Fourth Grade
All Aboard Science series published by Grosset & Dunlop
Nonfiction books that explore science topics. RL 1-4
American Girl – A Girl Named Rosa by Denise Lewis Patrick
This short chapter book narrates the life of Rosa Parks and includes a timeline of her life and an article about Marley Dias, a young girl making the difference in the lives of others today. RL 4
Babe, The Gallant Pig by Dick King-Smith
Babe, a pig on Farmer Hogget’s farm, wants to herd sheep like the sheepdog, Fly. The motion picture is based on this book. RL 4, GRL: R
The Bears’ House by Marilyn Sachs
The students in Miss Thompson’s fourth grade class love the Bears’ House, but Fran Ellen loves it the most. She knows it so well she that doesn’t need to touch anything in it anymore – just gazing at it whisks her away from her problems at home and school. But Miss Thompson is giving away the Bears’ House when she retires at the end of the year and Fran Ellen knows that she doesn’t deserve it. What will she do without her retreat? Parents may want to note that while this book may inspire older readers to have compassion for those less fortunate than them, it may not be appropriate for early elementary readers due to the family difficulties that Fran Ellen faces. GRL: T
Betsy-Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace
The first book in this series came out of the author’s bedtime stories to her daughter. Readers clamored for more so she continued to write stories about Betsy’s childhood, teen years and young adulthood. Betsy’s adventures closely mirror Mrs. Lovelace’s life growing up in Mankato, Minnesota, traveling to Europe and returning to the United States to marry. These books are classics which have been delighting readers since the 1940’s. RL 4-5
Blast to the Past series by Stacia Deutsch and Rhody Cohon
In this historical fiction series, third grade social studies teacher, Mr. Caruthers, send four of his students on weekly adventures back in time using a time travel computer that he invented. The students’ mission is to foil Babs Magee’s plans to discourage famous people in history and get them to give up on their dreams. Some of the famous people in this series include Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., Sacagawea and Benjamin Franklin. RL 3-4
The Bobbsey Twins series by Laura Lee Hope
This mystery series has been delighting children for more than fifty years. The books are written on a fourth – fifth grade reading level. Original and updated versions are available. The original series has some dated language.
Own Little Railroad – The twins have a mystery on their hands when their small scale railroad is stolen.
The Boy Who Saved Cleveland by James Cross Giblin
Based on a true story, this historical fiction book tells how Seth Doan saved Cleveland from starvation during an “shakes and fever” epidemic during the summer of 1798. This book is recommended for students in grade three and up due to harsh realities of pioneer life that are portrayed. A 2007 Bank Street – Best Children’s Book of the Year. GRL: Q
Dewey the Library Cat by Vicki Myron with Bret Witter
This adaptation of a best-selling book for adults chronicles the life of Dewey, a cat found as a kitten in a library drop-box on a bitter cold winter morning in Iowa. He becomes king of the local library, endearing the patrons and helping the town pull together through tough times. Parents may want to note that there are a few chapters that go into detail about Dewey’s last day at the library, his death, and his memorial service. GRL: R
Dog Diaries series by Kate Klimo
These books, in chapter format, are written from the perspective of purebred dogs. Some of the stories are realistic fiction, while others are historical fiction. Additional information about specific breeds is included at the end of each book. Parents may want to know that while these books are generally appropriate for the young, gifted reader, there are occasional concepts or situations that children may ask about. For example, a few breeding terms are mentioned in Ginger and there are a few deaths due to mountain hazards in Barry. RL 4
Encyclopedia Brown series by Donald Sobol
Solve mysteries along with Encyclopedia Brown, boy detective. Most of the books are written on a fourth grade level.
Girlhood Journeys published by Aladdin and Simon & Schuster
Five girls from five countries in five time periods all share a positive attitude and a love of adventure in these short historical fiction novels that include nonfiction background material at the end of the book. Although on a third – fifth grade reading level, they are appropriate for younger readers. Most titles in this series are out of print but available through Kindle.
Great Black Hero series (Hello Reader! Level 4)
Learn about the lives and achievements of some amazing men and women. Titles include 5 Brave Explorers, 5 Brilliant Scientists, and 5 Notable Inventors.
Horse Diaries – Tennessee Rose by Jane Kendall
Tennessee Rose is a Tennessee Walking Horse owned by a wealthy plantation owner in the mid-1800’s. As the War Between the States looms closer, her idyllic days are over as she witnesses the realities of slavery and the Civil War. This story is told from the perspective of a horse and does have a happy ending. Parents may want to note that this historical fiction work does portray a slave receiving a beating, Southern men socially drinking bourbon, and the horse’s owner dying in battle. RL 4, GRL: R
In Their Own Words series (some by George Sullivan, some by Peter & Connie Roop)
These exciting biographies about famous Americans use the subjects’ own words to help tell their story. There are stories about Abraham Lincoln, Lewis and Clark, Pocahontas, Paul Revere, Harriet Tubman, and more. Several books from this older series are still in print. RL 4-5
Just Juice by Karen Hesse
This book, written by a Newbery Medalist, gently portrays an improverished family in an Appalachian town. Nine year old Juice, the main character, is repeating third grade because she can’t read. She is, however, very resourceful when helping to care for her younger sisters, her diabetic mother and her unemployed, depressed father. The close-knit family works together to help solve their problems. This book is recommended for mature readers because of a somewhat graphic scene where Juice assists her mother who is giving birth. The book also mentions the father swearing during a tense scene, but does not mention the words he used. GRL: Q
Justin Morgan Had a Horse by Marguerite Henry
This 1946 Newbery Medal runner-up relates the origin of the Morgan horse with adventure, drama, and a heart-warming ending. Parents of young readers may want to note that one of the main characters is involved in the War of 1812 and there are descriptions of wounded men and horses. Another chapter mentions a man who mistreats his horses and is found drinking at an inn. GRL: R
Keena Ford series by Melissa Thomson
Follow spunky second grader Keena and her friends as they get involved in “mix-ups”. This humorous series depicts students solving their problems so that there is always a positive ending. Parents may want to note that Keena’s parents are divorced but she has a good relationship with both of them. RL 4
The Math Wiz by Betsy Duffey
A third grade math genius adjusts to a new school where athletic ability is more important to the other kids. RL 4.0
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
This novel, inspired by the true story of Ivan, the Shopping Mall Gorilla, won a Newbery Medal for it’s distinguished contribution to American literature for children. It is written from the perspective of a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall. His best friends are Stella, an elderly elephant and Bob, a stray dog. When Ruby, a baby elephant, joins them, Ivan promises Stella that he will always take care of the little newcomer and will see to it that she does not live the stinted life that they did. He keeps his promise by using artistic ingenuity and the help of some human friends. This story is best suited for mature readers due to some animal neglect and cruelty, death of animals, a few scenes where drinking is implied, and a scene where the mall’s owner’s wife leaves him. GRL: S
Owen Foote series by Stephanie Green
Join Owen and his best friend Joseph on some of their many adventures. Topics like soccer, frontiersmen, scientists, and spying will especially appeal to boys. RL 3-4
A Peach Street Mudders Story series by Matt Christopher
Baseball fiction written on a third and fourth grade level. Best suited for baseball fans because of the technical language.
Saving Zasha by Randi Barrow
This novel for mature readers is set in Russia immediately after the end of World War II. Young Mikhail finds a dying man and his German Shepherd, Zasha. After the man’s death, Mikhail and his family decide to keep the dog even though doing so may put the family in danger from bitter countrymen and armed dog thieves. There is a brief history of the black Russian terrier at the end of the book. Parents may want to know that this historical fiction work contains some violence and references to drinking. RL 4.2
Sophie series by Dick King-Smith
Follow the sometimes humorous adventures of British suburbanite, animal loving Sophie, whose dream job is to be a “lady farmer”. RL 2-4
Step into Reading published by Random House, Inc.
These books are written with the beginning reader in mind. Both fiction and nonfiction titles are available. Step 5 (Ready for Chapters) is written for second to fourth grade readers.
There’s an Owl in the Shower by Jean Craighead George
An enlightening story focusing on the conflict between loggers and environmentalists over the northern spotted owl and how actions taken by both sides impact families and the environment. Parents may want to note that there is one swear word and one fight in the book. RL 4, GRL: Q
Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne
The first in a series of books about the timeless, lovable bear, this book introduces us to Christopher Robin, Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, and the rest of the friends in the Hundred Acre Wood. A great story for young, advanced readers.
Winning Season series by Rich Wallace
A sports series geared to young sports fans of all kinds.
Southpaw – Jimmy has just moved with his newly divorced dad from rural Pennsylvania to bustling North Jersey, New Jersey. As a seventh grader, his best chance at fitting in is by securing a place on the school’s baseball team. His teammates are initially reluctant to accept the newcomer but Jimmy perseveres. This book may be best suited for upper elementary students as there is some teasing and one argument between Jimmy and his dad. Over all, this book is pretty clean with no swearing or extreme crudeness and only a fleeting comment of boys discussing girls that they like. This book promotes values such as dedication and teamwork. Although Jimmy lives with only his dad, he maintains contact with and improves his relationship with his mother.
The Zach and Zoe Mysteries by Mike Lupica
This sports-themed mystery series is a hit with young readers who love all kinds of sports. Family values and good sportsmanship are modeled in the stories which are appropriate for young, advanced readers. Parents may want to note that the parents are mentioned by their first names by the narrator but not by the children.