It’s a well-known fact that boys and girls learn differently. So it makes sense that they would enjoy different types of books at different stages in their development. In 4th grade, girls are starting to gain an appreciation for complex stories with rich characters and intricate plots. But then again, that doesn’t matter right now if you have a daughter who doesn’t really want to read, now does it? So, here are 21 of my personal favorites that I think will help push her in the right direction. This list also has some Amazon top picks for 4th grade books for girls, so she might not be giving you a hard time about reading much longer!
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Here are 21 of my Favorite Books for 4th grade girls
Middle school aged kids are more likely to read books when they can relate to what they’re reading. Ever heard of the kids who couldn’t read but then his dad gave him magazines of Penthouse? Crude, I know, but it worked! He went on to be a great reader. At least, I imagine he did. Let’s not imagine the alternative.
So your baby girl is more likely to read books with main characters she can relate to, chapter books of stories that intrigue her, and endings that leave her wanting more. It could be any kind of book, really, like historical fiction, chapter book series, nonfiction books, even a graphic novel.
Take these 21 books for 4th grade girls into consideration to start your daughter off on the reading path. These are also on Amazon’s list, so maybe they’re worth a peek.
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
This New York City Times Bestseller is perfect for your daughter if she loves fantasy and adventure stories. The Girl Who Drank the Moon is the story of a young girl who is raised by a witch, learns to use her magic powers, and sets out on a quest to save her village.
The Unadoptables by Hana Tooke
The Unadoptables is a heartwarming story about a group of orphans who live in a dusty old orphanage. When they discover that they may be adopted by a family of rich aristocrats, they set out on a journey to find them. Along the way, they learn to rely on each other and discover important things along the way, such as the true meaning of family.
The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
This Newbery Honor book that won a Newbery Medal, and it is perfect for girls who love history and adventure stories. The War that Saved My Life is the story of a young girl living in London during World War II who is evacuated to the countryside. There, she learns to love and care for a horse, and eventually discovers the courage to stand up for herself. One of the best 4th grade books for girls!
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures is the true story of Dr. Temple Grandin, a world-renowned scientist and animal behavior expert who has autism. This inspiring book will show your daughter that she can achieve anything she sets her mind to with just a teensy bit of hard work. But work’s not work if it’s fun, right?
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Looking for Alaska is a coming-of-age story about a teenage boy who attends a boarding school in Alabama. There, he meets a girl who changes his life forever. This book is perfect for girls who are beginning to explore the world beyond their everyday lives.
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing (Fudge Series Book 1) by Judy Blume
This classic book from Judy Blume is about dealing with siblings or family issues. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing is the story of Peter Hatcher, who must deal with his troublesome younger brother, Fudge. Find out how he deals with his little brother in this book! One of the classics of books for 4th grade girls.
- One of my sons FAVORITE novels! Got him loving to read!
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The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson
This Newbery Honor book is about dealing with family issues. The Great Gilly Hopkins is the story of a foster child who is placed with a new family. She doesn’t want to be there, but she eventually learns to love them, fulfilling her big dream.
The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
This classic book from Beverly Cleary is perfect for 4th grade girls who love animals. The Mouse and the Motorcycle is the story of a mouse who befriends a motorcycle and goes on adventures with it. This book is about forming new friendships that any little girl will be happy reading because it’s such a beautiful story! This is an especially good pick for reluctant readers to add to your 4th grade books for girls list!
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Charlotte’s Web is always a good choice of a story of a spider who becomes a best friend to a pig and helps to save his life. I’m sure your kids have watched this one, but the book is even better, believe it or not! It’s on a list of the best books for a children’s book for a reason!
The Black Stallion by Walter Farley
The Black Stallion is the story of a wild horse who is tamed by a young boy and goes on to become a champion racehorse. This is also a classic book, but it’s one that fourth graders will love.
The Burning Girl by Claire Messud
The Burning Girl is the story of two girls who are best friends. But when one of them starts to change, the other must decide whether to stay friends or not. This book deals with important issues like friendship and identity.
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The Railway Children by E. Nesbit
The Railway Children is the story of a family who moves to the countryside after their father is wrongly imprisoned. They make friends with the people who work on the railway and have many adventures together.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Secret Garden is the story of a girl who moves to a new home and discovers a secret garden that has been neglected. She sets to work restoring it and learns to love it. I love the movie of this, so it’s on my fave list of books for 4th grade girls.
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
This is a wonderful book for 4th grade girls who love animals. Crenshaw gives you an eye-opening look into a story of a boy whose family is struggling financially. When they are evicted from their home, they take in a cat named Crenshaw. He helps them through some tough times and becomes a member of the family.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
The Giver is a classic dystopian novel and one I read with my kids! Young readers wiull LOVE this story! After we read the book, we watched the movie, and they totally loved it! It’s the story of a society where people are born without the ability to feel emotions. When one boy is chosen to be the next “Giver” of memories, he starts to question the world around him. It’s really neat, and kind of genius to write a story like that. My daughter seemed to have loved this more than my son, even though it’s about a boy.
I think the setting and the odd rules of society are what make this book so intriguing. This is the first book your should read by Lois Lowry, I think, but you could very well read other books by this author! They’re all great as books for 4th grade girls or really, any age. I think I read it when my kids were in 3rd grade and 4th grade. It may have a higher reading level, of around 5th grade or 6th grade, but I’m pretty sure this book will do just fine for your daughter!
Wish by Barbara O’Connor
This is a great book about a little bit of magic. Wish is the story of a girl who wishes on a star and her wish comes true for the first time. It’s a heartwarming story 4th graders will love!
The Secret Lake: A children’s mystery adventure by Karen Inglis
The Secret Lake is the story of two kids who solve a mystery together. They find a secret lake and have to figure out how to get into it.
Trapped In A Video Game by Dustin Brady
I know boys are famous of loving video games, but girls love them too! Speaking from experience here. Zelda all the way! Trapped In A Video Game is about a boy who gets trapped in a video game and has to find his way out! This is the first book in a boxed set that you can get!
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
One Crazy Summer is the story of three sisters who are sent to live with their mother in Oakland during the summer of 1968. They have a lot of adventures and learn a lot about themselves, from the oldest sister all the way to the little sister!
Holes by Louis Sachar
Holes is the story of a boy who is sent to a juvenile detention center for a crime he did not commit. He and the other boys are made to dig holes all day, but there’s more to it than that. There’s a mystery to be solved, and it’s a great read!
A Video Game Stole My Sister by Justin M. Stone
Another video game book, but this one is about a girl! A Video Game Stole My Sister is the story of a boy who has to save his sister from a video game she’s gotten herself stuck in.
Check it out! There are TONS of cute activities in this pack that your kids will love and enjoy – and not only just for Dr. Seuss Day!
In the Dr. Seuss Activity Pack, activities include:
- Copywork of famous Dr. Seuss quotes
- Wall Art with positive messages
- Learn to draw in 3 easy steps
- Trace and color
- Build a face
- Word Search
- Sketching
- Story Summary – Use with any book!
- Character Analysis – Use with any book!
- Draw characters
- Puzzles
- Coloring pages
- Story Scene Cut-outs – Use as you read Dr. Seuss books for reenactment!
- Writing prompts + drawing
Your kids will have so much fun with these activities! You can read the books and then do the activities or use certain activities while reading certain books (such as the story scene cut-outs).
Fabulous 4th Grade Books for Girls You’re Trying To Get To Read More
If you’re looking for a few great books for 4th grade girls to get your fourth grade daughter reading more (or even better, to love reading), check out some of these fabulous titles. This is a list of 21 of some of the best books out there that will hopefully help foster your baby girl with a love of reading. And be sure to come back and tell us what you think – I’d love to hear from you!
