Fiction, Historical Fiction, Classics, Nonfiction, Etc.) the Books Grow More Challenging As You Move Down the List

FOURTH GRADE

Note to parents: Within each category (Fiction, Historical Fiction, Classics, Nonfiction, etc.) the books grow more challenging as you move down the list. If your child wants more challenging books, they also can check out the list for the next grade level. Books in a series are noted.

—FICTION—

Wayside School, Louis Sachar (series) There’s been a terrible mistake. Wayside School was built with thirty classrooms one on top of the other instead of next to each other! (The builder said he was very sorry.) That may be why all kinds of funny things happen at Wayside School...especially on the thirteenth floor. You'll meet Mrs. Gorf, the meanest teacher of all; terrible Todd, who always gets sent home early; and John, who can read only upside down—along with all the other kids in this crazy mix-up school.

Nick and Tesla’s High Voltage Danger Lab, Bob Pflugfelder (series) An action packed series for kids who like STEM! Nick and Tesla are bright 11-year-old siblings with a knack for science, electronics, and getting into trouble. When their parents mysteriously vanish, they’re sent to live with their Uncle Newt, a brilliant inventor who engineers top-secret gadgets for a classified government agency. It isn’t long before Nick and Tesla are embarking on adventures of their own—engineering all kinds of outrageous contraptions to save their skin: 9-volt burglar alarms, electromagnets, mobile tracking devices, and more.

Paddle to the Sea, Holland Clancy Holling Caldecott Honor A young Indian boy carves a little canoe with a figure inside and names him Paddle-to-the-Sea. Paddle's journey, in text and pictures, through the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean provides an excellent geographic and historical picture of the region.

Little House in the Big Woods, Laura Ingles Wilder (series) In these classic tales of American adventure, Laura Ingalls travels with her family from the Big Woods of Wisconsin, to the prairies of Kansas, and up to Minnesota—all while facing the challenges of life on the frontier.

Thimble Summer, Elizabeth Enright Newbery Medal A few hours after nine-year-old Garnet Linden finds a silver thimble in the dried-up riverbed, the rains come and end the long drought on the farm. The rains bring safety for the crops and the livestock, and money for Garnet's father. Garnet can't help feeling that the thimble is a magic talisman, for the summer proves to be interesting and exciting in so many different ways. Every day brings adventure of some kind to Garnet and her best friend, Citronella. The Wild Robot, Peter Brown (series) This is a book for readers who love short chapters. When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is alone on a remote, wild island. She has no idea how she got there or what her purpose is—but she knows she needs to survive. After battling a fierce storm and escaping a vicious bear attack, she realizes that her only hope for survival is to adapt to her surroundings and learn from the island's unwelcoming animal inhabitants. Readers who want more can read the recently released follow-up, The Wild Robot Escapes. Frindle, Andrew Clements Is Nick Allen a troublemaker? He really just likes to liven things up at school—and he's always had plenty of great ideas. When Nick learns some interesting information about how words are created, suddenly he's got the inspiration for his best plan ever...the frindle. Who says a pen has to be called a pen? Why not call it a frindle? Things begin innocently enough as Nick gets his friends to use the new word. Soon the school is in an uproar, and Nick has become a local hero.

Misty of Chincoteague, Marguerite Henry Newbery Honor Meet Paul and Maureen, who live with their grandparents on the Chesapeake Island. On the nearby island of Assateague there is a band of wild ponies, whose ancestors came to the New World on Spanish galleons centuries before. Every year on "Pony Penning Day," men round up as many ponies as they can and bring them across the water to Chincoteague for sale. This year, Paul and Maureen want to buy one and have their eyes on the Phantom, a mare no one has ever been able to capture.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl Willy Wonka's famous chocolate factory is opening at last! But only five lucky children will be allowed inside. And the winners are: Augustus Gloop, an enormously fat boy whose hobby is eating; Veruca Salt, a spoiled-rotten brat whose parents are wrapped around her little finger; Violet Beauregarde, a dim-witted gum-chewer with the fastest jaws around; Mike Teavee, a toy pistol-toting gangster-in-training who is obsessed with television; and Charlie Bucket, Our Hero, a boy who is honest and kind, brave and true, and good and ready for the wildest time of his life! The Cricket in Times Square, George Seldon Newbery Honor Tucker is a streetwise city mouse. He thought he'd seen it all but he's never met a cricket before. This isn't surprising, because, along with his friend Harry Cat, Tucker lives in the very heart of New York City―the Times Square subway station. Chester Cricket never intended to leave his Connecticut meadow. He'd be there still if he hadn't followed the entrancing aroma of liverwurst right into someone's picnic basket. Now, like any tourist in the city, he wants to look around. BeastQuest, Adam Blade (series) An evil wizard has enchanted the magical beasts of Avantia. Is Tom the hero Avantia has been waiting for? For readers who want to continue the journey there are dozens and dozens of books (and special editions) in this fantasy series.

Abel’s Island, William Steig Newbery Honor Abel's place in his familiar, mouse world has always been secure; he had an allowance from his mother, a comfortable home, and a lovely wife, Amanda. But one stormy August day, furious flood waters carry him off to an uninhabited island. Despite his determination and stubborn resourcefulness Abel can't find a way to get back home. Slowly, his soft habits disappear as he forages for food, fashions a warm nest in a hollow log, and continues to brood on the problem of how to get across the river―and home.

The Lemonade War, Jacqueline Davies (series) Fourth-grader Evan Treski is people-smart. He’s good at talking with people, even grownups. His younger sister, Jessie, on the other hand, is math-smart, but not especially good with people. So when the siblings’ lemonade stand war begins, there really is no telling who will win—or even if their fight will ever end.

Five Children and It, E. Nesbit When Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane and their baby brother go digging in the gravel pit, the last thing they expect to find is a Psammead – an ancient Sand-fairy! Having a Sand-fairy for a pet means having one wish granted each day. But the children don't realize all the trouble wishes can cause.

The Penderwicks: A summer Tale of Four sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Tale, Jeanne Birdsall (series) National Book Award This summer the Penderwick sisters have a wonderful surprise: a holiday on the grounds of a beautiful estate called Arundel. Soon they are busy discovering the summertime magic of Arundel’s gardens, treasure-filled attic and the cook who makes the best gingerbread in Massachusetts. But the best discovery of all is Jeffrey Tifton, son of Arundel’s owner, who quickly proves to be the perfect companion for their adventures. It promises to be a summer the Penderwicks will never forget.

Saavy, Ingrid Law (series) Thirteen is when a Beaumont’s savvy hits—and with one brother who causes hurricanes and another who creates electricity, Mibs Beaumont is eager to see what she gets. But just before the big day, Poppa is in a terrible accident. And now all Mibs wants is a savvy that will save him. In fact, Mibs is so sure she’ll get a powerful savvy that she sneaks a ride to the hospital on a rickety bus. After this extraordinary adventure—full of talking tattoos and a kidnapping—no one on board will be the same. The Tale of Despereaux, Kate DiCamillo Despereaux Tilling is a mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in the darkness and covets a world filled with light. And it is the story of Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl who harbors a simple, impossible wish. These three characters are about to embark on a journey that will lead them down into a dungeon, up into a glittering castle, and into each other's lives.

The Phantom Tollbooth, Norton Juster For Milo, everything’s a bore. When a tollbooth mysteriously appears in his room, he drives through only because he’s got nothing better to do. But on the other side, things seem different. Milo visits the Island of Conclusions (you get there by jumping), learns about time from a ticking watchdog named Tock, and even embarks on a quest to rescue Rhyme and Reason! Somewhere along the way, Milo realizes life is far from dull. In fact, it’s exciting beyond his wildest dreams. City of Ember, Jeanne Duprau (series) The city of Ember was built as a last refuge for the human race. Two hundred years later, the great lamps that light the city are beginning to flicker. When Lina finds part of an ancient message, she’s sure it holds a secret that will save the city. She and her friend Doon must race to figure out the clues before the lights go out on Ember forever!

The Ghost of the Grand Canyon (Real Kids Real Places series) For kids who love mystery and geography, this series will take them all over the U.S. to famous places for new adventures. When Mimi, Papa, Christina and Grant visit a U.S. Park Ranger friend and her kids, they embark on a GRAND adventure down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon!

Golbin Secrets, William Alexander National Book Award Winner In the town of Zombay, there is a witch named Graba who has clockwork chicken legs and moves her house around—much like the fairy tale figure of Baba Yaga. Graba takes in stray children, and Rownie is the youngest boy in her household. Rownie’s only real relative is his older brother Rowan, who is an actor. But acting is outlawed in Zombay, and Rowan has disappeared. Desperate to find him, Rownie joins up with a troupe of goblins who skirt the law to put on plays. But their plays are not only for entertainment, and the masks they use are for more than make-believe. Because of Winn Dixie, Kate DiCamillo Newbery Honor One summer’s day, ten-year-old India Opal Buloni goes down to the local supermarket for some groceries – and comes home with a dog. But Winn-Dixie is no ordinary dog. It’s because of Winn- Dixie that Opal begins to make friends. And it’s because of Winn-Dixie that she finally dares to ask her father about her mother, who left when Opal was three.

The Magician’s Nephew, C.S, Lewis (series ) On a daring quest to save a life, two friends are hurled into another world, where an evil sorceress seeks to enslave them. But then the lion Aslan's song weaves itself into the fabric of a new land, a land that will be known as Narnia. And in Narnia, all things are possible. This is a stand-alone novel, but readers can journey back to Narnia in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the second book in The Chronicles of Narnia.

The Doll People, Ann M. Martin (series) Annabelle Doll is 8 years old and has been for over 100 years. Nothing much has changed in the dollhouse during that time, except for the fact that 45 years ago, Annabelle's Auntie Sarah disappeared from the dollhouse without a trace. Annabelle is becoming more curious about her aunt's fate. When she discovers Auntie Sarah's old diary, she becomes positively driven. Her cautious family tries to discourage her, but Annabelle won't be stopped.

The Dancing Shoes, Noel Streatfeild (series) Aunt Cora is determined to turn two orphans, perky Hilary and sullen Rachel, into members of her dance troupe. But Rachel wants to keep Hilary from being a member—is it selfishness or something else? Misunderstandings and a spoiled cousin come together for a tale full of high drama. Continue reading this series with Skating Shoes, Ballet Shoes, Theater Shoes and more!

The Maze of Bones (Book 1 in The 39 Clues series), Rick Riordan Minutes before she died Grace Cahill changed her will, leaving her descendants an impossible decision: "You have a choice - one million dollars or a clue." Grace is the last matriarch of the Cahills, the world's most powerful family. Everyone from Napoleon to Houdini is related to the Cahills, yet the source of the family power is lost. 39 Clues hidden around the world will reveal the family's secret, but no one has been able to assemble them. Now Amy and Dan must decide what's important: hunting clues or uncovering what REALLY happened to their parents.

Amulet, Kazi Kibuishi (Graphic Novel series) After the tragic death of their father, Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather, but the strange house is dangerous. Before long, a sinister creature lures the kids' mom through a door in the basement. Em and Navin, desperate not to lose her, follow her into an underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals. Eventually, they enlist the help of a small mechanical rabbit named Miskit. Tales from the Odyssey, Book I and Book II, Mary Pope Osborne For the reader who Greek mythology, this is the story of fighting monsters, angry gods and goddesses, and surviving against the odds. Odysseus is desperate to return to his family but first he must face hungry cannibals, outwit a beautiful witch, and sail past a six-headed serpent.

—HISTORICAL FICTION—

Caddie Woodlawn, Carol Ryrie Brink For readers who enjoyed the Little house in the Prairie Series, Caddie Woodlawn is a perfect read. Caddie is a real adventurer—She'd rather hunt than sew and plow than bake, and tries to beat her brother's dares every chance she gets. Caddie is brave, and her story is special because it's based on the life and memories of Carol Ryrie Brink's grandmother, the real Caddie Woodlawn.

Moon Over Manifest, Clare Vanderpool Newbery Award Abilene Tucker feels abandoned. Her father put her on a train, sending her off to live with an old friend for the summer while he works a railroad job. Abilene jumps off the train in Manifest, Kansas, aiming to learn more about her father. Abilene is disappointed to find that Manifest is just a dried-up, worn-out old town. But her disappointment quickly turns to excitement when she discovers a hidden cigar box full of mementos, including some old letters that mention a spy. The Captain’s Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe, Roland Smith Born the runt of his litter and gambled away to a rusty old river man, the Newfoundland pup Seaman doesn’t imagine his life will be marked by any kind of glory. But when he meets Captain Meriwether Lewis, Seaman finds himself on a path that will make history. Lewis is setting off on his landmark search for the Northwest Passage, and he takes Seaman along.

King of the Wind, Marguerite Henry Newbery Medal He was named "Sham" for the sun, this golden-red stallion born in the Sultan of Morocco's stone stables. Upon his heel was a small white spot, the symbol of speed. But on his chest was the symbol of misfortune. Although he was swift as the desert winds, Sham's pedigree would be scorned all his life by cruel masters and owners. This is the story of Sham and his friend, the stable boy Agba. their adventures take them from the sands of the Sahara to the royal courts of France, and finally England. Jason and the Argonauts: The First Great Quest in Greek Mythology, Robert Byrd A beautifully illustrated account of the Greek myth of Jason and the Argonauts, one of the earliest recorded Greek myths. This book traces each step of our hero’s journey, from the Golden Fleece’s origin story and Jason’s childhood to his triumphant return with the prize and eventual death. With large pictures, the book is not only a great story, but offers a ton of information about ancient Greece.

Drum of Destiny, Chris Stevenson The year is 1775 and twelve-year-old Gabriel Cooper is an orphaned patriot stuck living in a house of loyalists. But when the boy discovers a discarded drum in the East River, he sees it as a call to leave his home in New York and join in the fight for freedom in Boston. With rich, historic details, Gabriel's adventure will captivate readers as they join the boy on the difficult journey to his destiny, where he will meet some famous American heroes.

—NONFICTION—

Who Is…? Who Was…? (series) A series of illustrated biographies for young readers interested in famous people of the past and today. From Leif Erikson to the Beatles, from Marie Curie to Annie Oakley, learn about famous figures, including artists, adventurers, scientists, inventors and world leaders.

American History series by Jean Fritz Where was Patrick Henry on the 29th of May? Shh! We’re Writing the Constitution Why Not Lafayette? Newbery Honor author Jean Fritz makes American history fun and informative.

Mesmerized: How Ben Franklin Solved a Mystery that Baffled All of France When American inventor Benjamin Franklin arrives in Paris, he is upstaged by a compelling and enigmatic figure: Dr. Mesmer. In elaborately staged shows, Mesmer has Parisians believing he can control a magic force that changes the taste of water, cures illness, and controls thoughts! Can Ben Franklin’s approach of observing, hypothesizing, and testing get to the bottom of Mesmer’s tricks?

The Boy Who Invented TV, Kathleen Krull Plowing a potato field in 1920, a 14-year-old farm boy from Idaho saw in the parallel rows of overturned earth a way to ―make pictures fly through the air.‖ This boy was not a magician; he was a scientific genius and just eight years later he made his brainstorm in the potato field a reality by transmitting the world’s first television image.

To Fly, the Story of the Wright Brothers, Wendie Old Orville and Wilbur Wright were a fascinating pair. Not only did they invent, build, and fly the first airplane, they also had a unique relationship, sharing a home, a bank account, and a business throughout their lives. Told in brief, beautifully illustrated chapters, readers learn about their childhood, early experiments and trial runs in North Carolina, all leading up to their successful flights in 1903.

—CLASSICS—

The Adventures of Pinnochio, Carlo Collodi Mischievous, lazy, and full of tricks, the puppet Pinocchio causes trouble for his creator, Geppetto, almost as soon as he comes to life. Yet, more than anything, this playful creature wants to become a real boy. To make his dreams come true, he must prove himself worthy. Join Pinocchio on a journey as he learns—the hard way—what it means to be honest, kind, and, above all, human.

National Velvet, Enid Bagnold A butcher's daughter in a small Sussex town ends her nightly prayers with "Oh, God, give me horses, give me horses! Let me be the best rider in England!" The answer to 14-year-old Velvet Brown's plea materializes in the form of an unwanted piebald, raffled off in a village lottery, who turns out to be adept at jumping fences—exactly the sort of horse that could win the world's most famous steeplechase, the Grand National. A richly story of life in rural England between the World Wars, about a heroine's grit and determination, backed by the support of her loving family.

Grandfather’s Chair, Nathaniel Hawthorne Hawthorne uses an oak chair, which appears in each of the stories, to tell entertaining stories of early America: Plymouth and the Pilgrims, the Founding of Rhode Island, the Salem witch trials, Cotton Mather, the Liberty Tree, the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, the Continental Congress, and the Declaration of Independence. This book is perfect for readers who love American history.