Chapter Books to Read Aloud with Your 3rd Grade Classroom

Miguel lives in New York City with his Mami and Papi and wants more than anything to be an artist, even though his immigrant parents want him to have a more traditional career. The next thing on Miguel’s wishlist is a pet, so what a joy when he finds a cat near his parents’ bodega. Written from the perspectives of Lolo the cat and Miguel, we follow these two as Lolo adjusts to having a family and learning to share his space and the love he’s received, and Miguel finds a way to share his artsy dreams with his family. Bodega Cats: Picture Purrfect is the first in a new, charming, family-first series about kids and the stray cats they find near bodegas. Ages 7+

SAVE ME A SEAT is the story of two seemingly different boys – one Indian, one American. When Ravi’s family moves to America, he is shocked at how different things are. The things he liked about himself seem to neither impress nor be appreciated by his American classmates and teachers. Joe is a quiet, sensitive American who is regularly bullied by his classmates. The story follows both boys as they find a way to a solid friendship despite their differences. With a major focus on bullying, culture, food and respecting differences, SAVE ME A SEAT is delightful, funny, and inspiring.  Ages 8+

This charming illustrated book about a robot who ends up in the wild and survives by building community and caring for others is heartwarming but also surprisingly suspenseful and full of adventure. This is also now a major motion picture and would be a great movie for kids to watch after reading. Ages 8+

What happens when a spider and a pig become friends? This classic is brilliantly illustrated, and there are great lessons about selflessness and what it means to be a good friend. Charlotte is wise, decisive, and so good with words. Definitely one of those sweet books that more people should experience. Ages 8+

This illustrated young middle-grade verse novel about Isabel Beane, a quiet autistic girl who often gets lost in her loud family, is so endearing. Between never feeling heard at home, dealing with a mean classmate, and struggling to follow social cues, Isabel isn’t having an easy go at things. Eventually, a series of events forces her family to listen to her, and readers will root for Isabel as she comes out of her shell. Ages 8+

Welcome to Milkweed Meadow, where each creature sticks with their colony, especially the rabbits who love storytelling. Young rabbit Butternut is the narrator of our story — and an especially talented storyteller — who discovers that life is richer with friends, company, and community. Perfect for fans of Katherine Applegate, this is a charming story for a classroom of pet lovers and storytellers who love whimsical stories with a dash of adventure.

If you like The Wild Robot, but would rather not read a book with a movie adaptation (some educators dislike it when kids spoil the book by watching the movie), then Cog is your next best bet. This book stands on its own merits and features a robot with the physical appearance of a 12-year-old boy who has to save his inventor when she’s captured by an evil corporation. It’s so heartwarming, funny, and moving. Ages 8+

There’s a reason Beverly Cleary’s books are called “timeless”! I remember reading this to a group of 3rd- to 5th-graders and watching them become entranced by Ralph’s antics. If you’re looking for an adventurous story with plenty of charm and humor, this is a terrific option!

In this sweet, delightful story, Marya Khan has gotten herself in a fix by claiming she’s having a henna party for her birthday when, in reality, she’s having no party. Marya is convinced that all her classmates lead more exciting lives than she does, but over time, she realizes that no one has a perfect life, and she needs to appreciate her own more. Ages 8+

Charlie Reese is an 11-year-old with a temper and an obsession with making wishes — and she wishes for the same thing every time. Temporarily living with her aunt and uncle because of her family’s instability, her life changes in the best way when she finds a stray dog to belong to and makes a neighborhood friend who is kind to her and sees the best in her, even when she makes mistakes. This is a bighearted story about mistakes, forgiveness, empathy, and family. There is one reference each to family issues like a depressed mother, a dad who is incarcerated, and a high school-age older sister who smokes cigarettes. Ages 8+

I loved this sequel to Fourth Grade Rats (which also works for third grade) in this elementary school series about a third-grade boy doing his best to be good so he can win a halo and be crowned a “Third Grade Angel.” This book is funny and relatable and is sure to appeal to third graders!

The duck in this story wants to be a detective so badly that all her friends know her penchant for solving mysteries. Detective Duck is not your average duck. Her dad is a beaver, and her friends at the Dogwood Pond where she lives include a dragonfly, frogs, and a book-loving salamander. When a huge object lands in the pool, disrupting the residents’ daily lives, it’s up to Duck to solve the case and save their home. This one is fantastic on audio and has inspiring environmental connections without being TOO on the nose. Ages 7+

When Caleb and his older brother meet a 16-year-old, wise-cracking, smart-mouthed Styx Malone in their small town, they are enthralled with the young man and begin to look up to him. Even when Styx’s actions are questionable, including lying, swindling, and petty theft, verging on illegal, Caleb and Bobby Gene continue to follow him, much to their parents’ concerns. As their summer adventure to raise enough money to buy a fancy motorcycle takes a turn, all three boys are surprised by how much they come to care for each other. This is a funny, insightful summer story about male friendships, stranger danger, and foster care. This is on the longer side and best for the tail end of third grade! Ages 9+

Mr. Wolf, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Snake, and Mr. Shark look scary, and they have a reputation for being bad guys, but Mr. Wolf has a plan to rebrand their reputation by doing some good deeds such as rescuing a cat stuck in a tree and breaking two hundred dogs out of a Dog Pound. He just needs to make sure Mr. Snake doesn’t swallow Mr. Piranha. This hilarious chapter book frequently breaks the fourth wall and is sure to crack up young readers aged 5-8.