Are you struggling to find the best books for your 4th graders? Whether you're a homeschooler or classroom teacher, finding quality literature that is both engaging and appropriate for lessons can be a challenge. That's why I've compiled a list of some of my favorite books for fourth grade readers to help you quickly and easily start building your library. Perfect for a read-aloud, novel study, or independent reading, these stories all have engaging storylines that support deep conversation and critical thinking.
Ready to dive into my favorite reads for this age group? Keep reading to check 4th grade booklist. It includles classics, newer titles, and more!
What you'll find on this page:
The 20 Best Books for 4th Graders
Buy them for your classroom library. Add them to your read-aloud list. Build them into novel studies during ELA, or just use them for an independent study. These 20 novels are amazing reads for your fourth-grade readers.
To help you determine which books best fit your class, I shared a short summary of the plot. I also sharedlinks to the trifold novel study pack to help save you prep time. I've included a variety 4th grade level books for your below, on-level, and advanced readers. Your fourth graders will love these great stories, and you'll be ready to rock your year with a great 4th grade book list!
1. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
Out of all the 4th grade level books on this list, this one is my favorite. I can still remember reading it as a kid, and it was just as good when I picked it back up as an adult.
Here's a quick overview of the plot:
After being left behind when her community leaves their island village, a young girl named Karana must display courage and learn to survive alone.
With lots of adventure, some heartbreak, and great descriptive language, this novel will capture the imagination of your students. As an added bonus, the text is based on a true story, giving plenty of opportunities for discussion.
Reading Level:
- Advanced
- DRA: 50
- Guided Reading: V
Get the No Prep Novel Study:Island of the Blue Dolphins Novel Study
2. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
Another personal favorite when it comes to books for fourth graders goes way back to my childhood, this novel is the adventure and independence that every kid wishes to have to have without the dangers that would come along with it!
Students follow Claudia and her little brother as they decide to run away from home and live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Read how they carefully avoid detection by the museum security, manage their day-to-day existence (including budgeting), and even solve a mystery along the way!
Reading Level:
- On-level
- DRA: 40
- Guided Reading: S
Get the No Prep Novel Study: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler Novel Study
3. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
In my experience, all the students who read this book end up loving it. In fact, it is consistently selected as a favorite book when we do our book showdown at the end of each year.
After surviving a plane crash in the rugged wilderness of Canada, Brian is in the fight of his life. This story is the ultimate in survival fiction as students follow Brian's transformation from a scared, unsure boy to a strong, independent survivor. From making
From creating a fire to gathering food, Brian makes a lot of mistakes in his quest to survive, and Paulsen's writing captures the imagination of readers pulling them into Brian's journey.
Reading Level:
- On-level
- DRA: 40
- Guided Reading: R
Learn more about the no prep Hatchet novel study.
4. Wonder by R. J. Palacio
This is such an amazing book for kids because it focuses on looking beyond our differences to see what is truly important…and couldn't we use more of that in the world today!
The story of a young boy named Auggie who was born with a facial deformity, Wonderweaves together a story of how he sees the world and the world sees him as he transitions into public school.
The author's writing helps readers examine Auggie's experiences from several lenses, and there are so many great opportunities for discussion about respecting individual differences, kindness, and growing up.
Recently made into a movie, this book has become an instant classic that your 4th graders will love reading.
Reading Level:
- Advanced
- DRA: 50
- Guided Reading: V
Get the No Prep Wonder Novel Study.
5. James & the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
No list of fourth grade booklist would be complete without at least one novel by Dahl, and James & the Giant Peach is sure to please.
Centered around the adventures of James Henry Trotter, this spectacular fantasy novel takes place on (and inside of) a giant peach as it travels across the countryside and further!
With a host of supporting characters that are all insects with various hilarious quirks, your students will surely get a giggle from this silly story.
Reading Level:
- On-level
- DRA: 40
- Guided Reading: S
Get the No Prep Novel Study: James & the Giant Peach Novel Study
6. Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
This one is a slightly easier read than some of the others on this list, but when it comes to engaging readers it should be #1. Each chapter shares the story from inside the classroom on the 30th floor of Wayside School.
With a wacky host of characters and a school that was built sideways (with one class on each floor), your students are sure to get a giggle out of the zany things that go on here!
While it isn't the deepest plotline ever, it is a great opportunity to discuss character traits, make inferences, and so many other important reading comprehension skills.
Reading Level:
- Below
- DRA: 38
- Guided Reading: P
Get the No Prep Novel Study:Sideways Stories from Wayside School Novel Study
7. Frindle by Andrew Clements
If you ask my students, this title is a must-have for any 4th grade booklist!
After too much time doing dictionary work, Nick Allen decides to take matters into his own hands and invent a new word. Of course, his teacher doesn't take too kindly to this act of rebellion, and students spend the book experiencing the tension that results from this conflict.
A great story that really helps students dive deep into conflict, and the protagonist-antagonist relationship, Frindleis a realistic fiction novel you will love reading with your students.
Just be prepared. By the time your students finish the text, you might be hearing students using “frindle” in your room!
Reading Level:
- On-level
- DRA: 40
- Guided Reading: R
Get the No Prep Novel Study:Frindle Novel Study
8. Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan
If you want to teach social studies through language arts, here's a great historical fiction book to begin discussing world history.
Based on a true story, this book is about the adventures of a group of children living in Norway during World War II.
Your students will love following the suspenseful adventures of Peter and his friends as they work against the Nazi regime to smuggle $9 million in gold right past their noses. This heroic tale is a great way to link social studies and reading.
Reading Level:
- On-level
- DRA: 40
- Guided Reading: R
Get the No Prep Novel Study:Snow Treasure Novel Study
9. Save Me a Seat by Gina Weeks & Gita Varadarajan
This is a newer novel, but it is a great book written on a 4th grade reading level. The plot is a great opportunity to talk about friendship and kindness.
The story jumps back and forth from the point of view of Ravi, a new student, and Joe, who struggles with sensory processing.
While the boys initially don't think they have anything in common, they discover they aren't that different after all.
A great novel for talking about learning differences, fitting in, and avoiding assumptions.
With likable characters and situations that could be happening in your school or classroom, Save Me a Seat is sure to be a winner with your fourth graders.
Reading Level:
- On-level
- DRA: 40
- Guided Reading: S
Get the No Prep Novel Study:Save Me a Seat Novel Study
10. Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard & Florance Atwater
This story about Mr. Popper and his troop of penguins is the funny tale of an unusual man and his even more unusual pets. The story follows Mr. Popper as he
The story follows Mr. Popper after his life is turned upside down when he receives a penguin from the South Pole. From figuring out how to care for a penguin to having his own traveling troop of penguin performers, this book is sure to entertain.
Lots of enriching vocabulary along with opportunities to discuss reading comprehension skills- like cause and effect, inferencing, and character traits – makes this book a winner for a winter book study or read-aloud.
Reading Level:
- On-level
- DRA: 40
- Guided Reading: Q
Get the No Prep Novel Study:Mr. Popper's Penguins Novel Study
11. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
A classic tale about an unusual girl who forges her own way in the world, Pippi Longstocking is a personal favorite of mine that always captures my students' attention.
When Pippi moves into the old, abandoned house next door to Tommy and Annika, they're excited for a playmate. Little do they know the adventures that will soon unfold. With her monkey and horse by her side, Pippi turns life in their neighborhood (and community) upside down in this hilarious tale.
By the end of the book, your students will be wishing they had a friend like Pippi and be begging to read the rest of the series.
Reading Level:
- Below Level
- DRA: 34
- Guided Reading: O
Get the No Prep Novel Study:Pippi Longstocking Novel Study
12. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
This is the story of a well-loved china bunny who is quite full of himself early on but ends up on the adventure of a lifetime that changes him. Through these experiences, Edward becomes cynical and begins to doubt whether love exists, and students are guided through his inner thoughts as he is lost or left behind time and again.
Full of emotion and told from Edward's point of view, the novel has many twists and turns and some heartbreak.Throughout his many misadventures, students will have many opportunities to explore character change and relationships.
A beautifully written story that touches both the heart and imagination, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is a true star among novels for this age group.
Reading Level:
- Advanced
- DRA: 50
- Guided Reading: U
Get the No Prep Edward Tulane Novel Study.
13. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
This is the story of Roz, a robot who accidentally ends up stranded on an uninhabited island. Over time Roz begins to learn from the creatures around her and even becomes the surrogate mother for an orphaned gosling. However, it takes quite some time for the natural world to accept her as one of their own.
The 2017 Global Read Aloud selection, this story is a great science fiction selection for fourth-grade students. While it is a relatively easy read that includes some illustrations, it is a story that many of the boys I work with absolutely loved, which can sometimes be a challenge to find.
Reading Level:
- On-level
- DRA: 40
- Guided Reading: R
Get the No Prep Novel Study:The Wild Robot Novel Study
14. Charlie & the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
A classic tale that brings every child's fantasy to life, this is the story of Charlie Bucket. After winning a once-in-a-lifetime contest to tour Willy Wonka's factory, Charlie is drawn into a world of wonder and imagination.
This story is a sure favorite with vivid descriptions and silliness that only Dahl can bring to a children's novel. There are many great opportunities to discuss character traits and practice visualization, inferring, and more.
While the text has some challenging vocabulary and made-up words (as do nearly all of Dahl's books), the plotline draws readers in and encourages them to overcome these challenges because the story is just that good.
Reading Level:
- On-level
- DRA: 40
- Guided Reading: R
Get the No Prep Novel Study:Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Novel Study
15. Sarah, Plain & Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
A historical fiction novel detailing life on the plains, Sarah Plain & Tall is great for making cross-curricular connections with social studies and discussing westward expansion.
It is the story of Sarah, a woman who responds to an ad of a widower seeking a wife, and how she acclimates to life on the plains and two children. It is also the story of how the family adjusts to her after already losing their mother.
This is a sweet story and gives students much to discuss. I highly recommend it for your fourth graders. (Just a word of warning – if you decide to show the movie after reading this one it has a pretty hardcore birth scene near the end. Preview it to ensure you feel it is appropriate before showing your class.)
Reading Level:
- On-level
- DRA: 40
- Guided Reading: R
Get the No Prep Novel Study:Sarah, Plain & Tall Novel Study
16. Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
Another classic that is a must-have for your classroom library and makes an amazing novel study is Charlotte's Web.
This is the story of a runty pig named Wilbur and his unlikely friendship with a spider who eventually saves him from slaughter.
With opportunities to discuss character traits and relationships, visualizing, and so many more important reading comprehension skills, this book is a winner for both the students and all those essential standards you must cover!
Reading Level:
- On-level
- DRA: 40
- Guided Reading: R
Get the No Prep Charlotte's Web Novel Study.
17. The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies
Another book for 4th graders that I would consider on the easier reading side is a story set to the backdrop of sibling rivalry. With a topic so many students can relate to, this realistic fiction is highly engaging for fourth graders.
The Lemonade War is the first book in this series. Students will love following the juicy drama between Evan and Jessie as they try to prove just who is better at running a lemonade stand. With many ups and downs and opportunities for higher-level reading comprehension skills like inferencing, this novel is always a favorite in my classroom. I would recommend this 4thgrade book series as a great option for realistic fiction!
Reading Level:
- On-level
- DRA: 40
- Guided Reading: S
Get the No Prep Novel Study:The Lemonade WarNovel Study
18. Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Shiloh is the story of a boy and his dog…well, technically not HIS dog, but students discover that on their own while reading.
After seeing his neighbor abusing a dog, Marty discovers the pup has run away and decides to keep him. When his stern father discovers that he has the dog, things go from bad to worse leading Marty down some troublesome paths in his quest to protect his new best friend.
Along the way, he learns a lot about life and how things are never quite as simple as they seem.
Reading Level:
- On-level
- DRA: 40
- Guided Reading: R
Get the No Prep Shiloh Novel Study.
19. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
Who could write a list of great novels for fourth grade and NOT include at least one Judy Blume book?
Seriously, she's a fabulous writer and has some great realistic fiction that is perfect for your students.
This is the story of Peter Hatcher and his little brother, Fudge. Despite everyone else finding Fudge adorable, Peter isn't smitten with his shenanigans…especially when Fudge eats his pet turtle!
Reading Level:
- On-level
- DRA: 40
- Guided Reading: Q
Get the No Prep Novel Study:Tales of a Fourth Grade NothingNovel Study
20. The One and Only Ivan by K.A. Applegate
The best books this age group offer opportunities to discuss unique points of view and engage in stories with more detailed plotlines. The One and Only Ivan is a great option if you're looking to build a deeper understanding of these skills in your students.
The story of a gorilla living in a roadside mall and arcade, Ivan has become accustomed to life behind glass. Instead, Ivan spends his time thinking about television, his friends Stella & Bob (an elephant and a dog), and art.Upon the arrival of a new baby elephant, Ruby, everything changes for Ivan. As a result, Ivan's perspective on his world is turned upside down.
Reading Level:
- On-level
- DRA: 40
- Guided Reading: S
Get the No Prep Novel Study:The One and Only IvanNovel Study
Ready to Plan Your 4th Grade Novel Unit?
I hope this list has sparked some ideas for adding books to your classroom libraryand your next novel unit.
While you're here, grab your favorite books for fourth graders and my free novel study planning roadmapto get step-by-step support to plan a high-quality literature unit for your fourth-grade students, whether in the classroom or homeschooling. Whether planning your first novel study or looking for new ideas, you'll love this great tool.
