Selecting a chapter book for 3rd graders can be tricky. 8 year-olds are confident readers and are ready to give variety a try. The short stories are perfect for third graders’ attention span. Kids can read a chapter by themselves and finish them early enough without getting bored. Pick one that your child would like to read based on his or her interest and reading level.
23 Best Chapter Books For 3rd Graders To Read (8 Years-old)
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Here is a list of 25 popular chapter books for 3rd graders to read.
You can find them in your local library or nearby bookstores. If they are unavailable locally, you can click on the links or images below to purchase from Amazon.
Pokémon (Alola Chapter Book Collection)
By Jeanette Lane (Author)
Join in the adventures of Ash, Pikachu, and their newest Pokémon pals through Alola. This is a collection of four chapter books based on the popular animated series. Perfect for 3rd grader Pokémon fans.
Age: 7 to 10 years | Adventure
School Days (Little House Chapter Book)
By Laura Ingalls Wilder (Author), Ji-Hyuk Kim (Illustrator)
Laura and her sister Mary have moved to a new town along with their family. Now they have to join the new school. Reluctantly Laura agrees. However, soon Laura discovers that school can be tons of fun. This is a timeless classic chapter book for 3rd graders’ independent reading.
Age: 6 to 10 years | Classic
The Night I Became a Hero
By A. R. Marshall PhD
Three siblings Riles, Sissie, and Finn love to listen to stories from their grandfather. However, one evening Riles becomes part of the story, and the adventure begins. A book filled with adventure, suspense, courage, and bravery. The lesson stays in the end – sometimes heroes also need help. A book with clean languages. The suspense is perfect to keep the reluctant readers glued in.
Age: 8 to 10 years | Mystery, Life lesson
Great Battles for Boys: WW2 Europe
By Joe Giorello (Author)
Let your 3rd grader read the important battles of WW2 – starting with Hitler’s invasion of Poland. A chapter book packed with photographs, maps, biographies, weapons, strategies – enough to keep the young readers engaged throughout. This book is part of the Book series – Great Battles for Boys. The entire series is recommended for both boys and girls.
Age: 8 to 14 years | History
How to Be Cool in the Third Grade
By Betsy Duffey (Author), Janet Wilson (Illustrator)
This one is a relatable chapter book for 3rd graders. Join Robbie York as he starts 3rd grade and tries to be cool and fit in. His plan includes – getting rid of his name Robbie, wearing jeans, avoiding bullies. Is it easy? Find out in this funny book.
Age: 7 to 10 years | Humor
Girl’s Best Friend (A Maggie Brooklyn Mystery)
By Leslie Margolis (Author)
Maggie Brooklyn starts a dog walking business. However, she notices something amiss. Will she able to solve the mystery? This book is part of the popular book series – Maggie Brooklyn Mystery. A book for advanced 3rd grader readers.
Age: 8 to 12 years | Mystery
The Chocolate Touch
By Patrick Skene Catling (Author), Margot Apple (Illustrator)
John Midas loves to eat chocolate like any other kid. However, one day, everything he eats starts tasting like chocolate. Would John get tired of too much chocolate? Find out what happens in this mysterious book. A fun and easy-to-read chapter book for third graders. Readers will get a lesson on greediness. Check here on Amazon
Age: 8 to 12 years | Funny, Life lesson
Pax
By Sara Pennypacker (Author), Jon Klassen (Illustrator)
Peter loves his pet fox Pax, and they have been together for five years. Things change when Peter’s father enlists in the army. Pax needs to go back to the forest. However, Peter can not accept this. Read in to find out how Peter and Pax reunite. A book about bonding, love, with many heart-touching moments. A beautiful chapter book for 3rd graders and above.
Age: 8 to 12 years | Adventure, Heartwarming
I Was a Third Grade Spy
By Mary Jane Auch (Author)
This is the story of a talking dog Arful. Can he help his master win the school competition? What does Arfuul discover through spying? A beginner chapter book for 3rd graders. Suitable for independent reading.
Age: 8 to 12 years | Funny, Mystery
Charlotte’s Web
By E. B. White (Author), Garth Williams (Illustrator)
This classic chapter book has been a favorite of kids for decades. The book is about friendship, love, life. A heartwarming story, sure to bring tears once finished. The illustrations are artistic and interesting. A book for 3rd graders and above.
Age: 8 to 12 years | Classic
The Last Kids on Earth
By Max Brallier (Author), Douglas Holgate (Illustrator)
This is a box set of three books from the popular book series – The Last Kids on Earth. Your child will surely enjoy reading about monster duels, Zombies, and adventure with friends. Perfect chapter book for third-grader independent reading.
Age: 8 to 12 years | Funny, Adventure
Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja
By Marcus Emerson (Author), Sal Hunter (Author), Noah Child (Author)
Read all about being a Ninja from the journal of a child Ninja himself. A popular book with young boys, this book is more suitable for an advanced third-grade reader. There may be some questionable actions from kids in the book. However, this opens a chance for discussion between parents and students.
Age: 8 to 12 years | Advanced Reader
EllRay Jakes the Recess King!
By Sally Warner (Author), Brian Biggs (Illustrator)
A funny and captivating chapter book about a boy who is planning to recruit friends. However, to do that, he needs to be Recess king first. Can EllRay come up with funny things to do at recess? The story is entertaining and the African American characters add diversity to the book. An easy chapter book for reluctant 3rd graders.
Age: 6 to 8 years | Funny
Meet the Glimmer Girls
By Natalie Grant (Author)
Join the carious adventures of the Glimmer family girls in this three books set box. And entertaining read as the girls go on solving mysteries in Nashville, New York City, London. A book with lessons in moral values. The book series is particularly popular with girls.
Age: 8 to 12 years | Adventure, Girl Power
Every Soul A Star
By Wendy Mass (Author)
A story about friendship, acceptance, and finding one’s place. The three main characters are different from each other and well etched. The story is set in the background of a total solar eclipse. An entertaining chapter book for 3rd grade advanced readers.
Age: 8 to 12 years | Acceptance
One Crazy Summer
By Rita Williams-Garcia (Author)
Read on in this award-winning book how three small children, when facing difficult situations, learn to be brave and stand up for themselves. A book which touches some dark eras. An advanced reading book for 3rd graders to bring them a different perspective of life. A discussion with grownups is a must, to fully appreciate the book.
Age: 8 to 12 years | Advanced, Parental discussion
Attack of the Shark-Headed Zombie
By Bill Doyle (Author), Scott Altman (Illustrator)
This book is for all zombies and other supernatural-loving children. 3rd graders will marvel at reading how Keats and Henry battle a shark-headed zombie, toe-biting carpets, the kitchen sinkhole! The graphics are cool, compliments the story well. The storyline is imaginative, with a bit of horror and science mystery thrown in.
Age: 6 to 9 years | Spooky, Funny
How Not to Start Third Grade
By Cathy Hapka (Author), Ellen Titlebaum (Author), Debbie Palen (Illustrator)
Will is excited to start third grade. However, he is not happy that his little brother Steve is also starting Kindergarten at the same time. How does Will overcome the embarrassment. A laugh-out-loud chapter book – any school-going kid can relate to. This book is a recommended read.
Age: 7 to 9 years | Funny
The Third-Grade Detectives
By George E. Stanley (Author), Salvatore Murdocca (Illustrator)
A group of third-graders gets together to solve mysteries. This box set is an entertaining read of six chapter books. The chapters are small and the storyline is charming. An easy chapter book series.
Age: 6 to 9 years | Fun Mystery
Clubhouse Mysteries Super Sleuth Collection
By Sharon M. Draper (Author), Jesse Joshua Watson (Illustrator)
Find out how Ziggy and his friends solve mysteries in this fun and heartwarming book series. The characters of black and brown boys add the needed diversity to the book series. This is a set of six chapter books from the series Clubhouse Mysteries.
Age: 8 to 12 years | Mystery, Diversity
My Fox Ate My Homework
By David Blaze (Author)
This is a fun fantasy book suitable for 3rd graders and above. Read how Joe navigates through various challenges thrown in his new house and new school. The talking fox is creative and entertaining. And challenges faced by Joe are relatable. The entire My fox series is entertaining for reluctant third-grade readers.
Age: 8 to 12 years | Funny, Fantasy
Scaredy Bat and the Frozen Vampires
By Marina J. Bowman (Author)
A tween vampire who loves solving mysteries. However, she is afraid of pretty much everything – clowns, spiders, loud noises. Will Elle be able to have enough courage to solve the royal; vampire wedding mystery? The book is a fun read with creative characters, colorful illustrations, and lots of mysteries thrown in. Third graders can relate to the characters easily.
Age: 7 to 10 years | Funny, Mystery
The Hardy Boys Secret Files Collection
By Franklin W. Dixon (Author), Scott Burroughs (Illustrator)
The Hardy boys series have entertained generations of children. This one is an updated version of five Hardy boys books. An enjoyable read as two brothers team up to solve local mysteries. The brothers are independent and respectful to each other – a rarity in present days children’s literature. A highly recommended classic chapter books series for 3rd grader kids.
Age: 6 to 9 years | Classic
What kind of books should 3rd graders read?
Third graders should read chapter books. Chapter books for this age group have simple words, easy-to-understand story plots, and shorter chapters. It ensures that children can finish a chapter with reasonable effort without being overwhelmed. There are multiple varieties of books available. Children and parents can choose from – classics, mystery, humor, myths, fiction, adventure, etc.
How to get a reluctant third grader to read?
- Test your child’s reading level. You need to ensure that he or she is able to read at the level appropriate for the grade. Here is an article detailing how you can do this at home.
- Make books a part of life. Take your child to the library or local bookstore. Have him or her pick a book to read. Carry books while going for trips. Gift books for special occasions.
- Find the appropriate book. The book needs to be age-appropriate for your child to have enough interest in completing the book. This article details a list of chapter books appropriate for third graders.
- Have a routine and discuss the books. It is important to have a routine for reading. Only a few minutes every day to start with on a particular time. Pretty soon your child will start cherishing the reading time. It is also important to show a keen interest in what your child is reading and discuss the book. Listen to the point of view of your child. This will encourage children in reading and give them things to talk about,
