Grade 4 reading books
Recommended reading books for elementary school children in Fourth Grade ages 9-10
Encourage your fourth grader’s expanding reading skills with this thoughtfully curated list of recommended books designed to captivate their imagination and challenge their critical thinking. The following selections aim to foster a love for independent reading, promote empathy, and introduce children to new perspectives and ideas.
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At this stage, students are ready for more complex storylines, nuanced characters, and themes which invite deeper reflection. Remember, reading habits directly correspond with their interest in the books, its characters, and their comprehension. Selections here include genres many fourth graders will enjoy while offering a range of depth and writing complexity. That said, it's perfectly fine to fall back to Grade 3 books if they are not ready.
Impossible Creatures
Katherine Rundell
Impossible Creatures is a thrilling fantasy adventure that takes readers on an epic journey into the Archipelago, a hidden world where mythical creatures like griffins, unicorns, and dragons are real. It follows Christopher, a curious young boy, and Mal, a brave girl, as they set out to protect this magical realm filled from a looming danger.
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The pace balances an action-packed plot with detailed imagery. The writing isn't overly complex, yet it adheres to good writing standards and does not rely on dialogue alone. This title is also mostly free from tween content and themes which some fourth graders may not yet be ready for.
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Adventure, Imagination, Heroic, Friendship
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​Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
Rick Riordan
The Lightning Thief is the first book in the electrifying hit series that introduces readers to Percy Jackson, a boy who discovers that he is the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. The story begins following Percy as he embarks on an adventurous journey as he encounters the mythical beings of ancient Greece to prevent a war among the gods.
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The direct writing style, relatable protagonists, and overall popularity make the Percy Jackson series an exciting read for many fourth graders and up. Be aware that some mild violence and mature themes appear in the books, albeit less prominently as compared to the movies.
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Adventure, Coming of Age, Relatable
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The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Kate DiCamillo
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is a touching story about empathy and self-discovery. Edward, a porcelain rabbit, is a prized possession of a little girl named Abilene. He doesn’t understand what it means to love or be loved, but one day he is accidentally lost, and begins an incredible journey through many different hands and lives. Each experience teaches him something new about compassion, loss, and the importance of opening up his heart.
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DiCamilo is a masterful storyteller who proves no one is too old for fairy tales. Her elegant writing is rich with vivid—but not unnecessarily outdated—vocabulary for advancing readers and writers.
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Endearing, Descriptive Writing
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Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret
Trudi Trueit
The Explorer Academy series by National Geographic is a thrilling blend of adventure, science, and mystery, inspiring young readers of the natural world around them. The globe-trotting series is set at the prestigious Explorer Academy centering on a group of students training to become the next generation of scientists, explorers, and innovators.
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Explorer Academy is printed on glossy paper with full color illustrations, which enhances the overall experience and understanding of the geography and science concepts. A "Truth Behind the Fiction" section concludes each book with additional real-world information.
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Adventure, STEM, Geography
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The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy
Jeanne Birdsall
The first book of The Penderwicks tells the unforgettable adventure of four sisters—each with their own unique personality—during their summer vacation at an expansive estate. They befriend a lonely boy named Jeffrey and embark on all sorts of fun and mischievous escapades, all while dealing with the estate’s strict owner.
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Unlike many children's books that often center around fantasy, magic, or fast-paced plots, The Penderwicks captures the charm and simplicity of childhood through the authentic experiences of the sisters. Suitable as a read-aloud as early as second grade or to siblings of varying ages.
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Endearing, Good Behaviors, Friendship, Relatable, Descriptive Writing
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