12 of the Best Chapter Books for 3rd Graders
I taught third graders for several years, and I’m now an instructional coach for elementary school reading teachers. Plus, I’ve got a little girl at home who is an avid reader. All of the books below are currently on our shelf at home, and I’ve used several of them as classroom texts.
These are the best chapter books for 3rd graders, assuming your child is reading roughly on grade level. Whether your child loves mysteries, science fiction, make-believe, or prefer to remain firmly rooted in reality, these books will keep them engaged in reading and growing in endurance.
If your child is reading a bit below grade level, start with my list of chapter books for 2nd graders!
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Best Chapter Books for 3rd Graders – Guided Reading Level N
Students who are beginning third grade are expected to be reading at a guided reading level N. These three books will be just right, and now you just have to make sure to find one that suits their interest. Fortunately, all three of these are series, so if they like one book, they’re sure to enjoy the rest.
Here are my favorite picture books to enjoy in the autumn with kids.
Best Chapter Books for 3rd Graders – Guided Reading Level O
By winter break, most third graders will be reading somewhere around a guided reading level O. These 6 options will work great, and I’ve made sure to include books with both male and female protagonists, since that’s a big hook for many kids.
Got an early, advanced reader? Check out this post: Your 4 Year Old Can Read: Now What?!
Best Chapter Books for 3rd Graders – Guided Reading Level P
The next six choices are the best chapter books for 3rd graders who are reading on a guided reading level P, which is where the average reader is toward the end of the year. My personal favorite from this selection is the Sideways Stories from Wayside School, but all of them are great!
Prefer picture books? Check out this post: Our All Time Favorite Picture Books.
I plan to update this regularly as my kiddos discover new books. I hope your kiddo enjoys them, too!