Looking for the perfect chapter book series for your third-grader? Look no further! Third graders have become more independent readers and are on the hunt for series that they can really get into. Whether your third-grader enjoys mysteries, graphic novels, classics, humorous characters, or reading aloud, we have the perfect series for them.
Books are an essential part of a child’s education, helping them to learn to read and write. Chapter books are especially helpful in teaching children to read longer works. However, 8-year-olds generally prefer shorter chapter books around 150-200 pages, with plenty of illustrations and larger fonts. These kinds of books help to encourage a love of reading in children.
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Chapter Books For 3rd Graders Picks
1. Fantastic Mr. Fox
Once upon a time, three farmers, Boggis, Bunce, and Bean, were having trouble with a clever thief – Fantastic Mr. Fox! Despite their best efforts, they couldn’t seem to catch him. However, things changed when they decided to work together and Mr. Fox and his family found themselves in danger. But these farmers didn’t know what they were dealing with! Mr. Fox was no ordinary fox and he wasn’t going to give up without a fight. To survive, he must come up with an amazing plan that will outsmart the three farmers once and for all!
2. The BFG
The BFG is not your typical bone-breaking giant. He is much too sweet and rambunctious. Sophie is fortunate that he is. She would have quickly turned into food if the Bloodbottler or any of the other giants had taken her away in the middle of the night instead of the BFG. When Sophie learns that the giants want to eat a few cute small kids in England, she makes the decision that she must stop them once and for all.
3. Stella Díaz Has Something to Say
Pancho, Stella Díaz’s betta fish, is one of her favorite aquatic creatures. A betta fish, however, is not Stella Díaz. Betta fish like their alone time, but Stella enjoys her time with her mother, sibling, and closest friend Jenny. Stella is currently terribly alone because Jenny is taking a different class this year.
When a new boy joins Stella’s class, she truly wants to be his buddy. But occasionally Stella speaks Spanish instead of English and pronounces phrases incorrectly, turning her red. A major presentation at school requires her to speak in front of her entire class! Stella Díaz, however, will have something to say, so she must get over her concerns quickly!
“Stella Díaz Has Something to Say” has realistic language, lovely black-and-white illustrations, and the introduction of a new, endearing character. Additionally, the book incorporates basic Spanish terminology to add a multilingual dimension.
4. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle is an extraordinary character who lives in an upside-down house and is always baking yummy cookies in her kitchen. Did you know she even had a pirate for a husband? But what’s even more amazing is her expertise in dealing with children!
When your child starts showing signs of being an Answer-Backer like Mary, or becomes self-centered like Dick, or perhaps turns into a Slow-Eater-Tiny-Bite-Taker like Allen, don’t worry! Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle has just the perfect solution for each one of them. And the best part? Her remedies are not only practical, but also incredibly funny. This book is sure to delight your 3rd-grader!
5. The Mouse and the Motorcycle
Ralph, who is always interested, decides to ride Keith’s red toy motorcycle. Ralph acts accordingly when Keith one day leaves the bike unsupervised in his room. Yet many challenges come with all this flexibility (and speed!). Ralph has a lot going on, from escaping a rambunctious terrier to keeping his curious relatives away from his new wheels. Additionally, nothing is too much for this tiny mouse when he has a friend like Keith who is always looking out for him.
6. The Lemonade War
What do you get when you mix lemonade, sibling rivalry, and a summer break? A refreshing tale of Evan and Jessie Treski! Evan, who’s got people skills that even grown-ups admire, thinks the world is thirsty, and he’s just the king of lemonade to quench that thirst. His younger sister, Jessie, is a math whiz but not so great at feelings.
So, they decide to launch a friendly competition: a five-day lemonade war! It’s a showdown of epic proportions, and no one can say who’ll come out on top as the tension builds up. Will Evan’s social savviness give him the edge, or will Jessie’s math genius help her calculate the perfect recipe? Only time will tell, and it’s all happening before school resumes!
7. Amelia Bedelia Box Set
Amelia Bedelia is literally in a box. For young readers who enjoy a good laugh, this box set, which comprises the first four humorous volumes in the popular Amelia Bedelia Chapter Book series, will be a welcome present.
The Amelia Bedelia chapter books are a great option for fans of the Ivy + Bean, Magic Tree House, and Junie B. Jones novels because they include brief, quick-paced chapters, lots of pals and humorous situations, and black-and-white drawings on every page. A glossary of the idioms used in the stories is included in each volume.
8. Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy
Not every dragonet wants a destiny. Clay has grown up under the mountain, chosen along with four other dragonets to fulfill a mysterious prophecy and end the war between the dragon tribes of Pyrrhia. He’s not so sure about the prophecy part, but Clay can’t imagine not living with the other dragonets; they’re his best friends. So when one of the dragonets is threatened, all five spring into action. Together, they will choose freedom over fate, leave the mountain, and fulfill their destiny — on their own terms.
9. Cat Kid Comic Club: A Graphic Novel
Twenty-one boisterous, humorous, and brilliant baby frogs share their experiences in the Cat Kid Comic Club, including Naomi, Melvin, Pedro, and Poppy. Can Li’l Petey, Molly, and Flippy assist the pupils in using comics to express themselves? The creative baby frogs experience the blunders and advancement that come with effort and perseverance as their adventures in class and on paper come to an end with disasters and humor.
As stories within the story, the mini-comics “Squid Kid and Katydid,” “Baby Frog Squad,” “Monster Cheese Sandwich,” “Birds Flowers Trees: A Haiku Photo Comic,” and others are presented. Each is done in a different style, combining humor and drama, prose and poetry, and illustrated using a variety of media, including acrylics, pastels, colored pencils, felt-tip markers, clay, and hand-made cardboard sculpture.
10. The Creature of the Pines
The first day at his new school hasn’t exactly made Elliot Eisner happy. His class is taking a field trip to the Pine Barrens, a spooky woodland. Professor Fauna, the strangest instructor Elliot has ever seen, is in charge of the excursion. Uchenna Devereaux, the lone child who will speak to Elliot, is not scared of danger. She enjoys taking risks.
Elliot and Uchenna are set to join The Unicorn Rescue Society, a clandestine organization of intrepid travelers whose mission is to safeguard and defend magical species around the world. Elliot and Uchenna must work with Professor Fauna to save a Jersey Devil from the Schmoke Brothers, a pair of cunning, selfish millionaires.
11. Dragonbreath
Although Danny Dragonbreath cannot breathe fire, he is unafraid. This comes in useful when a poor academic performance prompts him to ask his sea-serpent relative for assistance with a research assignment. Ursula Vernon offers a cast of characters that will have readers giggling till their noses are black with laughter using a combination of comic book panels and prose!
12. Lola Levine Is Not Mean!
Lola Levine enjoys journaling, eating her dad’s matzo ball soup, drinking her mom’s coffee con leche, and playing soccer with her team, the Orange Smoothies. She may not always fit in, but so what?
Although Lola is a formidable player on the pitch, she accidentally harms Juan Gomez during a competitive soccer match during break. She is now known as “Mean Lola” Levine by everyone! Lola is in a horrible mood, but with the support of her loved ones, Josh Blot, her super best buddy, and a little “pencil power,” she just might be able to make things better.
Young readers will be motivated by Lola’s enormous heart and inventive personality as she learns to navigate the second grade in this first book of the series.
13. Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye
Geronimo Stilton: Who Is He? That is me! Although I am a newspaper editor, penning adventure stories is my genuine calling. All of my books are big sellers over here on Mouse Island! Which is that? You haven’t read one, then? Well, my books are quite entertaining. I assure you that these tales will have you licking your lips with delight.
Lost Treasure of the Emerald EyeIt all started when my sister, Thea, discovered a mysterious map. It displayed a hidden treasure on a remote island. Thea pulled me into her treasure search before I had a chance to object. We would sail for the island in no time. I will never forget the experience.
14. Rescue on the Oregon Trail
Ranger has received search-and-rescue training, but he is unable to pass the exam since he is frequently sidetracked by squirrels when doing exercises. He is suddenly transported to the year 1850 after discovering a mystery first aid box in the garden, where he meets a little child by the name of Sam Abbott.
As Sam’s family travels the Oregon Trail to the west, Ranger immediately assists the youngster in rescuing his little sister. Although Ranger believes his work is over, the Abbotts still need Ranger’s assistance since the Oregon Trail may be hazardous.
15. Trapped in a Video Game: The Complete Series
With five incredible books in one package, your child will be begging for just one more chapter as they follow the action-packed journey of Jesse Rigsby, a 12-year-old who finds himself trapped in a video game that’s turning against him. With jetpacks, hover tanks, and endless lives at his disposal, Jesse must fight his way through dangerous levels and defeat menacing foes in order to save himself and his friends.
But the road to victory won’t be easy, as Jesse soon discovers just how treacherous the world of video games and their creators can be. With major story twists, laugh-out-loud comedy, and relentless action, this series is a must-read for any young gamer looking for an exciting new adventure!
16. The One and Only Ivan
This classic book by acclaimed author Katherine Applegate honors the transforming potential of chance friendship. This picture book, which is presented from the perspective of Ivan the gorilla, is based on the actual story of a caged gorilla by the name of Ivan.
Ivan has become accustomed to people staring at him after spending 27 years enclosed behind glass walls at a mall. He barely ever considers his time spent living in the woods. Ivan likes to pass his time watching television, hanging out with his buddies Stella and Bob, and painting. But when he meets Ruby, an orphaned young elephant, he is compelled to view both his work and their home with fresh eyes.
17. Ghosts: A Graphic Novel
Because of illness, Catrina and her family are relocating to the Northern California coast. Cat is not thrilled about leaving her buddies behind to go to Bahia de la Luna, but, who has cystic fibrosis, will benefit from the sea breeze’s cold, salty air.
A neighbor informs the girls that there are spirits in Baha de la while they are getting settled in their new house. Cat doesn’t want anything to do with them, but is desperate to meet one. For the sake of both her sister and herself, Cat must learn to overcome her phobias as the time of year when spirits rejoin with their loved ones draws near.
18. Two-Headed Chicken
In the universe, anything is conceivable, including a crazy quest starring a brave two-headed chicken. But beware—a moose that is obsessed with chicken is after you! Our double-headed hero is hunted through hundreds of weird worlds in this fourth wall-breaking graphic novel, from an ocean planet with a terrifying mermoose (that you can never unsee) to a place where chickens drive automobiles and even a place coated in… pizza sauce? The only thing to anticipate with each BZOOP! of the multiverse-hopping Astrocap is the unexpected.
Readers will be reminded of such favorites as Dog Man and CatStronauts by the two-headed chicken’s outrageous antics, which are jam-packed with jokes, tests, and games. With this lightning-fast escapade, absurdist sensation Tom Angleberger releases his first original graphic novel. 3rd graders will be entertained and anxious for each new page.
19. Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet
Omar recently relocated with his family, and he is NOT looking forward to beginning at a new school. What if the tasks are too challenging, the youngsters are rude, or the instructor is a zombie alien?
But things start to get better for Omar when he meets a new best buddy. That is, until Daniel, a Big Mean Bully, turns every day into a nightmare! Daniel even informs Omar that all Muslims would be expelled from the nation. Is it possible that’s true?
Fortunately, Omar’s vast imagination and his absurd family help him navigate life’s ups and downs. The request for both mirrors and windows to fill bookshelves with a variety of stories is perfectly met by Omar’s humorous, approachable story.
20. Alien Superstar
The six-eyed extraterrestrial wandering around the Universal back lot doesn’t surprise anyone. He is only perceived as an actor by the tourists. Buddy doesn’t have to wait long to get a part on a well-known TV program, in which he plays (of course) an extraterrestrial. He suddenly finds himself the object of throngs of adoring admirers, trips in flashy cars, and appearances at red carpet events where “all the shrimp you can eat” is served. But can Buddy remain anonymous while in the public eye?
How To Choose The Best Chapter Books For Third Graders?
- Reading Level: Third grade is a transitional time for many readers, and it’s important to choose books that will challenge them without being too frustrating. Fortunately, there are many terrific chapter books that are perfect for children at this stage.
- Engaging: Third graders are still relatively new to chapter books, so they need books with engaging stories to keep them hooked.
- Chapter Length: Choose books with short chapters. This will help them feel accomplished after each chapter and keep them from feeling overwhelmed. Though by reading a book, they should be able to identify an author’s point of view afterward (1).
- Illustrations: Third graders are still visual learners, so illustrations can really help them follow along and understand the story.
Should 3rd Graders Be Reading Chapter Books?
Many schools begin teaching children how to read chapter books in third grade. Chapter books are usually more challenging than picture books and early readers that children are used to, and they often have more complex plots and characters. Reading chapter books can help third graders develop important literacy skills, such as inference and interpretation. Additionally, reading chapter books can be enjoyable and provide children with a new source of entertainment.
What Kind Of Books Should A Third Grader Be Reading?
There is no definitive answer to this question as different third graders will have different reading abilities and interests. However, as a general guide, third graders should be reading books that are at least somewhat challenging for them, and be able to read longer books independently (2).
One of the most important things that 3rd graders can do in order to develop their reading skills is to read age-appropriate books. This means choosing books that are not too difficult, but also not too simplistic. Picture books with clear moral principles that are entertaining and easy to comprehend are a great choice, as are short tales, age-appropriate nonfiction, and comics. By reading books that are just the right level of difficulty, children can improve their reading skills while also enjoying the process.
How Long Should Third Graders Read?
Third graders should be reading for at least 20 to 30 minutes each day. This can be broken up into shorter periods of time, such as 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes at night. Third graders should also be encouraged to read a variety of materials, such as books, magazines, comics, and online articles.
Why Is Grade 3 So Important?
Grade 3 is an important year for students because it is when they transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn”. This means that they will be expected to read and comprehend more complex texts in order to learn new concepts. In order to be successful, students need to have a strong foundation in reading.
