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Adventures and Lessons: Must-Read Books for 4th Graders
Reading opens doors to new worlds, teaches important life lessons, and fosters empathy in young readers. This curated list of reading books for 4th graders features captivating stories, relatable characters, and valuable messages. The common thread among these books is their ability to blend heartfelt narratives with significant themes, making them perfect for young readers.
Whether you are looking for 4th grade reading books that teach important lessons about friendship, resilience, and empathy, or just generic lighthearted books, with captivating adventures and relatable characters, this list has something for everyone.
Book Recommendations for 4th graders
1. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
- Genre: Novel, Children’s literature, Biographical Fiction, Animals
- Description: This Newbery Medal-winning novel tells the story of Ivan, a gorilla living in captivity at a mall. Through his eyes, readers experience his longing for freedom and friendship.
- Where to buy: Amazon link
2. The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate
- Genre: Fiction, Children’s literature, Animals
- Description: A sequel to The One and Only Ivan, this book follows Ivan’s best friend Bob, a stray dog with a tough exterior and a heart of gold, on his quest to find his long-lost sister.
- Where to buy: Amazon link
3. The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate
- Genre: Animals, Fiction, Fantasy, Childrens
- Description: This installment continues the story with Ruby, a baby elephant, as she navigates her past and finds her place in the world with the help of Ivan and Bob.
- Where to buy: Amazon link
4. Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
- Description: This touching story centers around Red, a wise old oak tree, and the community that surrounds it. When a new family moves in and faces discrimination, Red becomes a symbol of hope and acceptance.
- Genre: Fantasy, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Family
- Where to buy: Amazon link
5. Pax by Sara Pennypacker
- Genre: Novel, Children’s literature, Fiction
- Description: This heartwarming novel follows the journey of a boy named Peter and his pet fox, Pax, as they are separated by war and struggle to reunite. The story explores themes of loyalty and love.
- Where to buy: Amazon link
6. Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker
- Genre: Fiction, Animals, Childrens, Adventure
- Description: In this sequel, Peter and Pax face new challenges as they try to heal from the traumas of war and find their way back to each other.
- Where to buy: Amazon link
7. Dash by Kirby Larson
- Genre: Historical Fiction, World War II, Dogs
- Description: This novel tells the story of Mitsi Kashino, a young Japanese-American girl sent to an internment camp during World War II, and her separation from her beloved dog, Dash. It’s a tale of loyalty and resilience.
- Where to buy: Amazon link
8. Duke by Kirby Larson
- Genre: Historical Fiction, World War II, War, Family, School
- Description: Set during World War II, this book follows a boy named Hobie Hanson as he lends his beloved dog Duke to the Dogs for Defense program, learning about sacrifice and loyalty.
- Where to buy: Amazon link
9. Liberty by Kirby Larson
- Genre: Historical Fiction, World War II, War, Family, Dogs
- Description: This story follows a young boy named Fish Elliott and a stray dog named Liberty during World War II, showcasing themes of bravery and friendship.
- Where to buy: Amazon link
10. Wish by Barbara O’Connor
- Genre: Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Animals, Family
- Description: This novel follows the journey of a young girl named Charlie Reese, who moves to a small town in North Carolina and discovers the importance of family, friendship, and making wishes.
- Where to buy: Amazon link
11. Stella by McCall Hoyle
- Genre: Realistic Fiction, Animals, Dogs, Childrens
- Description: Stella is a heartwarming story about a dog who helps a young girl named Cloe overcome her anxiety and find her place in a new school. It’s a beautiful tale of friendship and healing.
- Where to buy: Amazon link
About the Authors of these books
Katherine Applegate is known for her empathetic storytelling and complex characters. Her books often focus on themes of friendship, hope, and resilience.
Sara Pennypacker is praised for her ability to write deeply emotional stories that resonate with both children and adults. Her characters are often on quests for identity and belonging.
Kirby Larson writes well-researched historical fiction that brings the past to life through strong, relatable characters. Her work often highlights lesser-known historical events.
Barbara O’Connor creates realistic fiction with a strong sense of place and community, featuring characters who find strength and hope in their relationships with others.
McCall Hoyle writes heartfelt stories that address real-life challenges faced by young readers, often with the help of animal characters that provide comfort and support.
Conclusion
This selection of must-read books offers a diverse range of stories that captivate young minds, spark their imaginations, and teach important life lessons. These books are perfect for children looking for 4th grade reading books, whether they are searching for adventures, learning about history, or exploring heartfelt friendships.
With these 4th grade books to read, students will find stories that are engaging and meaningful. Whether your child is already an avid reader or just getting started, these 4th grade reading level books provide enriching literary experiences that inspire a lifelong love of reading and an appreciation for the power of storytelling.