The Best 3rd Grade Books for Students

Regarding reading, the third grade’s passion and energy are undoubtedly contagious! Your favorite book series and titles will always be there, but occasionally your school library has to be updated so that you can attend to all of your pupils’ needs! Here are 30 new (and new-ish) 3rd grade books that we think are worth adding to your shelves, whether you need them for picture books for ELA technique lessons and curriculum tie-ins, a series to encourage individual reading or gripping chapter books to mull over as a small group or complete class. 

  1. Going Down Home With Daddy- written by Kelly Starling Lyons 

Every summer, Lil’ Alan looks forward to a large family gathering at Granny’s house back home, but he is concerned about his ability to contribute to the occasion. This heartfelt story examines the idea of family and would be an excellent writing guide. 

  1. I Am Every Good Thing- written by Derrick Barnes

A motivating book radiates black delight as it honors black lads’ grit, imagination, tenacity, and goodness. All kids may relate to numerous real-world situations, and the language will motivate and energize readers. Read this one annually! 

  1. Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away- written by Meg Medina

Evelyn Del Rey, Daniela’s closest friend and next-door neighbor is relocating today. Daniela describes their last moments together in heartbreaking detail and enumerates why she would miss her buddy. We adore using this story as a writing mentor text while learning about narrative voice and exploring the characters’ emotional reactions to events. 

  1. The Day You Begin- written by Jacqueline Woodson

Keep reading this one over and over again. Encourage kids to express themselves and interact with one another. 

  1. How to Be a Lion- written by Ed Vere

Ideal picture books are considerably more complex than they appear. Is becoming a lion the only possible way? Examine the concepts of prejudice, uniqueness, and relationship. 

  1. A House That Once Was- written by Julie Fogliano

Certain two kids find an abandoned home that is anything but deserted. We adore discussing this book with third-grade students because it is a wonderful example of a work we can be grateful for and admire on several levels. Use it to encourage pupils to write about their unforgettable experiences. 

  1. The One Day House- written by Julia Durango

Gigi assures him that his companionship is more than enough, but Wilson still longs to assist her in fixing up her home. With his neighbors’ help, he can eventually carry out his plans. 

  1. The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family- written by Ibtihaj Muhammad

The first time she was seen sporting a hijab, Muhammad Faizah was pleased with her older sister for sporting her “proudest” hue of blue with poise and elegance and for putting up a fight against the unpleasant remarks of others. The first Muslim American woman to bag an Olympic medal wrote this motivational tale. 

  1. The Very Last Castle- written by Travis Jonker

Ibb, the only girl with the guts to find out who resides in the old castle that stands amid town, is the protagonist of this classic story with a twist. Although there are many rumors, the reality shocks all. 

  1. Drawn Together- co by Minh Lê and Dan Santat 

This beautiful, nearly wordless title can serve as a reminder to pupils of the various ways that people communicate. A youngster and his granddad communicate through art despite their various languages. 

  1. The Bell Rang by James Ransome

You would not be able to stop crying after reading this heartbreaking story told by a little slave girl whose brother escapes. 

  1. Bookjoy, Wordjoy, by Pat Mora

This poetry on reading, writing, and the love of words will make you happy. Additionally, the graphics are vibrant and diversified. You can use them as a jumping-off point for a poetry lesson or give the class a short boost in reading. 

  1. Friends and Foes: Poems About Us All- written by Douglas Florian

For accessible rhymes on typical social-emotional subjects like the development of friendships, envy, individual differences, and more, turn to this dependable classroom poet! 

  1. Whoo-Ku Haiku: A Great Horned Owl Story- written by Maria Gianferrari

This exquisitely illustrated collection of haikus that describes the life cycle of the majestic Great Horned Owl is a priceless instructional text find, whether you educate explicitly about birds of prey or distribute it as a stand-alone book. (Complement it with the same author’s extremely amazing Hawk Rising.) 

  1. Dreamers by Yuyi Morales

This fascinating story opens up discussions on the experience of immigration, resiliency, and the importance of literacy. 

  1. The Next President: The Unexpected Beginnings and Unwritten Future of America’s Presidents- written by Kate Messner 

Here is an original and powerful approach to a history book on presidents. When their predecessors took office, what were the future presidents doing? Students might start to consider the origins of great leaders and discover their dreams. 

  1. Lovely Beast by Kate Gardner

Who would have thought a nonfiction book about animal behavior could be so… charming? This simple but powerful book offers alternative viewpoints on those animals that frequently have a poor rap for being cruel, unsettling, or unattractive. 

  1. RESPECT: Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul by Carole Boston Weatherford

Particularly, this book is related to Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport because it effectively conveys its message through beautiful artwork and simple prose. It is a great addition to a library of mentor works on biographies. Discussions of this title also bring up Aretha’s appearances at many presidential inaugurations. 

  1. Butterflies Belong Here: A Story of One Idea, Thirty Kids, and a World of Butterflies- written by Deborah Hopkinson

An environmental activist gives a little immigrant girl a platform. She leads attempts to build a monarch way station after realizing there are no monarch butterflies in her neighborhood. Help children discover their passions, develop strategies, and effect change by telling them this story.

  1. Me and the World: An Infographic Exploration by Mireia Trius 

Children who enjoy learning facts and numbers will enjoy exploring this aesthetically appealing book. Children are introduced to the countless options for data visualization through imaginative infographics, such as a global map formed of several balls that shows the most popular sport in each country. 

  1. Digging For Words: Jose Alberto Gutierrez and the Library He Built- written by Angela Burke Kunkel

A young kid waits all week for library day, and a Colombian garbage collector who salvages discarded books isis depicted in parallel storylines. This work of narrative nonfiction is an endearing celebration of how books can transport and unite all everyone.

  1. Go, Show, The World: A Celebration of Indigenous Heroes- written by Wab Kinew

The book briefly introduces several famous people from history, athletics, medicine, and other fields. A helpful background is provided in the author’s note. 

  1. This Is My Eye: A New York Story by Neela Vaswani

After sharing this photographic journey, consider the artist’s purpose before sending your aspiring photographers off to capture their individual stories. 

  1. Growing Up Pedro by Matt Tavares

This biography of Pedro Martinez, which was first released as a picture book, has been revised and turned into an illustrated chapter book for the Candlewick Biographies series. It is the ideal example of how interesting narrative nonfiction for children should be written, combining sports information with human interest and historical details. 

  1. Turning Pages: My Life Story by Sonia Sotomayor

A Latina Supreme Court Justice explains to readers how reading affected her at various points in her life. This book would be perfect for learning how to write autobiographies and is encouraging to read aloud. 

  1. Made for Each Other: Why Dogs and People Are Perfect Partners by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent

The expertly composed and narrowly focused book is ideal for establishing a nonfiction author’s message. Bonus: pictures of cute dogs! 

  1. Once There Was a Story by Jane Token

This book is a fantastic tool for teaching kids about classic literature. The short, manageable, and varied stories are both well-known and less well-known, making them ideal for reading, either independent or in a group.

  1. Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil deGrasse Tyson by Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer

The charismatic Neil deGrasse Tyson, dubbed “America’s Astrophysicist,” began as a typical city kid interested in friends, fun, and learning as much as he could about the stars. This biography does a great job of demonstrating that not all scientists are reclusive. 

  1. Road Trip with Max and Mom and Weekends with Max and His Dad by Linda Urban

Even though it takes some getting accustomed, Max enjoys distinct and satisfying relationships with his parents.

  1. Stella Diaz Has Something to Say, and Stella Diaz Never Gives Up by Angela Dominguez

Stella Diaz is occupied with learning how to traverse two cultures and two languages, just like many third-graders nowadays. We adore the diverse, relatable ensemble of cast. 

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