Favorite Books for 3rd Graders That They’ll Actually Want to Read

If you’ve got a third grader at home, you already know this: the struggle to find fun books they’ll want to read is real. Whether you’re building your classroom library, browsing the library, or just trying to keep up with your kid’s growing reading level, this list is full of fun, kid-approved options.

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We’ve rounded up the best books for third graders, including chapter books, graphic novels, nonfiction books, and popular book series that are basically a rite of passage. Some are brand new, others are throwbacks from last year (or our childhood), and all of them are total wins with 3rd-grade readers.

This list was created with young readers in mind, whether your kid is a reluctant reader, an advanced reader, or is still figuring out what they love.

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Chapter Books for Third Graders Who Love a Good Story

If your reader is ready for longer books, these chapter books are the perfect next step. Packed with fast-paced adventure, relatable characters, and sometimes even a little magic.

• Just Harriet by Elana K. Arnold: A curious young girl with a big heart and a bit of mystery.
• The Ballad of Tubs Marshfield by Cara Devins is funny, heartwarming, and quirky in the best way.
• Frindle by Andrew Clements is a classic tale of the school year about making your own rules.
• Muggie Maggie by Beverly Cleary: From the OG of short, sweet, and hilarious childhood stories.
• The Wild Robot Series by Peter Brown is a mix of fantasy and survival story.
• The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne: Travel through ancient civilizations, history, and more. Great for readers easing into chapter books.
• The Dragon Masters Series by Tracey West: Dragons, magic, and tons of young reader appeal.
• The School for Whatnots by Margaret Peterson Haddix: Mysterious and exciting, this one keeps kids guessing.
• City Spies by James Ponti: Kids become secret agents around the world. Smart and exciting!
• Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston: This is one of the best books for third-grade readers who love a magical world.

Graphic Novels That Totally Count as Reading (We Promise)

Graphic novels are fun books that boost confidence, especially for reluctant readers. Plus, they’re just fun.

• Smile, Sisters, Drama, and more by Raina Telgemeier: She gets it: tween life, awkward moments, and all.
• The Dog Man Series by Dav Pilkey is silly, action-packed, and endlessly popular. It is especially a favorite of young boys.
• The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey is like a cartoon heist movie in book form.
• Investigators Series by John Patrick Green: Think detective lizards on wild missions. Yes, really.
• Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson: A feel-good story about trying something new and staying true to yourself.
• The Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novels by Ann M. Martin, adapted by Raina Telgemeier and Gabriela Epstein: These modern adaptations of the classic series are full of friendship, crushes, and girl power. Third grade readers can’t get enough.

Highly Illustrated Chapter Books (Not Graphic Novels—But Still Super Fun)

These aren’t graphic novels, but they’re packed with illustrations and jokes that make them extra engaging for third grade readers.

• The 13-Story Treehouse Series by Andy Griffiths is wildly creative and totally hilarious. Think absurd humor, wild inventions, and over-the-top storytelling. Kids fly through these!
• Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot Series by Dav Pilkey: Short chapters, tons of illustrations, and a robot who fights crime with his mouse best friend? Yes please.
• Geronimo Stilton Books: Fast-paced adventures, goofy humor, and wild fonts make these books irresistible to reluctant readers.
• Dork Diaries by Rachel Renée Russell: Kind of like a girl-powered Diary of a Wimpy Kid, with doodles, drama, and middle school chaos.
• The Notebook of Doom by Troy Cummings: A spooky-fun series that’s just the right amount of creepy and silly.
• Captain Underpants Series by Dav Pilkey: Potty humor + superhero vibes = endless laughs. Always a hit with young boys and silly readers.

Nonfiction Books for Curious Kids

These nonfiction books are best for kids who are obsessed with facts, animals, history, or weird mysteries.

• National Geographic Kids Series: Bright, engaging, and full of real-life animal facts and amazing stories.
• Who Would Win? Series: Animal vs. animal in a science-packed showdown.
• I Survived Series by Lauren Tarshis: Historical true stories that kids devour.
• Who Was?/Who Is? Biography Series – These short, kid-friendly biographies introduce third grade readers to real-life heroes like Helen Keller, Jackie Robinson, Beyoncé, and more. Great for sparking curiosity about history, sports, music, and science.

Series That Get Kids Hooked on Reading

Once a kid finds a series they love, it’s game over (in the best way). Here are the ones kids come back to again and again.

• Ranger in Time Series by Kate Messner: Time-traveling golden retriever? Say less.
• The Cookie Chronicles by Matthew Swanson & Robbi Behr: Funny, sweet, and all about finding your place.
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney: Still a go-to for reluctant readers who like fun books and cartoons.
• The Last Kids on Earth Series by Max Brallier: Monsters, mayhem, and middle-grade humor.
• The Total Mayhem Series by Ralph Lazar is fast–paced, high-energy fun with a dose of chaos.
• How to Train Your Dragon Series by Cressida Cowell: Dragons, danger, and laughs all in one.

Award Winners & Standouts Worth Adding to Your Shelf

Books that have won awards and passed the bedtime re-read test.

• When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller: A magical, emotional story rooted in Korean folklore. (Newbery Medal winner!)
• Holes by Louis Sachar: A popular book that’s funny, mysterious, and perfectly weird.
• The Liars Society by Ally Carter – Great for advanced readers who are ready for a bit of suspense.

Tips for Picking the Right Book

You know your kid best. Whether they’re a reluctant reader, a total bookworm, or somewhere in between, the right book is out there. Try mixing things up—add some nonfiction, try a new book series, or let them scroll through the Libby app to pick an eBook or audiobook.