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 April 24, 2026
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Lambton County Library Summer Reading Challenge 2026
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LEGO Minecraft Visual Dictionary Scholastic
DK.
Explore the adventurous world of LEGO Minecraft with DK's latest Visual Dictionary! Journey through 13 years of LEGO Minecraft and discover everything you need to know about iconic locations, items, and mobs. See every brick-built detail of the hostile warden, investigate the...
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 first misadventure
Cronin, Doreen.
Paper Book
Now an animated series on Disney Junior! They're darling. They're daring. They know their shapes! They're chicks on a mission--and on this, their first (mis)adventure, the Chicken Squad launches a galactic backyard expedition. Meet the Chicken Squad: Dirt,...
Karen's sleepover
Martin, Ann M. 1955-
Paper Book
It's fun to be a Baby-sitters Little Sister! Karen's having her first sleepover ever! She and her friends are going to tell spooky stories, try on makeup, and raid the refrigerator. But then Karen and Nancy get into a big fight. Karen doesn't want Nancy to come to her party. A new girl...
Canada National Soccer Teams : Ultimate Fan Guide
Stabler, David.
Soccer is on the rise in Canada. Its men's national team has had its ups and downs while the women's team has grown into a global powerhouse. Learn about Canada's biggest victories on the pitch and about the stars that have made them happen.
Salma makes a home
Ramadan, Ahmad Danny.
Paper Book
A 2023 NYPL Best Book for Kids! Charming, creative Salma takes on big feelings with even bigger ideas as she navigates life in a new country, Syrian identity, family changes and new friendships in this engaging and heartfelt early chapter book series. After a year, eleven...
Rain forest relay
Earhart, Kristin.
Paper Book
On a once-in-a-lifetime race through the animal kingdom, it takes smarts, strength, and skill to win!When Russell entered the race, he knew it was going to be a wild ride. Especially the first race course! He'd been studying up on the Amazon's animals and culture forever. But nothing could...
Stuff That Stuff Is Made Of : The Things We Make with Plants
Drori, Jonathan.
Paper Book
Jonathan Drori brings life to the science of 30 plants, revealing how their worlds are entwined with our own in this beautiful one-of-a-kind family book. Did you know that there's seaweed in ice cream, cork in spacecraft and dandelion in truck tires? Have you...
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...
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...
My father's dragon
Gannett, Ruth Stiles.
Paper Book
When Elmer Elevator tells a stray cat about his dream of being able to fly, he learns of a captive dragon on Wild Island. The dragon has been forced by the jungle residents to serve as their shuttle across a wide river -- and anyone who rescues the dragon from its cruel captors might be entitled to...
Bad Kitty gets a phone
Bruel, Nick.
Paper Book
Bad Kitty gets her very own phone in this full color graphic novel in Nick Bruel's New York Times bestselling series. Kitty has everything any cat could want--a warm bed, plenty of fresh litter, and a machine that dispenses food whenever she wants! But Kitty isn't...
Hydrant-Hydra: a Branches Book (the Binder of Doom #4)
Cummings, Troy.
Paper Book
The Super Secret Monster Patrol battles the Hydrant-Hydra, a clean-freak water monster!Pick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and...
Space and Beyond
Montgomery, R. A.
Paper Book
Hurtle through space in this interactive book where YOU decide what happens next! Packed with 44 possible endings! Choose Your Own Adventure books-the 4th bestselling children's series of all time-are back and as much fun as you remember. Kids and adults agree, these are the...
Art lab for kids : 52 creative adventures in drawing, painting, printmaking, paper, and mixed media
Schwake, Susan.
Paper Book
Art Lab for Kids is a refreshing source of wonderful ideas for creating fine art with children, offering 52 fun and creative step-by-step art projects set into weekly lessons.  The book begins with drawing, then moves through painting and printmaking, and...
Eva Saves the Day: a Branches Book (Owl Diaries #22)
Elliott, Rebecca.
Paper Book
In the next installment of this New York Times bestselling early chapter book series, Eva and her friends find and take care of some mysterious eggs! Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly...
Noob's Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior : The Epic Feast
Cube Kid, Cube.
The fifth volume in the Minecraft warrior adventure series follows Runt and Blurp on their quest back from The End. Cube Kid's bestselling characters come to life for young readers along with fun illustrations from the 8-Bit Warrior Graphic Novel format. "...
Ultimate slime : totally borax free!
Jagan, Alyssa
Paper Book
Make DIY slime of all kinds! Kids will love this new spin on the classic science project when they make crunchy slime, fluffy slime, fishbowl slime, and so many more!
Ghost on the Mountain
Jones, Kyandreia;Mal.
Paper Book
Choose from 9 possible endings in this interactive Choose Your Own Adventure book for 5- to 8-year-old readers! Choose Your Own Adventure books-the 4th bestselling children's series of all time-are now for little kids, too! Filled with colorful illustrations on...
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...
A Daisy at the beach
Anna, Holly.
Paper Book
In this tenth Daisy Dreamer chapter book, Daisy tries to have a normal day at the beach, but with her imaginary friend Posey around, nothing stays normal for long! Daisy is ready to build sandcastles and swim in the ocean when her family takes a trip to the beach. But when her...
Box Tales: Grow, Strawberries, Grow!
Burks, James.
Paper Book
"Fun, expressive, informative, and imaginative! I want a box full of these books!" --Ben Clanton, New York Times bestselling author of the Narwhal and Jelly A trilogy of fun, charming, and how-to stories following the curious and spunky Beatrix and Box-With a Bonus...
SCRAM : Society of Creatures Real and Magical
Lucey, Rory.
Paper Book
Rockhurst is your average suburban town. It has everything you'd expect: happy families, fun shops...and magical creatures! In the hopes of learning more about the local cryptids, three friends, Jenny, Emiko, and Brian, start the Society of Creatures Real and Magical--S.C.R.A.M.!...
The princess in Black
Hale, Shannon.
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller! Who says princesses don't wear black? When trouble raises its blue monster head, Princess Magnolia ditches her flouncy dresses and becomes the Princess in Black! Princess Magnolia is having hot chocolate and scones with Duchess...
Mercy Watson is missing!
DiCamillo, Kate.
Paper Book
Every favorite character from Kate DiCamillo's New York Times best-selling Mercy Watson books makes an appearance in this extended, riotously funny series crescendo. When Mercy Watson the pig goes missing, all of Deckawoo Drive is in an uproar. The Watsons are inconsolable...
Cornbread & Poppy for the win
Cordell, Matthew
Paper Book
PRAISE FOR CORNBREAD & POPPY (Book 1): An IndieBound Bestseller * An Amazon Best Book of the Year * A 2022 Kirkus Best Children's Book ★ "A rewarding choice for young readers."--Booklist,...
Doggo and Pupper search for cozy
Adler, Charlie.
Paper Book
Fans of Frog and Toad will enjoy this conclusion to the Doggo and Pupper early reader trilogy by #1 New York Times-bestselling author Katherine Applegate. When Cat announces that the Humans have given her a surprise present, Doggo and Pupper...
Coco : my delicious life
May, Kyla.
Paper Book
Lotus Lane . . . where friendships bloom!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading...
Children's Quick and Easy Cookbook : Over 60 Simple Recipes
Wilkes, Angela.
Paper Book
A perfect first cookbook to start your kitchen adventure, with more than 60 recipes for young chefs to try. Feel right at home in the kitchen with this first cookbook for budding chefs! With over 60 recipes, there's something for every occasion: super-fast snacks, speedy main...
Boris on the move
Joyner, Andrew (Illustrator)
Paper Book
A new early chapter book series where adventure is always just around the corner.This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page,...
Just Grace
Harper, Charise Mericle.
Paper Book
Grace loves cats. She also loves taking pictures of cats and drawing comics. When her neighbor's cat goes missing, Grace does her best to make Mrs. Luther feel less lonely. But as the mystery of the missing cat continues, Grace finds herself in a bit of trouble. Grace...
Battle of the boss-monster
Cummings, Troy.
Paper Book
The Super Secret Monster Patrol FINALLY comes face-to-face with the boss-monster!Pick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on...
Curse of the shadow dragon
West, Tracey 1965-
Paper Book
Drake and Worm meet a Shadow Dragon in the latest action-packed installment of this New York Times bestselling series! Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text...
Ghost of the Woods (Thea Stilton #37)
Stilton, Thea.
Paper Book
Join Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters on an adventure packed with mystery and friendship!The Thea Sisters head to Ireland!
The case of the weird blue chicken : the next misadventure
Cronin, Doreen.
Paper Book
Now an animated series on Disney Junior! The Chicken Squad is back for their second (mis)adventure, and this time they're solving the mystery of a kidnapped...HOUSE? A hilarious, "easy to read" (Booklist) chapter book from the bestselling author of Click, Clack, Moo<...
Welcome home!
Earhart, Kristin.
Paper Book
In this first book of a chapter book series inspired by Marguerite Henry's Misty of Chincoteague, siblings Willa and Ben Dunlap begin their new life on Chincoteague Island. Ten-year-old Willa Dunlap and her eight-year-old brother Ben are new to Chincoteague Island, but it...
A big day for baseball
Osborne, Mary Pope
Paper Book
Meet Jackie Robinson and solve a mystery in the #1 bestselling Magic Tree House chapter book series!   PLAY BALL! Jack and Annie aren't great baseball players . . . yet! Then Morgan the librarian gives them magical baseball caps that will make them experts. They just need to...
Wildfire rescue
Rajan, Rekha S.
Paper Book
The Disaster Squad is ready to save the day in this action-packed early chapter book series perfect for fans of the Magic Tree House series, or for kids who aren't quite ready to read I Survived! Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line...

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