Spectacular 3rd Grade Books: Comedy, Mystery, & History

What are the Best 3rd Grade Books?

There’s no doubt about it – 3rd grade books are when the literature gets meaty! No more silly, whimsical short chapters! In third grade, books begin to touch on challenging – and memorable – topics. Stories often address difficult concepts such as bullying, fear, and adversity in kid-friendly ways that task a child with beginning to use their newfound abstract reasoning.

As the topics become heavier, the texts literally become more dense with more words per page and fewer or no illustrations.

In teacher lingo, 3rd grade books typically are represented by Fountas and Pinnell levels N-O-P, but there are a wide level of books that kids this age will enjoy. Most third graders are solid readers! However, not all chapter books are created equal, making it super important that parents know the reading level of their child so they can find good quality literature that will interest and challenge their kids each step of the way. If 3rd grade books seem too challenging, try some of these 2nd grade books. If the 2nd grade books are too frustrating for your 3rd grader, it might be time to consider dyslexia and get your child some specialized reading assistance. If 3rd grade books are too easy, level up to these 4th grade books.

boy reading 3rd grade books while eating cookies and milk

Choosing High Quality 3rd Grade Books

Third graders are just beginning to be able to think in an abstract manner. While younger children tend to think in a concrete way, third graders can draw conclusions and consider ramifications in ways that open up to them the world of possibilities.

High quality 3rd grade books challenge strong readers to take this new-found capability and learn to think critically. At this age, children benefit from being exposed to a wide variety of genres such as mysteries, non-fiction texts, realistic fiction, and historical books.

Many of the books that made the list teach virtues such as courage, resilience, empathy, compassion, or contentment. They help children begin to explore human nature so they can understand themselves and the world around them.

READ: The Most Amazing 2nd Grade Books

Time for Something Challenging

Other great 3^rd grade books investigate historical people or events. They even open a child’s eyes to tragedies and adversity that a child may have never considered. Some of the books were chosen because they gently introduce children to cultures or time periods different than their own, challenging students to consider the value of diversity in humanity.

Although some parents shy away from introducing children to some of the harsher realities of the past, 3rd grade is a perfect time to help young readers begin to contemplate their own blessings and comfort in light of some of the difficulties that people of the past have endured – and who often have made us who we are today as a people. Several of the books chosen explore some pretty tough historical themes that gently open a child’s eyes to difficult realities.

More than anything, a good book opens the minds of readers and challenges them at a heart level to grow and respond!

Girl smiling and reading 3rd grade books

Key Features of 3^rd Grade Books

Longer chapters
Smaller or no illustrations
Vocabulary is unexplained
Reader must draw conclusions
Multiple points of view
Students must use prior knowledge
Subtopics of a larger topic
Diverse cultures represented
Unfamiliar settings
Challenging themes and ideas
Dense layout of text

READ: Classic 1st Grade Books for a New Generation

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My Favorite 3^rd Grade Books (levels N-O-P)

Chocolate Fever by Robert Kimmel Smith

Calling all chocolate lovers! Henry loves chocolate and wants more and more of it until he begins to develop chocolate spots and is diagnosed as the first kid ever with chocolate fever! Join Henry on a wild adventure full of thrills as he learns the powerful lesson of moderation – that you can’t always have everything you want.

Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary

It is highly likely that you remember reading this classic 3rd grade book when you were a kid! Ramona is a hilarious 8-year-old, trying super hard to be good while getting into all sorts of scrapes. This Newberry award winning book is well-loved for personifying the ordinary concerns of elementary age children in a way that is funny yet relatable. Ramona faces teasing, shows courage, and deals with difficult people, all while feeling the pressure of being strong for her family as they go through a time of change. Sure to bring a chuckle and a sense of normalcy! Must-read!

Plus, if your child likes it, there’s a whole series of Ramona books to read!

Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew by Carolyn Keene

A spin-off of the original Nancy Drew series, in these adventure books young Nancy is just 8 years old and already eager to solve mysteries with her fellow sleuth friends, George and Bess. In these toned-down books, there is nothing too scary or edgy, making them a great introduction to this genre of books. A good choice for kids who love intrigue! The original 1930s series is better suited for older, junior high readers.

The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Catling

Yum! Another great book about chocolate! This story is a modern-day spin off of the famous Greek legend of King Midas where anything he touches turns into gold, except with John, everything he touches becomes chocolate! At first, this seems wonderful until there are some unfortunate consequences. A fast-paced, fun story exploring the idea of unintended repercussions.

Pompeii Buried Alive by Edith Kunhardt

This 3rd grade book introduces young readers to one of the great tragedies of the past – the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius 2000 years ago that buried alive an entire town. Despite the challenging subject matter, this non-fiction reader presents the facts in a simple way that can lead to great conversations about natural disasters that can and do occur. This is a good one for parents and children to read together as an introduction to the Roman empire and archaeology. It will challenge your child and inspire some interesting dialogue!

The Chalk Box Kid by Clyde Robert Bulla

As lonely Gregory turns 9 years old he is in a new neighborhood and a new school. He is unsure how to face all the changes in his life until he discovers a burned-out factory nearby where he can express himself in chalk drawings. A charming story about embracing your creativity and learning to be who you want to be.

My Name is Maria Isabel by Alma Flor Ada

This is a heartwarming story about young Maria Isabel from Puerto Rico. When she arrives at school in America, the teacher wants to change her name to Mary because there are already two Marias in the class. This beautiful story about embracing your heritage will challenge young readers to grapple with themes of diversity, inclusion, and equity.

Anna Sewell’s Black Beauty by Cathy East

The treasured classic, Black Beauty, is retold in this lovely version for younger readers. The Penguin Young Readers series includes many wonderful classics and quality books, and this one is one of my favorite 3rd grade books! In this beloved story, a beautiful black stallion changes hands among several owners, both good and bad, facing many adventures until he finally finds a place of rest and contentment. A great book for horse lovers and anyone who appreciates the classics!

The Year of Miss Agnes by Kirkpatrick Hill

10-year-old Frederika isn’t sure the new teacher of her one-room schoolhouse in Alaska is cut out for the job, but she’s never met anyone before like Miss Agnes – a true teacher at heart! This is a charming award-winning book set in the years following World War 2 with lovable characters and delightful plot twists. Some of the language used reflects oral dialect and may be a bit challenging for some readers. Watch out! By the end of the book, you will have fallen in love!

Little Pear by Eleanor Lattimore

Little Pear is an adventurous, fun-loving little boy in a small Chinese village who gets himself into all kinds of trouble in the fashion of little boys everywhere. A sweet, timeless story full of wholesome innocence and delight. This 3rd grade book is a gentle introduction into reading about diverse cultures and time periods. This one makes a great read-aloud for parents and children!

The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Warner

This award winning book is the first in a series of over 100 books! The first one relates the adventures of four orphaned siblings, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny. All alone, they determine to make a home for themselves in an abandoned train boxcar in the forest. They face many challenges together and eventually find their grandfather! Your kids will fall in love with these four relatable kids and want to read more and more! A wonderful 3rd grade series they won’t be able to put down!

Bunnicula by James and Deborah Howe

This off-the-beaten-path book is hilarious and refreshingly different! The story is narrated by the family’s dog and the cat who are convinced the new pet bunny is secretly a vampire. They can’t figure out why the fluffy new-comer sleeps all day. Why are all the vegetables disappearing? Full of suspicion, this quirky little mystery is a laugh-out-loud comedy!

Clementine by Sara Pennypacker

Clementine is a bright, spunky little 3rd grader having a very horrible week. She is sent to the principal’s office and faces an ongoing litany of woes. Boy and girls alike will enjoy the smart, energetic, cheerful Clementine as she talks her way through each challenge! She is a fun-loving, loyal gal with a lot of energy but thankfully minus the sass and rudeness that ruin some book characters. This is a very enjoyable first book in a series of seven that are full of fun and surprises!

He nry Huggins by Beverly Cleary

Just when the ordinary Henry complains that nothing exciting ever happens, a sweet puppy shows up and turns his world upside down! Henry and Ribsy become the best of friends – until Ribsy’s previous owner shows up to claim him. Oh, no! In this delightful book, each chapter contains a separate short story about Henry and his dog. You might have to explain what a type-writer is, but this laugh-out-loud page-turner will be sure to enthrall young readers! A good, old-fashioned, clean book especially right for boys. For another fun book by the same author, check out The Mouse and the Motorcycle.

The King’s Equal by Katherine Paterson

Set in a time and place probably unfamiliar to most 3rd graders, this unique book will provide something fresh with a historical spin. A dying king demands that his son locate a princess to marry that is his equal in beauty, intelligence, and wealth. Find out what happens when the arrogant prince meets the lovely Rosamund. A good book that demonstrates humility, hard-work, and proven character in an easy-to-read, engaging fable-type format.

The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh

In this beautifully written Newberry honor book based on a true story, young Sarah, 8 years old, learns the meaning of bravery and courage as she travels with her father through the wilderness to build a new home for their family. This story is sure to spark valuable dialogue about Native Americans and early settlers during the colonial era. A good, wholesome read and gentle introduction to a period of time with very different views than our own.

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Longren

In this beloved childhood classic, Pippi is a rollicking, hysterical girl with bright red hair who lives all alone without adults on the edge of the neighborhood! She has great fun with her horse, her monkey, and her unconventional ways. This playful, laugh-out-loud book makes a great read-aloud, especially as some of the dated language may be unfamiliar to young students, making it a wonderful book for dialogue. Kids will be sure to relate to Pippi and decide she’s the best kind of friend to take along on adventures! This is the first book in a series of three.

Mrs. Piggle Wiggle by Betty MacDonald

This 3rd grade book is a hilarious, big-smile read about a funny little woman, Mrs. Piggle -Wiggle who seems to know everything about children and always has cookies in her kitchen. She knows just what to do to cure Mary’s back-talking or Hubert who has so many toys he is trapped in his room. Mrs. Piggle – Wiggle is able to cure selfish Dick who doesn’t want to share and stubborn Patsy who refuses to take a bath and gets so dirty she begins to grow radishes on her skin. This funny book will engage your child’s problem solving skills and elicit a chuckle as they inevitably see themselves in some of the silly stories. First book in a series of five.

American Girl series by various authors

While there are many books in the American Girl series, I love the original stories as an introduction to the genre of historical fiction. Especially for girls who love the dolls that correspond to the books, these stories make for a great way to get them interested in reading! Each character has a set of between 3 to 15 books – so pick a doll or time period that interests your child and start from there!

Kaya – 1764, a Native American girl whose sister and horse were captured by the enemy
Felicity – 1774, right on the cusp on the American Revolution in Virginia
Caroline – 1812, her papa is arrested by the British right as the War of 1812 begins
Josefina – 1824, a girl with Latina roots, growing up on a ranch in sunny Santa Fe, New Mexico
Cecile & Marie Grace -1853, two New Orleans girls who love to sing and learn to be friends
Kirsten – 1854, a pioneer girl whose family recently immigrated to Minnesota from Sweden
Addy – 1864, set during the Civil War, her family decides to escape from slavery
Samantha – 1904, this orphaned girl is raised by a Victorian-era grandmother in New York
Rebecca – 1914, the Jewish daughter of Russian immigrants learns to fit into mainstream America
Kit – Ohio, 1932, her family faces adversity and big changes during the Great Depression
Nanea – 1941, explores the attacks on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and the beginning of World War 2
Molly – 1944, life growing up during World War 2
Maryellen – 1954, having recovered from polio, she grows up in a large family in the 50s
Melody – 1963, set during the era of the Civil Rights Movement in Detroit
Julie – 1975, explores changing perspectives during the Nixon and Vietnam eras (note: this one also introduces topics such as divorce and women’s rights)

The Hardy Boys by Franklin W. Dixon

Brothers Frank and Joe have been solving mysteries for decades (since the 1920s!) but still capture the attention of kids everywhere with their sleuthing and problem solving skills! These vintage mysteries are chock full of novel vocabulary and lots of fun! My son adores these and there are so many in the series that they keep active boys hooked & reading for days!

The Magic School Bus by Joanna Cole

With their detailed pictures, it might seem unusual that these books without chapters make the list for best 3rd grade books. However, this series is chock full of science facts and details just right for 3rd grade learners! The original series has 12 books ranging from topics about human anatomy to planet Earth, the solar system, the ocean, and electricity. Written in a narrative format with the fantastic and quirky Mrs. Frizzle, these science books will capture the imagination and teach valuable STEAM concepts at the same time!

Tut Tut: The Time Warp Trio by Jon Scieszka

Who can resist a book with action, adventure, history, mystery, and comedy all wrapped up in one? This book is one in a laughable series of funny historical books that will transport kids back in time to new “old” realms of adventure. In particular, Tut, Tut will introduce readers to the mysteries of Egypt and the famed King Tut – while making you laugh at the same time!

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

I love this Newberry honor classic! This is a beautifully told tale of quiet Wanda, who is teased for wearing the same blue dress to school everyday but claims she has 100 dresses. A lovely story exploring the ideas of bullying, by-standers, kindness, and standing up for what is right. This is a fabulous teaching book that every kid should read!

The Matchlock Gun by Walter Edmonds

Another Newberry award winner! In this heart-warming adventure tale, a young Dutch boy is left to defend his colonial home in the 1750s against raids from the French and the Indians. He’s not sure he can handle the big matchlock gun that is double his body size, but it looks like he may have to try. This historical fiction provides a plausible portrayal of the French and Indian War era that some may find challenging for young readers, but is overall a wholesome read about family, faith, and bravery.

A Lion to Guard Us by Clyde Robert Bulla

In this intriguing story, Amanda is determined to take her younger siblings across the ocean to join their father, who left three years ago for Jamestown and has not been heard from since. This historical fiction book is a timeless American immigration tale about determination, faith, and courage during the earliest days of colonial history.

Herbie Jones by Suzy Kline

Herbie Jones is in the third grade, too, but he and his best friend, Raymond, are stuck in the lowest reading group. Join him at school and at home as he faces all sorts of true-to-life third grade trials – and overcomes! This typical kid makes some bad choices, some unusual choices, and some really great choices, too, as he learns to navigate his own up-and-down moods and circumstances. A laugh-out-loud, upbeat book with strong themes of loyalty and friendship.

Dive into Some Great 3rd Grade Books!

A good book can be many things. Sometimes, it is just a welcome laugh and a short break from reality! Other times, books transport us to new eras and expose us to challenging topics or wild, new ideas. Books teach us and make us think!

Of utmost importance, we want children who can learn to think critically and develop strong character. Whether for fun, inspiration, or education, you are sure to find some wholesome, fabulous 3rd grade books for your child on this list!