“Reading is not only essential for building language skills but also for fostering imagination, creativity, and critical thinking in fourth-grade students. To help you create an exciting reading list for 4th graders, we have compiled a collection of 20 outstanding books that are loved by both young readers and educators. These books cover various genres and themes, offering something for every reader’s interest and preference.
- “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio: This powerful novel teaches empathy and kindness through the story of Auggie Pullman, a boy with facial deformities who enters a mainstream school.
- “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White: This timeless classic follows the friendship between a spider named Charlotte and a pig named Wilbur.
- “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling: Join Harry Potter on his magical journey as he discovers the wizarding world and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
- “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate: Based on a true story, this touching tale features Ivan, a gorilla, who forms a bond with a young girl named Julia.
- “The BFG” by Roald Dahl: Follow the adventures of Sophie and the Big Friendly Giant in this imaginative and humorous book.
- “Number the Stars” by Lois Lowry: Set in Denmark during World War II, this book tells the story of a young girl who helps her Jewish best friend escape the Nazis.
- “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan: Dive into the world of Greek mythology as Percy Jackson races against time to prevent a war among the gods.
- “Matilda” by Roald Dahl: Meet Matilda, an extraordinary girl with telekinetic powers, who outsmarts her neglectful parents and formidable headmistress.
- “Holes” by Louis Sachar: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a juvenile detention center where he and his friends are forced to dig holes, uncovering a historical mystery.
- “Bridge to Terabithia” by Katherine Paterson: Jesse and Leslie create a magical kingdom called Terabithia, where they escape from real-world challenges.
- “The Giver” by Lois Lowry: Enter a dystopian society where Jonas discovers the dark secrets behind his seemingly utopian community.
- “Because of Winn-Dixie” by Kate DiCamillo: A heartwarming story of friendship and community as a young girl befriends a stray dog in a small town.
- “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett: Follow Mary Lennox as she discovers a hidden garden and unravels the mysteries of the past.
- “The Invention of Hugo Cabret” by Brian Selznick: This captivating novel intertwines words and illustrations to tell the story of an orphan and a mechanical man.
- “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster: Join Milo on his extraordinary journey through the Lands Beyond, where learning becomes an adventure.
- “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle: Meg Murry embarks on a cosmic quest, accompanied by her brother and a friend, to save her father and the universe.
- “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl: Enter the magical world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory and join Charlie on a sweet adventure.
- “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod and sets out on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
- “The Tale of Despereaux” by Kate DiCamillo: Follow the brave and kind-hearted mouse, Despereaux, as he embarks on a quest to rescue a princess.
- “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank: Anne Frank’s diary provides a firsthand account of her experiences hiding from the Nazis during World War II.
These books are just a glimpse into the vast world of literature for fourth graders. Whether your child prefers adventure, fantasy, or historical fiction, there is something on this list to capture their imagination and ignite a lifelong love for reading. Happy reading!