Summer is the perfect time for young readers to explore new stories, build their confidence, and keep their skills sharp — all while having fun! I’ve created a free Summer Reading Challenge printable designed just for students heading into 4th grade.
This handout is packed with:
- A simple reading log
- Fun goal-setting prompts
- A mini summer reading challenge (with activities like “read under a tree” and “read to a pet”)
- A space for one-word book description
It’s perfect for teachers to send home at the end of the school year or for parents looking to keep their kids engaged during the break.
Download your free copy below and help your young reader stay on track this summer!
Bonus tip: Pair this with a small reward or sticker chart to keep motivation high all summer long!
Here’s a list of suggested summertime reading books that balance readability with entertainment and are often recommended by teachers for summer reading.
3rd Grade Summer Reading List
Fun & Imaginative
- Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne
Adventure + history made easy—perfect for reluctant readers.
- My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
Whimsical and short, great for first-time chapter book readers.
- Judy Moody series by Megan McDonald
Funny and full of personality—great for kids with big feelings.
- The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes
A quiet, thoughtful story about growing up.
- Stink series by Megan McDonald
Humorous spinoff of Judy Moody with a younger brother’s voice.
Animal Adventures
- The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
A mouse with a motorbike? Instant hook.
- Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Gentle introduction to deeper themes like friendship and loss.
Graphic Novels & Visual Reads
- Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey
Wildly popular and builds reading confidence—even for struggling readers.
- Narwhal and Jelly series by Ben Clanton
Silly, sea-faring fun in easy graphic format.
4th Grade Summer Reading List
Adventurous & Thoughtful
- Frindle by Andrew Clements
What happens when a kid invents a new word?
- The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
A touching, page-turning story of survival and identity.
- Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
A summer story about a girl and her dog, full of heart.
- The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
Poignant and beautifully written—a doll’s emotional odyssey.
- The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Classic mystery/adventure with a simple, satisfying style.
Humor & Realistic Fiction
- Clementine series by Sara Pennypacker
Lively, likable heroine for fans of Ramona and Judy Moody.
- The Fudge books by Judy Blume
Classic sibling comedy that still resonates today.
Graphic Novels & Popular Picks
- Lunch Lady series by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Action-packed graphic novels with a quirky twist.
- Amulet series by Kazu Kibuishi
More advanced, great for kids moving into complex fantasy worlds.
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney
Still a top pick—combines humor, illustrations, and diary format.
DOWNLOAD THE BOOK LIST PDF HERE.
Visit my Amazon storefront for affiliate links for all these books HERE. All the books in one location to make your shopping easier.
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Warmly,
Dana
