A list of must-have chapter books for middle grades — I thought this was going to be a super easy blog post to write, but boy was I wrong! I have so many favorites that it was practically impossible to narrow down. So, instead, I have a list of some of my favorite chapter books for middle grades classrooms (in no particular order, because that is just impossible). I’ve also included the link to a novel study resource for each book.
So here is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to worlds created by these masterful authors, categorized by grade level:
Must-Have Chapter Books for 3rd Graders:
- Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo:
- Summary: A heartwarming tale of friendship between Opal and a scruffy dog named Winn Dixie, set in a small Southern town.
- Bunnicula by Deborah and James Howe:
- Summary: Join the Monroe family as they navigate the mysterious and humorous adventures involving their new pet rabbit, Bunnicula, suspected of being a vampire.
- Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White:
- Summary: The timeless classic unfolds the remarkable friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte, showcasing themes of love, friendship, and sacrifice.
- James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl:
- Summary: Roald Dahl’s whimsical tale follows James, his giant insect friends, and their journey inside a magical giant peach, filled with humor and heart.
- Frindle by Andrew Clements:
- Summary: Join fifth-grader Nick Allen as he embarks on a hilarious mission to redefine the word “pen” with the creation of the quirky and delightful “frindle.”
- The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling:
- Summary: A delectable story where John Midas learns a sweet lesson about moderation after a magical touch turns everything he eats into chocolate.
- The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate:
- Summary: Narrated by Ivan, a silverback gorilla, this poignant tale explores friendship, art, and the importance of finding one’s voice.
- Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren:
- Summary: Follow the escapades of the unconventional and spirited Pippi Longstocking, a freckle-faced, red-haired girl with superhuman strength and a penchant for adventure.
When it comes to choosing just the right chapter books for middle grades, it’s wise to get a good feeling for the interests and independent reading skills of your students.
Must-Have Chapter Books for 4th Graders
- Dexter the Tough by Margaret Peterson Haddix:
- Summary: Dexter learns valuable life lessons when he is sent to spend a summer with his tough grandmother, leading to unexpected friendships and personal growth.
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl:
- Summary: Join Charlie Bucket as he wins a golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, immersing readers in a world of whimsy, magic, and delicious delights.
- A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck:
- Summary: Set during the Great Depression, this novel follows Joey and Mary Alice as they spend their summers with their unpredictable and eccentric grandmother.
- Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo:
- Summary: A comic-book-loving girl, Flora, teams up with a squirrel with superhero powers, Ulysses, creating a heartwarming tale of friendship and adventure.
- Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater:
- Summary: Join Mr. Popper as his life takes an unexpected turn when he receives a penguin, leading to a series of delightful and comical events.
- Number the Stars by Lois Lowry:
- Summary: A powerful historical novel set in Nazi-occupied Denmark, following the brave journey of a young girl named Annemarie.
- Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin:
- Summary: Minli embarks on a fantastical journey to find the Old Man on the Moon, encountering magical creatures and life lessons along the way.
- Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt:
- Summary: This timeless classic explores the consequences of immortality when a young girl discovers a family with the secret to eternal life.
There are endless options when choosing chapter book for middle grades classrooms, but these books have been well loved by my fourth graders!
Must-Have Chapter Books for 5th Graders
- Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis:
- Summary: Follow the adventures of Bud, a ten-year-old orphan during the Great Depression, as he searches for his father and encounters an array of colorful characters.
- Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan:
- Summary: Esperanza’s life takes a drastic turn as she leaves her privileged existence in Mexico to navigate the challenges of migrant farm life in California during the Great Depression.
- Dash by Kirby Larson:
- Summary: Set during World War II, this novel follows Mitsi, a Japanese-American girl, and her loyal dog Dash, as they navigate the complexities of internment camps and friendship.
- Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Cholodenko:
- Summary: Moose Flanagan’s life takes a unique turn when his family moves to Alcatraz Island, where his father works as a prison guard during the infamous Al Capone era.
- Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen:
- Summary: A humorous tale of a young boy who stumbles into the world of entrepreneurship, discovering the challenges and rewards of running a summer lawn-mowing business.
- Matilda by Roald Dahl:
- Summary: Join Matilda, a gifted and precocious girl, as she navigates the challenges of her neglectful family and the tyrannical headmistress at her school, discovering her own unique powers.
- The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo:
- Summary: Follow the extraordinary journey of Despereaux, a mouse with a penchant for storytelling, as he embarks on a quest to save a princess and bring light to a dark kingdom.
- Wonder by R. J. Palacio:
- Summary: A powerful and heartwarming story about Auggie, a fifth-grader with a facial deformity, as he navigates the challenges of fitting in, friendship, and self-acceptance. When it comes to all stars on the list of chapter books for middle grades classrooms, this one tops the charts. Whether your 5th graders read it independently or it becomes a read-aloud for 4th graders, it is sure to spark some great conversation…which is part of what choosing just the right chapter books for middle grades is all about!
I hope these captivating chapter books for middle grades ignite the imaginations of your students, fostering a love for reading and a lifelong appreciation for storytelling like they have for me. Happy reading!
Even More Chapter Books for Middle Grades Classrooms
Looking for even more recommendations? Check out this free list of all my favorite chapter books for middle grades or the full library collection of novel studies on chapter books for middle grades!
