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
Amelia Bedelia makes her chapter book debut! In Amelia Bedelia Means Business, a New York Times bestseller and the first book in the popular chapter book series, young Amelia Bedelia will do almost anything for a shiny new bicycle.  Amelia Bedelia's parents say they'll...
Becoming bionic, and other ways science is making us super
Camlot, Heather.
Paper Book
Take a tour of the science of superpowers and see how science fiction is becoming science fact If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Fly like Shazam? Turn invisible like Violet Parr? Or maybe have the super strength of the Hulk? Believe it or not, many of the extraordinary...
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. 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...
Draw with Art for Kids Hub cute & funny foods : 30 step-by-step drawing projects inside!
Jensen, Rob
Paper Book
Join the Art for Kids Hub family in their first-ever book series as they share super-fun, food-themed drawing activities. Draw with Art for Kids Hub: Cute and Funny Foods brings the best of Art for Kids Hub to the printed page! Featuring popular hits from the...
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
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 penguins know for sure...Jack and Annie are about to find out! Did you know that there's a Magic Tree House book for every kid...
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....
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...
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...
Princess Cora and the Crocodile
Schlitz, Laura Amy.
DVD
Sick of boring lessons, Princess Cora writes to her fairy godmother for help, but she doesn't expect that help to come in the form of a crocodile.
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...
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...
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...
Scholastic Year in Sports 2025
Buckley, James
Paper Book
The ultimate book for young sports fans is back with the past year's top sports stories. GO FOR THE GOLD! A star-studded YEAR IN SPORTS ended with a Summer Olympics that was tres magnifique! (That means "mega-super-awesome" in French!) Inside, you'll find all the gold-medal...
Shooting stars
Sylvester, Kevin.
Paper Book
A very special group of kids must save the world with -- what else? -- HOCKEY! Meet six kids a lot like you. Except . . . . . . Benny, Jenny, Karl, Starlight, DJ and Mo got zapped in an evil plot gone wrong -- and became the super-est team the world has ever seen. Lucky thing...
The skull : a Tyrolean folktale
Klassen, Jon.
Paper Book
A Governor General's Literary Award Finalist A #1 New York Times bestseller! Caldecott Medalist and New York Times best-selling author-illustrator Jon Klassen delivers a deliciously macabre treat for folktale fans. Jon Klassen's signature wry...
Skunk and Badger
Timberlake, Amy.
Paper Book
The first title in a warm and witty illustrated chapter-book series from Newbery Honor-winner Amy Timberlake and superstar illustrator Jon Klassen, about a pair of unlikely animal friends Analytical and set in his ways, Badger is taken aback when jolly, easygoing Skunk rings the doorbell...
Snap of the super-goop
Cummings, Troy.
Paper Book
The latest book in this best-selling series is filled with eye-popping twists and turns!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...
Stealing the sword!
Mass, Wendy
Paper Book
New York Times bestselling author Wendy Mass's action-packed early chapter book series is perfect for newly independent readers!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...
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...
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...
Willa the wisp
Auxier, Jonathan.
Paper Book
The first book in a magical chapter-book adventure series by the Governor General Award-winning author of Sweep. Auggie Pound is eight years old and has the greatest job of all time: he cares for all the animals in the Fabled Stables. The Fabled Stables house the rarest...
Wow, Canada! : exploring this land from coast to coast to coast
Bowers, Vivien
Paper Book
A car trip across Canada doesn't sound like much fun to 11-year-old Guy, especially with his little sister in tow -- but even he's won over as the adventure begins. As his family treks from coast to coast, and even up into the territories, Guy finds that Canada is surprisingly... interesting...

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