Beginner Chapter Books (Grade 3 - 4)

Kids that are beginning to more confidently read longer books on their own are more likely to read a book if they choose the book themselves. This list of books has a wide variety of topics to engage any reader. Fiction or non-fiction, graphic novels or traditional books are all great ways for kids to read, so let them choose their own their own this summer whether from this list or from the shelf.

Updated May 29, 2025
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Lambton County Library Summer Reading Challenge 2025
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The Animal Body Book: An Insider's Guide to the World of Animal Anatomy
French, Jess.
Paper Book
Animals come in all shapes and sizes, and they are just as different on the inside as they are on the outside. Join children's author and vet Dr Jess French and explore how animal bodies work, and the amazing things they can do. Animals perform extraordinary feats every day, from...
Anne arrives : inspired by Anne of Green Gables
George, K.
Paper Book
Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert need help on their farm, so they've adopted what they hope will be a sturdy, helpful boy. Instead, Matthew finds Anne awaiting him at the train station - imaginative, brash, redheaded Anne-with-an-e. With her place at the Cuthberts' at risk - particularly if nosy...
A boy called Bat
Arnold, Elana K.
Paper Book
The first book in a funny, heartfelt, and irresistible young middle grade series starring an unforgettable young boy on the autism spectrum. For Bixby Alexander Tam (nicknamed Bat), life tends to be full of surprises--some of them good, some not so good. Today, though, is a...
The brain : the ultimate thinking machine
Woollcott, Tory
Paper Book
With Science Comics, you can explore the depths of the ocean, the farthest reaches of space, and everything in between! These gorgeously illustrated graphic novels offer wildly entertaining views of their subjects. In this volume, Fahama has been kidnapped by a mad scientist and his...
Cars : engines that move you
Zettwoch, Dan
Paper Book
In Dan Zettwoch's Science Comics: Cars, you'll learn where cars came from and how they work. When you pop the hood, what are you looking at? How does gasoline--or electric batteries, or even steam--make a car move? Rev up your motor and take look at the combustible history of the...
Clementine
Pennypacker, Sara
Paper Book
Clementine seems to be constantly in trouble. Firstly, for cutting off Margaret's hair. Secondly, for not paying attention in class. And thirdly, for the black hole, which is her bedroom. Perhaps it's time for Clementine to change - or perhaps not
Coding with Scratch
Basher, Simon
Paper Book
Coding with Scratch, a new books in the Basher series Coding with Basher, combines Basher's trademark quirky and humorous illustration style with the very latest teachings on coding with the Scratch 3.0 program. Written by the founders of The Coder School. Coding...
The complete cookbook for young chefs
Paper Book
The #1 New York Times Best Seller and IACP Award Winner! Want to bake the most-awesome-ever cupcakes? Or surprise your family with breakfast tacos on Sunday morning? Looking for a quick snack after school? Or maybe something special for a sleepover? It's all here. Learn...
Dory Fantasmagory
Hanlon, Abby
Paper Book
Move over, Junie B. Jones and Ivy & Bean! Here comes a lovably energetic little sister with a BIG personality--and an imagination to match! As the youngest in her family, Dory really wants attention, and more than anything she wants her brother and sister to play with her. But...
Dragons and marshmallows
Citro, Asia
Paper Book
With magical animals, science, mystery, and adventure -- the brand new series Zoey and Sassafras has something for everyone! Easy-to-read language and illustrations on nearly every page make this series perfect for a wide range of ages. In the first book of this series, Zoey...
Dragons in a bag
Elliott, Zetta
Paper Book
The dragon's out of the bag in this diverse, young urban fantasy from an award-winning author! When Jaxon is sent to spend the day with a mean old lady his mother calls Ma, he finds out she's not his grandmother--but she is a witch! She needs his help delivering...
Ellie, engineer
Pearce, Jackson.
Paper Book
"Look out, Junie B. Jones! Ellie the engineer is thinking, making, creating, and showing enthusiasm and brilliance with her creations!" -School Library Connection A charming, hilarious illustrated middle grade about a girl who is an engineer--no, not the kind on a...
The epic guide to Dragon Masters
West, Tracey
Paper Book
Calling all Dragon Masters! This is the guidebook that no Dragon Master should be without -- featuring full-color artwork on every page!Kids love reading all about the Dragon Masters' adventures in Tracey West's New York Times bestselling Dragon Masters early chapter book series. Now...
Eve of the Emperor penguin
Osborne, Mary Pope.
Paper Book
The #1 bestselling chapter book series of all time celebrates 25 years with new covers and a new, easy-to-use numbering system! Jack and Annie arrive on the one continent they haven't visited before: Antarctica! What can they hope to learn about happiness in such a barren place? Only...
The great big paw print
Green, Poppy.
Paper Book
Sophie Mouse discovers a giant paw print in Pine Needle Grove--and follows it right into a bear's den--in the ninth charming book of The Adventures of Sophie Mouse series! While Sophie and her friends are exploring Sassafras Alley, they come across a huge paw print. They have...
How Technology Works : From Monster Trucks to Mars Rovers
DK.
Paper Book
Get inside the machinery of the modern world and understand the science that makes it all work with this all-in-one encyclopedia. Make technology fun, fascinating, and accessible with this inspiring guide for children aged 9+ that explains the machinery of everyday life. ...
Leroy Ninker saddles up
DiCamillo, Kate.
Paper Book
Yippie-i-oh! Saddle up for the first in a spin-off series starring favorite characters from Kate DiCamillo's New York Times best-selling Mercy Watson books. Leroy Ninker has a hat, a lasso, and boots. What he doesn't have is a horse -- until he meets Maybelline,...
Lost treasure of the emerald eye
Stilton, Geronimo.
Paper Book
Re-enter the world of Geronimo Stilton, where another funny adventure is always right around the corner. Each book is a fast-paced adventure with lively art and a unique format kids 7-10 will loveWho Is Geronimo Stilton?That's me! I run a newspaper, but my true passion is writing tales of adventure....
Matter and how it changes
Midthun, Joseph.
Paper Book
"A graphic nonfiction volume that introduces physical and chemical changes of matter. Features include several photographic pages, a glossary, additional resource list, and an index"--Provided by publisher.
The mini mistake
Glass, Calliope
Paper Book
Sparkleton accidentally shrinks his friends before the big talent show in the third book of this full-color early chapter book series about a wishful unicorn who will do anything to get  wish-granting powers--except his homework. It's a magical mess-up! Sparkleton has a...
Narwhal : unicorn of the sea
Clanton, Ben
Paper Book
"The most lovable duo since Frog and Toad." --Dav Pilkey, bestselling creator of Dog Man and Captain Underpants The funny and adorable New York Times bestselling kids graphic novel series starring happy-go-lucky, waffle-loving Narwhal and somewhat cynical sidekick, Jelly.
Once upon a Tim
Gibbs, Stuart
Paper Book
Join New York Times bestselling author Stuart Gibbs in this first book in a hilarious, highly illustrated new middle grade series about a peasant boy who wants to be a knight, perfect for fans of Max & the Midknights. Tim is just a peasant, but he dreams big. He wants more...
Plagues and pandemics
Messner, Kate.
Paper Book
Myths! Lies! Secrets! Uncover the hidden truth about history's pandemics, from the Black Death to COVID-19. Perfect for fans of I Survived! and Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales. During the Black Death in the 14th century, plague doctors wore creepy beaked masks filled...
Polar bears : survival on the ice
Viola, Jason
Paper Book
Head out to the Arctic and learn about polar bears in this volume of Science Comics, Survival on the Ice, an action-packed nonfiction graphic novel series for middle-grade readers! Do you have what it takes to live in one of the harshest places in the world? What if you...
Princess Cora and the crocodile
Schlitz, Laura Amy
Paper Book
A Newbery Medalist and a Caldecott Medalist join forces to give an overscheduled princess a day off -- and a deliciously wicked crocodile a day on. Princess Cora is sick of boring lessons. She's sick of running in circles around the dungeon gym. She's sick, sick, sick of...
Ricky Ricotta's mighty robot
Pilkey, Dav
Paper Book
From Dav Pilkey, the worldwide bestselling author-illustrator of Dog Man, and award-winning illustrator Dan Santat comes an out-of-this-world friendship adventure in full color! Meet Ricky Ricotta, a little mouse with a big problem! Ricky Ricotta lives in Squeakyville with his mom...
The skull : a Tyrolean folktale
Klassen, Jon
Paper Book
A #1 New York Times bestseller! A Kirkus Book Prize Finalist! A New York Times Best Children's Chapter Book the Year A Wall Street Journal Best Children's Book of the Year Caldecott Medalist and New York Times best-selling author...
Skunk and badger
Timberlake, Amy
Paper Book
  A classic tale about an extraordinary and unlikely animal friendship. For fans of Paddington Bearand Wallace and Gromit. From Newbery Honor Author, Amy Timberlake and multi-award winning illustrator, Jon Klassen comes a beautiful tale of friendship for readers aged 7+. ...
The story of Diva and Flea
Willems, Mo.
Paper Book
Diva, a small yet brave dog, and Flea, a curious streetwise cat, develop an unexpected friendship in this unforgettable tale of discovery. For as long as she could remember, Diva lived at 11 avenue Le Play in Paris, France. For as long as he could remember, Flea also lived in Paris,...
I survived the attack of the grizzlies, 1967
Tarshis, Lauren.
Ebook
Tater tales. 2, The king of the world!
Clanton, Ben
Paper Book
A mutant potato learns that with great power comes great re-spud-sibility in this second installment of the hilariously silly graphic chapter book series from the bestselling creator of the Narwhal and Jelly books. Rot is ready for another adventure and this time he's going...
Willa the wisp
Auxier, Jonathan
Paper Book
The Fabled Stables: Willa the Wisp is the first in a fully illustrated chapter book series from New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Auxier and artist Olga Demidova. Welcome to the Fabled Stables, a magical building filled with one-of-a...

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