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...
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...
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...
Better together.
George, K. 1983-
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...
Clementine.
Pennypacker, Sara, 1951-
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. [online electronic book]
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Ebook
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.
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...
Epic Guide to Dragon Masters: a Branches Special Edition (Dragon Masters)
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...
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...
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...
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...
Moldylocks and the three beards
Jones, Noah
Paper Book
Noah Z. Jones turns well-known fairy tales upside-down in this humorous new series!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...
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,...
The mystery of the painted fan
Trinh, Linda.
Paper Book
The third book in the early chapter book series The Nguyen Kids features the youngest sibling, Jacob, and continues the series' exploration of social justice themes, specifically gender expression and identity, with a supernatural twist. BOOK 3: THE MYSTERY OF THE PAINTED FAN  ...
Narval : [graphic novel] licorne de mer /
Clanton, Ben, 1988-
Paper Book
See below for English description. Narval est une licorne de mer insouciante. Gelato est une méduse raisonnable. Les deux amis semblent peut-être ne pas avoir grand-chose en commun, mais ils aiment les gaufres, faire la fête et l'aventure, bref, tout ce qu'il faut pour que naisse...
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...
Peter Powers and his not-so-super powers!
Clark, Kent
Paper Book
If you like the Avengers, Justice League, or The Incredibles, then you'll love this family of superheroes! This new chapter book series is perfect for reluctant readers. Everyone in Peter Powers' family has super awesome superpowers. His dad controls fire...
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...
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...
Rescue on the Oregon trail.
Messner, Kate
Paper Book
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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 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, 1951-
Paper Book
What could be more fun than a cross-country car trip with your parents and your younger sister? Twelve-year-old Guy can think of lots of things, but even he's won over with this adventure. His family's surprise-filled travels take them from one end of Canada to the other, even up to Nunavut, the...

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