Summer Reading List for Rising 3rd Graders
Read any 2 books from within the series suggested on this list.
Use the “Five Finger Rule” to help you find books that are the best fit for you. Complete the online submission form, or print and complete the form to mail or bring to school, for each book that you read. If both responses are received by the first week of school, you will receive a one subject off homework pass.
Use the “Five Finger Rule” to help you find books that are the best fit for you. Complete the online submission form, or print and complete the form to mail or bring to school, for each book that you read. If both responses are received by the first week of school, you will receive a one subject off homework pass.
Books in a Series
A to Z Mysteries Ron Roy
With strong stories, short chapters, large type, and a dash of illustrations, this series offers a smooth transition between full-color beginning readers and middle-grade chapter books. The unique genre identifications that group books thematically--including mystery, fantasy, fiction, true stories, humor, history, and classic--make it easy for readers to select their favorite subjects.
Babymouse Jennifer Holm
A popular series of graphic novels which feature comical and adventurous stories about the hopes and expectations of a very imaginative mouse.
The Bad Guys Aaron Blabey
In this new illustrated chapterbook series, bad guys are doing good deeds...whether you want them to or not! They sound like bad guys, they look like bad guys...and they even smell like bad guys. But Mr. Wolf, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Snake, and Mr. Shark are about to change all that...
Buddy Files Dori Hillestad Butler
Mystery fans and dog lovers will be swept up by these stories featuring Buddy, a dog lead-character who interacts with humans in surprising and funny ways. Just right for early readers and reluctant readers.
Charlie Bumpers Bill Harley
Charlie is a hopelessly messy fourth grader who lives in a real-life world in which a likable kid must face the everyday terrors of childhood: bullies, looming teachers and thick gym coaches with pointing fingers. Each book uses humor to get across some important values: taking responsibility, being helpful and making the best of a bad situation.
Critter Club Callie Barcley
Welcome to the Critter Club! Pet-friendly stories about four best friends, lots of animals saved, and tons of fun along the way! With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Critter Club chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.
Dory Abby Hanlon
Move over, Junie B. Jones and Ivy & Bean! Here comes a lovably energetic little sister with a BIG personality--and an imagination to match. As the youngest in her family, Dory really wants attention, and more than anything she wants her brother and sister to play with her. But she's too much of a baby for them, so she's left to her own devices-and her wild imagination and indefatigable energy. With plenty of pictures bursting with charm and character, this hilarious series about an irresistible rascal is the new must-read for the chapter-book set.
Galaxy Zack Ray O’Ryan
Planet hop with Zack Nelson on his galactic adventures as he moves from Earth to Nebulon in the year 2120, explores a newly discovered planet, helps a dinosaur get back to its prehistoric home, and befriends a space monster! Beginning readers are sure to love these chapter-books that are packed with cool futuristic adventures.
Flat Stanley’s Worldwide Adventures Jeff Brown
Ever since Stanley was flattened by a bulletin board, he has captured imaginations with his ability to travel by mail. Now, he's off on a global tour in an all-new, geography-themed chapter book series packed with physical high jinx and geographical detail.
Franny K. Stein Jim Benton
Lunch walks among us -- Attack of the 50-ft. cupid -- The invisible Fran -- The Fran that time forgot -- Frantastic Voyage -- The Fran with four brains -- The Frandidate. Presents seven stories featuring aspiring mad scientist, Franny K. Stein, who prefers all things spooky and creepy.
Heidi Hecklebeck Wanda Coven
Heidi Heckelbeck and her brother Henry have always been homeschooled--until now. Heidi seems like any other eight-year-old, but she has a secret. She's a witch in disguise. Careful to keep her powers hidden (but excited to use them all the same), Heidi's learning to live like any other kid, who just happens to be a witch.
Here’s Hank Henry Winkler
Hank Zipzer, The World's Greatest Underachiever is back! Inspired by the true life experiences of celebrity Henry Winkler, whose undiagnosed dyslexia made him a classic childhood underachiever, this series is about the high-spirited and funny adventures of the same boy before he was diagnosed with a learning challenge.
Humphrey’s Tiny Tales Betty G. Birney
Humphrey, the classroom hamster of Room 26 at Longfellow School, is a favorite of boys, girls, and grown-ups everywhere. Now even younger fans can read about his adventures in a new illustrated chapter-book series! With charming illustrations, shorter page counts and an easier reading level, Humphrey's Tiny Tales are just right for emergent readers.
Ivy + Bean Annie Barrows
Features humorous stories about two mischievous and delightful girlfriends, Ivy and Bean who never meant to like each other.
Judy Moody Megan McDonald
The spirited text and wry illustrations will delight any child who's known a bad mood or a bad day--and managed to laugh anyway!
Lunch Lady Jarrett Krosoczka
She's the lunch lady and a secret crime fighter!
The Magic Tree House Mary Pope Osborne
A popular series about Jack and Annie and their adventurous travels through time, both historical and mythical, in their magic tree house filled with books.
Matt Christopher’s Sports Library Matt Christopher
Presents the re-issued, library bound editions of Matt Christopher's best-selling sports novels. These editions have enhanced covers, quality paper and bindings, as well as large type to make the text more accessible.
My Weird School Dan Gutman
A.J. and the other second graders do everything except play sports when they go to “fizz ed” class with their new teacher, Miss Small.
Nancy Clancy Jane O’Connor
It's a whole new chapter for Fancy Nancy! Nancy Clancy may be a little older, but she's still fancy and full of fun. Whether she's solving a mystery or predicting the future, no one brings pizzazz quite like Nancy! This new chapter book series is perfect for Fancy Nancy fans and beyond.
National Geographic Chapters
National Geographic Kids Chapter books pick up where the best-selling National Geographic Readers series leaves off, offering young animal lovers who are ready for short chapters lively, true stories that are inviting and easy to read. These books are written in simple prose appropriate to children just reading on their own. Featuring full-color, the high adventure series features plot-driven true stories packed with humorous tales and weird-but-true facts sprinkled throughout.
The Notebooks of Doom Troy Cummings
Alexander has just moved to a new town where he is about to uncover all sorts of monsters! He finds an old notebook with the word "DOOM" inscribed on the front cover The Notebook of Doom, which Alexander now holds, contains top-secret information about monsters! This series is full of humor, engaging black-and-white illustrations, and of course--monsters!
Ricky Ricotta Dav Pilkey
From Dav Pilkey, creator of popular Captain Underpants, and acclaimed artist Dan Santat, an out-of-this-world, funny friendship adventure with all-new, full-color illustrations! - Getting picked on by creeps at your school? Wish you had a special friend? Meet Ricky Ricotta, a small mouse, who is being bullied at school and his best buddy, a giant flying Robot! Young readers will cheer as Ricky and his flying Robot friend soar through the air and battle the diabolical Dr. Stinky, an evil scientist who threatens to take over the world!
Roscoe Riley Rules Katherine Applegate
Features the misadventures of Roscoe Riley, who doesn't mean to break the rules. The series contains short chapters, fast moving action, and a funny, first-grade boy!
Squish Jennifer L. Holm
The young amoeba Squish, inspired by his favorite comic book hero, Super Amoeba, tries to navigate his way through school and save his friends and the world from the evils that lurk in the halls. This graphic novel series is filled with humor, comics within comics, and gross-out science!
Stink Moody Megan McDonald
Recounts the hilarious adventures of Judy Moody's shorter, younger "bother"--oops, "brother". These funny, homespun sagas are enhanced by a series of comic-strips, drawn by Stink himself.
Zoe’s Rescue Zoo Amelia Cobb
Her special talent comes in handy at her great uncle's animal rescue zoo. At the rescue zoo, injured or endangered animals have a safe place to live. When a very lonely lion cub arrives, Zoe has a plan to help him, but it means taking a big risk!
With strong stories, short chapters, large type, and a dash of illustrations, this series offers a smooth transition between full-color beginning readers and middle-grade chapter books. The unique genre identifications that group books thematically--including mystery, fantasy, fiction, true stories, humor, history, and classic--make it easy for readers to select their favorite subjects.
Babymouse Jennifer Holm
A popular series of graphic novels which feature comical and adventurous stories about the hopes and expectations of a very imaginative mouse.
The Bad Guys Aaron Blabey
In this new illustrated chapterbook series, bad guys are doing good deeds...whether you want them to or not! They sound like bad guys, they look like bad guys...and they even smell like bad guys. But Mr. Wolf, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Snake, and Mr. Shark are about to change all that...
Buddy Files Dori Hillestad Butler
Mystery fans and dog lovers will be swept up by these stories featuring Buddy, a dog lead-character who interacts with humans in surprising and funny ways. Just right for early readers and reluctant readers.
Charlie Bumpers Bill Harley
Charlie is a hopelessly messy fourth grader who lives in a real-life world in which a likable kid must face the everyday terrors of childhood: bullies, looming teachers and thick gym coaches with pointing fingers. Each book uses humor to get across some important values: taking responsibility, being helpful and making the best of a bad situation.
Critter Club Callie Barcley
Welcome to the Critter Club! Pet-friendly stories about four best friends, lots of animals saved, and tons of fun along the way! With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Critter Club chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.
Dory Abby Hanlon
Move over, Junie B. Jones and Ivy & Bean! Here comes a lovably energetic little sister with a BIG personality--and an imagination to match. As the youngest in her family, Dory really wants attention, and more than anything she wants her brother and sister to play with her. But she's too much of a baby for them, so she's left to her own devices-and her wild imagination and indefatigable energy. With plenty of pictures bursting with charm and character, this hilarious series about an irresistible rascal is the new must-read for the chapter-book set.
Galaxy Zack Ray O’Ryan
Planet hop with Zack Nelson on his galactic adventures as he moves from Earth to Nebulon in the year 2120, explores a newly discovered planet, helps a dinosaur get back to its prehistoric home, and befriends a space monster! Beginning readers are sure to love these chapter-books that are packed with cool futuristic adventures.
Flat Stanley’s Worldwide Adventures Jeff Brown
Ever since Stanley was flattened by a bulletin board, he has captured imaginations with his ability to travel by mail. Now, he's off on a global tour in an all-new, geography-themed chapter book series packed with physical high jinx and geographical detail.
Franny K. Stein Jim Benton
Lunch walks among us -- Attack of the 50-ft. cupid -- The invisible Fran -- The Fran that time forgot -- Frantastic Voyage -- The Fran with four brains -- The Frandidate. Presents seven stories featuring aspiring mad scientist, Franny K. Stein, who prefers all things spooky and creepy.
Heidi Hecklebeck Wanda Coven
Heidi Heckelbeck and her brother Henry have always been homeschooled--until now. Heidi seems like any other eight-year-old, but she has a secret. She's a witch in disguise. Careful to keep her powers hidden (but excited to use them all the same), Heidi's learning to live like any other kid, who just happens to be a witch.
Here’s Hank Henry Winkler
Hank Zipzer, The World's Greatest Underachiever is back! Inspired by the true life experiences of celebrity Henry Winkler, whose undiagnosed dyslexia made him a classic childhood underachiever, this series is about the high-spirited and funny adventures of the same boy before he was diagnosed with a learning challenge.
Humphrey’s Tiny Tales Betty G. Birney
Humphrey, the classroom hamster of Room 26 at Longfellow School, is a favorite of boys, girls, and grown-ups everywhere. Now even younger fans can read about his adventures in a new illustrated chapter-book series! With charming illustrations, shorter page counts and an easier reading level, Humphrey's Tiny Tales are just right for emergent readers.
Ivy + Bean Annie Barrows
Features humorous stories about two mischievous and delightful girlfriends, Ivy and Bean who never meant to like each other.
Judy Moody Megan McDonald
The spirited text and wry illustrations will delight any child who's known a bad mood or a bad day--and managed to laugh anyway!
Lunch Lady Jarrett Krosoczka
She's the lunch lady and a secret crime fighter!
The Magic Tree House Mary Pope Osborne
A popular series about Jack and Annie and their adventurous travels through time, both historical and mythical, in their magic tree house filled with books.
Matt Christopher’s Sports Library Matt Christopher
Presents the re-issued, library bound editions of Matt Christopher's best-selling sports novels. These editions have enhanced covers, quality paper and bindings, as well as large type to make the text more accessible.
My Weird School Dan Gutman
A.J. and the other second graders do everything except play sports when they go to “fizz ed” class with their new teacher, Miss Small.
Nancy Clancy Jane O’Connor
It's a whole new chapter for Fancy Nancy! Nancy Clancy may be a little older, but she's still fancy and full of fun. Whether she's solving a mystery or predicting the future, no one brings pizzazz quite like Nancy! This new chapter book series is perfect for Fancy Nancy fans and beyond.
National Geographic Chapters
National Geographic Kids Chapter books pick up where the best-selling National Geographic Readers series leaves off, offering young animal lovers who are ready for short chapters lively, true stories that are inviting and easy to read. These books are written in simple prose appropriate to children just reading on their own. Featuring full-color, the high adventure series features plot-driven true stories packed with humorous tales and weird-but-true facts sprinkled throughout.
The Notebooks of Doom Troy Cummings
Alexander has just moved to a new town where he is about to uncover all sorts of monsters! He finds an old notebook with the word "DOOM" inscribed on the front cover The Notebook of Doom, which Alexander now holds, contains top-secret information about monsters! This series is full of humor, engaging black-and-white illustrations, and of course--monsters!
Ricky Ricotta Dav Pilkey
From Dav Pilkey, creator of popular Captain Underpants, and acclaimed artist Dan Santat, an out-of-this-world, funny friendship adventure with all-new, full-color illustrations! - Getting picked on by creeps at your school? Wish you had a special friend? Meet Ricky Ricotta, a small mouse, who is being bullied at school and his best buddy, a giant flying Robot! Young readers will cheer as Ricky and his flying Robot friend soar through the air and battle the diabolical Dr. Stinky, an evil scientist who threatens to take over the world!
Roscoe Riley Rules Katherine Applegate
Features the misadventures of Roscoe Riley, who doesn't mean to break the rules. The series contains short chapters, fast moving action, and a funny, first-grade boy!
Squish Jennifer L. Holm
The young amoeba Squish, inspired by his favorite comic book hero, Super Amoeba, tries to navigate his way through school and save his friends and the world from the evils that lurk in the halls. This graphic novel series is filled with humor, comics within comics, and gross-out science!
Stink Moody Megan McDonald
Recounts the hilarious adventures of Judy Moody's shorter, younger "bother"--oops, "brother". These funny, homespun sagas are enhanced by a series of comic-strips, drawn by Stink himself.
Zoe’s Rescue Zoo Amelia Cobb
Her special talent comes in handy at her great uncle's animal rescue zoo. At the rescue zoo, injured or endangered animals have a safe place to live. When a very lonely lion cub arrives, Zoe has a plan to help him, but it means taking a big risk!
The book summaries on this summer reading list are reproduced with the permission of Follett Library Resources, Inc. Copyright 2018. All rights reserved.