Best Read Aloud Books for Third Grade

It can be difficult finding the best read aloud books for third graders. You want something that will be interesting to them and hold their attention span but will also challenge them. You want something that introduces new vocabulary and thought provoking ideas but yet they can easily understand and identify with. Finally, you want something that will be fun to read. It may sound impossible but there are many read-aloud books that fit that category. Some are classics and others are newer books destined to be classics.

When you are choosing a book to read aloud to your third grader(s) spend a few minutes looking through the book.

• Read a few paragraphs out loud from different chapters. Do the words flow?
• Consider the story. Is it appropriate/interesting/entertaining?
• Can a third grader take something positive away from this book?

Finally, if you start reading the book and the children seem disinterested and don’t become interested after two or three chapters don’t be afraid to put it down and choose another book.

Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte’s Web is a classic story of friendship and loyalty. Because of the fanciful nature of the book, with animals that talk and spiders that have a large vocabulary, children just love the story of Wilbur and Charlotte. There is just enough suspense to keep them interested until the very last page.

The Mouse and the Motorcycle

The Mouse on the Motorcycle is a classic as well, and also one where a human and an animal interact. This is again a book about friendship and loyalty but brings in the subject of making a mistake, trust, and forgiveness.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the beloved story of a very poor boy that gets the opportunity of a lifetime. Some lessons about gluttony, disobedience, selfishness, and other character issues are taught in a fun way. Charlie is likeable and most children will love the fact that he truly gets what he deserves.

Homer Price

Homer lives in Middle America in the middle of the 20^th century. Not many children will be able to identify with the lifestyle; classic atomic age mom at home, small town, etc. However, all will be able to enjoy the antics that Homer goes through.

Little House in the Big Woods

This book is a history lesson that third graders will love. It is excellent in conjunction with a study of Pioneers. Laura and her family live in a small cabin in Wisconsin in the 1800s. The descriptions of daily life make this book fascinating to children.

Caddie Woodlawn

Caddie Woodlawn is another Pioneer story. Caddie is a little more of a tomboy than even Laura Ingalls and gets into a variety of scrapes and learns a lot about people.

Farmer Boy

This is also by Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of Little House in the Big Woods. This is about Almanzo Wilder and his life on a large, prosperous farm in New York State in the mid 1800s. It will balance out a history study very well.

Half Magic

Pure fun, Half Magic is about a group of children that find a magic coin… but since it is a half penny the results are not always very predictable.

Mr. Popper’s Penguins

What would you do with a depressed penguin? Poor Mr. Popper must make some plans.

Dr. Doolittle

The timeless classic of the doctor who can talk to the animals in their own languages. Empathy, compassion, and friendship are subjects that are dealt with in this book.

Reading aloud to children helps develop their reading, thinking, and concentration skills. If you can't afford new or used books you can often find books online for free. Choosing and reading one book a month does not take much time but the rewards will be lasting.