Are you looking for reading material for your 3rd grader? This 3rd grade reading list has numerous books to choose from. There is also at least one free lesson for each book included on the list. These lessons vary from book to book. Some are comprehensive unit studies or novel guides, while others are simply a set of discussion questions.

All of the lessons below are free, but you will need to obtain the corresponding books. You can buy used books, borrow them from the library, or click/tap on a book’s cover to purchase it on Amazon.

How I Created the List

When creating this 3rd grade reading list, I looked at what books several different sources recommend for each grade. Often various curriculum providers and book lists will recommend a book for different grade levels. For this list, I used the average of the different recommended grade levels. Because of this, you’ll find that other sources may recommend some of the books on this list for 2nd, 4th, or even 5th grade instead of 3rd.

Please note: As values, beliefs, and standards vary widely by family, I have not attempted to screen these books for appropriateness. I recommend that you read several reviews before choosing books for your child to read. The post How to Choose Age Appropriate Books lists several resources you can use to help ensure the books you pick are suitable for your family.

3rd Grade Reading List

The books below are listed in alphabetical order by title. For additional book options, also check out our reading lists for other grades.

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A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond

Reading to Kids has discussion questions, vocabulary words, and craft ideas for the book.

Bears on Hemlock Mountain by Alice Dalgliesh

Homeschool Share’s unit study covers comprehension questions and vocabulary. It also includes lessons related to the story in science, social studies, grammar, writing, art, math, and more.

Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace

This lapbook set from Homeschool Share includes printable activities based on two books: Betsy-Tacy and Betsy-Tacy and Tib. It covers plot points, characters, the author, and more.

Plain and not so Plain provides comprehension questions for each chapter of the book.

The Betsy-Tacy Society put together this reading guide that includes discussion questions for Betsy-Tacy and several other books in the series.

The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

At Garden of Praise, you’ll find comprehension worksheets for each chapter of the book.

This comprehension pack from Teachers Pay Teachers includes questions, drawing prompts, and more.

This book study found on Teachers Pay Teachers includes chapter questions, character analysis, summary writing, and other activities.

Catwings by Ursula K. Le Guin

Garden of Praise has comprehension worksheets for the book.

The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh

Homeschool Share’s unit study provides comprehension questions, vocabulary words, and writing assignments. It also includes activities covering related social studies, science, and math topics.

This resource from Teachers Pay Teachers includes reading response questions and vocabulary exercises.

Donavan’s Word Jar by Monalisa DeGross

This worksheet set, found on Teachers Pay Teachers, includes vocabulary words, comprehension questions, and more.

Plugged In provides discussion questions for the book.

Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown

Rise to Reading also provides comprehension questions for each chapter of the book.

This resource from Teachers Pay Teachers includes comprehension questions, drawing prompts, writing prompts, and story sequencing activities.

To expand further on topics mentioned in the book, Homeschool Share’s lapbook covers occupations, transportation, geography, letter writing, weather, and much more.

Hannah by Gloria Whelan

Garden of Praise has worksheets that cover vocabulary words and comprehension questions.

Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary

Reading to Kids provides discussion questions, vocabulary words, and craft ideas.

A set of reading comprehension quizzes is available on Teachers Pay Teachers.

At Soft Schools, you’ll find a 10-question quiz for the book.

The Hundred Penny Box by Sharon Bell Mathis

Beginning on page 40 of Response Guides for Teaching Children’s Books, there are discussion questions, writing assignments, and activity suggestions for the book.

Sussan C. Anthony provides vocabulary worksheets and other ideas for teaching the book.

Joan’s Quest by Carolyn Cooney

Mercy for Marthas‘ study guide provides comprehension questions for the book.

Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

The Prindle Institute provides a discussion guide and questions for the book.

Homeschool Share offers a unit study with activities focused on gardening, plant life, math, and more.

This book unit from Teachers Pay Teachers includes lesson plans, a comprehension test, and a context clues worksheet.

A New Coat for Anna by Harriet Ziefert

This lapbook and printables set from Homeschool Share covers aspects of the plot, as well as, further learning on World War II, Germany, and Christmas.

Teachers Pay Teachers has a story sequencing worksheet for the book.

Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan

This unit study and lapbook from Homeschool Share covers reading skills, vocabulary, writing, and copywork. It also includes math, science, history, and geography lessons related to the book.

This comprehension packet from Teachers Pay Teachers provides worksheets for each chapter of the book.

Rise to Reading provides comprehension questions for the book.

The Secret School by Avi

This worksheet set, found on Teachers Pay Teachers, includes vocabulary and comprehension questions for each chapter.

Scholastic provides discussion questions and activities for the book.

Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner

This novel study found on Teachers Pay Teachers includes comprehension questions, vocabulary exercises, and writing prompts.

Garden of Praise offers comprehension worksheets for each chapter of the book.

This unit study from Homeschool Share provides vocabulary words, comprehension questions, and essay questions. There are also activities that cover related science, geography, history, cooking, and more.

Rise to Reading provides comprehension questions for the book.

The Sword in the Tree by Clyde Robert Bulla

Rise to Reading provides comprehension questions for each chapter of the book.

Tornado by Betsy Byars

This unit study created by Homeschool Share includes lessons in geography, social studies, science, vocabulary, writing, and more related to the book.

SoftSchools has an online quiz for the book.

Viking Adventure by Clyde Robert Bulla

This lapbook from Homeschool Share has discussion questions and activities related to the book, including Viking history and geography.

The Year of Miss Agnes by Kirkpatrick Hill

In addition to covering the plot and characters of the book, Homeschool Share’s unit study also includes cross-curricular activities in science, geography, math, and more.

You Are Special by Max Lucado

This activity guide from 7Sisters Homeschool covers story elements, plot, phonics skills, vocabulary, and more.

A set of discussion cards are available for the book on Teachers Pay Teachers.

I hope your child enjoys reading these books!

4th Grade School Reading List

When your child is ready, we also have a 4th grade reading list. Like our 3rd grade reading list, it includes at least one free novel study or lesson for each book.

More Free Reading Curriculum & Resources

Free Vintage Readers for 3rd Grade– Download free grade-level vintage readers here.

Free Book Guides– This page tells where to find book guides and novel studies for every grade.

Free Reading and Literature Curriculum– On this page, you’ll find many reading and literature curriculum options.

Free eBooks– This post tells where to find free eBooks for the entire family.

Free Audiobooks– This post shares where to find free audiobooks for all ages.

Note: This post was originally published on May 23, 2021, and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.