4th Grade Recommended Reading List of books all Kids Should Read {2022}

The 4th grade is a time when your child's reading list becomes more diverse. It's not just about Dr. Seuss books, but also about learning to read chapter books and understanding what it means to be an independent reader. And don't I understand that homeschooling can be challenging at times because you have to find resources for all subjects, including the curriculum you want them to use and the books for the 4th grade recommended reading list!

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How I Find Books For My Kids Each Year

Each year I hunt for books to read and/or assign to the kids depending on their reading or grade levels. I want them to read wonderful classics, yes, but also even newly published books that are popular, just so they can read a variety of genres. I also love to include some historical fiction (history living books!), informational texts (for language arts and reading comprehension), and nonfiction titles.

Of course, I don't add books to the 4th grade reading list to read about things against our belief (no demons or anti-God things), but I do let their imaginations run wild and allow them to read about magical powers, superheroes, and flying unicorns!

I have three kids, but I don't necessarily go by grade level. Even though my older two are essentially in “5th grade”, we still work off of 4th grade stuff with a mix of 3rd grade and 5th grade, and even a little bit of 6th grade! See what I mean? For this year, I'm hoping these titles for the school year will brighten my son's curiosity as he is a reluctant reader.

It's different when we all read together for a read-aloud, but it's the independent chapter books I'd love them to also read. So a good mix of read alouds and independent readers are on this 4th grade recommended reading list.

And my aim is to have many books read, not just the ones on this list. I want them to read historical fiction, picture books, even a funny book!

I look at all kinds of sources and go through my saved bookmarks for reading material. I peruse the top 100 book lists for bookstores, Amazon Kindle, and also look into Goodreads. And ultimately, we'll meander on into our local public library to peruse the shelves and let them pick out what might catch their eyes.

If you're in Texas, like we are, you can always check out the TEA (Texas Education Association) book list page. Or even if you're not in Texas, you could still use this list for your own homeschool. The Core Knowledge Series also always has book lists for each grade level through 8th grade, and I reference their Scope & Sequence when putting together my curriculum every single year! I love them!

40 Recommended Books for Fourth Graders

Having a good 4th grade reading list makes your homeschool much easier to plan! 4th grade can be hard if there isn't much information out there that will help them learn what they need to for this important year of school.

So I've compiled a list of good books that covers some classics like “Charlotte's Web” and “Where the Wild Things Are,” as well as some classic literature that I think should be a part of every child's education, like “The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C.S Lewis or “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson.

There are so many great books for 4th graders to read at home in addition to these 40 book recommendations listed here, but I think if you can get your hands on these books and read them with your child, it will be a great foundation for their 4th grade homeschooling year!

4th Grade Recommended Reading List

Please Note:

Just for your convenience, I added each book and link that's on this reading list. After every 10 books, you'll see a table with the books inside for you to learn more about. For example, between books #10 and #11 is a table that lists all the books from #1 to #10. Hope this makes things easier for you! Happy reading!

1) The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis is the first book in this series, and we love this series. It sends a BEAUTIFUL message. It's about four children who are sent to live with a professor during WWII but soon find themselves in the magical land of Narnia.You can also find some Bible studies to coincide while you're reading this great book!

2) Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak is about a young boy named Max and his adventures after he runs away from home, where he goes on an adventure and befriends some wild creatures.

3) Charlotte's Web by E.B White

Charlotte’s Web by E.B White is about a farm pig named Wilbur who befriends Charlotte, a spider with an incredible talent to write words in her web that inspire the other animals on the farm to take care of him.

4) Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling

Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone by JK Rowling tells about how Harry finds out he is a wizard, which sets into motion an adventure of danger and wonder – like no one has ever experienced before.

5) The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum is the story of Dorothy, a young girl whisked away to the magical land of Oz after a tornado hits her farmhouse in Kansas.

6) Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson tells the story of how Jim Hawkins finds out his father was killed and buried with a treasure map. It's up to him and his friends to decipher the clues and find out where that treasure is hidden!

7) Trapped in a Video Game by Dustin Brady

This book is about four friends who get transported into a video game. The first book in the series is about the four friends, who are experts in different gaming fields, being transported into the world of their favorite game, Jumanji. They have to beat the game in order to return home. The Trapped in a Video Game series is perfect for readers who love action-packed adventure stories with a touch of humor. If you're looking for a fast-paced, page-turning series that will keep you entertained from start to finish, then this is the series for you!

8) The Girl Who Drank The Moon by Kelly Barnhill

The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a New York Times Bestselling novel that tells the story of a young girl who is raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a dragon. When the girl accidentally drinks the moon, she begins to transform into something magical. This beautifully written story is perfect for readers who are looking for an enchanting and touching read.

9) The Giver by Lois Lowry

The Giver by Lois Lowry is the story of a young boy named Jonas who lives in a society where everything is perfect, but he soon learns that there is a cost to this kind of perfection.

Side note: The kids and I read this book each night before bedtime together and when we finished it, we watched the movie. The kids were in 2nd and 3rd grades at the time and they were able to follow it and understand the book. So it is the perfect book for this age range!

10) Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Little Women is of the best books to read at home with your 4th grader is Little Women. This book tells the story of four sisters who are growing up during the Civil War. It's an incredible tale of love, loss, and finding yourself.

Books 1-10 of the 4th grade reading list:

11) The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby is the story of Jay Gatsby (the main character), a man who is determined to win the heart of Daisy Buchanan, even though she is already married. Gatsby throws lavish parties every weekend in an attempt to get closer to her, but he is never able to quite close the distance. Along the way, Gatsby becomes involved with some shady characters and events take an unexpected turn.

12) Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery is about a young orphan girl who is sent to live with a family on Prince Edward Island. Anne is determined to make the most of her new life, and she quickly becomes an important member of the community.

13) The Hardy Boys: The Tower Treasure by Franklin W Dixon

The Hardy Boys: The Tower Treasure” by Franklin W Dixon tells the story of Frank and Joe Hardy, who find themselves in the middle of a mystery. Their father is an old friend of police Captain Collig, so they decide to help them solve this case about the treasure that was stolen from the Tower Mansion.

14) Matilda by Roald Dahl

Matilda by Roald Dahl is about a young girl who is isolated, ignored, and belittled by her family. Matilda's parents don't think she has any special talents or abilities, but that all changes when a kind teacher comes into the picture and teaches them otherwise!

15) The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain tells the story of Tom Sawyer, a young boy who lives in Missouri during the 1800s. Tom is always getting into trouble, but he's also got a heart of gold and is always looking out for his friends.

16) The Borrowers by Mary Norton

The Borrowers by Mary Norton tells the story of four small people who live in the walls and floors of an old house. They survive by borrowing things from the humans who live there, but they soon find themselves in danger when a new family moves into the house.

17) The Call of the Wild and White Fang by Jack London

The Call of the Wild and White Fang by Jack London is about a dog named Buck who is taken from his home in California to the wild Yukon. He becomes involved with a man and woman on their way to claim some land, but they soon find out that life up north isn't quite what they thought it would be!

18) Ender's Game: Ender in Exile Book One by Orson Scott Card

Ender's Game: Ender in Exile Book One by Orson Scott Card is about a young boy named Ender who is sent to a space station in order to train for an upcoming war. He and the other children on the space station are constantly tested and pushed to their limits, but Ender is determined to prove that he's worthy of being a leader.

19) Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene

Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene is about a young girl who always finds herself in the middle of a mystery. Nancy loves solving puzzles and trying to figure out clues, which is why she's such a great detective!

20) Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry tells the story of Annemarie Johansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen. They live in Denmark during World War II, and they are forced to go into hiding when the Nazis begin rounding people up.

Books 11-20 of the 4th grade reading list:

21) The Outsiders by S E Hinton

The Outsiders by S E Hinton is about a group of young boys living on the outskirts of town – since none of them have enough money to fit in with the other kids in school, they find themselves banding together. The boys deal with a lot of difficult situations and have to learn how to rely on each other when things get tough!

22) The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster is about a young boy named Milo who's bored with life. He receives a tollbooth one day, and when he drives through it in his toy car, he's taken to the Lands Beyond where all kinds of strange things are happening!

23) The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a classic story about a young girl named Mary Lennox who is sent to live with her uncle in England after the death of her parents. When she arrives, she discovers a secret garden that has been locked up for years.

24) The Sign of Four by Arthur Conan Doyle

The Sign of Four by Arthur Conan Doyle is about Sherlock Holmes and John Watson solving their second case together. This time, they're looking for a missing man named Black Peter and find themselves locked in the battle of wits against their cunning enemy.

25) The Trumpet of the Swan by E B White

The Trumpet of the Swan by E B White is about Louis who was born without his voice. He's able to communicate with other animals, but when he turns thirteen, Louis sets out to find his voice.

26) Percy Jackson and The Olympians series by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and The Olympians series by Rick Riordan is about a young boy named Percy who discovers that he's the son of Poseidon. He and his friends go on a series of adventures as they try to prevent Kronos, the evil god, from taking over Mount Olympus.

27) Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing by Judy Blume

Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing by Judy Blume is about Peter, who just wants to be a normal 4th grader. He doesn't like being the younger brother of his best friend, Fudge – but that's exactly what he becomes when their parents have another baby boy – and a new little brother!

28) Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit is about a family who comes across a spring that has the power to make people immortal. The Tucks decide to keep the secret to themselves, but eventually, someone finds out and they have to go on the run.

Side note: This is on our list for next year. I attempted it this past year, but tee beginning was a little complicated for the kids to understand. So maybe this year it will be a good fit for them.

29) Stuart Little by E.B White

Stuart Little by E.B White tells the story of a family who adopts a small mouse named Stuart. When the Littles go on vacation, they leave Stuart behind with their friend Mrs. Frederick. But when Mrs. Frederick leaves for Europe and her cat starts to attack Stuart, he has to find a way to get back home!

30) A Polar Bear in the Snow by Jean Craighead George

A Polar Bear in the Snow is about a polar bear who leaves the Arctic to find his family in New York City. When he finally makes it there, he's exhausted and starving – but luckily, he meets some people who help him get back on his feet.

Books 21-30:

31) James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl tells the classic tale of a young boy who moves into his two unpleasant aunts' house. One day, James finds some magic crystals that transport him to an enormous peach in the garden next door!

32) The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame tells about four animal friends who spend their days adventuring on the riverbank. When they're not exploring, they're eating, drinking and telling stories around the campfire.

33) Time for Andrew by Mary Downing Hahn

Time for Andrew by Mary Downing Hahn tells the story of a young boy whose life completely changes after his younger sister is born. He can't play video games or hang out with his friends anymore and doesn't feel like he's part of the family anymore. But when their parents go away on vacation, things start to change!

Side note: This was one of my very favorite books I EVER read as a child, and I just canNOT WAIT for my kids to experience the book as I did! It's absolutely on my list, and one of my first picks!

34) Mary Poppins by P.L Travers

Mary Poppins by P.L Travers is about a magical nanny who comes to take care of two children. She takes the kids on all kinds of wild adventures, but won't let them tell anyone about it!

35) Charlie and The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl is about a young boy named Charlie who wins a golden ticket to visit the most amazing chocolate factory in the world. But when he gets there, he discovers that the owner, Mr. Willy Wonka, is hiding a dark secret!

36) Prince Caspian (Chronicles of Narnia) – Lewis

Prince Caspian (Chronicles of Narnia) by C.S Lewis is about four children who are transported to a magical land called Narnia. There, they meet Prince Caspian, who needs their help to overthrow the evil king Miraz!

This is book #3 or #4 (I can't recall), but really, you should read book #1 and go through the series. However, saying that, you can really read them out of order, but just read The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe first. There are a few movies made for the first few books, including this one, Prince Caspian. It's a really good movie!

37) Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan

Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan is about a young girl named Sarah who moves to the prairie with her father after both of her parents die. To help her and her dad cope, they decide that he will write letters out for mail-order brides!

Side note: There's even a movie about this, and I heard the book is just as good, if not better than the movie!

38) Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen is about a young boy who survives alone in the Canadian wilderness using only his hatchet. This book is pretty short but very powerful! It's one of my top picks for 4th graders to read at home!!

39) The Little Prince – Saint-Exupery

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery is about a young prince who falls to Earth from his home planet. He meets a pilot who tells him the story of his journey and how he has changed since he last saw him. The Little Prince is a beautiful, timeless story that every child should read!

40) The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleishman

The final book on this list is The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleishman and it is about a young boy and his servant who are kidnapped from their homes. They must learn to work together in order to escape!

Books 31-40:

4th Grade Reading List

There are so many great books for 4th graders to read at home, but we've chosen 40 of the best and put them inside this amazing 4th grade recommended reading list. I hope you and your child enjoy these as much as we do.

Please let me know if you need any help finding these books. I'm happy to share my resources!

Be sure to download the 4th grade reading list pdf of this post by clicking the red pdf button at the top or bottom of this blog post!

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