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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Amelia Bedelia means business
Parish, Herman.
Paper Book
With Amelia Bedelia, anything can happen! Amelia Bedelia wants a new bike--a shiny, fast one just like Suzanne's. Amelia Bedelia's mom says that a bike like that is expensive and will cost an arm and a leg. Amelia Bedelia can't give away one of her arms and one of her legs!...
The animal body book : an insider's guide to the world of animal anatomy
French, Jess.
Paper Book
Join children's author and vet Dr Jess French and explore how animal bodies work, and the amazing things they can do. The Animal Body Book is a friendly introduction to animal anatomy, perfect for any child fascinated by animals or budding veterinarians. With...
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...
Bad kitty meets the baby
Bruel, Nick
Paper Book
Kitty's owners are home with a big surprise for Kitty. But what is it? Kitty, reeling in horror, thinks it's a . . . dog. The neighbor cats are convinced it's a cat. But we all know that it's really a BABY! With Nick Bruel's trademark mix of antic humor (this time involving a Kitty...
Better together
George, K.
Paper Book
Courage, kindness, and adventure abounds in this charming, illustrated chapter book series about a mouse discovering the true meaning of home.  Spring has come to Fernwood Forest, and the Heartwood Hotel is all a-bustle. With Mr. Heartwood off on vacation, it's...
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...
The busy tree
Ward, Jennifer
Paper Book
Spectacular illustrations rendered in oil paint, and a rhyming text that describes a tree's activities from its roots to its branches, introduce young readers to the amazing activities that go on in a tree. Acorns nibbled by chipmunks, ants scurrying across a trunk, a spider spinning a web,...
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...
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<...
Clementine
Pennypacker, Sara
Paper Book
This delightful New York Times bestselling chapter book series, from the award-winning author of Pax, is a modern classic that has been keeping readers engaged and laughing as they follow the hijinks of Clementine, a clever and quirky third grader...
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....
Cornbread & Poppy
Cordell, Matthew
Paper Book
An IndieBound Bestseller * An Amazon Best Book of the Year * A 2022 Kirkus Best Children's Book ★ "A rewarding choice for young readers."--Booklist, starred review ★"Cornbread and Poppy are endearing...
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 : Zoey and Sassafras. Vol. 1
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 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,...
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....
Marion takes a break
Barkley, Callie.
Paper Book
When an injury slows her down, Marion counts on The Critter Club to help her realize what's most important. From violin lessons to training for an upcoming horse competition, Marion is scheduled to the max. Even though she always makes time for her duties at The Critter Club, she...
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...
My book of horses and ponies
Maxwell, Abi.
Paper Book
An exciting first guide to the magnificent world of horses. Learn all about horses, from how to care for them to how to ride one, in this informative children's guide to horse and pony care. Covering favorite breeds, from Shire horse to Shetland pony, what kit to use,...
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...
Rescue on the Oregon Trail
Messner, Kate.
Paper Book
Meet Ranger! He's a time-traveling golden retriever who has a nose for trouble . . . and always saves the day!Ranger has been trained as a search-and-rescue dog, but can't officially pass the test because he's always getting distracted by squirrels during exercises. One day, he finds a mysterious...
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 school is alive!
Chabert, Jack.
Paper Book
Eerie Elementary is one scary school!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 confidence...
The shadow returns
Charman, Katrina.
Paper Book
Tag's greatest enemy has returned to Perodia! 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 every page,...
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 Best Book of 2020: People * Kirkus Reviews * Booklist  * School Library Journal * Publishers Weekly * Shelf Awareness for Readers * New York Public Library * Chicago Public Library * Evanston...
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.
Paper Book
New York Times bestselling author Lauren Tarshis tackles the historic grizzly bear attacks in Glacier National Park in this latest installment of the groundbreaking I Survived series. No grizzly has ever killed a human in Glacier before . . . until tonight. Eleven-year-old Melody...
The trouble with chickens : a J.J. Tully mystery
Cronin, Doreen.
Paper Book
From the bestselling, award-winning author-illustrator team of Doreen Cronin and Kevin Cornell comes the first book in a heavily illustrated, hilarious chapter book series about the adventures of a dog detective. Perfect for fans of Sara Pennypacker's Clementine series and Jarrett J. Krosoczka's...
Waylon! : one awesome thing
Pennypacker, Sara
Paper Book
From the creators of the New York Times bestselling series Clementine comes another chapter book collection that will keep readers engaged and laughing until the very last page. Waylon has lots of ideas for making life more awesome...
Why? Weather : Brilliant Answers to Baffling Questions
DK.
Paper Book
This exciting reference book uncovers everything you need to know about weather in an engaging question-and-answer format. Explore the intriguing answers to more than 200 questions about weather and learn all about the real-time impacts of the climate crisis in this absorbing...
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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