Looking for books for the 3rd grade boy in your life? Try these great titles to spark his interest in reading and entertain him for hours…
Boys, I find, can be a little harder to lead to reading than girls.
Maybe it’s because they prefer more physical pursuits, like sports and imaginary play (though the same can be said about some girls). Whatever the reason, finding good books that spark their interest can be difficult.
I’ve had more than a few frustrating conversations with my son, trying to figure out what kind of books he likes, in an effort to encourage more reading.
So, when I stumble upon a book he enjoys, it’s like a chorus of angels has erupted into song.
Below are some of the best books my 3rd grade son has enjoyed. I hope they are a good starting point for you to find stories that intrigue and enthrall the young boy in your life.
10 Best Books for 3rd Grade Boys
[Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see below for more details]
The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson
This story of Armand, the Parisian beggar who lives under a bridge, and a struggling family was funny and touching. It also opens up a discussion about who is homeless and where they sleep. My son had a lot of questions after reading this, and I think he became more aware and compassionate because of it.
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
I can remember reading this book myself in elementary school and was excited to share it with my children. This story of Billy and his two dogs living in the Ozarks is full of fun, tenderness, and some sadness. But throughout it, there is always a strain of hope and I think every child should read it.
Charlie Brown books by Charles Schultz
At first, I wasn’t thrilled that my son was reading comics in book form (seemed like cheating, you know?). But reading is reading, and he loved these stories so much he even read them aloud to his younger sister. It’s hard not to love Snoopy and the gang, and these books bring together the fun Peanuts comic strips and will keep your 3rd grader reading long past his bedtime.
The Boy Who Saved Baseball by John Ritter
Even if your son doesn’t love baseball, he’ll still enjoy this book. It’s the story of a small town baseball team that is playing not just for the win, but to save their baseball field. Developers are threatening its existence, and Tom and his friends will do everything they can to keep baseball in their town. My son liked this story for the characters, as well as the baseball.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Depending on your 3rd grader’s reading level, he may be able to read these himself, or he may prefer to read them with you. I love the Narnia books, so I was happy to read alongside my son. These stories of the magical land of Narnia are full of interesting creatures, epic battles, and magic. They are also steeped in the struggles between good and evil, offering character examples for your son to ponder.
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
This book is a little more mature, but still suitable for 3rd grade boys. Brian’s parents have divorced, and when the plane carrying him to his father’s house crashes, he is the only survivor. Boys are riveted to the ups and downs of Brian’s struggle for survival, how he manages on his own, and also how the experience changes him. I loved this book when it was read to me by one of my teachers. I’m sure the boy in your life will love it, too.
Freddy Goes to Florida by Walter R. Brooks
This book is older, but absolutely drew my son in. He can’t wait to read the others in the “Freddy” series. This story revolves around farm animals who decide that winter is too cold and they will migrate south. They are a delightful set of animals and I loved that the author snuck little educational details in so my son was learning while he read. The animals’ escapades will have your 3rd grader laughing out loud.
The Action Bible by David C. Cook
This illustrated Bible was the perfect way to bring God’s stories to life. It’s not graphic, but touches on all the important happenings and people in a way that children understand and enjoy. If you’ve been trying to encourage Bible reading in your son’s life, this is a great way to familiarize him with scripture. My older children have all read this and it has intrigued them enough that they want to read the actual Bible now—despite the lack of pictures.
The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
These books were written by a teacher who wanted to make reading fun for her students. So, as you can imagine, these mysteries involving four siblings are always engrossing, age-appropriate, and at just the right level to make solving them neither easy nor difficult. Your 3rd grade boy will love the characters and the clues.
The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks
Kids need magic in their lives and imaginations—especially 3rd grade boys. This story of a boy who gets a plastic Indian toy for his birthday, which transforms into a real man, and the friendship that ensues will make even a reluctant reader excited to turn the page. I highly recommend this to your 3rd grade reader as I’ve seen the way it lights up eyes and thrills boys and girls alike.
I hope this list helps you find some great reads for the boy in your life. Reading is such a gift, and we can help pass it on, even to the non-readers in our family, with the right books.
What books would you recommend for 3rd grade boys? What books worked for your kids? I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments below!
Interested in more recommendations for children’s reading? Check out these popular posts:
10 Best Books for 2nd Grade Boys
How to Inspire Curiosity, Creativity, and a Love of Reading in Your Children
The Best Books for Your Beginning Reader
[Disclaimer: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own and I never recommend anything I haven’t used myself and loved.]
Leave a Reply