32 Chapter Books for 3rd Graders, Recommended by Teachers

1. Dyamonde Daniel series by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie (Realistic Fiction)

Dyamonde is a spunky third grader who thinks “being mean is the most uncool thing in the universe.” These shorter but still compelling titles explore themes of jealousy, trying to fit in, and doing the right thing. Use them for beginning-of the-year book clubs or to ease new third graders into realistic-fiction chapter books.

Buy it: Dyamonde Daniel series

2. Stella & Marigold by Annie Barrows, illustrated by Sophie Blackall (Realistic Fiction)

Stella is a devoted older sister to Marigold in these gentle and funny stories about everyday life in her family’s duplex. While we also love this book for second grade, it makes a perfect easy chapter book for third graders, especially to start the school year. It’s ideal for discussions about characters or descriptive language. Look for the equally sweet second book in this series when it releases in fall 2025.

Buy it: Stella & Marigold

3. Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker series by Shelley Johannes (Realistic Fiction)

Spunky third grader Beatrice sees things differently. Her challenges with trying to fit in with friends at school and finding a place in her family will resonate with readers, while the humorous take will keep them wildly entertained. Offer this illustrated chapter book series to give kids chances to reflect on themes of individuality and self-confidence at a more supportive reading level.

Buy it: Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker series

4. A to Z Mysteries series by Ron Roy (Mystery)

These wholesome adventures starring a group of kid detectives are endlessly entertaining. With 26 books to choose from, students can breeze through them all and try to solve each case before the characters do. Suggest these mystery chapter books for third graders to reluctant readers or those looking for shorter, fast-paced reads.

Buy it: A to Z Mysteries series

5. Stella Diaz series by Angela Dominguez (Realistic Fiction)

Based on author Angela Dominquez’s own experience as an immigrant in the United States, this series highlights relevant, complex challenges like divorce and bullying, as well as struggling to learn English. Carefully chosen Spanish words also enhance the realistic story. These are dependable chapter books to engage third graders independently or in book groups.

Buy it: Stella Diaz series

6. Marya Khan series by Saadia Faruqi, illustrated by Ani Bushry (Realistic Fiction)

Saadia Faruqi, author of the popular Yasmin series, which made our list of top second grade chapter books, has created another hit series for more advanced readers. Heartwarming and relatable, these stories of Marya and her loving Pakistani American family are full of friendship woes and relatable challenges. Add these to your independent reading choices to help students see themselves and their families reflected in books, or to learn about examples of family life in different cultures.

Buy it: Marya Khan series

7. The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher series by Dana Alison Levy (Realistic Fiction)

Dad and Papa have their hands full with the four Fletcher boys, all of whom have different interests and personalities. This two-book series of chapter books for third graders portrays the realistic imperfections of family life and school, and shows the power of family bonds. It’s one of our favorite class read-alouds or options for advanced readers to enjoy on their own. The audiobooks are particularly enjoyable too.

Buy it: The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher series 

8. The Magnificent Mya Tibbs series by Crystal Allen (Realistic Fiction)

Mya Tibbs is an energetic and endearing character whom third grade readers will love. Entertaining and realistic, these charming stories showcase the changing nature of friendship and relationships and what it takes to do the right thing. Add all three books in this series to your independent reading choices.

Buy it: The Magnificent Mya Tibbs series

9. The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner (Realistic Fiction)

Four orphaned siblings take care of one another while hiding out in an abandoned boxcar. Though perhaps not realistic by today’s standards, modern kids are still fascinated by the exploits of these self-sufficient children. Share these titles with kids ready to dig into a long series. Plan to have conversations about strategies for making sense of outdated vocabulary or situations.

Buy it: The Boxcar Children series

10. Clementine series by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Marla Frazee (Realistic Fiction)

Clementine is a precocious, energetic third grader who is no stranger to getting in trouble. We love her spunk and attitude! Filled with hilarious adventures and relatable predicaments, this series will keep readers endlessly entertained. Share these books with readers ready for more complex vocabulary and language than standard realistic fiction series for third graders, or as heartwarming read-alouds.

11. Dragons in a Bag series by Zetta Elliott (Fantasy)

In the urban backdrop of Brooklyn, 9-year-old Jaxon discovers his so-called grandmother and neighbor is actually a witch who entrusts him and his friends to help deliver dragons to a new home. Filled with magic and time travel, the series delivers an imaginative plot that still manages to feel authentic and relatable. This series is perfect for fantasy-focused book clubs or independent reading and response.

Buy it: Dragons in a Bag series

12. The Fantastic Frame series by Lin Oliver (Fantasy)

Ten-year-old Tiger loves science, but what happens to him when he visits his mysterious neighbor is too wild to be believed: He gets transported into a painting and is forced to escape from a hungry tiger. The first book ends on a cliff-hanger that will leave readers eager for more action and excitement in the next installments. These are ideal titles to build third graders’ confidence reading fantasy and adventure genres and have interesting art connections.

Buy it: Fantastic Frame series

13. Geronimo Stilton series by Geronimo Stilton (Fiction)

Geronimo Stilton, an author who runs a newspaper in New Mouse City, embarks on grand adventures with his sister, Thea, and their friends. Fast-paced plots keep readers coming back to this treasured collection. Hook third graders with the colorful, eye-catching illustrations and creative use of fonts to keep them reading. For kids who need a stretch, nudge them toward the longer Kingdom of Fantasy titles.

Buy it: Geronimo Stilton series

14. The Wild Robot series by Peter Brown (Science Fiction)

These futuristic tales feature a robot, Roz, who must adapt to survive on a wild island as she faces threats of extreme weather and dangerous animals. The short chapters work well for third grade attention spans. The masterful writing and new spin on traditional themes give small and large groups of readers or listeners plenty to mull over together.

Buy it: The Wild Robot series

15. The Unicorn Rescue Society series by Adam Gidwitz, illustrated by Hatem Aly (Fantasy)

Who wouldn’t want to be part of a secret society—especially one charged with protecting mythical creatures? These entertaining series chapter books for third graders blend themes of friendship and finding courage with imaginative fantasy elements. Since they appeal to all genders, they work well as reading material for teacher-selected book groups or partnerships.

Buy it: The Unicorn Rescue Society series

16. Upside-Down Magic by Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins (Fantasy)

The students at Dunwiddle Magic School must learn to navigate plenty of magical mishaps in their Upside-Down Magic class. Kids love all the magical details, and teachers love the real themes and character conflicts. Suggest these to third grade readers who are curious about Harry Potter but not yet ready for the language and content demands.

Buy it: Upside-Down Magic series

17. Tales of Magic series by Edward Eager, illustrated by N.M. Bodecker (Fantasy)

Summer is shaping up to be extremely slow and boring for Jane and her siblings until Jane finds a magic coin that grants half their wishes, turning everything upside down. These clever titles are an appealing blend of fantasy and adventure chapter books for third graders that encourage kids to imagine “What if?” We especially love sharing them leading up to summer break.

Buy it: Tales of Magic series

18. Daisy Dawson series by Steve Voake, illustrated by Jessica Meserve (Fiction)

Daisy Dawson can talk to animals, which comes in handy as she must help many different animal friends. This sweet series is a great fit for animal-loving readers looking for more accessible text.

Buy it: Daisy Dawson series

19. Humphrey series by Betty G. Birney (Fiction)

A lovable hamster and class pet named Humphrey narrates this series with surprising depth and heart. Spending each weekend at a different kid’s house, Humphrey gets to see and do it all. The 13 books in the series can keep readers reading for quite some time. They can lead to interesting conversations about point of view too!

Buy it: Humphrey series

20. Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech (Realistic Fiction)

Louie is determined to keep the baby donkey his dad brings home alive, even though no one else believes he will survive. Introduce third graders to a standout author and discuss themes of hope, connection, determination, and vulnerability with this beautiful story. Its slim length works well for a class read-aloud squeezed into a short time, or as a book club book.

Buy it: Saving Winslow

21. Dogtown by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko, illustrated by Wallace West (Fiction)

Chance, a canine protagonist with a big heart and an eye for details, narrates the happenings at Dogtown, a shelter for unwanted real and electronic dogs. Eventually Chance and Metal Head, a misfit robot dog, set out to find their happily-ever-after homes. This is one of our favorite new animal chapter books for third graders. The very short chapters support and motivate kids who are new to reading longer-length novels, and it’s full of compelling themes to discuss. Check out the sequel, Mouse and His Dog, too.

Buy it: Dogtown

22. Dragonbreath series by Ursula Vernon (Fiction)

No matter how hard he tries, Danny just can’t breathe fire like all the other dragons. Along with his iguana best friend, Wendell, Danny goes on adventures to reptile school and beyond as he navigates not feeling he’s good enough and persevering through hard things. With appealing comic-book features combined with traditional text, these accessible and clever books are go-to recommendations for reluctant or struggling readers.

Buy it: Dragonbreath series 

23. Otis Dooda series by Ellen Potter, illustrated by David Heatley (Fiction)

Otis and his family experience many curious and strange things when they move to New York City. Kids love these downright silly titles. Share them with any student who could use a lighthearted but well-written read.

Buy it: Otis Dooda series

24. Sideways Stories From Wayside School series by Louis Sachar, illustrated by Tim Heitz (Fiction)

Hilarious and absurd, this series about a school that was accidentally built sideways and 30 floors high is a hoot. While it may be completely wacky, the realistic elements about life at school keep it authentic and relevant. We like to share the first installment as a read-aloud and let kids enjoy the other titles afterwards on their own.

Buy it: Sideways Stories From Wayside School series

25. Max & the Midknights series by Lincoln Peirce (Fiction)

Max dreams of becoming a knight—but gets into plenty of hilarious misadventures on his journey. Comic book–style illustrations mix with traditional text. We like to hand these funny chapter books for third graders to kids who are reluctant to branch out from graphic novels; these even include a nod to Big Nate on the opening pages!

Buy it: Max & the Midknights series

26. Who Was …? series by various authors (Nonfiction)

With more than 200 books to choose from in the prolific series, students can discover compelling biographies that suit their varying interests. Interesting anecdotes and detailed black-and-white illustrations make these famous thinkers, heroes, and changemakers feel approachable. Share these as an alternative to fiction stories to motivate readers, or to complement a content area or biography genre unit.

Buy it: Who Was …? series 

27. I Survived series by Lauren Tarshis (Historical Fiction)

Go back in time with brave kid protagonists who must navigate harrowing events throughout history. While these tales are not strictly nonfiction, they are so helpful for building kids’ background knowledge and engaging them with historical content that we consider them classroom must-haves.

Buy it: I Survived series

28. Unsolved Case Files series by Tom Sullivan (Nonfiction)

These riveting graphic novel–style nonfiction chapter books for third graders dive into unsolved FBI cases throughout history. The author has a particular talent for pulling out details that will hook young readers without overwhelming them with facts. Share these with advanced but reluctant third grade readers who are ready for a new reading challenge.

Buy it: Unsolved Case Files series

29. The Mysterious Makers of Shaker Street series by Stacia Deutsch (Mystery)

Follow along as Michael and his friends solve curious cases around their neighborhood. We love how readers can get drawn into these fun stories, and they feel more recent than other popular series of mystery chapter books for third graders. Add these to your independent reading choices.

Buy it: The Mysterious Makers of Shaker Street series

30. Pages and Co. series by Anna James (Adventure)

Part adventure and part mystery, these captivating chapter books for third graders feature storybook characters coming to life. They’re ideal for hooking more advanced readers or as class read-alouds to celebrate the power of books and reading.

Buy it: Pages and Co. series

31. Inside the Park by Andrea Williams (Adventure)

All Timothy “Pumpsie” Strickland can think about is how thrilled he is that his favorite baseball team made the playoffs—until he unexpectedly gets trapped in the baseball stadium overnight! This is one of our new favorite adventure chapter books for third graders to suggest to sports fans. It explores characters and their responses to events in a highly engaging context.

Buy it: Inside the Park

32. Black Hollow Lane series by Julia Nobel (Mystery)

When Emmy starts attending a prestigious British boarding school, she stumbles into a mysterious secret society. Does it have anything to do with her dad’s long ago disappearance? Share these titles with proficient third grade readers who enjoy darker tales like A Series of Unfortunate Events.

Buy it: Black Hollow Lane series