Fourth Grade Summer Reading Lists Program

Fourth grade readers are often ready to branch out from series fiction. They will likely still enjoy some series, but will find new authors, genres, and favorites.

To promote a fun summer reading project, consider obtaining the traditional print version as well as the audio version of a book. Listen together, while following along in the book. This can be especially fun with humorous authors. Encourage the child to write a review of each book and post it online to one of the many online bookstores or review sites. This promotes both reading and writing skills.

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster (Must Read)

Milo is bored. That is, bored until he finds a tollbooth in his bedroom. He travels to Dictionopolis and meets the Whether Man, the Spelling Bee, and Princesses Rhyme and Reason. The wonderful wordplay in the book makes it fun for adults and children alike.

Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli (Must Read)

He wasn't always called Maniac. After his parents died, Jeffrey Magee's life changed. He became a legend. Nickelodeon tried to make this book into a television movie and in doing so ruined the sweetness of the story. This is a great book about acceptance.

Spaceheadz by Jon Scieszka

Kids love Jon Scieszka. His books are always very funny. In this middle grade novel, Michael finds that the kids in his new school aren't kids at all, but aliens determined to recruit the students!

Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Eleven year old Marty finds a beagle that has been abused. He can't decide whether to return it or take care of it himself. The moral lessons are not heavy handed and the story can't be beat.

The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling

A child-friendly take on The Midas Touch finds John Midas, chocolate lover, in a situation he never expected.

The Landry News by Andrew Clements

When a fifth grade journalist writes an editorial criticizing a teacher, the teacher is inspired to use the school newspaper to teach his class. Funny and relatable, The Landry News is a great book about using the First Amendment and the best way to present the truth.

Half Magic by Edward Eager

Four children find a magic coin that grants them wishes� but not exactly full wishes. In fact, they get exactly half of what they wish for! Their adventures are fun and exciting for readers.

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien

Mrs. Frisby is a mouse with four children. It is time to move the family for safety reasons, but her youngest is too ill to travel. Fortunately, the rates of NIMH are on hand to help her find a solution.

Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar

Imagine a school that is meant to be a one-story school with thirty classrooms ends up as a thirty-story school with one classroom per floor! The classroom on the thirteenth seems to have particularly bizarre episodes that will engage boys and girls� and adults.

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

James leaves his two nasty aunts behind and goes on a wild adventure in a giant peach with some interesting insect friends. Dahl is great at depicting funny evil villains and heroic children.

The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop

Introduce your fifth grader to fantasy with this wonderful story about William. He receives a miniature castle as a gift and is surprised when the miniature knight comes to life! Kids will enjoy accompanying William on his quest to fight a dragon and evil wizard.

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Historical fiction at its finest, Little House on the Prairie follows the life of the Ingalls family as they move from Wisconsin to Kansas in their covered wagon.