Best Books For 4th Graders

Do you want books that can truly inspire your 4th grader to read more? Do you like stories that improve vocabulary, boost imagination, and build confidence in your child? Choosing the right books for grade 4 students is important because this is the grade when children develop stronger reading habits, enhance comprehension, and begin exploring deeper observation.

In this blog, we provide a list of books that are best to increase your kids’ knowledge, vocabulary, learn new ideas and culture, and develop critical thinking. 

Popular Books for Grade 4

Here are some popular and recommended books that help your 4th-grade children academically, such as reading skills, increasing vocabulary, and, personally, by building confidence, emotions, and morale values.

Charlotte’s Web -E.B. White 

It is a heartwarming story about the friendship between a pig (Wilbur) and a spider (Charlotte). Great for teaching kindness and empathy. The main theme of Charlotte's Web is friendship, kindness, and caring for others. The story shows how Charlotte's selfless actions save Wilbur and how true friends support each other in times of need.

• Characters in Charlotte's Web are;

Wulbur: A Kind and innocent pig, the main character. He is naive at first, but learns about friendship and life.

Charlotte: A wise, caring spider who helps Wilbur by writing messages in her web. She teaches lessons about loyalty and creativity.

Fern Arabl: A young girl who saves Wilbur when he is a piglet. She shows compassion and love for animals.

Templetion: A greedy but clever rat who helps Charlotte and Wilbur, mostly motivated by food.

Mr Arable: Fern's father, practical and concerned about farm work.

Mrs Arable: Fern’s mother is so caring and supportive.

Other farm animals: sheep, geese in the barn provide background and sometimes humour.

Matilda -Roald Dahl

Matilda is a very smart girl with magical powers who uses her intelligence and courage to stand up to her parents and the cruel headmistress. The theme of the story is about intelligence, courage and standing up for what is right. It shows that even small or underestimated people can make a big difference through cleverness, kindness and bravery. It also emphasises the importance of education, love and supportive mentorship in helping children reach their potential.

• Characters in Matilda are;

Matilda Wormwood: A brilliant, kind and brave girl who loves reading and learning. She uses her wit and, later, her powers to overcome difficulties.

Miss Honey is Matilda‘s gentle, caring, and supportive teacher. She becomes Matilda's mentor and helps her stand up to injustice.

Miss Trunchull: The cruel, terrifying headmistress of Matilda's school, who bullies children and rules with fear.

Mr and Mrs Wormwood: Matilda’s neglectful, selfish, and dishonest parents who do not appreciate her talents.

Other students: Matilda’s classmates, some of whom are friends, and other victims of Miss Trunchbull's harshness.

Diary of wimpy kid -jeff kinney

A Diary of a Wimpy Kid is about a boy named Greg Heffley who writes funny stories about his school life, friends, and embarrassing moments. The main themes include friendship, growing up and learning from mistakes. The story humorously explores the challenges of middle school, family dynamics, peer pressure and the ups and downs of everyday life.

• Characters of the diary of a wimpy kid are;

Grey Heffley: The main character and narrator, a middle school boy who is lazy, funny and often tries to find shortcuts, but learns lessons along the way.

Rowley Jefferson: Greg’s best friend; kind, naive and loyal, often getting caught up in Greg’s schemes.

Rodrick Heffley: Grey’s older brother, mischievous and annoying, often teasingGregg

Susan Heffley: Grey’s mother, she is so caring but sometimes strict, trying to guide Greg in the right direction.

Frank Heffley: Greg’s father, humorous and practical, sometimes clueless about Greg's problems.

Other schoolmates: various classmates who create challenges and humorous situations for Greg.

The Tale of Despereaux -Kate DiCamillo 

It is a story of a tiny and brave mouse with big ears and an even bigger heart. Unlike other mice, he loves music, stories and a human princess named Pea. The main themes are courage, forgiveness, and the power of light over darkness. It shows that even the smallest creatures can be heroic, that love and kindness can overcome fear, and that forgiveness can lead to redemption.

• Characters in the tale of Despereaux are;

Despereaux Tilling: A small, brave and noble mouse who loves reading, music and adventure.

Princess Pea: A kind and gentle human princess who inspires Despereaux’s courage.

Roscuro: A rat who struggles with darkness and anger but ultimately learns compassion.

Miggery show: A young servant girl who faces hardship and feels trapped, influenced by roscuro.

Other mice and rats:  Represent the society and rules Despereaux challenges, showing the contrast between courage and fear.

Harry Porter and the sorcerer’s stone -J.K. Rowling 

Harry Potter is about a young boy who discovers he is a wizard and goes to a magical school called Hogwarts. There, he makes friends, learns magic, and faces the dark wizard Voldemort, who once tried to destroy him. The main theme includes friendship, bravery, and the battle between good and evil. The story emphasises that courage, loyalty, and love overcome fear and darkness.

Characters in harry potter and sorcerer’s stone are ;

Harry Potter: The main character is an orphaned boy who discovers he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Hermione Granger: Harry's intelligent and hardworking friend, known for her knowledge and problem-solving skills.

Ron Weasley: Harry's loyal and funny friend who comes from a loving family, often provides emotional support and humour.

Aldous Dumbledore: The wise and kind headmaster of Hogwarts who guides and protects Harry.

Professor McGongall, Stern but fair teacher, head of Gryffindor house.

Lord Voldemort: The dark wizard who killed Harry's parents and seeks to return to power.

Other characters: Draco Malfoy, Hagrid, and the Hogwarts staff and students who shape Harry’s magical world.

The jungle book -Rudyard kipling 

A classic adventure story about Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves, and his friends Baloo and Bagheera. The main theme is to teach that living in harmony with otters and respecting in rules of society is important. It also emphasises loyalty, bravery and learning from mentors while growing up.

The main characters of the Jungle Book are ;

Mowgli: The main character, a boy raised by wolves in the jungle, who was brave, clever and curious.

Baloo: The friendly and wise bear who teaches Mowgli the law of the jungle.

Bagheera: The black panther, protective, smart and loyal to Mowgli.

Shera Khan: The tiger is the main antagonist who wants to kill Mowgli.

Kaa: The python, both a helper and sometimes a threat in different stories

Akela: The leader of the wolf pack who guides and protects Mowgli.

Other jungle animals: play roles in teaching lessons about jungle laws, friendship and survival.

Magical tree

The story is about Jack and Annie, a brother and sister who find a magical tree house filled with Books. When they open a book and wish to go to the place in the picture, the tree house magically transports them to different times and places. Main themes include adventure, learning, and curiosity. The series encourages exploration,problem-solving and the love of reading, showing that knowledge and courage can help overcome challenges.

• Character in Magic Tree

Jack: The older brother, Curious, cautious and loves reading and learning about history and science

Annie: Jack’s younger sister, brave, energetic and often takes the lead in adventurous situations.

The Magic Tree House: A special tree house that magically transports Jack and Annie to different times and places.

The Baby-Sitters Club 

The Baby Sitters Club is about a group of friends who start a babysitting business. The main themes include friendship, responsibility, and teamwork. The stories show how girls can take initiative, work together and solve problems while balancing school, family and friendships.

• Characters of The Baby-sitter Club

Kristy Thomas: The founder of the club, who is a very confident, independent and natural leader.

Claudia Kishi: creative, artistic and stylish often brings fun ideas to the groups.

Mary Anne Spier: Shy and cautious, but responsible and kind, often the voice of reason.

Stacey McGill: She is sophisticated and caring also manages challenges carefully.

Down Schafer: comes from California, and she is strong, brave and stands up for what’s right.

Short Moral English stories 

Short moral stories teach kids about honesty, kindness, hard work and courage while keeping reading exciting. These tales are perfect for 4th graders to enjoy and remember the values in everyday life. Here are the stories 

The Boy Who Cried Wolf

A person repeatedly lies to the people of their village about a wolf attacking the sheep. The villager comes to save them, but one day a wolf comes in real, and the boys cried for it, but the people thought he was joking as always, and no one believed him and all the sheep are lost. This story tells us that always speak the truth.

The Golden Axe

A Poor woodcutter dropped his axe into the river, and a fairy came out from the river and offered him a golden and silver axe, but he did not take it. The woodcutter honestly chooses its own axe instead of gold and silver axes. Due to his honesty, the fairy rewarded them for his honesty. This story tells us that honesty is always rewarded.

The Fox and the Grapes

 Once hungry fox saw a bunch of grapes hanging high on a branch of a tree. He tried jumping again and again to reach them, but failed. At last, he finally walked away and said Grapes are sour, I will not eat them. This story tells us that when someone fails to get something, they pretend it was not good or important. 

The Proud Rose

A beautiful rose boasts about its beauty and looks down on other flowers. One day, a strong wind came and damaged the rose petals. Then the rose realised that true worth is not just about looks. This story tells us that true beauty comes from inner qualities, not just outward appearance.

The Milkmaid and Her Pail

Once there was a milkmaid carrying a pail full of milk on her head. As she walked to the market, she dreamed about selling the milk and buying eggs, chickens and finally a new dress. Lost in her daydream, she tripped and spilt the milk, losing everything she had planned to buy. This story tells us that you don't count your chickens before they hatch.

The Golden Egg

In this story, a farmer’s goose lays one golden egg in a day. He wanted to become rich as soon as possible. One day, he thought to kill his goose and take all of the golden eggs at once, but when he killed the goose, he lost everything and got nothing. This story tells us that greed can lead to loss.

Science Story Novels for Grade 4 

Science can be amazing, exciting and full of adventure for 4th graders. Reading science storybooks is a fun way to learn about the world, explore new ideas and spark curiosity.

Frank Einsetein and Antimatter Motor -jn scieszka 

In this novel, A kid genius inventor builds robots and experiments with real science concepts. He goes on funny and exciting adventures while learning about energy, physics and inventions.

George’s Secret key to the universe -Lucy and Stephen Hawking

It story about space adventure that explains stars, planets and black holes, learning real science along the way.

The Magic School Bus -Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen 

This is the story of students going on magical trips to explore real science topics. They shrink, travel inside the human body, go to space, and learn about animals, plants and earth.

The Wild Robot -Peter Brown 

A robot named Roz wakes up alone on a wild island and learns to survive by observing animals and nature. She makes friends, faces challenges and discovers what it means to be alive.

One-Minute Mysteries-Eric and Natalie Yoder

One Minute Mysteries is a book of short, fun stories where kids solve puzzles using logic and science. It's perfect for kids who like thinking, reasoning and a little detective work. 

Math story books for grade 4

Math storybooks mix stories with real math problems, making learning feel like a game. For 4th graders, reading these books helps them to see how math works in the real world, boosts problem-solving skills and builds confidence. Here are some recommended books;

Sir Cumference series 

This storybook is about medieval adventures and teaching geometry. Sir Cumference, radius, and friends solve medieval quests while teaching circles, angles, place values and more. 

The Grapes of Math 

This book is about puzzles and rhymes for quick math strategies. Each page challenges kids to look at numbers in a new and creative way, helps with addition, subtraction, multiplication and problem solving.

Mission: addition/mission: Multiplication

This is a comic-style math problem-solving adventure 

The Math Inspector Series 

This book is about mystery stories that are solved using math.

Benefits of Reading these Books 

Reading these books provides many benefits for 4th graders. Here are given;

• Improves reading skills
• Sparks imagination and creativity 
• Teaches life lessons, e.g encourage honesty, kindness and courage 
• Enhance critical thinking 
• Encourage curiosity and learning 
• Improves emotional and social skills 

Conclusions 

For 4th graders, reading should be fun, engaging and educational. In our blog, we list all the stories that provide adventure, humour and fun. All moral stories help children to grow intellectually, educationally and socially. All these stories help them to increase their reading skills, increase knowledge, vocabulary, enhance critical thinking and improve them emotionally and socially.