Top 16 Classic Books For Third Graders Updated 04 /2024

Half Magic

by: Edward Eager - (Oxford University Press, 1954) 208 pages.

Half Magic was the original Magic Tree House. With only a "half" of the magical power they require from a recovered coin, our four main protagonists embark on a series of adventures. The kids come up with ingenious ways to make the most of the coin's potential, and the end result is a fascinating and thought-provoking tale. If your child is smitten by Half Magic, there are a slew of follow-up books to keep them satisfied.

Suitable for: Children who enjoy reading classic tales.

At your local library, you can find Half Magic.

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle

by: Betty MacDonald - (HarperCollins, 1947) 128 pages.

The hook: This five-book series from the 1950s is a classic that has held up well over time. When she wasn't married to a pirate, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle dispensed "cures" for common children ailments like "Never-Want-to Go to Bedders cure," "Slow Eater Tiny Bite Taker remedy," "Answer Backer cure." These novels provide children with a dream of an adult who actually understands the complexities of their problems without scolding or pestering.

Advanced readers who wish they had a magical aunt will enjoy this book.

Your local library may have some of our favorites. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, if you're reading this. Greetings, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, Mrs. Piggle's Magic.

Homer Price

by: Robert McCloskey - (Puffin, 1943) 160 pages.

Six hilarious antics of Homer Price are provided here to keep your child entertained and giggling throughout the book. Robert McCloskey, the award-winning author of such books as Make Way for Ducklings and Blueberries for Sal, drew inspiration for these tales from his own sense of humor.

Suitable for: Children who enjoy reading classic tales.

Libraries are a good place to look for Homer Price.

Ramona and Her Father

by: Beverly Cleary, illustrated by: Jacqueline Rogers and Alan Tiegreen - (William Morrow and Company, 1977) 208 pages.

Her father lost his job, her mother must return to work, and Ramona's older sister has suddenly turned into a moody adolescent. However, despite Ramona's best intentions, her attempts to gain money through the creation of TV advertising have all ended in failure. Despite the fact that Cleary's enlightened view on children is set in a bygone era, it nevertheless resonates true today.

Realism-loving children will enjoy this product.

Your local library may have a copy of Ramona and Her Father.

Judy Blume’s Fudge

by: Judy Blume - (Dutton, 1972)

As a result, readers in the twenty-first century may want to avoid Judy Bloom's series because it features characters from a bygone age with white hair and gray eyes. Bloom is a master at making daily kid dilemmas as engrossing and emotional as they are to experience, whether it's dealing with younger siblings or having to move away. At nine years old, Peter Hatcher (except for the second installment) delivers funny insights into life as he deals with his younger brother Fudge's humiliations and the annoyance of his arch-nemesis Sheila, the girl down the hall.

Suitable for: Children that enjoy joking about or those who have to deal with irritating individuals in their lives.

Your local library may have some of our favorites. Sheila the Great, or the Tales of a Fourth-Grade Nothing Fudge-a-Mania, Superfudge, and Double Fudge are all variations on this theme.

Peter Pan

by: J.M. Barrie - (Charles Scribner's Sons, 1911) 240 pages.

The catch is that the original language is rich and the story, which is so ingrained in our society, stimulates children to dream. Certain historical racial and gender stereotypes will necessitate clarification.

Do you want to see the film? There are some stale tropes in this timeless Disney classic, but it makes for fascinating conversation about the evolution of cinema since its release in 1953.

Suitable for: Children who enjoy reading classic tales.

Visit your local library to learn more about Peter Pan.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

by: Roald Dahl - (A.A. Knopf, 1964) 180 pages

Wonka's chocolate factory is offering a tour and a peek into its mysteries for five lucky winners who win a lottery. It's safe to say that four of the guests are spoiled brats who will be dealt with harshly. Only Charlie is deserving of such a title. It's a typical modern parable that pokes fun at greed, but it's also hysterical and irreverent.

Interested in seeing the film? The Johnny Depp version from 2005 may be more appealing to younger audiences, but Roald Dahl's original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory from 1971 is a sweeter tale that holds up well even now.

Suitable for: Children who enjoy reading classic tales.

Your local library should have a copy of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The Mouse and the Motorcycle

by: Beverly Cleary, illustrated by: Jacqueline Rogers - (HarperCollins, 2016) 176 pages.

He resides on the second story of a hotel, where people leave behind their food and crumbs for Ralph the mouse. In spite of this, he has always wished to go. Then one day, a strange-looking youngster visits his family. Ralph is desperate to ride the boy's toy motorcycle, but he has no idea how to start it. As it turns out, the youngster shares Ralph's passion for adventure. Classic tale of friendship, first published in 1965, still captivates children today.

Adventure-loving kids will enjoy this product.

Go to your local library to find "The Mouse and the Motorcycle."

Cinderella (As if You Didn’t Already Know the Story)

by: Barbara Ensor - (Random House, 2006) 128 pages.

This rendition of Cinderella's story encourages girls to connect with Cinderella as they immerse themselves in the life of a fairy-tale princess in this version. Readers will appreciate the fresh perspective provided by the story's contemporary slant.

Suitable for: Children who enjoy reading fantasy books.

Pippi Longstocking, 

by Astrid Lindgren

Since its debut in 1945, this spirited hero has delighted readers everywhere. Pigtailed Pippi has a monkey and a horse as pets, but there are no adults in the house. She skips school and engages in wacky escapades with her new neighbors, Tommy and Annika, who are charmed by her wild behavior. Pippi is a social misfit who doesn't know how to behave properly in public. However, she's got a tremendous knack for having a good time. This is the first book in a series about Pippi Longstocking.

Pippi's free personality may be appreciated by children with learning and thinking disabilities. And they may even learn a thing or two about social etiquette by watching her defy them!

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