Third grade is an exciting time for young readers! Some children are just beginning to feel confident with chapter books, while others are ready to dive into longer, more complex stories.
As a former elementary school librarian and mom, I know how important it is to find books that match a child’s interests as well as their reading abilities. I’ve put together some of my favorite books and series for third graders, from funny, highly illustrated chapter books to exciting adventures, mysteries, realistic fiction, and more.
Whether you’re a parent searching for your child’s next favorite book or a teacher looking for engaging classroom recommendations, I hope this list helps you find stories your readers won’t want to put down!
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10 CAN’T MISS BOOKS FOR THIRD GRADERS
Not sure where to start? These ten books and series are some of my favorite recommendations for third graders, with something for just about every kind of reader *The fuller reviews are in the main categories below.
The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class: Emma McKenna, Full Out by Kate Messner – Relatable school stories following a lively group of third graders, with each book told from a different child’s perspective
The Ember Stone (The Last Firehawk series) by Katrina Charman – Action-packed fantasy adventures filled with magical creatures, exciting quests, and plenty of kid appeal.
Dragons and Marshmallows (Zoey and Sassafras series) by Asia Citro; illustrated by Marion Lindsay – A clever series that combines magical creatures with science, experiments, and hands-on problem-solving.
Bibsy Cross and the Bad Apple by Liz Garton Seanlon, illustrated by Dung Ho – Meet a lovable third grader who finds the sweetness in life’s sour moments.
The 13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths; illustrated by Terry Denton – Wildly funny, heavily illustrated adventures perfect for kids who love outrageous humor and visual storytelling.
Amina Banana and the Formula for Friendship by Shifa Saltagi Safadi, illustrated by Aailya Jaleel,- A warm, relatable story blending science, friendship, and finding the courage to be yourself.
Mac Undercover (Mac B. Kid Spy series) by Mac Barnett; illustrated by Mike Lowery, 2018 – Outrageous, highly illustrated spy adventures packed with laughs, action, and enormous kid appeal.
Clementine (series) by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Marla Frazee – Funny, relatable school and family adventures starring an energetic third grader who always seems to find herself in a predicament.
The School is Alive (Eerie Elementary series) by Jack Chabert; illustrated by Sam Ricks – -Spooky, fast-paced mysteries packed with suspense, humor, and plenty of illustrations.
Ramona Quimby Age 8 (series) by Beverly Cleary – A funny, timeless story that perfectly captures the ups, downs, and everyday challenges of being eight years old.
FIRST CHAPTER BOOKS
Perfect for third graders building reading confidence or transitioning to independent chapter books.
These books generally feature shorter chapters, approachable plots, illustrations, and manageable reading commitments.
The Mighty Macy by Kwame Alexander, 2026
This engaging novel in verse introduces Macy, a relatable third grader who loves her friends and reading, but not practicing the violin. When budget cuts force her local library to close on weekends, Macy rallies her classmates to advocate for their community.
With accessible, dynamic verse and a compelling storyline, this is an excellent choice for building confidence in developing readers while highlighting the power of student voice and civic action.
Marty Moose: First Class Mischief by Claire Powell, 2026
Even though Marty is clearly a mouse, an ink blot on his birth certificate mistakenly labels him a moose leading to a series of hilarious mishaps. Eager to live up to his great-aunt Ada, the “Greatest Mailmouse Who Ever Lived,” Marty begins his new job with determination. With the help of an overly enthusiastic bunny, he navigates mischievous neighbors and chaotic deliveries in his quest to get the mail through.
Filled with clever wordplay, a fast-paced, madcap plot, and lively illustrations accented with pops of red, this is a delightful choice for readers who love high-energy, humorous stories.
The Only Ghost in School by Tara J. Hannon, 2025
When Ghostie’s mom gets a new job in a human town, he is nervous about leaving his monster friends behind and being the only ghost at his new school. Bursting with colorful illustrations, clever wordplay, and comical moments, this unexpectedly heartfelt tale celebrates self-acceptance and embracing differences.
Jada Jones Rockstar by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton, 2017
(Ages 7 and up)
Fourth grader Jada Jones used to share everything with her best friend Mari especially their love of rocks. Now that Mari has moved away, Jada must figure out how to make new friends on her own. When her class begins a unit on rocks, Jada knows it’s her moment to shine, but not everyone appreciates her pun-filled humor. By staying true to herself, Jada discovers that confidence and kindness can help others see the rock star she really is.
Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party (series) by Saadia Faruqi, illustrated by Ani Bushry
(Ages 7 and up)
Jealous of her neighbor Alexa’s giant birthday bash two days before Marya’s 8th birthday, she desperately wants to throw her own party. The only problem is her parents want to do more of a low-key celebration. Hijinks ensue with disastrous results as Marya tries to convince her parents to host a henna party. When Marya attends Alexa’s party, she gains a new perspective on what is really important and gains a new friend in the process.
The Case of the Lost Boy (The Buddy Files series) by Dori Hillestad Butler; illustrated by Jeremy Tugeau, 2010
fun and engaging mystery told from the perspective of Buddy, a lovable dog with a nose for solving cases. When a young boy goes missing, Buddy is determined to use his sharp instincts and detective skills to help find him. Filled with humor, suspense, and an endearing canine narrator, this entertaining early chapter book is a fantastic choice for animal lovers and young mystery fans.
The Ball Hogs (Kickers series) by Rich Wallace; illustrated by Jimmy Holder, 2010
Nine-year-old Ben is excited to join his first soccer team, but his frustration with a ball-hogging teammate leads him to realize that he has a few lessons of his own to learn about teamwork. Fast-paced soccer action, relatable team dynamics, and plenty of illustrations make this an engaging choice for young sports fans
Juana & Lucas by Juana Medina
Colorful illustrations match the vibrant personality of Juana, a spirited Colombian girl. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout the text as Juana shares her love of her South American town, her dog Lucas, and her favorite hobbies with readers as well as her dislikes namely learning English.
Mouse Scouts (series) by Sarah Dillard, 2016
Best friends Violet and Tigerlily join the Mouse Scouts and discover that earning their first merit badge requires plenty of hard work, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. This charming series is filled with friendship, humor, and adorable black-and-white illustrations, making it an inviting choice for kids gaining confidence with chapter books.
ENGAGING SHORTISH CHAPTER BOOKS
Funny, exciting, and engaging chapter books for children growing into confident independent readers
The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class: Emma McKenna, Full Out by Kate Messner, 2024
Emma can’t wait to start 3rd grade at Curiosity Academy until she spots Lucy, her ex–best friend, in her class. When it’s time to pitch her new school mascot idea, Emma must find the courage to take the stage… even if it means standing beside Lucy. Relatable and authentic, this engaging series stays fresh by telling each book from a different classmate’s perspective.
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The Ember Stone (The Last Firehawk series) by Katrina Charman
Tag is a young owl training to become a protector of his magical forest. When his land is threatened by the evil vulture, Thorn, Tag and his friend Skyla embark on an important mission to retrieve a magical stone whose power can save or destroy them. Children who love fantasy and adventure will be drawn to this suspenseful new chapter book series. Lexile: 560L
Bibsy Cross and the Bad Apple by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Dung Ho, 2024
Bibsy Cross has completely stolen my heart! This relatable third grader finds the sweetness in every sour situation. She’s thrilled to team up with her best friend Natia for the science fair until her tendency to overshare leaves her feeling like a rotten apple with her stern teacher Mrs. Stumper. Short chapters brimming with expressive figurative language and lively illustrations accented with pops of red make this a perfect series to hook young readers.
Third Grade Angels by Jerry Spinelli, illustrated by Jennifer Bell
Upon entering third grade, George aka “Suds”, learns of the classic rhyme “first grade babies/second grade cats/third grade angels/fourth grade rats.” His new teacher, Mrs. Simms holds a competition each month to award one third grade students with the coveted “Halo” for being the most well-behaved student. Determined to win, Suds does his best to be good, but runs into several unexpected mishaps while navigating expectations, friendships, and school.
The School is Alive (Eerie Elementary series) by Jack Chabert; illustrated by Sam Ricks
When Sam Graves is chosen as hall monitor, he has no idea that the job also includes keeping students safe from the sinister school building that is trying to eat them! Fans of spooky stories will want to gobble this one up!
Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters (Questioneers series) by Andrea Beaty; illustrated by David Roberts, 2018
The creative star of the best-selling picture book Rosie Revere Engineer is back in her very own chapter book. Rosie and her friends Iggy Peck and Ada Twist, work together to build a contraption to help a friend participate in an art contest. Similar to the picture book series, they learn important lessons in problem solving and resilience. The detailed black and white artwork with pops of red add to the fun of this enjoyable new STEAM story! Lexile 520/ Guided Reading Level O
Monday in the Cave of Thieves by Ralph Lazar
This delightfully weird tale about a boy named Dash Candoo who faces dangerous mayhem at every corner had my son laughing out loud. Whether it’s the expressive illustrations or zany text, this action-packed chapter book is fast-paced fun!
Amina Banana and the Formula for Friendship by Shifa Saltagi Safadi, illustrated by Aailya Jaleel, 2025
Science-loving Amina has just moved from Syria to Indiana, and she’s both nervous and excited to start third grade. Convinced that life can be solved with the right formula, Amina carefully plans the perfect equation for a successful first day at her new school. When things don’t go as expected, she ultimately learns that the best formula for making friends is simply being herself.
Amina’s voice feels genuine and heartfelt, offering an authentic glimpse into the challenges of being an ESL student navigating tricky parts of English like commas and idioms. She’s an endearing protagonist whose optimism, perseverance, and kindness shine throughout the story. The thoughtful back matter featuring more information about a science experiment from the book and a recipe for a Syrian dish Amina makes adds an extra layer of learning and cultural connection.
Lulu and the Brontosaurus by Judith Viorst, illustrated by Lane Smith
Spoiled Lulu always gets what she wants until her parents say no to a brontosaurus for her birthday. Undeterred, Lulu sets off into the forest on a hilarious quest to find one herself. Packed with Lane Smith’s expressive illustrations, this witty tale is perfect for a laugh-out-loud read-aloud or independent reading fun
Trouble at the Arcade (Hardy Boys series) by Franklin Dixon; illustrated by Scott Burroughs, 2010
Inspired by the original Hardy Boy mystery series, these updated stories star two brothers who solve mysteries in their town.
Dragons and Marshmallows (Zoey and Sassafras series) by Asia Citro; illustrated by Marion Lindsay
Zoey dreams of being a scientist like her mom and when she discovers she is able to see magical creatures, she gets a chance to put her scientific knowledge to work sooner than she thought. Each story in this outstanding series follows Zoey and her cat Sassafras as they use science to help magical creatures solve their problems.
Heroes in Training: Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams
This fun dive into Greek mythology stars ten-year-old Zeus as he goes on an adventure of a lifetime. Kidnapped by half-giants, chased by lightning bolts, Zeus doesn’t know why danger seems to follow him, but he’s in for a big surprise when he becomes an unsuspecting hero destined to save the other young gods from the evil Cronus.
Stella Batts by Courtney Sheinmel, illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell, 2012
(Ages 7 and up)
Aspiring writer Stella Batts begins documenting her third-grade adventures, determined to capture everything happening in her life. With a family-owned candy shop, there’s plenty of sweet inspiration, but first Stella has to deal with a boy who insists on calling her “Smella.” Determined to reinvent herself with a brand-new nickname, Stella sets out to take control of her story. Lovable, funny, and full of heart, Stella is a delightful protagonist, and each book in this charming series follows her through the everyday ups and downs of growing up.
Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom (series) by Eric Wight, 2009
When Frankie’s mom tells him he never has to clean his room again, his wild imagination transforms the growing mess into one outrageous adventure after another. I love the unique mix of traditional chapters and comic-style illustrations, which makes this funny, imaginative series especially appealing to kids transitioning from graphic novels to chapter books.
The Mysterious Moonstone (Key Hunters series) by Eric Luper, 2016
Getting lost in a good book has never been this dangerous! Cleo and Evan have a secret. A collection of books so dangerous they are locked up tight. A friend has vanished inside the pages of one of them. It’s up to them to find the key that will set her free. A PRICELESS DIAMOND. . . STOLEN! When Cleo and Evan go undercover to help a rookie detective interview a mansion full of suspects, nothing is as it seems. They must catch the crook-and find the right key-or they could be trapped inside this mystery forever. . . Buy It Here
The Magic Mirror (Once Upon a Fairy Tale series) by Anna Staniszkewski, illustrated by Macky Pamintuan
Kara and Zed reside in an enchanted kingdom and when they learn that their land is threatened by an eternal summer due to a shattered mirror, they set out upon an epic quest to find the culprit who broke the mirror and learn how to mend the spell. Children who enjoy fairy tales will be drawn to this fantastical new mystery.
Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke
This utterly charming story of a girl growing up in modern-day Africa is such a gem! Whether it’s going on a seaside vacation, selling oranges, or just spending time with her large extended family, reading about Anna’s life in Africa is fascinating.
In a Blink (The Never Girls series) by Kiki Thorpe, illustrated by Jana Christy
This enchanting series stars four best friends who are whisked away to Never Land where they share magical adventures with Tinkerbell!
Stuey Lewis Against All Odds: stories from the third grade by Jane Schoenberg; illustrated by Cambria Evans, 2012
Third grader Stuey Lewis tackles everything from a disastrous first airplane trip to a class pet show with help from his best friend and favorite teacher. Stuey is such a relatable and likable character, and the humor, friendship, and everyday third-grade challenges make this an especially fun choice for kids who enjoy realistic school stories.
The Trouble With Chickens (series) by Doreen Cronin, 2011
Retired search-and-rescue dog J.J. Tully is pulled back into detective work when a worried mother hen asks him to help find her two missing chicks. The clever mystery, hilarious characters, and plentiful illustrations make this such a fun introduction to detective stories and a great choice for kids who like their chapter books packed with humor.
The New Kid at School (Dragon Slayer’s Academy series) by Kate McMullan, 1997
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?
The Gold Medal Mess (Most Valuable Player MVP series) by David A. Kelly, illustrated by Scott Brundage
It’s Field Day at Franklin Elementary School and it is up to five friends to stop someone from sabotaging the Olympic style games. Part mystery, part sports stories, this book has a lot of kid appeal. The book is further enhanced by facts and photos of the real Olympic Games. Lexile 610/ Fountas & Pinnell N
If you are looking for more sports books, David A. Kelly has also written the Ballpark Mysteries series.
Mac Undercover (Mac B. Kid Spy series) by Mac Barnett; illustrated by Mike Lowery, 2018 * HIGHLY ILLUSTRATED
In this quirky story, acclaimed author Mac Barnett, reveals that he was actually a super spy as a child. Set in the 1980’s, the humorous tale takes readers on a hysterical adventure of Mac flying to London to aid the queen in the mystery of her missing Crown Jewels. While some of the humor may go over kids’ heads, they won’t care because they will be having so much fun reading about Mac’s exciting escapade traveling the world in this comical story.
The Boxcar Children (series) by Gertrude Chandler Warner, 1942
Four orphans take shelter in an old boxcar during a storm and determine to make it their own and solve mysteries.
Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye (Geronimo Stilton series) by Geronimo Stilton; illustrated by Matt Wolf, 2003 * HIGHLY ILLUSTRATED
When Geronimo’s adventurous sister discovers a mysterious treasure map, she whisks the reluctant newspaper editor off on a wild journey to a faraway island in search of hidden treasure. Packed with humor, colorful illustrations, and nonstop adventure, this playful series is especially appealing to kids who enjoy fast-paced, highly visual chapter books
On the Dog (Andrew Lost series) by J.C. Greenburg, 2002
When Andrew’s invention accidentally shrinks him and his cousin Judy to microscopic size, they find themselves stranded on a dog and surrounded by enormous fleas, mites, and other creepy-crawly creatures. I love how this fast-paced series sneaks fascinating science into a wildly imaginative adventure, making it a fun choice for curious kids who enjoy action and humor.
Ruby Lu Brave and True (series) by Lenore Look, 2006
This comical book stars the high-spirited Ruby Lu who is learning to become a magician, adapting to life with a new baby brother, and struggling through Chinese school on Saturdays. Ruby Lu’s hysterical hijinks are so much fun to read about.
LONGER CHAPTER BOOKS
For readers ready for longer stories, more developed characters, and increasingly complex plots.
These books generally require more sustained reading, although many still include illustrations and accessible storytelling
Ramona Quimby Age 8 (series) by Beverly Cleary
This classic story follows the spirited and imaginative Ramona as she starts third grade and faces the ups and downs of growing up. Now considered a “big kid,” Ramona tries to be brave and responsible while dealing with challenges like making new friends, riding the school bus alone, and coping with her father’s return to college. Through funny mishaps and heartfelt moments, Ramona learns more about herself, her family, and what it means to grow up. It’s a warm, relatable story full of humor and honesty. 
There is a reason the Ramona Quimby series by Beverly Cleary has withstood the test of time. Ramona is such a likable and relatable character it is almost impossible not to be charmed by her. Beverly Cleary masterfully gets inside the mind of a child and expertly conveys their experiences, imaginative ponderings, inquisitive questions in such an amusing and entertaining way.
Check out more of the series here.
Fight for Life (Vet Volunteers series) by Laurie Halse Anderson, 2000
When Maggie discovers that the sick and mistreated puppies arriving at her grandmother’s veterinary clinic are coming from an illegal puppy mill, she becomes determined to find the source and help save the dogs. The combination of animal rescue, mystery, and a courageous young protagonist makes this an especially compelling choice for animal lovers who enjoy stories with real stakes and plenty of heart.
The Creature of the Pines (The Unicorn Rescue Society series) by Adam Gidwitz, illustrated by Hatem Aly
Elliot is not thrilled about starting school three weeks after everyone else and he is particularly not excited to take a field trip to the New Jersey Pine Barrens on his first day. The day goes from bad to worse as he and a girl named Uchenna are drawn into a secret society to protect mythical animals. What follows is a fantastical story of adventure and friendship as he and Uchenna must protect the surprisingly cute Jersey Devil from two evil villains.
Clementine (series) by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Marla Frazee
Clementine is a third grader who means well, but just can’t seem to stay out of trouble. After a week of visiting the principal almost daily, Clementine fears her parents will be ready to give her away. Full of humor and heart, kids won’t be able to resist the energetic Clementine!
The 13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths; illustrated by Terry Denton, 2013 *HIGHLY ILLUSTRATED
Two young boys are living their best lives creating comic books and lodging in a mind-blowing tree house. With an approaching deadline for their latest and greatest comic, they need to focus, but with so many zany distractions it’s not easy. My old students were obsessed with this series and I could never keep it on the shelves of my school library.
Judy Moody (series) by Megan McDonald
It’s the first day of third grade and Judy Moody is convinced it is going to be a terrible day. Readers will love following her as she learns some important life lessons most notably how to change your perception to get out of a bad mood!
The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney
This adorable classroom pet could not be cuter! My kids absolutely loved following Humphrey the hamster as he observed, befriended, and quietly helped the students of Room 26 while learning right alongside them. Filled with humor, heart, and lovable characters, this charming series is such a wonderful choice for kids.
Amber Brown is not a Crayon (Amber Brown series) by Paula Danziger; illustrator Tony Ross, 1994
Amber Brown and Justin Daniels have always been best friends, but when Justin learns he is moving away, their sadness and frustration threaten to pull them apart. Funny, honest, and incredibly relatable, this heartfelt story captures the complicated emotions of friendship and change in a way that feels especially true to elementary-age kids.
Justin Case: School, Drool, and Other Daily Disasters (series) by Rachel Vail; illustrated by Matthew Cordell, 2010
Third grader Justin worries about everything from getting the wrong teacher and being separated from his best friend to whether he’s too old for his beloved stuffed animal. Justin’s worries feel so genuine and relatable, and the mix of humor, everyday school challenges, and lively illustrations makes this an especially reassuring read for kids who sometimes feel nervous or unsure of themselves.
Cilla Lee-Jenkins Future Author Extraordinaire by Susan Tan, illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte
With clever and comical writing, this book is a ton of fun. As a biracial 8-year-old with a new baby sister on the way, Priscilla Lee-Jenkins has a tricky time figuring out her place in the world. One thing for certain, however, she is destined for greatness.
The Field Guide (The Spiderwick Chronicles series) Tony Diterlizzi and Holly Black, 2003
Jared, his twin brother Simon, and their older sister Mallory aren’t exactly thrilled to move into their great-uncle’s crumbling old mansion especially since he vanished under mysterious circumstances. When they uncover a hidden field guide revealing a secret world of mythical creatures, their new home quickly becomes the center of a thrilling and perilous adventure to discover the truth about their missing uncle.
Marty McGuire (series) by Kate Messner, illustrated by Brian Floca
Third grade Marty McGuire is doing her best to navigate third grade, but it’s proving difficult when her ex-best friend has become closer friends with the bossy Veronica Grace and, worst of all, she has been cast as the princess in their class play The Princess and the Frog. Marty would much rather play with frogs than having to be a princess any day. It’s hard not to love the spunky animal-obsessed Marty in this amusing series.
Henry Huggins (series) by Beverly Cleary, illustrated by Tracy Dockray, 1950
My kids absolutely loved this book series and instantly fell in love with both Henry and his dog Ribsy. We listened to the audio book together and while we found it absolutely charming, I have to add a note that it was written in the 1950’s, so there were definitely some anachronistic remarks that I addressed.
Kelsey Green Reading Queen (Franklin School Friends series) by Claudia Mills, 2013
Third grader Kelsey is determined to lead her class to victory in a school-wide reading contest, but her competitive streak begins to cause problems with her friends and classmates. Book-loving kids will especially enjoy this relatable school story, which explores competition, friendship, and the important reminder that reading should be about more than winning.
Rain Forest Relay (Race the Wild series) Kristin Earhart; illustrated by Eda Kaban, 2015
Russell and his teammates race through the Amazon rainforest, where they must navigate dangerous wildlife, raging rapids, and ruthless competitors while learning to work together. The mix of nonstop adventure, fascinating animal facts, and friendly competition makes this an exciting choice for kids who love action-packed stories and learning about the natural world.
I Survived series by Lauren Tarshis
(Ages 8 and up)
This brilliant series is told from the point of view of a child experiencing an extreme moment in history. Whether trying to survive a natural disaster, escape from a predator, or endure the horrors of war, each book cleverly combines emotional storytelling with gripping details. Because the topics of the book focus on braving catastrophes, many elements of the story are scary, but that is also what makes them thrilling. The endings often leave the reader with a feeling of optimism and excitement to read another book in the series. Buy It Here
We recently read the graphic novel I Survived: The Sinking of the Titanic, 1912 and in addition to really enjoying the story, we also liked the bonus facts and photographs at the end. Buy It Here
Skunked! (Calpurnia Tate Girl Vet series) by Jacqueline Kelly; illustrated by Jennifer Meyer, 2016
When Travis brings home an abandoned baby skunk,and then discovers its litter mate also needs help, he and Callie suddenly have two mischievous animals to care for and hide from their mother. Animal lovers will especially enjoy this charming, funny story, which blends plenty of skunk-filled mishaps with fascinating details about caring for wildlife.
Fortunately the Milk by Neil Gaiman
This quirky tale is an absolute delight. When a father returns from buying milk for his family, he regales them with the out-of-this-world adventures he had on his trip home from the store. With aliens, time travel, pirates, and utter silliness, this one is sure to entertain.
ADVANCED CHAPTER BOOKS FOR THIRD GRADERS
For confident readers ready for longer novels, richer vocabulary, and more demanding stories.
The Penderwicks: a summer tale of four sisters, two rabbits, and a very interesting boy (series)by Jeanne Birdsall, 2007
This modern-day classic stars a family of four sisters who travel with their widowed father to an enchanting estate called Arundel for the summer. Each sister has a uniquely captivating personality and their adventures with a young boy named Jeffrey are nothing short of delightful!
The Shadows (The Books of Elsewhere series) by Jacqueline West; illustrated by Poly Bernatene, 2010
When eleven-year-old Olive moves into a mysterious old mansion, she discovers a pair of antique spectacles that allow her to step inside the house’s eerie paintings—and into a dangerous world called Elsewhere. The creepy atmosphere, talking cats, and intriguing mystery make this an immersive fantasy for kids who enjoy suspenseful stories with a slightly spooky edge.
Emily’s Fortune by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
The Great Cake Mystery (series) by Alexander McCall Smith; illustrated by Iain McIntosh, 2012
When a piece of cake disappears from her classroom and a classmate is unfairly blamed, young Precious sets out to uncover the real culprit. This charming mystery is a wonderful introduction to detective stories, with an especially meaningful message about looking beyond first impressions and not jumping to conclusions.
Rescue on the Oregon Trail (Ranger in Time series) by Kate Messner; illustrated by Kelley McMorris
Ranger, a search-and-rescue dog discovers a magical first-aid kit that transports him through time. Before he knows it, Ranger travels to 1850 where he lands in Missouri at the starting point of the Oregon Trail. Ranger courageously follows the trail and alerts the families caravanning of several dangers. Children interested in history will be fascinated by the treachery the pioneers faced in this engaging story. Lexile 690
The Terrible Two (series) by Mac Barnett
Miles Murphy couldn’t be less excited about moving to Yawnee Valley, a town famous for their large number of cattle. The only saving grace is that he can start his 5th grade year as the school’s new prankster. When he arrives on the first day to find the principal’s car blocking the entrance to the school, however, he realizes Yawnee may already have a prankster that needs to be dethroned. We read this book aloud as a family and it had everyone cracking up. Between the comical writing and hysterical illustrations, this one is perfect for reluctant readers or anyone who enjoys a funny story.
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
This series has withstood the test of time for a reason. The dynamic between fourth grader Peter Hatcher and his rambunctious little brother Fudge is nothing short of hilarious! Lexile: 470/ Fountas & Pinnell: Q
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown, 2016
After waking up in a forest alone and with no memory, Roz, a robot, must learn how to survive in the wild. Though programmed for logical tasks, she finds a way to befriend the animals until her past comes back to haunt her.
The Sasquatch Escape (series) by Suzanne Selfors; illustrated by Dan Santat, 2013
When Ben and his new friend Pearl discover a secret veterinary hospital for imaginary creatures, they are thrown into an unexpected adventure after a Sasquatch escapes into town. Packed with mythical creatures, humor, and plenty of action, this imaginative series is a great choice for kids who love fast-paced fantasy adventures.
The Adventures of Nanny Pigginsby R.A. Spratt; illustrations by Dan Santat
Hilarious hijinks ensue when a circus pig becomes the governess to three human children. Complete with dry wit, this quirky, entertaining story is pure fun and makes a great summer read. Lexile: 900
GRAPHIC NOVELS FOR THIRD GRADERS
A Fish Boy Named Sashimi by Dan Santat, 2026
Simon and Chester Super Detectives (series) by Cale Atkinson, 2021
My son could not love this book more! Sir Simon, a ghost with a big personality, teams up with his friend, Chester, a boy with a big imagination, to solve mysteries around their house. Cale Atkinson’s expressive illustrations are absolutely hysterical and my son loved the droll text so much that he started quoting funny lines from the book. This is such a fun one with tons of kid appeal!
Cat Kid Comic Club by Dav Pilkey, 2020
This hysterical new series stars a cat and his sidekick who form a club to teach a class of young frogs how to make a comic. While it is completely zany, it is also packed with kid appeal and helpful advice about the creative process.
The parent advising the club is initially shocked and disappointed with some of the ridiculous story lines the students come up with, but he comes to understand that kids need a little freedom to create and explore topics that interest them. With a variety of comic formats and inspirational ideas, I have no doubt that this humorous graphic novel will motivate budding writers to pick up their own pencils and get writing!
My son could not put this book down and it had our entire family laughing out lou
CatStronauts: Mission Moon by Drew Brockington
Prepare for cute cats and comical hijinks in this adventure series starring fearless feline astronauts tasked with setting up solar power 
stations in space to save the earth from an energy crises. With puns galore and a cast of lovable heroes including Major Meowser, Navigator Waffles, an Officer Pom Pom, this funny series is out of this world.
Don’t miss the spinoff series Waffles and Pancake Planetary Yum, which uncovers Navigator Waffles’ origin story.
InvestiGators by John Green
With its fast-paced plot, slapstick humor, and pun-filled dialogue, kids won’t be able to resist this comical tale of two alligator spies! Armed with super cool spy technology, Mango and Brash work for S.U.I.T. (Special Undercover Investigator Teams) and are challenged with finding a missing chef in their first adventure.
The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza by Mac Barnett; illustrated by Shawn Harris
Silly shenanigans ensue as a courageous cat enters space to stop a group of evil rats from eating the moon. Our family loves Mac Barnett’s sense of humor, so my son couldn’t wait to get his hands on this new graphic novel and it did not disappoint. This one is a ton of fun!
Max and the Midnights by Lincoln Peirce *HYBRID
Max and her loyal band of friends embark on an epic quest to save her Uncle Budrick and become the hero she always knew she was destined to be. Full of magic and adventure, this one has a ton of kid appeal.
Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth (series) by Judd Winick, 2015
D.J. and his friend Gina consider their lives boring until they meet Hilo, a robot from another planet who looks like a boy. Together the three friends try to unlock the secrets to Hilo’s past while also battling giant robotic insects. This fast-paced story is funny, adventurous, and full of heart resulting in a winning combination.
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