Below is a list of 4 favorite books for 4th graders. This is a time-tested list of books that include touching, inspiring, and funny stories!
1. Frindle by Andrew Clements
Frindle is the story of Nick Allen, a boy with plenty of ideas. In school, Nick learns about the origins of words and begins to wonder about the importance of names. Why is a pen a pen? Why can’t it be a frindle? What follows is the entertaining and inspiring story of a boy who challenges the thinking of those around him … and then must pay the price.
This book is Guided Reading level R, Lexile® level 830L, and DRA level 40. I have had students 3rd-5th grade enjoy this novel.
2. Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary
This is the story of Lee Bradshaw. Lee is assigned the task of writing to his favorite author, Mr. Boyd Henshaw. Over time, reluctant writer Lee is transformed by his unexpected friendship with Mr. Henshaw. Lee begins keeping a journal which helps him work through his parents’ divorce, his father’s faraway job as a truck driver, and the struggles of adolescence.
It is good to know that a big part of this story is about the divorce of Lee’s parents. Students experiencing a divorce may be sensitive to this plot, and there may be students who are comforted by reading about a boy to whom they can relate. This book is Guided Reading level Q, Lexile® level 910L, and DRA level 40 .
3. Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
This is the fun-loving story of Peter and his annoying little brother, Fudge. Peter is a fourth grader with a brother that causes nothing but trouble! This is the first story in the series, so students who enjoy this book will likely enjoy following the family as Fudge and Peter continue to bicker and bond as time goes on!
This book is Guided Reading level Q, Lexile® level 470L, and DRA level 40.
4. Sideways Stories in Wayside School
This book is very silly, but so clever! Sideways Stories is a great book for all readers, and especially for reluctant ones. Each chapter is like a short story. The chapters are named for each student in class. Readers quickly get to know a student, read about the character’s silly problem, and then get a satisfying ending – all in 6 pages or less!
This book is Guided Reading level P, Lexile® level 460L, and DRA level 38.
Ready-to-Teach Novel Studies
I have created a complete novel study for each of the books listed above. These studies are print and go ready and include Google Slides for online learning! The studies include Common Core alignment guides, a variety of reading responses, interactive notebook pages, and – of course! – complete answer keys. Because what sort of help is a novel study without an answer key?? Happy reading!
