I love that my kids love to read. My oldest will actually read through football games and shopping trips. Sometimes it’s a bit much, even for me! And when I’ve mentioned his habits to other parents – and parents have actually stopped us in a store or at a game – they want to know: What is he reading that is soooo engrossing??

So I put together a different type of reading list than my usual.

These recommendations are for (approximately) 3rd graders. Most of these are OK for 2nd-4th graders; my son can read at a higher level; however, he still prefers books in the “doodle fiction” or cartoon-ish genre. Even though he is an avid reader, he is VERY particular about what he wants to read. The books that are just pure words that I wish he would read, well he is just not too interested yet. And I’ve decided not to fight it for now, because at least he is reading…right?? So because the books I’ve listed are not too “heavy,” they are great picks for kids who aren’t as excited about reading as well as for those who are already bookworms.

And these books are all part of a series so you can go back for more if the first one is a hit with your child!

Books that are totally engrossing to my third grader:

(You can click on the title or picture to purchase from Amazon!)

Dog Man: From the Creator of Captain Underpants (Dog Man 1)

The Dog Man series just released book #3: Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties: From the Creator of Captain Underpants (Dog Man 3). I had it pre-ordered on Amazon so we got it the day it came out. Of course he read the entire book while we were at an appointment. But no worries; he’ll read it a dozen more times!

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made

Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior (Book 1 8-Bit Warrior series): An Unofficial Minecraft Adventure

I bought this first book for my son’s birthday last year. Since then he has treasured the entire series.

The 13-Story Treehouse (The Treehouse Books)

Hilo Book 1: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth

Big Nate: In a Class by Himself

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Most people know about this series I realize, but I couldn’t leave it off the list. Up to book 12 now, this series has been read over and over and over in my house. The movies aren’t bad either.

 Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life

 
The Brilliant World of Tom Gates

I hope this list gives you some ideas for your 3rd-ish grader. If you know of other books along these genres, I’d love to hear about them!

 

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