Fourth Grade Summer MUST-READ Book List
Let's INSPIRE summer reading! I spent the last month interviewing students, parents, and teachers about what books should make our Summer Must-Read Lists. One response was, "This series required some emergency trips to the library!" I hope that every child feels that excited to rush off to the library to get the next book. If you need some additional summer reading inspiration, check out our annual, 7 Tips to Encourage Reading and Avoid Summer Slide.
Each grade level has a 2023 "Must-Read" list that includes 9 titles. I chose these books because they are inspiring, diverse, age-appropriate, and most importantly, adored by real kids!
The books chosen for the 4th grade list were selected for independent readers. They are high-interest, popular books that will foster a love of reading for pleasure. If your child is not able to read one or more of these books independently, use this selection to read together or listen to an audio book. It will build excitement, expose your child to rich vocabulary, encourage conversations and connection, and develop a love for reading! If you would like to find out more about why audio books are helpful for striving readers, click here. If you'd like to find out ways to help your striving reader find success, visit our website's Just for Parents page.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown is about a robot named Roz who is stranded on a wild, uninhabited island. Initially viewed as an outsider by the island's animal inhabitants, Roz learns to adapt and survive in the natural environment. Through her experiences and interactions with the animals, she discovers friendship, compassion, and the importance of community. The story explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the balance between technology and nature! This is a 5 star for sure!
Shiloh, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, is a beloved classic. Marty is a boy who has always wanted a dog, but his family can't afford one. While out on a walk one day, a beagle follows Marty home. Marty names him Shiloh, but soon discovers that the dog belongs to Judd Travers. Judd is a mean man who drinks too much, hunts where he's not allowed, and... abuses his dogs.
Marty soon finds out that the "right thing" is not always black and white. He also learns that one lie tends to perpetuate another. How far will Marty go to save the dog that he suddenly loves more than anything?
The Wishing Spell is the first in The Land of Stories 6 book series.
It cleverly combines modern day life with classic fairy tales. Alex and Connor Bailey are twins who could not be more different. They've had it rough lately, but a magical birthday gift from their grandmother, sends them into the fantastical land of stories.
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In order to leave, they must collect items to complete a wishing list. But you'll soon discover that are not the only ones on a quest and getting back to reality might not be as easy as they had hoped!
Percy Jackson and the Olympians is an action-packed book your child won't be able to put down. Percy Jackson is away at boarding school and everything seems to be going wrong! His mother finally admits that she has a secret: Percy is a demigod and his father is Poseidon, God of the Sea!
Percy, goes to Camp Half Blood where he meets kids just like him. Together, they set off on an adventure to try and stop a war between the Gods that could end life as we know it!
Holes by Louis Sachar follows the story of Stanley Yelnats, who is sent to a juvenile detention center called Camp Green Lake after being falsely accused of stealing a pair of sneakers. At the camp, the boys are forced to dig holes in the desert every day to “build their character.” As Stanley navigates the challenges of the camp and unravels its mysteries, he uncovers a family curse, hidden treasure, and unexpected friendships. The novel weaves together past and present storylines, exploring themes of friendship, fate, justice, and the power of perseverance.
I discovered the picture book Alfred Nobel; The Man Behind the Peace Prize years ago. It is the captivating story of one man's invention of dynamite and how its grave misuse broke his heart.
Because my students were so enthralled, we began exploring the people who were honored with Nobel's Peace Prize. Peace and Me is an artistic collection of biographies including some of the less-known Peace Prize laureates. Each page begins with "peace is... inspired by the life of ..."
It has created a launch pad for so many amazing conversation. What is peace to you? What would your life inspire in others? Who do you know that lives a life worthy of a peace prize?
Change the World: Activities for Colorful Activism by Bellen Woodard is a book that encourages readers to engage in activism and make a positive impact through colorful activities. It provides a range of creative ideas and projects aimed at promoting social change, raising awareness about important issues, and inspiring others to take action. The book emphasizes the power of creativity and community involvement in making a difference in the world, making it a valuable resource for individuals looking to contribute to positive change in their communities and beyond.
This book is based on the picture book, More than Peach.”
Each short book takes a terrifying, real event from history and places a fictional character right in the middle of it!
How will George Calder survive when he's on the unsinkable ship, the Titanic in book #1?
Chet Roscoe is alarmed when the talk of the town turns to the great white shark attacks happening just off the coast of his home town in book #2. But, when he comes face to face with a real shark...what will he do to survive?
Epic Zero by R.L. Ullman follows the adventures of Elliott Harkness, a boy from a family of superheroes. Unlike his siblings, who possess extraordinary powers, Elliott appears to be a "zero" with no apparent abilities. However, when a supervillain threatens their city, Elliott must find his own way to contribute to the family's superhero legacy. With the help of his loyal friends and a newfound determination, Elliott discovers that being a hero is about more than just having powers—it's about courage, resourcefulness, and teamwork. The book combines humor, action, and heartwarming moments as Elliott embraces his role as an unlikely hero in a world full of superpowers.
Download our Grade Level Student Must-Read Rating Sheets in the Reading Rev VIP site or here.
You can also find our Primary Summer Reading Challenge in the Free Resource Library. Let's make summer reading FUN!
Have a great summer!
Do you have children of other ages? Check out each grade level's Must Read List below.
Future Kindergrtener's Summer Must Read List
Future First Grader's Summer Must Read List
Future Second Grader's Summer Must Read List
Future Third Grader's Summer Must Read List
