Real Books for 4th Grade Boys
My kids are all great readers who love to explore a new book! They each have a list of the next books they plan to read and regularly ranked in the top percentages of readers in their grade. They are laying a foundation for a strong future. A few years ago, I asked my then 4th-grade boy to share some of his favorite books. So if you are looking for a new book for the 4th-grade boy in your life, take a look at this list. And of course, if you have another favorite, we’d love to hear!
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Real Books for 4th Grade Boys
I Survived
The “I Survived Series” are short books that take you on a historical adventure and walk you through the event from the perspective of a fictional character. Typically the main character is an older elementary or young preteen. One of the nice things about this series is that the main character always survives. (Thus the name…. “I survived”).
Author: Lauren Tarshis
Buy on Amazon: I Survived
Great Illustrated Classics
These white books are a great way to introduce young readers to classic literature. They are short, uncomplicated reads that hit the highlights of each of these famous stories. Favorites in this series include Moby Dick, Swiss Family Robinson, Last of the Mohicans, Robin Hood & more….
Buy on Amazon: Great Illustrated Classics
Hatchet
This is a great story of a 13 year old boy who finds himself the only survivor of a single-engine plane crash in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but a hatchet. Though it does talk about the death of the pilot and alludes to “the secret” which lies at the heart of why his parents recently divorced, it is a great book for this age. Hatchet appeals to all ages and challenges you to think about how you would handle the unexpected survival situation.
Author: Gary Paulsen
Buy on Amazon: Hatchet
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
Not only do each of the books in this series have an engaging story, they also include origami projects for the Star Wars characters.
Author: Tom Angleberger
Buy on Amazon: Strange Case of Origami Yoda
How to Train Your Dragon
Something to note: The book series is completely different from the popular movie series. If you can get past the major differences, then the series is a great adventure. The books tell the story of the main character Hiccup and his dragon Toothless and how they save the village.
Author: Cressida Cowell
Buy on Amazon: Buy on Amazon: How to Train Your Dragon
Matt Christopher Sports Books
If your son is a sports fan, then Matt Christopher is a great series to introduce to them. Each book is a different sport and features a young athlete that needs to be solved.
Author: Matt Christopher
Buy on Amazon: Matt Christopher Sports Books
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Years ago my oldest son started reading these books and we really weren’t that thrilled. We just didn’t know anything about the books. My son challenged us to read the first book and we realized that they really are quite well written and a great book series for this pre tween audience.
Author: Jeff Kinney
Buy on Amazon: Buy on Amazon: Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Big Nate
Big Nate is a similar style book as the Diary of a Wimpy Kid. This series especially appeals to the boys who love to laugh. If your son loves Wimpy Kid, then odds are they will love Big Nate.
Author: Lincoln Peirce
Buy on Amazon: Buy on Amazon: Big Nate
Indian in the Cupboard
This classic tells the story of a boy who receives a magical cupboard. When he discovers that the cupboard will bring his plastic toys to life, the adventure begins. Though they have made this story into a movie, the classic book is sure to be a favorite.
Author: Lynne Reid Banks
Buy on Amazon: Buy on Amazon: Indian in the Cupboard
What are the favorite books for your 4th grade boys? I’d love to hear so we can add them to our list too!
My 6th and 8th grader are reading mysterious Benedict society and Love it. There are 2 others in the series we haven’t gotten to. Good 3-5 grades is the imagination station series!
Yes! Natalie loves that one too! Great series!