105 Treasure Best 4th Grade Reading Books For Children Aged 9-10

Welcome to the captivating world of 4th-grade reading! Our specially curated collection is designed for children aged 9-10, offering a diverse range of stories that cater to young, inquisitive minds.

As children stand on the brink of academic and personal growth, these books serve as perfect companions, guiding them through adventures, mysteries, and tales of courage.

Each book is carefully selected to challenge and engage, fostering critical thinking and a profound love for reading. From the laughter accompanying humorous stories to the thrill of solving a good mystery, our collection ensures a well-rounded literary experience.

These books entertain and educate, embedding valuable lessons within their narratives.

Embark on this literary journey with us and witness the transformative power of reading in shaping young minds and expanding their horizons. Your child’s adventure into the vast world of literature starts here!

Did You Know?

Engaging children in reading at an early age significantly enhances their vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. It also fosters creativity and empathy as they explore diverse perspectives through various characters and stories.

Why Is It Important To Choose The Right Books For 4th Graders?

Choosing the right books for 4th graders is crucial because, at this age, children are developing critical reading and comprehension skills that form the foundation for future learning.

Appropriate books challenge their growing minds, introduce new vocabulary, and understandably present complex ideas. They also help cultivate a lifelong love for reading by providing engaging and relevant content to their experiences and interests.

Moreover, the right books can enhance empathy and understanding by exposing children to different cultures and viewpoints, fostering a more inclusive and informed perspective as they grow.

What Benefits Do Children Aged 9-10 Gain From Reading?

Children aged 9-10 gain numerous benefits from reading:

• Enhanced Cognitive Development: Reading at this age stimulates brain activity, improving functions like memory, focus, and analytical thinking.
• Vocabulary Expansion: Regular reading introduces children to a wide range of words, phrases, and idioms, significantly enhancing their vocabulary.
• Improved Comprehension: Engaging with different texts enhances children’s understanding of complex ideas and information.
• Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Reading stories about diverse characters and situations helps children develop empathy and understand emotions better.
• Academic Success: Strong reading skills are fundamental for success in all academic areas, as most subjects rely on the ability to read and comprehend complex materials.
• Creativity and Imagination: Reading opens worlds of fantasy and reality, stimulating the imagination and encouraging creative thinking.
• Critical Thinking Skills: Books often present problems and scenarios that require analysis and decision-making, fostering critical thinking.
• Concentration and Discipline: Regular reading can improve a child’s ability to focus and concentrate for extended periods.
• Entertainment and Enjoyment: Beyond educational benefits, reading is a source of pleasure and a fun way to relax and escape.
• Cultural Awareness: Books can help children learn about different cultures and perspectives, broadening their understanding of the world.

What Are The Typical Reading Levels For Children Aged 9-10?

For children aged 9-10, typically in 4th grade, the reading levels usually range from about:

• Lexile Measure: 740-940. This widely used scale measures a text’s complexity and a reader’s skill.
• Guided Reading Level: P to S. This system, developed by Fountas and Pinnell, categorizes books based on their difficulty and content.
• DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment): Levels 28 to 40. This assessment focuses on reading engagement, oral reading fluency, and comprehension.
• Reading Recovery Levels: 19 to 34. These levels indicate a continuum of reading difficulty that is often used to assess and plan interventions.

Why Is Diversity In Book Choices Crucial For 4th Graders?

Diversity in book choices is crucial for 4th graders for several reasons:

• Broadened Perspectives: Diverse books expose children to various cultures, experiences, and viewpoints, helping them understand and appreciate the world’s diversity.
• Empathy and Understanding: Reading about different characters and settings helps children develop empathy. They learn to understand and feel for people who are different from themselves.
• Reflective Representation: Children from all backgrounds can find it incredibly affirming to see themselves reflected in stories and characters. It boosts self-esteem and a sense of belonging.
• Combat Stereotypes: Exposure to diverse narratives helps challenge and dismantle stereotypes. Children learn to appreciate individuals for their unique characteristics rather than preconceived notions.
• Critical Thinking: Engaging with various perspectives encourages children to think critically about the world and their place in it, questioning biases and assumptions.
• Language Skills: Diverse books often introduce children to different languages and dialects, enhancing their linguistic abilities and appreciation for language variety.
• Preparation for the Future: Our world is increasingly globalized and interconnected. Understanding and appreciating diversity from a young age prepares children to thrive in a multicultural society.
• Enhanced Imagination and Creativity: Diverse settings and characters can spark imagination and creativity, encouraging children to think beyond their immediate experiences.

4th-Grade Reading Books For Children Aged 9-10

Explore the list of the best books featuring a diverse selection of fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, adventure, poetry, and more. These books aim to engage young readers, improve literacy, and foster a lifelong love for reading by catering to various interests and reading levels.

15 Fiction Books Reading Books For 4th Grade Children Aged 9-10

1. “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White: A timeless story of friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte.

2. “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling: The first book in the iconic series about a young wizard navigating a magical world.

3. “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis: A classic fantasy tale of four siblings who discover a magical world.

4. “Matilda” by Roald Dahl: The story of a brilliant and resilient girl who loves reading and overcomes obstacles at home and school.

5. “Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan: A modern-day demigod discovers his heritage and goes on an epic quest.

6. “The Tale of Despereaux” by Kate DiCamillo: A brave mouse embarks on a noble quest in this Newbery Medal-winning book.

7. “Because of Winn-Dixie” by Kate DiCamillo: A heartwarming tale of a girl who adopts a dog and makes friends in her new town.

8. “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett: A lonely girl discovers a hidden garden and learns about friendship and healing.

9. “A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning” by Lemony Snicket: Follow the Baudelaire orphans as they face trials and tribulations under their evil guardians.

10. “The Indian in the Cupboard” by Lynne Reid Banks: A boy discovers that his toy Indian can come to life in this magical adventure.

11. “Frindle” by Andrew Clements: A clever tale about language and creativity centered around a boy who invents a new word.

12. “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing” by Judy Blume: The humorous adventures of Peter Hatcher and his little brother, Fudge.

13. “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate: A touching story told from the perspective of Ivan, a captive gorilla.

14. “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” by Kate DiCamillo: The adventures of a porcelain rabbit who learns to love.

15. “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio: The inspiring story of a boy with facial differences attending school for the first time.

Fun Fact

Twelve publishers initially rejected J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series before Bloomsbury accepted it. Rowling was advised to get a day job as there was little chance of making money in children’s books!

15 Non-Fiction Reading Books For 4th Grade Children Aged 9-10

16. “The Magic School Bus at the Waterworks” by Joanna Cole: A journey through the water cycle with Ms. Frizzle’s class.

17. “National Geographic Kids Why?: Over 1,111 Answers to Everything” by Crispin Boyer: A fascinating book filled with answers to many curious questions.

18. “Who Was Anne Frank?” by Ann Abramson: A biography of Anne Frank, introducing young readers to historical events through a personal story.

19. “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba: A true story of a young inventor who builds a windmill to save his village.

20. “I Survived True Stories: Five Epic Disasters” by Lauren Tarshis: Real stories of survival from historical disasters.

21. “What If You Had Animal Teeth?” by Sandra Markle: A fun and informative book exploring what would happen if a child had animal teeth.

22. “Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Series” by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce: Non-fiction companions to the Magic Tree House fiction series, covering topics like dinosaurs, mummies, and pirates.

23. “The Dinosaur Book” by DK: An illustrated guide to the prehistoric world of dinosaurs.

24. “Kid Presidents: True Tales of Childhood from America’s Presidents” by David Stabler: Stories about the childhoods of American presidents.

25. “Fly Guy Presents: Space” by Tedd Arnold: An educational and entertaining look at space and astronomy.

26. “Weird But True! 300 Outrageous Facts” by National Geographic Kids: A compilation of bizarre and fascinating facts.

27. “Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History” by Vashti Harrison: Profiles of inspiring black women who made history.

28. “The Where on Earth? Atlas” by DK: A visual atlas that takes children on a journey around the world.

29. “Time For Kids: Big Book of Why”: Answers to hundreds of why questions on various topics.

30. “The Kid’s Guide to Exploring Nature” by Brooklyn Botanic Garden Educators: A guide to observing and preserving nature.

Fun Fact

“The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba led to global recognition for the author. His inspiring story of building a windmill from scrap materials in Malawi has been adapted into a film available on a major streaming platform!

15 Science And Nature Reading Books For 4th Grade Children Aged 9-10

31. “The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth” by Joanna Cole: Join Ms. Frizzle and her class as they explore the layers of the Earth.

32. “National Geographic Kids Everything Rocks and Minerals” by Steve Tomecek: A captivating guide to rocks and minerals with stunning photos.

33. “The Street Beneath My Feet” by Charlotte Guillain: A journey through the layers of the earth, down from the city streets to the core.

34. “Diary of a Worm” by Doreen Cronin: A humorous look at the life of a worm, offering insights into biology and the environment.

35. “The Magic School Bus and the Climate Challenge” by Joanna Cole: Learn about climate change and environmental science on another adventure.

36. “Professor Astro Cat’s Frontiers of Space” by Dr. Dominic Walliman: Explore the wonders of space, planets, and the universe.

37. “The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments Book” by Tom Robinson: A book filled with easy and fun science experiments.

38. “One Small Square: Backyard” by Donald M. Silver: Dive deep into the ecosystem of a backyard, discovering the life and cycles within.

39. “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba: An inspiring true story of a boy who builds a windmill to save his village.

40. “Eye to Eye: How Animals See The World” by Steve Jenkins: Learn about the evolution of vision in the animal kingdom.

41. “Hidden Figures Young Readers’ Edition” by Margot Lee Shetterly: The story of four African-American women who helped NASA launch men into space.

42. “The Curious Kid’s Science Book” by Asia Citro: Encourages kids to develop their science experiments based on their interests.

43. “Ultimate Bugopedia: The Most Complete Bug Reference Ever” by Darlyne Murawski & Nancy Honovich: A detailed guide to the world of insects and bugs.

44. “Seed to Plant” by Kristin Baird Rattini: Explore the life cycle of plants in this engaging book.

45. “Who Was Charles Darwin?” by Deborah Hopkinson: A biography of Charles Darwin and an introduction to his theory of evolution.

Fun Fact

“National Geographic Kids Everything Rocks and Minerals” by Steve Tomecek features a 3.5 billion-year-old rock. This makes it one of the oldest rocks ever discovered and provides a tangible connection to Earth’s early history.

15 Fantasy And Adventure Reading Books For 4th Grade Children Aged 9-10

46. “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis: Four siblings discover a magical land called Narnia through a wardrobe.

47. “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling: Harry discovers he’s a wizard and begins his thrilling journey at Hogwarts.

48. “Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan: Percy learns he’s a demigod and sets out on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.

49. “The Neverending Story” by Michael Ende: Bastian discovers a magical book that draws him into a fantastic world that needs his help.

50. “The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide” by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black: Three siblings uncover a mysterious book and discover the fantastical world around them.

51. “How to Train Your Dragon” by Cressida Cowell: Follow the adventures of Hiccup as he tries to pass the initiation test of his Viking clan by catching and training a dragon.

52. “Fablehaven” by Brandon Mull: Siblings discover their grandparents’ property is a sanctuary for magical creatures.

53. “The Tale of Despereaux” by Kate DiCamillo: The story of an unusual mouse who falls in love with music, stories, and a princess.

54. “The Indian in the Cupboard” by Lynne Reid Banks: A boy discovers that his cabinet can bring toys to life.

55. “Gregor the Overlander” by Suzanne Collins: Gregor falls through a grate in his laundry room, entering a mysterious Underland.

56. “The Unwanteds” by Lisa McMann: In a world where artistic children are considered unwanted, they discover a magical world where they learn to use their creativity as magic.

57. “Wildwood” by Colin Meloy: A girl’s brother is kidnapped and taken into the deep woods, where a complex society of creatures and humans exists.

58. “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” by Kate DiCamillo: A porcelain rabbit’s adventure from the bottom of the ocean to the streets of Memphis.

59. “The Dark Is Rising” by Susan Cooper: On his eleventh birthday, Will discovers he is the last of the Old Ones and embarks on a quest to battle the forces of the Dark.

60. “Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes” by Jonathan Auxier: A blind orphan who happens to be the greatest thief in the world embarks on an adventure when he steals a box containing magical eyes.

Fun Fact

“The Neverending Story” by Michael Ende uniquely has its text printed in two colors. The real-world sections are printed in red ink. In contrast, the unbelievable story of Fantastica is printed in green, visually distinguishing the two worlds for readers.

15 Graphic Novels And Comics Reading Books For 4th Grade Children Aged 9-10

61. “Smile” by Raina Telgemeier: A true story about the author’s childhood, dealing with dental drama and navigating middle school.

62. “Dog Man” by Dav Pilkey: A comic book series about a half-dog, half-man hero, full of humor and adventure.

63. “Amulet” by Kazu Kibuishi: A beautifully illustrated series about two siblings who find themselves in a mysterious and dangerous world.

64. “Bone” by Jeff Smith: An epic fantasy tale following the Bone cousins in a world filled with wonderful and terrifying creatures.

65. “Ghosts” by Raina Telgemeier: A story about two sisters encountering ghosts in their new town and learning about the Day of the Dead.

66. “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” by Jeff Kinney: Although not a traditional graphic novel, its blend of text and illustrations humorously chronicles the trials of middle school.

67. “Zita the Spacegirl” by Ben Hatke: Follow Zita as she becomes an intergalactic hero after pressing a button that transports her friend to a distant world.

68. “El Deafo” by Cece Bell: A heartwarming and funny semi-autobiographical story about the author’s childhood experiences with hearing loss.

69. “Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth” by Judd Winick: A boy named Hilo falls from the sky and discovers he’s a hero sent to save Earth.

70. “The Baby-Sitters Club” (Graphic Novel series) by Ann M. Martin, illustrated by Raina Telgemeier and Gale Galligan: The beloved series reimagined in graphic novel form, following the adventures of a group of friends running a babysitting business.

71. “Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea” by Ben Clanton: A delightful story about the friendship between a happy-go-lucky narwhal and a no-nonsense jellyfish.

72. “Phoebe and Her Unicorn” by Dana Simpson: A modern girl meets a unicorn in this charming, witty comic strip collection.

73. “The Dragonet Prophecy” (Wings of Fire Graphic Novel) by Tui T. Sutherland: An adaptation of the fantasy novel about young dragons fated to end a war.

74. “Big Nate” by Lincoln Peirce: Follow the adventures and misadventures of Nate Wright, a spirited and rebellious sixth-grader.

75. “Mighty Jack” by Ben Hatke: A modern take on Jack and the Beanstalk; this series is filled with magic, monsters, and high-stakes adventure.

Fun Fact

“Smile” by Raina Telgemeier started as a webcomic before becoming a best-selling graphic novel. It’s won multiple awards, including the Eisner Award for Best Publication for Teens. It has been praised for its honest portrayal of adolescence and dental drama.

15 Poetry And Short Stories Reading Books For 4th Grade Children Aged 9-10

76. “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein: A classic collection of humorous and imaginative poems that capture the child’s world.

77. “A Light in the Attic” by Shel Silverstein: Another delightful collection of poems and drawings that tickle the funny bone and ignite the imagination.

78. “Falling Up” by Shel Silverstein: A book filled with quirky, funny, and poignant poems that children love to read and recite.

79. “The Random House Book of Poetry for Children” edited by Jack Prelutsky: A comprehensive collection of poems covering various themes and moods.

80. “The New Kid on the Block” by Jack Prelutsky: A fun and engaging collection of more than 100 humorous poems with whimsical illustrations.

81. “Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices” by Paul Fleischman: A Newbery Medal-winning collection designed to be read aloud by two people, featuring insects’ voices.

82. “Read-Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young” edited by Jack Prelutsky: A collection of more than 200 poems for young children with charming illustrations.

83. “Poetry for Young People: Maya Angelou” edited by Dr. Edwin Graves Wilson: An introduction to the powerful and inspiring poems of Maya Angelou, tailored for young readers.

84. “National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry” edited by J. Patrick Lewis: Poems about the animal kingdom alongside stunning photography.

85. “The 20th Century Children’s Poetry Treasury” edited by Jack Prelutsky: A collection celebrating the best of children’s poetry over the last 100 years.

86. “Honey, I Love” by Eloise Greenfield: A series of poems reflecting a child’s everyday experiences and emotions.

87. “One Minute till Bedtime: 60-Second Poems to Send You off to Sleep” edited by Kenn Nesbitt: A collection of short, funny, and engaging poems perfect for bedtime.

88. “Silly Street: Selected Poems” by Jeff Foxworthy: A collection of humorous poems about the life and imaginations of kids.

89. “Guyku: A Year of Haiku for Boys” by Bob Raczka and Peter H. Reynolds: A series of haiku poems about the fun and adventure of being a boy through all seasons.

90. “The Lama Who Had No Pajama: 100 Favorite Poems” by Mary Ann Hoberman: A delightful collection of poems covering a wide range of subjects and emotions.

Fun Fact

“Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein was originally published in 1974 and has been a beloved poetry collection for generations. Silverstein’s whimsical line drawings accompany the poems, adding a visual element that complements his playful and poignant verse.

15 Series And Sequels Reading Books For 4th Grade Children Aged 9-10

91. “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling: Follow the magical adventures of Harry Potter as he discovers his wizarding heritage and battles the dark forces threatening the wizarding world.

92. “Percy Jackson & The Olympians” series by Rick Riordan: Percy Jackson discovers he’s a demigod and embarks on epic quests to prevent the gods’ war and understand his powers.

93. “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis: Journey through the magical land of Narnia with various children who play central roles in the unfolding history of this world.

94. “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” by Jeff Kinney: The hilarious adventures of Greg Heffley as he navigates the trials and tribulations of middle school.

95. “The Magic Tree House” series by Mary Pope Osborne: Join Jack and Annie as they travel through time and space on missions for Morgan le Fay using a magical treehouse.

96. “Warriors” series by Erin Hunter: Enter the wild with the feral cat clans in a thrilling and sometimes perilous world.

97. “The 39 Clues” series by various authors: Siblings Amy and Dan Cahill embark on a worldwide treasure hunt, facing puzzles, mysteries, and their family’s dark history.

98. “The Spiderwick Chronicles” by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black: Discover the unseen world of faeries and magical creatures through the eyes of the Grace children.

99. “A Series of Unfortunate Events” by Lemony Snicket: Follow the Baudelaire orphans as they face trials, tribulations, and the evil Count Olaf in their quest for the truth about their parents’ mysterious death.

100. “How to Train Your Dragon” by Cressida Cowell: Join Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III on his adventures and misadventures as a Viking and dragon trainer.

101. “The Mysterious Benedict Society” series by Trenton Lee Stewart: Four gifted children are recruited to go on a secret mission under the tutelage of the eccentric Mr. Benedict.

102. “The Land of Stories” by Chris Colfer: Twins Alex and Conner fall into a magical book of fairy tales and embark on an adventure to find their way home.

103. “The Unwanteds” series by Lisa McMann: In a society where artistic expression is forbidden, unwanted children are sent to a magical world where they learn to use their creativity as magic.

104. “The Underland Chronicles” by Suzanne Collins: When Gregor falls through a grate in the laundry room of his apartment building, he hurtles into the dark Underland beneath New York City.

105. “Geronimo Stilton” series by Elisabetta Dami: Follow the adventures of Geronimo Stilton, editor of “The Rodent’s Gazette” in New Mouse City, as he finds himself pulled into adventures far from home.

Fun Fact

The “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series by Jeff Kinney began as a website in 2004, where the author posted daily entries before it became a book. It’s now a global phenomenon, with over 250 million copies in print worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Reading Level Should My 9-10-Year-Old Be At?

At 9-10 years, most children should read at a Lexile measure of 740-940, Guided Reading Levels P to S, or DRA levels 28 to 40. However, every child is unique, and reading abilities can vary widely.

How Can I Encourage My 4th Grader To Read More?

Encourage reading by providing a variety of books that match their interests and reading levels. Create a cozy reading space, set aside regular reading times, and be a reading role model. Discuss books and offer praise and incentives for finishing them.

How Do I Choose The Right Books For My 4th Grader?

Look for books that are appropriate for their reading level and interests. Consider diverse subjects, genres, and authors to expose them to different perspectives. Reviews, teacher recommendations, and children’s book awards can also be helpful guides.

What Are The Benefits Of Reading For 4th Graders?

Benefits include improved vocabulary, better comprehension skills, increased empathy, enhanced critical thinking, and a stronger foundation for academic success. Reading also fosters creativity and provides a fun, imaginative escape.

Can Graphic Novels And Comics Be Good For 4th-Grade Readers?

Absolutely! Graphic novels and comics can motivate reluctant readers and help them understand complex narratives and emotions through visual cues. They can also be great ways to engage kids in reading and storytelling.

Sources:

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/best-books-for-fourth-graders

https://www.mkewithkids.com/post/classic-books-for-4th-graders

https://imaginationsoup.net/best-books-9-year-olds

https://readingmiddlegrade.com/chapter-books-for-fourth-graders

https://www.teachingexpertise.com/classroom-ideas/4th-grade-books

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Liliana

Liliana is a Licensed Montessori teacher known for her passion and dedication to education. She's been a teacher in the United States for many years, and she truly believes that education is the key to making the world a better place because today's students are tomorrow's leaders. Her experience with Toddlers, Beginners, VPK with Montessori methodology approach; Kindergarten, and first grade made her an authority and trusted resource. Liliana's family taught her important qualities like love, a positive attitude, strong motivation, and leadership. These values have guided her on her journey to becoming a professional and expert teacher. Her mission is to help children grow and contribute to a brighter future for the country.

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