20 Best Must-Read Chapter Books for 4th Graders: 2025 Popular Picks

4th grade is a pivotal time for reading growth, but finding chapter books that balance challenge and fun can be tricky. Many parents and educators struggle to pick stories that match 9-10 year olds’ developing skills while keeping them excited.

This guide curates 20 of 2025’s most popular picks, handpicked for their engaging plots, relatable characters, and age-appropriate complexity. Whether you’re looking to nurture a love of reading or support classroom learning, these books will captivate your 4th grader—let’s dive in!

Finding good books for 4th graders can help them love reading. You want stories that make kids want to read more. These stories should make them laugh and think about the characters. Epic is a trusted digital reading platform. It has a 4th Grade Chapter Books collection made by Mrs. Zuniga. These books have adventure and humor. They also have themes that every young reader can understand. See how chapter books help kids become better readers:

Benefit	Impact on Young Readers
Builds stamina	Kids read longer and handle harder stories
Grows empathy	Characters show how to be kind and understand
Boosts confidence	Book choices fit each reader’s special needs
Increases motivation	Fun stories make reading something to enjoy

What are Chapter Books?

You might wonder what makes chapter books special for young readers. Chapter books bridge the gap between picture books and longer middle grade novels. They offer just the right amount of challenge and excitement for kids who are ready to move beyond simple stories but aren’t quite ready for complex plots. If you’re searching for books for 4th graders, chapter books are a fantastic place to start.

Here’s a quick look at how chapter books compare to middle grade novels:

Feature	Chapter Books	Middle Grade Novels
Target Age	6 to 9 years	8 to 12 years
Word Count	1,500 to 10,000 words (up to 12,000)	20,000 to 50,000 words (longer for some genres)
Structure	Short chapters, simple sentences	More complex plots, deeper themes
Themes	Light tone, humor, adventure	Real-world challenges, emotional depth
Examples	Junie B. Jones, Magic Tree House	Because of Winn-Dixie, Wonder

When you introduce chapter books to your child, you help them build important reading skills. At this age, kids start to read independently. They need stories that match their growing abilities and interests. Chapter books use short chapters and simple sentences, so kids can read on their own and feel proud of their progress. These books often include illustrations, which make the stories even more engaging.

Reading chapter books does more than improve vocabulary. It helps your child grow in many ways:

• Kids develop empathy by seeing the world through different characters’ eyes.
• Stories give children a safe way to explore and talk about their own feelings.
• Listening to stories teaches kids about emotions and how to understand others.
• Connecting with characters helps children feel less alone and more self-aware.
• Reading changes how kids relate to the world and boosts their thinking skills.
• Sharing books with family strengthens your bond and creates lasting memories.

You’ll notice that the right chapter books for 4th graders spark curiosity and confidence. When your child finds a story they love, they want to read more. This excitement leads to better comprehension and a lifelong love of reading. You can support your child by choosing books that match their interests and reading level. If you’re not sure where to start, Epic’s 4th Grade Chapter Books collection offers a wide range of options that make reading fun and rewarding.

Tip: Let your child pick out their own chapter books. Kids feel more motivated when they have a say in what they read!

Chapter books open doors to new adventures, ideas, and friendships. They help your child grow as a reader and as a person. So, dive in and watch your young reader’s imagination take flight!

Top 20 Must-Read Chapter Books for 4th Graders

Diary of a 5th Grade Outlaw

Series Overview

This series is full of adventure and humor. Robin Loxley is the main character. She deals with school problems and helps her friends. Robin faces tough situations and uses clever ideas to solve them. The story mixes real school life with fun twists. Many 4th graders enjoy these books right now. You will cheer for Robin as she tries to beat the school’s “king.” She wants to help her classmates and make things fair. The chapters are short and have funny pictures. These books are easy to read and hard to stop.

Key Themes

• Friendship and loyalty
• Standing up for what’s right
• Problem-solving and creativity
• Courage and resilience

Tip: Kids who like smart heroes and school stories will love this series!

Charlie Bumpers

Series Overview

Charlie Bumpers tells about a fourth grader’s daily life. You follow Charlie at school, with friends, and at home. Each book has a new problem for Charlie to solve. He learns and grows from soccer games and school plays. The stories are funny and honest. Many 4th graders pick these books as favorites. The author makes the characters feel real. You might see yourself in Charlie, Hector, or Tommy. Their adventures show that small things can teach big lessons.

Key Themes

• Teamwork and collaboration
• Responsibility and facing consequences
• Friendship and loyalty
• The challenges of growing up

These themes help kids learn about empathy and self-discovery. They also show why it is important to help others. Parents and teachers say Charlie’s stories start good talks about choices.

Dog Chronicles

Series Overview

Does your reader love animals and adventure? Dog Chronicles tells true stories about brave dogs. Each book is about a real dog who did something special. You will read about dogs who save people or help in disasters. Some dogs travel far and do amazing things. The stories are exciting and inspiring. They are great for kids who want to learn about courage and loyalty. These books mix facts with fun stories. You get to read an adventure and learn new things. Dog Chronicles is special because it shows history and the bond between people and animals.

Key Themes

• Courage and resilience
• Loyalty and friendship
• Overcoming challenges
• Adventure and discovery

Note: Animal stories help kids learn empathy and kindness.

These three series have humor, adventure, and life lessons. They show new trends in kids’ books. They celebrate diversity and creativity. They teach kids to face problems with confidence.

Desmond Pucket

Book Highlight

You might know Desmond Pucket as the kid who loves monster movies and pranks. He is not your typical hero. Desmond gets into trouble, but he always finds a way to make things interesting. If you have a reluctant reader at home, this book could be the one that grabs their attention. Desmond’s story feels real. He faces teachers, rules, and the ups and downs of middle school. You see him struggle with authority and learn from his mistakes. The humor in the book makes it easy to keep reading.

Desmond Pucket stands out because of its creative design. You get engaging illustrations that match the story. Black and white sketches look like Desmond drew them himself. The endpapers look like crumpled notebook paper, which adds a cool touch. At the end of the book, you find activities and games. These extras invite you to join the fun. You can even find online resources and creative prompts that let you become part of Desmond’s world.

If your child likes monster movies, pranks, or doodling, Desmond Pucket will feel like a friend.

Key Themes

• Mischief and creativity
• Facing consequences
• Humor in everyday life
• Learning from mistakes
• Friendship and loyalty

You see Desmond grow as he learns what it means to be responsible. The book encourages you to think about your choices and how they affect others. It also shows that everyone can be creative in their own way.

Milo & Jazz Mysteries

Series Overview

Do you enjoy solving puzzles? Milo & Jazz Mysteries might be the perfect pick for you. This series follows two young detectives, Milo and Jazz, as they tackle mysteries big and small. Each book gives you clues and lets you try to solve the case before the detectives do. The stories are fast-paced and full of surprises. You get to see Milo and Jazz use their brains to figure out what happened. The mysteries are never too scary, so you can read them before bed or during a quiet afternoon.

These books for 4th graders help you build important skills. You learn to observe details, think logically, and draw conclusions. Milo and Jazz use critical thinking to solve cases like the mystery of the stolen socks. Their investigations teach you how to reason and make smart choices. These skills match what you learn in school, especially when you work on research and writing.

Try reading with a friend or family member. See who can solve the mystery first!

Key Themes

• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Observation and deduction
• Friendship and trust

You discover that working together makes solving problems easier. The series shows that everyone can be a detective if they pay attention and ask good questions.

The Friendship War

You might wonder what happens when a simple collection turns into a big competition. The Friendship War tells the story of Grace, who starts collecting buttons. Soon, her friends join in, and the button craze spreads through the school. What begins as fun turns into rivalry. Grace must figure out how to fix things and bring everyone back together.

This book explores how friendships can change and grow. You see Grace deal with jealousy, misunderstandings, and the challenge of making things right. The story is funny and honest. It shows that even small things can lead to big lessons. If you want books for 4th graders that talk about real-life problems, The Friendship War is a great choice.

The Friendship War helps you understand how to handle conflicts and stay true to your friends.

Because of Winn-Dixie

Opal is a young girl who moves to a new town. She feels lonely and misses her old life. At the grocery store, she finds a stray dog named Winn-Dixie. This dog helps Opal make new friends. She learns about forgiveness and kindness. Opal starts to understand others better. The story shows how a pet can help you open up. Opal faces hard times, like missing her mom. She tries to fit in at her new school. Friendships grow in ways she did not expect. You learn that everyone has their own story. Sometimes, you just need to listen. Because of Winn-Dixie makes you think about belonging.

If you enjoy stories about pets and friendship, this book will make you smile.

Key Themes:

• Friendship and acceptance
• Forgiveness and empathy
• Coping with change
• The power of community

Matilda

Matilda is a classic story that many people love. Matilda is smart and curious. She enjoys reading books. Her parents do not understand her. She finds comfort in her kind teacher, Miss Honey. Matilda faces problems at home and at school. She never gives up. She uses her intelligence to solve problems. Matilda helps others when they need it. The story inspires you to be brave. Reading and storytelling can change your life. You might want to draw scenes from the book. You may write your own stories after reading Matilda. The story shows how music and movement help you share feelings.

• Matilda’s love for storytelling inspires you to be creative.
• Drawing pictures from the book helps you tell stories.
• Reading about Matilda makes you want to write adventures.
• Talking about Matilda’s choices helps you think about right and wrong.
• Acting out scenes or singing lets you feel emotions in the story.
• Trying activities from Matilda teaches you to keep going when things get tough.

Matilda shows you that being different is good. You can use your imagination to solve problems and help others.

Key Themes:

• Creativity and self-expression
• Resilience and perseverance
• The importance of kindness
• Standing up for yourself

We’re Not from Here

You enter a world where Earth is gone. Humans must live on a new planet. Lan and his family try to fit in with aliens. It is hard to be different. Staying hopeful is important. The book mixes science fiction and humor. It is fun and makes you think. You learn about acceptance and being part of a community. The story asks you to imagine life in a strange place. You see Lan use creativity and courage to solve problems. This book is great for adventure lovers. It is also good for those who like stories about fitting in.

If you like science fiction and new beginnings, you will enjoy this book.

Key Themes:

• Acceptance and diversity
• Courage and adaptability
• Humor in tough situations
• Building friendships

The One and Only Ivan

You step into the world of Ivan, a silverback gorilla who lives in a glass enclosure at a mall. Ivan spends his days watching people and drawing pictures. He does not remember much about his life before captivity. When a baby elephant named Ruby arrives, Ivan promises to protect her. This promise changes everything for Ivan and his friends.

You will find that this story is more than just an animal tale. It explores deep themes that matter to you and your classmates. Here are some of the important ideas you will notice:

• The friendships between Ivan, Ruby, and Stella show how kindness can make a difference.
• The story helps you think about how animals feel when they live in captivity.
• You see both the good and bad sides of how humans treat animals.
• The book talks about the need for better care and respect for animals.
• You learn that even small acts of kindness can change lives.

You might finish this book with new questions about animal welfare. You may want to talk about how you can help animals in your own community. The One and Only Ivan is a favorite among books for 4th graders because it makes you care about the characters and think about the world in new ways.

Tip: After reading, try drawing your own picture of Ivan or Ruby. Share your thoughts about animal care with your friends or family.

Magic Treehouse

If you love adventure, you will want to join Jack and Annie on their journeys in the Magic Treehouse series. Each book takes you to a new place and time. You might visit ancient Egypt, the moon, or the Wild West. The magic treehouse lets you travel anywhere you can imagine.

Teachers and parents often choose this series for 4th graders because it helps you learn while you read. Here is a quick look at what you gain from these stories:

Benefit	Description
Promotes Curiosity and Learning	The series sparks curiosity about the world, introducing you to new places and cultures.
Improves Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary	The writing style helps you read on your own and learn new words through context.
Introduces Historical Events, Cultures, and Science	Each book mixes stories with real-world learning, covering topics like history and science.

You will find that the chapters are short and the language is easy to follow. This makes it perfect if you want to read by yourself or with a friend. The Magic Treehouse series helps you build confidence as a reader. You also get to explore history, science, and geography in a fun way.

Try keeping a travel journal like Jack and Annie. Write down the places you visit in the books and what you learn about them!

Diary of a Minecraft Zombie

Do you enjoy Minecraft? If you do, you will love Diary of a Minecraft Zombie. This series tells the story of Zombie, a regular kid who just happens to be a zombie. You get to see the Minecraft world through his eyes. Zombie deals with school, friends, and family—just like you do.

The books are written as a diary, so you feel like Zombie is talking right to you. The stories are funny and full of silly adventures. You will laugh at Zombie’s problems with creepers, skeletons, and even his own pet chicken. The pictures and jokes make it easy to keep reading.

Many kids pick this series when they want something fun and familiar. If you are a fan of Minecraft, you will recognize the places and characters. These books for 4th graders are great for reluctant readers because they mix humor with a world you already know.

• You learn about friendship and problem-solving.
• The stories show that being different can be a good thing.
• You get to use your imagination and creativity.

If you like to draw, try making your own Minecraft comic after reading!

Nic Blake and the Remarkables

If you like magic and adventure, try Nic Blake and the Remarkables. You follow Nic, a young Manifestor with magical powers. She learns secrets about her family and her world. The story takes you to a place with spells and magical creatures. There are hidden truths everywhere. Nic faces hard challenges and must make tough choices. She learns what it means to be brave.

This book is special because it shows African and African American culture. You see traditions and legends mixed with magic. History is part of the story too. This helps you learn about different cultures. Nic’s journey is exciting and full of surprises. You might wish you could cast spells or join Nic’s adventures.

Here are some reasons why 4th graders like this book:

• The story has magic and adventure. Young readers enjoy these themes.
• It shows African and African American culture. This gives new ideas and perspectives.
• Nic is a Manifestor. Her magical powers make the story interesting.

Tip: If you like fantasy and stories about finding your strengths, Nic Blake and the Remarkables will keep you reading.

The Last Mapmaker

Do you want to explore new places or find treasure? The Last Mapmaker is about Sai, a smart and brave girl. Sai wants to change her life and prove herself. She joins a risky trip to map unknown lands. You travel with her through storms and secrets. There are dragons too. The story mixes adventure with lessons about identity and doing what is right.

Let’s see why 4th graders like this book:

Evidence	Explanation
Sai goes on a sea adventure. She faces secrets, dragons, and treasure.	This makes the story exciting and fun for kids.
The book talks about exploring, identity, and doing the right thing.	These ideas help kids think and learn.

Sai’s journey is like the Hero’s Journey. Famous characters like Luke Skywalker and Katniss Everdeen have similar stories. The book has many different characters. You meet people from many backgrounds. You learn about teamwork. You might think about your own dreams. What would you do if you found a mysterious map?

Note: If you like dragons, secrets, and brave heroes, The Last Mapmaker will make you want to start your own adventure.

Fun According to Humphrey

Have you ever thought about school from a hamster’s view? Fun According to Humphrey shows school life through Humphrey, the class hamster. Humphrey’s adventures are funny and sweet. He helps classmates solve problems and make friends. He learns new things and tries clever ideas. Humphrey brings everyone together.

Humphrey faces challenges like you do. He learns about friendship and kindness. The book teaches you how to handle tough times and make good choices. You will cheer for Humphrey as he helps his friends. He finds out what it means to be part of a team.

Here’s why 4th graders love this series:

• Humphrey the hamster is funny. Kids like his point of view.
• Friendship is a big theme. You see how to make friends and solve problems.
• The story is told by Humphrey. This helps you learn about empathy and friendship.

Try writing your own story from an animal’s point of view. You might see your world in a new way!

Wonder

You might have heard about Wonder by R.J. Palacio. This book tells the story of Auggie, a boy with a facial difference who starts at a new school. You see the world through Auggie’s eyes and learn how he faces bullying, makes friends, and finds acceptance. The story also shares the perspectives of his sister Via, his friend Jack, and classmate Summer. Each character brings a new point of view, helping you understand what it feels like to be different.

Here’s a quick look at how each character’s perspective adds to the story:

Character	Perspective	Insight
Auggie	Main character	Experiences bullying and seeks acceptance
Via	Auggie’s sister	Faces challenges of being overshadowed by Auggie
Jack	Auggie’s friend	Struggles with peer pressure and ethics
Summer	Classmate	Shows kindness and acceptance towards Auggie

You learn important lessons about empathy and kindness. The book encourages you to reflect on Auggie’s experiences and think about how you treat others. Many teachers use Wonder to start conversations about bullying, courage, and acceptance. You might even see kindness movements inspired by this story in your own school.

• You develop a deeper understanding of empathy and kindness.
• You feel inspired to share your thoughts and feelings about the characters.
• You learn to be an “upstander” and help others who feel left out.

Wonder helps you see that everyone deserves respect. When you read this book, you join Auggie on his journey to find friends and acceptance. You discover that being different is something to celebrate. If you’re looking for books for 4th graders that teach important life lessons, Wonder is a top choice.

Tip: After finishing Wonder, talk with your friends or family about what kindness means to you. Try doing one kind thing each day!

The BFG

If you love stories full of imagination, The BFG by Roald Dahl will sweep you away. You meet Sophie, a brave girl, and the Big Friendly Giant, who collects dreams in jars. Together, they travel through giant country and try to stop the mean giants from causing trouble. The book mixes adventure, humor, and fantasy in a way that makes you want to keep reading.

You get to explore creative ideas while reading The BFG. Here are some fun ways the story sparks your imagination:

• Dream Jars: You can create your own dream jars, just like the BFG. This activity helps you think about your hopes and dreams.
• Invent Your Own Gobblefunk Words: The BFG uses silly made-up words. Try making up your own words and share them with friends.
• Giant vs. Human Perspective Writing: Write a story from a giant’s point of view or from Sophie’s. This helps you see things from different perspectives.
• Map the Journey: Draw a map of the places Sophie and the BFG visit. This makes the story come alive and helps you remember key events.
• Character Talk Circles: Pretend to be Sophie or the BFG and talk about your adventures. Role-playing helps you understand the characters better.

The BFG encourages you to use your imagination and creativity. You learn about friendship, bravery, and the power of dreams. The story is funny and heartwarming, making it a favorite among young readers. If you enjoy magical adventures and silly words, this book will make you smile.

Note: Try inventing your own gobblefunk word after reading The BFG. Share it with your class and see who comes up with the funniest one!

Key Themes in Chapter Books for 4th Graders

When you read books for 4th graders, you enter new worlds. These stories have adventure, humor, and lessons about life. They do more than make you laugh. They help you learn and grow. Let’s look at some common themes in chapter books. These themes shape how you read and think.

Here’s a table with top themes and examples from popular books:

Theme	Example Book Description
Friendship	Ivan and Ruby’s story shows friendship and seeing things in new ways.
Connection	Opal and Winn-Dixie’s journey shows loneliness and making friends in a new place.
Identity	Anna’s story as an Asian American explores identity and friendship in 4th grade.
Social Issues	Scoob and his grandma’s trip talks about civil rights, racism, and segregation.
Immigration	Lina’s move from China to the U.S. shows real immigration experiences.

Friendship is a theme in almost every book. Ivan and Ruby show how friends help each other. You learn to listen and share. You see why it’s good to stand up for others. These lessons stay with you after you finish reading.

Connection is another important theme. Opal’s story in Winn-Dixie shows why making friends matters. You see how reaching out can turn a new place into home. You learn that connections help you feel less alone.

Identity is a big part of chapter books. Anna’s story helps you think about who you are. You read about kids learning about their culture and family. These stories help you see what makes you special.

Social issues appear in many books. Scoob and his grandma talk about fairness and respect. You learn about history and why it’s important to stand up for what’s right. These stories teach you to be kind and fair.

Immigration stories, like Lina’s, show what it’s like to move to a new country. You read about hard times and victories. These books help you understand and care about people from different places.

Tip: After reading about these themes, talk with friends or family. Sharing your ideas helps you understand the story better.

Chapter books help you grow socially and emotionally. You learn to handle your feelings and talk with others. You build strong friendships and learn teamwork. Teachers use these stories to teach kindness and problem-solving. You practice these skills every time you read.

If you want books that help you grow, look for these themes. They make reading fun and help you become a better friend and thinker.

Tips to Encourage 4th Graders to Read

Create a Reading-Friendly Space

You can make reading special by setting up a cozy spot. Add a soft chair, a small shelf, and bright lights. Kids like having a place just for them. Hang up posters of book characters or show off new books. This helps kids see that reading is important.

Here are some ways to help kids read more:

Strategy	Description
Explicitly teach comprehension strategies	Show kids how to understand hard texts.
Encourage students to read often	Reading more helps kids get better at it.
Use reading interventions	Special help lets struggling readers improve faster.
Teach reading comprehension strategies	Skills like summarizing and predicting help kids understand.
Support students with structured lessons	Clear lessons make reading easier for everyone.

You can use charts or stickers to track progress. Kids like to see how much they grow. Try a book of the month or a reading contest. These ideas make reading fun and exciting.

Let Kids Choose Books

Letting kids pick their own books really helps. When kids choose, they feel in control. They get excited when they find stories they like. You might see them read more and talk about books.

“Interest and choice is a motivating factor for reading as it gives students an increase in accountability and ownership of their learning.” (Baker, 2019)

Book clubs are a good idea too. Kids can read together and share their thoughts. They can make projects about their favorite stories. Social reading helps kids feel more confident.

“Teachers can implement book clubs in their class to increase student engagement and motivation. These clubs should provide ample opportunities for social interaction where students can read the book together, talk about the book, or create a project or display to keep track of the story elements.”

You can send weekly reading updates or hold book fairs. These events help kids find new books and celebrate their reading.

Read Together

Reading together helps you bond with your child. You can read aloud or listen as they read. Kids like sharing stories and asking questions. You can talk about the characters or guess what happens next. This helps kids understand and feel good about reading.

“When students read in book clubs and can comprehend the text better, it can be predicted that their reading comprehension self-efficacy will increase, which can predict greater reading motivation.” (Bakkaloglu & Pilten, 2023)

Try to read every day. Set aside time each night or join a family reading challenge. Kids like to see adults enjoy books too. When you read together, you show that stories are important and learning never ends.

• Want to make reading more fun? Try a reading challenge or make a display for finished books. Celebrate every goal with a high five or a sticker! 📚✨

How We Chose the Best Chapter Books for 4th Graders

Choosing the right chapter books for you or your students takes more than just picking popular titles. You want stories that spark curiosity, build confidence, and match your interests. Here’s how we put together this list of must-read chapter books for 4th graders.

Selection Criteria

You deserve books that make reading fun and meaningful. When we selected these chapter books, we looked for stories that:

• Grab your attention from the first page.
• Feature characters you can relate to or learn from.
• Offer clear language and short chapters so you feel successful as you read.
• Include themes like friendship, courage, and problem-solving.
• Encourage you to think, laugh, and ask questions.

We also listened to teachers, parents, and students. We checked which books get picked most often in classrooms and libraries. We made sure each book helps you grow as a reader and as a person.

Tip: If you find a book that makes you want to read more, you know you’re on the right track!

Genre Variety

You probably have your own favorite types of stories. Some kids love mysteries, while others want adventure or funny tales. That’s why our list includes a wide mix of genres. You’ll see fiction, nonfiction, fantasy, and even graphic novels.

• The list features engaging fiction and nonfiction titles.
• Graphic novels like The Bad Guys are perfect for visual learners and anyone who enjoys humor.
• Informative nonfiction books such as Who Would Win?: Killer Whale vs. Great White Shark appeal to kids who like facts and science.
• The variety in genres matches the different tastes and reading levels you find in every fourth grade classroom.

Here are two examples from our list:

1. Matilda by Roald Dahl – This classic helps you explore your identity and imagination.
2. Weird Little Robots by Carolyn Crimi – You’ll enjoy a story about friendship and creativity, especially if you love building things or inventing.

You can try a new genre and discover something you never expected to enjoy. Mixing up your reading keeps things fresh and exciting.

Age Appropriateness

You need books that fit your reading level and life experiences. We made sure every title on this list is just right for 4th graders. The stories use language you can understand. The chapters are short enough so you don’t feel overwhelmed. The themes match what you might face at school, with friends, or at home.

We avoided books with content that’s too mature or confusing. You’ll find stories that challenge you but don’t frustrate you. Each book helps you build skills and confidence as you read more.

Criteria	Why It Matters for You
Vocabulary Level	You can read independently and learn
Chapter Length	You finish chapters and feel proud
Themes	You relate to characters and events

Note: When you read books that fit your age, you enjoy the story and grow as a reader.

You can trust this list to guide you toward books that make reading a joy. Try a few and see which ones become your favorites!

Top 20 Must-Read Chapter Books for 4th Graders Table List

It can be hard to pick a book when there are so many. Don’t worry! This table will help you find a great story. Every book here has something cool—adventure, jokes, or a lesson you’ll remember. Look at the table and see which books sound interesting.

#	Book Title	Author	Genre	Why 4th Graders Love It
1	Diary of a 5th Grade Outlaw	Gina Loveless	Humor/Adventure	Robin’s clever plans and school drama keep you hooked.
2	Charlie Bumpers	Bill Harley	Realistic Fiction	Charlie’s funny mishaps feel just like real life.
3	Dog Chronicles	Kate Klimo	Nonfiction/Adventure	True stories of brave dogs inspire you to be courageous.
4	Desmond Pucket	Mark Tatulli	Humor	Pranks, monsters, and doodles make you laugh out loud.
5	Milo & Jazz Mysteries	Lewis B. Montgomery	Mystery	You get to solve puzzles and feel like a real detective.
6	The Friendship War	Andrew Clements	Realistic Fiction	Button collecting turns into a wild school adventure.
7	Because of Winn-Dixie	Kate DiCamillo	Realistic Fiction	Opal’s new dog helps her make friends and feel at home.
8	Matilda	Roald Dahl	Fantasy	Matilda’s magic and clever tricks make you cheer for her.
9	We’re Not from Here	Geoff Rodkey	Science Fiction	Aliens, humor, and fitting in on a new planet—so much fun!
10	The One and Only Ivan	K.A. Applegate	Animal Fiction	Ivan’s story teaches you about kindness and hope.
11	Magic Treehouse	Mary Pope Osborne	Adventure/Fantasy	Jack and Annie’s time-traveling trips never get old.
12	Diary of a Minecraft Zombie	Zack Zombie	Humor/Fantasy	Minecraft fans love Zombie’s silly adventures.
13	Nic Blake and the Remarkables	Angie Thomas	Fantasy/Adventure	Magic, family secrets, and bravery fill every page.
14	The Last Mapmaker	Christina Soontornvat	Adventure	You join Sai on a quest full of danger and discovery.
15	Fun According to Humphrey	Betty G. Birney	Animal Fiction	Humphrey the hamster’s view of school is both funny and sweet.
16	Wonder	R.J. Palacio	Realistic Fiction	Auggie’s journey shows you the power of kindness.
17	The BFG	Roald Dahl	Fantasy	Giants, dreams, and silly words spark your imagination.
18	The Bad Guys	Aaron Blabey	Graphic Novel/Humor	Laugh-out-loud animal antics and wild missions.
19	Who Would Win?	Jerry Pallotta	Nonfiction	Animal face-offs teach you cool science facts.
20	Weird Little Robots	Carolyn Crimi	Science Fiction	Friendship and inventions make this story extra fun.

Tip: Pick a book from a genre you don’t usually read. You might find a new favorite!

Use this table as a checklist. Mark each book you finish, or share the list with friends. If you want more ideas, look at Epic’s 4th Grade Chapter Books collection. Enjoy your reading! 🎉

You’ve got a list packed with adventure, laughs, and lessons. These chapter books can spark curiosity and help you build empathy. Try reading them with your kids or students. Share your favorites and see which stories make everyone smile.

Reading now sets you up for a lifetime of learning and imagination. Dive in, explore new worlds, and watch your love for books grow!

Conclusion

Choosing the right chapter books for 4th graders can transform reading from a chore to an adventure. With our 2025 picks, you’ll find stories that challenge, entertain, and grow with your child. Remember, the best book is one that sparks their curiosity—so explore, experiment, and celebrate every page turned. For more reading guides and personalized recommendations, visit the 4th Grade Reading Hub today!

FAQ on Chapter Books for 4th Graders

What makes a chapter book good for 4th graders?

You want a book with short chapters, relatable characters, and fun adventures. Look for stories that match your child’s interests and reading level. Humor, friendship, and problem-solving themes work well for this age.

How can I help my child pick the right book?

Let your child choose! Offer a few options from different genres. Ask what topics or characters they like. If they enjoy the first few pages, it’s probably a good fit.

Are digital reading platforms like Epic safe for kids?

Yes! Epic is designed for children. You get a safe, ad-free space with thousands of books. Parents and teachers can track progress and set preferences for each reader.

How much should my 4th grader read each day?

Aim for 20–30 minutes daily. You can split this time between independent reading and reading together. Consistency helps build strong reading habits.

What if my child is a reluctant reader?

Try graphic novels, funny stories, or books about their favorite hobbies. Let them choose. Celebrate small reading wins. Reading together can also boost confidence.

Can I use these books for classroom read-alouds?

Absolutely! Many of these chapter books work well for group reading. They spark discussions and help students connect with each other.

How do I know if a book is too hard or too easy?

Check the “five-finger rule.” If your child struggles with more than five words on a page, the book may be too hard. Easy books are fine too—they build confidence!

Where can I find more book recommendations?

You can explore Epic’s 4th Grade Chapter Books collection. Ask your local librarian or your child’s teacher for more ideas. Book fairs and reading lists are great resources too.