Fourth Grade Reading List: Great Books for 4th-Grade Readers

Fourth Grade Supplemental Reading

Your fourth grader may enjoy reading if you find genres and subjects that interest him or her the most. Kids who develop an appreciation for literature and reading may find that their writing and communication skills improve, as well as their ability to pay attention. Here are some of our favorite books for 4th-grade readers that feature poetry, fantasy and realistic fiction.

Book List for Fourth Grade

1. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

Is your child a fan of fairy tales and fantasy stories? This illustrated read-aloud book describes the adventures of Despereaux, a mouse who lives in a castle. Shunned by his family, Despereaux is sent to the dungeon for talking to Princess Pea. Eventually, he overhears a discussion between an imprisoned rat - who holds a grudge against the princess - and a castle servant, who are making plans to kidnap her. It's up to Despereaux to escape and rescue Princess Pea.

2. A Fine, Fine School by Sharon Creech

Principal Keene loves his school so much that he announces to his students and staff that he wants to have school on Saturdays. Soon, he wants to have it every day all year round. The teachers and students aren't happy, but they don't know what to do. A student named Tillie decides to show Mr. Keene why attending school all the time is a bad idea.

3. The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black

This 5-book series may appeal to your fourth grader who enjoys fantasy. The Spiderwick Chronicles tell the story of the Grace siblings - twins, Jared and Simon, and their sister, Mallory - who move with their mother into a dilapidated, old house in Maine after their father leaves. The children soon discover that the house is populated with a variety of faeries who are intent on causing mayhem. The books chronicle the Grace children's adventures as they try to rid the house of these faeries.

4. My Dog May Be a Genius by Jack Prelutsky

If your fourth grader likes to read silly poems, introduce this collection of verses penned by America's first Children's Poet Laureate. The book opens with 'My Dog May Be a Genius,' but each poem is about a different topic. The poetry is accompanied by James Stevenson's illustrations.

5. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume

This classic story is narrated by 4th-grader Peter Warren Hatcher, whose life is complicated by the antics of his younger brother, Farley 'Fudge' Drexel. The book mostly focuses on Peter's relationship with Fudge, but a couple chapters are devoted to Peter's best friend, Jimmy, and their classmate, Sheila. If your child likes this book, he or she can read the rest of the books in the series, which include Superfudge, Fudge-A-Mania and Double Fudge.