect with history studies.

National Geographic Kids

For kids who would rather read about sharks, space, weather, dinosaurs, or strange animals than fictional characters, follow that interest!

The photographs and bite-sized facts in National Geographic Kids books make them particularly inviting for nonfiction readers.

DK Eyewitness Books

These visual nonfiction books cover everything from ancient civilizations and the human body to rocks, space, animals, and inventions.

They’re great books for browsing—and browsing absolutely counts as reading.

How to Choose Books for Your Fourth Grader

By fourth grade, children’s reading abilities can be all over the map.

Instead of focusing only on reading levels, look at the whole child.

Can they read the book without struggling over so many words that they lose track of the story? Can they understand what they’ve read? Are they interested enough to keep going?

Most importantly, do they enjoy it?

A healthy reading life can include challenging books, easy books, graphic novels, nonfiction, rereading old favorites, and listening to books that are beyond a child’s independent reading ability.

They don’t all need to accomplish the same thing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fourth Grade Reading

How old are most fourth graders?

Most fourth-grade students are around 9 to 10 years old, although ages vary depending on birthdays and school or homeschool placement.

What kinds of books should fourth graders read?

Fourth graders can read a mixture of chapter books, classics, graphic novels, historical fiction, nonfiction, biographies, poetry, and picture books.

Variety is more important than sticking to one specific type of book.

Should fourth graders still read picture books?

Absolutely.

Picture books can contain sophisticated vocabulary, complex ideas, beautiful writing, history, science, art, and stories appropriate for readers of all ages.

There’s no reason to remove them from a child’s reading life simply because they can read chapter books.

Should I still read aloud to my fourth grader?

Yes!

Reading aloud allows kids to enjoy books that may be above their independent reading level and exposes them to richer language and more complicated stories.

It’s also simply a wonderful way to experience books together.

How much should a fourth grader read each day?

Rather than becoming overly focused on minutes or pages, I like to make daily reading a normal part of family life.

A regular reading habit matters more than hitting an arbitrary number every single day.

Some days a child might read for 15 minutes. Other days they may become absorbed in a book and read for an hour.

Helping Fourth Graders Become Lifelong Readers

Fourth grade is a wonderful time for kids to begin developing their own reading tastes.

Let them discover favorite authors. Help them find a series they can’t put down. Introduce them to classics and beautiful read-alouds, but also make room for funny books, graphic novels, and books about whatever they’re currently obsessed with.

The goal isn’t to get through the longest possible list of books for 4th graders.

It’s to help children discover that there will always be another book worth reading.

More Book Lists for Kids:

First Grade Books
Second Grade Books
Third Grade Books 
Must-Read Classics
Books for Tween Boys
Books for Tween Girls