Find below 25 top recommended chapter books for 4th graders. The list contains chapter books from different genres – suitable for 9-10 years olds. 4th graders are voracious readers. They are more confident about the types of books they like. This is also the time when their world views expand. And they become more aware of their surroundings. So, it is crucial to add varieties to 4th graders’ reading lists.
25 Best Chapter Books for 4th graders To Read (9 Year-Olds)
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Make reading fun with these chapter books for 4th graders.
1. Summer of the Woods
Join two brothers Derek and Sam, as they explore the surrounding deep jungle of their new family home. A thrilling read as the brothers solve the mysteries – trekking through woods, secret caves, and hidden passageways. The chapters are fast-paced with words suitable for fourth-grade readers. The entire Virginia Mysteries series is a highly recommended read. Find more 4th grade mystery books recommendations.
Age: 8 to 12 years | Adventurous 4th-grade chapter book
2. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
This is the first one from the popular book series – Fudge stories. The story revolves around two brothers – Peter and Fudge. While everyone adores Fudge, Peter knows that his little brother is truly an annoying one. With relatable characters, child-appropriate humor, and a simple story – this chapter book is a delightful small read.
Age: 8 to 12 years | Humorous chapter book series for 9 year-olds
3. Crenshaw
Read the fictional story is about a 9-year-old boy Jackson and his imaginary big, talking cat named Crenshaw. Jackson realizes that they are about to be evicted from their home, and needs to start living in the car again. His vivid observations and experience of grown-up troubles are quite heart-touching. The book narrates the helplessness a child feels while going through homelessness and poverty. See more 4th grader fantasy books.
Age: 8 to 12 years | Popular Fantasy Chapter book
4. Fourth Grade Rats
Delve into the world of a confused fourth-grader – Suds, who is trying to fit in by being tough. A classic chapter book about the importance of friends in anyone’s life – young or old. Appropriate illustrations, humor, and simple language make reading this book fun. A good choice for reluctant readers.
Age: 7 to 10 years | Humorous chapter book for reluctant 4th graders
5. Wilder Boys
This one is a fictional chapter book about two boys who venture out in search of their father after escaping from the abusive stepdad. The content is a bit mature for a fourth-grader. However, the story is gripping and the adventure of the boy interesting.
Age: 9 to 13 years | Adventurous 4th grader read
6. The Finest Hours
A gripping tale of bravery and humanity, this nonfiction chapter book is about the real story of the US Coast Guard rescue. On a stormy night in 1952, four coastguards headed to the sea to rescue 30 stranded sailors. Only heroism and survival instinct could achieve the impossible in the face of the most adverse situation.
Age: 9 to 14 years | Must-read nonfiction chapter book series
7. I’m 12 Years Old And I Saved The World
The book handles the tough topic of family problems and empathy in a child-friendly way. The child’s character is relatable and every family goes through internal struggles at some stages. The author handles the topic with humor and lots of charm. The language used is suitable for children and the first-person narrative makes the reading enjoyable.
Age: 9 to 12 years | Charming kid-friendly read about struggles
8. Fourth Grade Fairy
Read about the future fairy Willow, who is all set to attend a human school for two weeks. Would she be able to adjust and makes friends, as she hopes to? This is an easy light-hearted fairy book for children in fourth grade and above. The short and charming 25 chapters make this book an ideal bedtime read.
Age: 8 to 12 years | Book for fairy loving 4th graders
9. Simon B. Rhymin’
This story narrates about Eleven-year-old Simon Barnes – who dreams of becoming a rapper one day. However, to do that, he first must face his fears. Find out if he will get the confidence and be able to make a difference in his community, with the help of his friends and well-wishers. A book about the journey of a tween’s self-discovery. The story is charming, and the characters are easy to relate to.
Age: 8 to 12 years | Personal growth story for 4th graders
10. Who’s Afraid of Fourth Grade?
A fun chapter book about a new fourth-grader Katie. Things just don’t go as she had hoped. What happens when the magic wind turns her into her new friend Emma. How does Katie navigate Emma’s challenges? And, when she is about to get things under control, life throws another challenge. A humorous chapter book, best suitable for easy fourth-grade reading.
Age: 7 to 9 years | Humorous 4th grader book
11. Best Friends
This book is a part of the much-loved book series Best friends. A book about challenges a girl goes through trying to fit in and be popular. The book leaves the reader with the message of being oneself. And how everyone is unique and perfect in their own ways.
Age: 8 to 11 years | Confidence building 4th grader read
12. Taking Flight (The Nature Club Book 1)
This one is a great chapter book about nature, wildlife, environment – taught through part of the story. Children will leave with a much more in-depth understanding of birds and migration after reading this book. The interwoven story is interesting – about a child Izzy’s adventure about moving to a new place. The entire The Nature Club book series is perfect for middle-grade reading. One of the best chapter book series for fourth graders.
Age: 8 to 12 years | Chapter book series about nature
13. Fitting Out: The Friendship Experiment
Read about how a 10-year-old child Max uses scientific experiments to make friends. And in the process, he finds out what works and what does not! All shy children will co-relate to the character of Max only too well. An engaging, helpful and humorous read! Check out the entire Fitting Out series!
Age: 7 to 11 years | Chapter book on how to make friends
14. The Feather Chase
This book is the first from the book series – The Crime-Solving Cousins Mysteries. Find out how twelve-year-old cousins Sophie and Jessica put aside their differences and work together to solve the mystery. The book is an intriguing read for children in fourth grade and above.
Age: 8 to 12 years | Captivating mystery chapter book
15. Legacy of the Inventor
A world-famous inventor disappears. Timmi and his friends Lilli and Marvin hope to solve the clues to uncover the mysteries. The book is broken into 31 chapters. Each chapter has a puzzle in the end that breaks the monotony of reading and provides the kids with some activity to do.
Age: 8 to 12 years | Chapter book with activity for 4th-grade detectives
16. Ballpark Mysteries
Join Mike and Kate, as they solve baseball mysteries. Stolen baseball bat, haunted stadium – the challenges are many. A book set of four books from the series – Ballpark Mysteries. A great mix of sports and mystery to keep the children hooked.
Age: 6 to 9 years | Easy mystery book series for 4th grade
17. Young Whit and the Traitor’s Treasure
This chapter book is for Adventures in Odyssey lovers. This book narrates the story of young Whit. A mystery book, with bits of history thrown in, this one is a gripping read.
Age: 7 to 10 years | Mystery mixed History
18. Up the Creek!
Four friends set out on a canoe trip down Milligan Creek. However, the adventure turns out a game of survival through wild nature. Only courage and mutual support can bring them out of the real nightmare. This one is the first book in the popular Milligan Creek Series.
Age: 9 to 12 years | Chapter book for outdoor-loving 4th graders
19. Fourth Grade Weirdo
Read about Dexter, who is a misfit in his entire fourth-grade class. Suspicion falls on a teacher when things start disappearing from school. Can Dexter help find the real thief? An easy and interesting chapter book for children.
Age: 8 to 12 years | School mystery for 4th graders
20. The Forbidden Library
Young Alice comes to live with his uncle Geryon after a tragic family incident. However, the huge library in the manor is off her limits. A series of events follow and Alice finds herself inside a book. A fantasy book for children above grade 4.
Age: 10 to 12 years | Chapter book for imaginative 4th grader
21. Mistakes That Worked
Did you know Sandwich was first created when an English earl needed to keep one hand free for gambling while eating? Or want to know the fun story behind the invention of everyone’s favorite potato chips? Read about such 40 tales of invention, in this nonfiction chapter book. Hilarious cartoons and amazing facts make this book a fun read.
Age: 8 to 12 years | Humorous nonfiction chapter book for 9 and above
22. Aliens for Breakfast
Richard met Arc, an alien from the planet Ganoob, as Arc climbed down from the cereal bowl of Richard’s breakfast. The story develops as together they try to save the world from evil aliens. A gripping tale for the reluctant chapter book readers.
Age: 6 to 9 years | Chapter book for alien-crazy 4th graders
23. Story Thieves
This book is the first one from the book series – Story Thieves. Owen, a school-going kid meets Bethany, crawling out of a book. Now Owen wants the interesting life of living in a story. Read on to find out what can possibly go wrong.
Age: 8 to 12 years | Interesting 4th harder fantasy
24. Middle School Millionaires
A fictional chapter book for middle schoolers to learn about the importance of money and the value of earning. Kirk and Tommy hope to make some money by recycling. Pretty soon, their business takes off, and they start earning more than they ever thought. However, along with it, comes many challenges. Now they are about to lose it all. What would Kirk and Tommy do? A book to encourage young readers about the spirit of entrepreneurship.
Age: 8 to 12 years | Chapter book for entrepreneurial 4th grader
25. A Boy Called Bat
This book narrates a charming story about a boy, named Bat with autism. His life is full of challenges with his sister, divorced parents, friends, teachers. However, when he sees Kit, a skunk, he wants to keep him as his pet. Now he has a month to convince his mother to let Kit stay. The simple uncomplicated story makes this chapter book an easy read.
Age: 6 to 10 years | Touching autism story
More books for 4th graders – different genres
Here is a list of chapter books specially curated for 4th graders, keeping their various interests in mind.
Mystery books for 4th and 5th graders
