Recommended 4th Grade Reading List

The 4th grade reading list includes books with unfamiliar words to help students develop word identification strategies. Other 4th grade reading goals include emphases on increasing reading comprehension, literary analysis, vocabulary, and improved grammar. Skip straight to the recommended 4th grade reading list.

Fourth grade can be a fun time for your budding readers. This is the year students will expand upon the reading concepts they learned in grade three. In grade four, students deepen their use and understanding of the English language. This includes an increase in both oral and written presentations.

An Overview of Fourth Grade Reading

Reading curriculum for the fourth grade goes a bit beyond just reading. Lessons throughout the year will also concentrate on writing, speaking and grammar. Together, these lessons help the student understand how to use reading as research in order to create their own presentations.

The writing process is also emphasized in the fourth grade. By the end of the year, students should be able to read informational texts, understand their meaning, and use the information to create original written assignments consisting of multiple paragraphs.

Reading Goals for the Fourth Grade

1. Improved Word Recognition

By now, your child should be able to read age-appropriate multi-chapter books on their own. They should have plenty of exposure by now to a wide variety of reading materials including literary works, informational text and more. Fourth grade is a time to expose them to an even wider world of reading.

This means they’re likely to encounter unfamiliar words. Throughout the year, the fourth grade curriculum is geared towards developing word identification strategies. These include:

• Understanding graphophonic, syntactic and semantic word identification strategies
• Using reference materials including dictionaries, thesauruses and glossaries
• Using root words, prefixes and suffixes to infer word meanings

2. Increased Reading Comprehension

Beyond individual words, students will start to analyze written material as a whole. This includes understanding the difference between fact and opinion, recognizing point of view and becoming proficient in how to use information taken from text.

These comprehension strategies include the ability to:

• read for difference purposes (reading to gather information, reading for fun, etc.)
• summarize major plot points
• understand the order of events in a story, as well as understand how to identify missing items in an event sequence
• re-read a passage quickly by locating key words in order to answer specific questions about the text
• differentiate between facts and opinion
• understand authorial intent

3. Expanded Literary Analysis

Fourth grade students are now capable of understanding and experiencing different types of text. In third grade, the concentration was on myths, tall tales and contemporary fiction with a clear moral lesson. In fourth grade, texts become more sophisticated while still retaining some of those lessons. The main goal is to provide an easily identifiable subtext which fourth graders can understand.

The recommended fourth grade reading list includes books in the following genres:

• Fiction: novels, legends, myths, folklore, sci-fi, fantasy
• Non-fiction: informational books, autobiographies, diaries and journals
• Poetry: formal haiku, limerick, stanzas
• Drama: plays, short skits

As students are exposed to more types of text, they’ll also learn the characteristics of a variety of genres. Fourth graders are capable of recognizing the basic conventions of fiction, nonfiction, biography, autobiography. Advanced students may also expand that list to include fantasy, science fiction, fairy tales, fables, legends, myths, historical fiction and more. As a homeschool teacher, you have a lot of leeway in selecting text which appeals to your child.

4. Increased Vocabulary

As your child begins to read and write in a variety of styles his or her vocabulary will likely increase naturally. You want to help this process with a variety of vocabulary instruction. As the year continues, you want to help your student:

• Understand the difference between synonyms, antonyms, homonyms and homophones
• Determine the correct meaning of homonyms based on context
• Increase the overall number of recognized words

5. Improved Grammar and Usage

By the end of fourth grade, students should have a pretty good grip on a lot of Standard English conventions. This includes a basic understanding of:

• Pronouns
• Subject consistency
• Subject/verb tense consistency
• Verb tense consistency

4th Grade Reading List

While third grade does emphasize correct spelling and punctuation, these lessons are also important in fourth grade. This year students will also learn about correct capitalization. This includes capitalization inside sentences as well as the proper use of capitalization for magazines, newspapers, composition titles, organizations and more.

Are you searching for a 4th grade reading list to supplement your child’s other studies? Here are some recommended books for fourth grade students.

We included a list of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and classic novels that you may even remember reading when you were younger. If you missed them as a kid, you may still enjoy them now.

Click on the story name link for a book description and reviews from Amazon if you want to learn more, or scroll further down to read previews of the books.

Contemporary Fiction

These are multi-chapter books in a variety of genres. Your fourth grader will be able to follow these stories, but they also contain words which will be unfamiliar. This provides great opportunities for your student to learn new words contextually.

• How Tia Lola Came to (Visit) Stay (The Tia Lola Stories) by Julia Alvarez
• Strange Case of Origami Yoda (Origami Yoda 1) by Tom Angleberger
• The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney
• Kinda Like Brothers by Coe Booth
• Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
• Room One: A Mystery or Two by Andrew Clements
• Hate That Cat: A Novel by Sharon Creech
• The Lemonade War (The Lemonade War Series) by Jacqueline Davies
• Salsa Stories by Lulu Delacre
• The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo
• The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Complete Series by Tony DiTerlizzi
• Brendan Buckley’s Universe and Everything in It by Sundee T. Frazier
• Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos
• The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman
• When Mules Flew on Magnolia Street by Angela Johnson
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Book 1 by Jeff Kinney
• Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
• Dumpling Days (A Pacy Lin Novel) by Grace Lin
• Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things by Lenore Look
• Ruby Lu, Brave and True by Lenore Look
• Rain Reign (Ala Notable Children’s Books. Middle Readers) by Ann M. Martin
• 11 Birthdays: A Wish Novel (Willow Falls) by Wendy Mass
• Shiloh (The Shiloh Quartet) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
• Big Nate Triple Play Box Set: Big Nate: In a Class by Himself, Big Nate Strikes Again, Big Nate on a Roll by Lincoln Peirce
• Becoming Naomi León (Scholastic Gold) by Pam Muñoz Ryan
• The Complete Wreck (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Books 1-13) by Lemony Snicket
• Fourth Grade Rats by Jerry Spinelli
• No Girls Allowed (Dogs Okay) (Secrets of a Lab Rat Book 1) by Trudi Trueit
• The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond by Brenda Woods
• Peace, Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson

Previews

Informational Books

These non-fiction books are a great way to introduce a variety of new subjects to your student. They’ll gain an even stronger grasp on how to learn by reading.

• Millions, Billions, & Trillions: Understanding Big Numbers by David A. Adler
• Bugged: How Insects Changed History by Sarah Albee
• Shimmer & Splash: The Sparkling World of Sea Life by Jim Arnosky
• Buried Beneath Us: Discovering the Ancient Cities of the Americas by Anthony Aveni
• Buried Sunlight: How Fossil Fuels Have Changed the Earth by Molly Bang
• Dinosaurs in Your Backyard: The Coolest, Scariest Creatures Ever Found in the USA! by Hugh Brewster
• Citizen Scientists: Be a Part of Scientific Discovery from Your Own Backyard by Loree Griffin Burns
• Haunted Histories: Creepy Castles, Dark Dungeons, and Powerful Palaces by J. H. Everett
• Locomotive (Caldecott Medal Book) by Brian Floca
• The Wolves Are Back by Jean Craighead George
• The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
• The Reasons for Seasons by Gail Gibbons
• Bones: Skeletons and How They Work by Steve Jenkins
• The Case of the Vanishing Honeybees: A Scientific Mystery (Sandra Markle’s Science Discoveries) by Sandra Markle
• Remember: The Journey to School Integration (Bccb Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award (Awards)) by Toni Morrison
• National Geographic Readers: Polar Bears by  Laura Marsh
• How to Clean a Hippopotamus: A Look at Unusual Animal Partnerships by Robin Page
• Volcano Rising by Elizabeth Rusch
• Discovering Black America: From the Age of Exploration to the Twenty-First Century by Linda Tarrant-Reid
• Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation (Jane Addams Award Book (Awards)) by Duncan Tonatiuh
• Insect Detective: Read and Wonder by Steve Voake

Previews

Fantasy/Science Fiction

• The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet (The Secrets of Droon, Book 1) by Tony Abbott
• Jinx by Sage Blackwood
• Dragon Castle by Joshep Bruchac
• The Fairy Tale Detectives (The Sisters Grimm, Book 1) by Michael Buckley
• How to Train Your Dragon: How to Break a Dragon’s Heart (Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III) by Cressida Cowell
• Half Magic by Edward Eager
• The Dream Stealer by Sid Fleischman
• Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
• Warriors Power of Three Box Set Volumes 1 to 6 by Erin Hunter
• A Wrinkle in Time (Time Quintet) by Madeleine L’Engle
• Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
• The New Kid at School (Dragon Slayers’ Academy, No. 1) by Kate McMullan
• The Magic Thief by Sarah Prineas
• The True Meaning of Smekday (Movie Tie-In Edition) by Adam Rex
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
• The Night Fairy by Laura Amy Schlitz
• The Shadows (The Books of Elsewhere, Vol. 1) by Jacqueline West
• City of Fire (City Trilogy) by Laurance Yep
• [City of Ice (City Trilogy)] [Author: Laurence Yep] [July, 2012] by Laurance Yep

Previews

Historical Fiction

• American Girl – History Mystery series:
  • Hoofbeats of Danger (Mysteries Through Time) by Holly Hughes
  • The Night Flyers (Mysteries Through Time) by Elizabeth McDavid Jones
  • American Girl (History Mysteries) 1-3 by Sarah Masters Buckey
  • Voices at Whisper Bend (Mysteries Through Time) by Katherine Ayers
• Farmer Boy: Full Color Edition (Little House) by Laura Ingalls Wilder
• The Fighting Ground by Avi
• Journey to Freedom by Courni C. Wright
• Night Journeys by Avi
• The Orphans’ Journey series by Arleta Richardson:
  • Looking for Home (Orphan’s Journey) – Book one
  • Whistle-Stop West (The Orphans’ Journey Series) – Book two
  • Prairie Homestead (The Orphans’ Journey Series) – Book three
• Sarah, Plain and Tall – by Patricia MacLachlan
• The Whispering Cloth: A Refugee’s Story by Pegi Deitz Shea

Previews

General Fiction

• Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit is a Common Core “Text Exemplar” for the fourth grade reading level.  
• Charlotte’s Web by E.B.White
• The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli
• The Secret Garden (HarperClassics) A Secret Garden is a Common Core “Text Exemplar” for the fourth grade reading level that just celebrated its 100th anniversary. This edition is illustrated by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
• The Enormous Egg by Oliver Butterworth
• Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll is a Common Core “Text Exemplar” for the fourth grade reading level. Great examples of poetry and imaginative fiction which are sure to make most children laugh! Some of the poems are pure silliness. This can be a great book to read and then watch the movies that are based on it.
• Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl
• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, can be read just for the enjoyment of the story but is even more interesting when discussing the different motives of the adults and the lessons from the book. This is a read the book then watch the movie selection. Our youngest enjoyed the recently published graphic novel series of the same name that uphold the philosophy of the original in a format that appeals to younger readers.
• The Black Stallion by Walter Farley is a Common Core “Text Exemplar” for the fourth grade reading level. Read the book then watch the movie!
• Gentle Ben (Puffin Modern Classics) by Walt Morey
• Hang Tough, Paul Mather (A Harper Trophy Book) by Alfred Slote
• The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynn Reid Banks
• James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
• The Mandie Collection, Volume 1: Mandie and the Secret Tunnel/Mandie and the Cherokee Legend/Mandie and the Ghost Bandits/Mandie and the Forbidden Attic/Mandie and the Trunk’s Secret (Mandie 1-5) by Lois Gladys Leppard
• Mandie and the Abandoned Mine (Mandie, Book 8)
• Mandie and the Fiery Rescue (Mandie, Book 21)
• Mandie and the Ghost Bandits (Mandie, Book 3)
• Mandie and the Forbidden Attic (Mandie, Book 4)
• Mandie and the Schoolhouse’s Secret (Mandie, Book 26)
• Mandie and the Cherokee Legend (Mandie, Book 2)
• Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert O’Brien
• Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater
• Paint Brush Kid (Stepping Stone, paper) by Clyde Robert Bulla
• Song of the Trees (Logan Family Saga) by Mildred D. Taylor
• Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardner
• The Complete Tales of Winnie-The-Pooh by A.A. Milne

Previews

General NonFiction

• The Astronomy Book: Study Guide (Wonders of Creation) by Dr. Jonathan Henry
• Dinosaurs by Design by Duane T. Gish
• From Sea to Shining Sea for Children: Discovering God’s Plan for America in Her First Half-Century of Independence, 1787-1837 by Peter Marshall & David Manuel
• The Light and the Glory for Children : Discovering God’s Plan for America from Christopher Columbus to George Washington by Peter Marshall & David Manuel
• Sounding Forth the Trumpet for Children by Peter Marshall & David Manuel
• The Weather Book: An Easy-to-Understand Guide to the USA’s Weather by Michael Oard

Previews

Poetry

The Echoing Green, by William Blake is listed as a Common Core “Text Exemplar” for the fourth grade reading level. Search for it on YouTube (also spelled “Ecchoing Green”) and find your favorite version. For aspiring song writers: there’s a young woman who wrote her own music to the poem and recorded it for others to watch.

• All God’s Children: A Book of Prayers by Lee Bennett Hopkins
• Cricket Never Does: A Collection of Haiku and Tanka by Myra Livingston
• Hand in Hand: An American History Through Poetry collected by Lee Bennett Hopkins
• The Oxford Book of Christmas Poems edited by Michael Harrison & Christopher Stuart-Clark
• Poetry in the Holy Bible: Psalms 1, 8, 23, 24, 46, 91, 100, 119:1-8, 121, 150
• Poem Stew (Harper Trophy Book) by William Cole, Harper Collins
• Poems for Youth by E. Dickenson. Little, Brown, & Co.

Previews

Click here to see recommended books for other grade levels…

Conclusion

Fourth grade is a very exciting time. Your child can now understand more complicated forms of storytelling. The stories you and your child read together are likely going to be equally entertaining to both of you! While you’ll still want to read aloud to your child, this year you’ll also want to encourage your fourth grader to read to you. Fourth grade also includes accompanying lessons on story structure, grammar and genres. Overall, fourth grade is the year where your child gains a deeper understanding of the various types of texts and how they can create a more well-rounded individual.

Just a note to let you know that we do not receive any compensation from publishers or authors for placement of any books listed here. However, we may receive a commission for purchases made through affiliate links.

Click here to see recommendations for other grades and age level.