4th Grade Literature: Book List for Fourth Graders

How to Choose Books for 4th Graders

On your next trip to the library, you might suggest that your son or daughter pick up one of the following chapter books - listed from easiest to hardest. Each is written from a child's perspective, so your 4th grader can relate to the narrator's experience. If your child is reluctant to read, select stories that reflect his or her interests and personality and read aloud together. If you have a bookworm, you might look for tales that expand his or her horizons to different cultures or perspectives.

4th Grade Reading List

1. Nate the Great and the Sticky Case by Marjorie Sharmat

If your 4th grader enjoys figuring out mysteries, the Nate the Great series is a good way to encourage reading. You'll find the chapters to be short, well-illustrated and easy to read. Nate and his dog, Sludge, help their friends solve problems, like this case of a missing stamp.

2. Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary

Kids who have just finished third grade can understand the excitement and frustration Ramona feels as she rides the school bus alone for the first time without her older sister and meets her new teacher. You can discuss how Ramona's family has money problems since Ramona's dad has lost his job and has gone back to school.

3. Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally) by Lisa Yee

Bobby Ellis-Chan's 4th grade friends don't think it's cool for him to be best buddies with Holly anymore, and Bobby's dad is finding the transition to stay-at-home parenting difficult. This humorous book could help your child grapple with changing ideas of gender.

4. There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom by Louis Sachar

You and your child can explore the reasons why Bradley Chalkers is a bully. Is it because he's disliked by his teachers or by himself? You'll cheer Bradley on as he transforms himself with the help of a new school counselor and his friend, Jeff.

5. Frindle by Andrew Clements

Your independent thinker will connect with Nick, who decides to make language arts class more interesting by making up his own word. Be warned, this award-winning story might start a new trend in your household!

6. My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

Your young nature-lover can appreciate this adventure about a boy who leaves his New York City apartment to live in a hollowed-out tree in the Catskill Mountains for a year. If you both enjoy stories about wilderness survival, you can read the continued adventures of Sam Gribley and his pet falcon in four sequels or check out Julie of the Wolves, by the same author.

7. The Misadventures of Maude March by Audrey Coulumbis

Who doesn't like a good Western complete with outlaws and cougars? Why not read the adventures of orphans Maude and Sallie to your child at bedtime? You'll see how engaging historical fiction can be.