The following books are suggestions for independent reading this summer. Some books will indicate a reading level on the cover, but always use your judgment when choosing a book. If you find a series that you like, read more books by that author. Of course, reading together with a parent or sibling is always encouraged! Happy reading!

Adler, David Cam Jansen and the Birthday Mystery (series)
After her grandma and grandpa are robbed in an airport parking lot, Cam Jansen uses her photographic memory to track down the thief and recover her grandparents' luggage and birthday presents.

Baker, Barbara Third Grade is Terrible
Liza thinks third grade is going to be great until the first day of school when she gets switched out of nice Mrs. Lane's class into a class with Mrs. Rumford, the strictest and meanest teacher in the school.

Banks, Kate Howie Bowles and Uncle Sam
When he finds out that he was born on Friday the thirteenth, third-grader Howie Bowles becomes convinced that bad luck is causing all his problems.

Blume, Judy Freckle Juice
Andrew wants freckles so badly he pays Sharon $.50 for a secret recipe. If you like this, read about Fudge and his brother Peter in Fudge-A-Mania and Superfudge. (series)

Brown, Marc Arthur and the Big-Blow Up
If Arthur and Buster cannot find a way to get Francine and the Brain to stop fighting, their soccer team will never make it to the play-offs. (an "Arthur" chapter book series actually written by Stephen Krensky)

Byars, Betsy The Seven Treasure Hunts
Jackson and his best friend make up treasure hunts for each other, but someone steals the grand prize. (Also read My Brother, Ant and Ant Plays Bear.)

Cameron, Ann Gloria's Way (series)
Gloria shares special times with her mother and father and with her friends Julian, Huey, and Latisha.

Christopher, Matt Baseball Pals
Jimmy is voted captain of his baseball team and makes himself pitcher against the wishes of his friends. Will Jimmy let his team down? (good sports author)

Cleary, Beverly Muggie Maggie
Third grader Maggie does not want to learn how to read or write in cursive until she is selected to be the class messenger. Also, try the Ramona books!

Cole, Joanna The Gator Girls (series)
It's the first day of vacation and best friends, Allie and Amy have all kinds of plans... until Allie has to go away to camp! .

Conford, Ellen What's Cooking, Jenny Archer? (series)
Jenny Archer can't stand the lunches served at school, so she starts a cooking business and sells her creative lunches to her friends.

Cox, Judy Mean, Mean Maureen Green
With help from Adam, a boy in her third grade class, Lilley gains enough confidence to stand up to the school bus bully, "mean Maureen Green."

Danziger, Paula I, Amber Brown
Because her divorced parents share joint custody of her, nine-year-old Amber feels that she is a piece of jointly-owned property. Danziger appeals to a younger audience in this funny, touching slice of third-grade life. (series)

dePaola, Tomie 26 Fairmount Avenue
The author describes some very funny things that happened when his family built their house at 26 Fairmount Avenue. Follow this up with the sequel, Here We All Are.

Duffey, Betsy How to be Cool in Third Grade
This is the perfect summer to read this book. Third grade will be here before you know it! .(series)

Fleichman, Paul Lost, a Story in String
A grandmother tells a story about a young girl who uses her wits and what is available to her to help her survive when she is lost in the snow.

Fowler, Susi L. Albertina, the Practically Perfect
Molly and her best friend spend a summer building a tree house.

Giff, Patricia Reilly Purple Climbing Days
Richard hates Mondays because he has to climb the rope in gym. (Polk Street series)

Greene, Stephanie Owen Foote, Soccer Star (series)
Owen Foote tries to help his friend learn to play soccer and deal with a bully on the team.

Hoffman, Mary Starring Grace
Grace and her friends spend a summer using their imaginations to go on grand adventures.

King-Smith, Dick Jenius the Amazing Guinea Pig
Judy has a brilliant guinea pig for a pet a fun book by the author of Babe the Gallant Pig and The Merman.

Kline, Suzy Horrible Harry Moves Up to Third Grade (series)
Horrible Harry and his friends start off third grade with a new room and a field trip to an old copper mine to study rocks.

Komaiko, Leah Annie Bannie: Best Friends to the End
Libby plans to give Annie Bananie a spectacular Lucky Lunch Day in hopes of becoming her best friend.

Landon, Lucinda The Case of the Missing Babe Ruth Baseball (series)
Meg follows a series of notes hidden in her grandfather's house to solve an old mystery of a missing baseball signed by Babe Ruth.

Lewis, Maggie Morgy Makes His Move
When third-grader Morgy MacDougal-MacDuff moves from California to Massachusetts with his parents, he has to adjust to a lot of changes.

Osborne, Mary Pope "Magic Treehouse" series
The magic treehouse whisks Jack and Annie to the Arctic, the Amazon, ancient Egypt, Australia and who knows where next. A riddle to solve, some danger, some quick thinking, and you have a great series.

Roy, Rob The Absent Author (A to Z mystery series)
Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose solve a kidnapping and meet their favorite mystery writer in the process.

Rylant, Cynthia Some Good News" ("Cobble Street Cousins" series)
Rosie, Lily, and Tess always have fun when they stay at their Aunt's house. They decide to start their own newspaper. Good beginning chapter books.

Sachar, Louis Marvin Redpost: Is He a Girl? (series)
Marvin Redpost thinks he is turning into a girl since he accidentally kissed his elbow.

Scieszka, Jon Summer Reading Is Killing Me!
At the beginning of summer vacation, Joe, Sam, and Fred find themselves trapped inside their summer reading list, involved in a battle between good and evil characters from well-known children's books.

Smith, Janice Lee The Kid Next Door and Other Headaches (series)
Adam Joshua and Nelson are best friends even though they are opposites. Read about these two funny kids and George, the dog.

Spinelli, Eileen Lizzie Logan Wears Purple Sunglasses (series)
Heather is a little scared of this crazy kid with purple sunglasses who announces before the moving truck is even unloaded that, "I'm giving you a chance to be my best friend.". funny

Warner, Gertrude Chandler Mystery in the Old Attic (series)
Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny discover a diary and a valuable diamond ring.

Willner-Pardo, Gina Jumping Into Nothing
Sophie faces her fear of the high diving board!

Willner-Pardo Spider Storch's Desparate Deal
Spider Storch begs his classmate Mary Grace Brennerman not to tell the entire school that he's in a wedding with her.

Zoehfeld, Kathleen Weidner Fossil Fuel
Jeff must learn patience when he accompanies his uncle on an expedition to hunt for dinosaur fossils in the Sahara Desert.

FAMILY READ_ALOUDS

Kipling, Rudyard Jungle Book
Read about Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves and Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, a mongoose who heroically saves his family from cobras. Just So Stories, also by Kipling, are very entertaining.

White, E.B. The Trumpet of the Swan
Louis is a trumpeter swan who was born without a voice. The only way he can win his love is by learning how to play a trumpet. Read anything by this author.

The following books are suggestions for independent reading this summer. Some books will indicate a reading level on the cover, but always use your judgment when choosing a book. If you find a series that you like, read more books by that author. Of course, reading together with a parent or sibling is always encouraged! Happy reading!

Adler, David Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Television Dog (series)

Pooch, a famous TV dog, disappears, and Cam uses her amazing memory to find him.

Adler, David Lucky Stars (series)

Someone is borrowing more than books from the library. Can "Houdini" and his cousin, Janet, find the thief?

Atwater, Richard and Florence Mr. Popper's Penguins

Mr. Popper ends up with a house full of penguins and some pretty silly adventures. This book is fun to read aloud or to yourself

Baker, Barbara Third Grade is Terrible

Liza thinks third grade is going to be great until the first day of school when she gets switched out of nice Mrs. Lane's class into a class with Mrs. Rumford, the strictest and meanest teacher in the school.

Blume, Judy Freckle Juice

Andrew wants freckles so badly he pays Sharon $.50 for a secret recipe. If you like this, read about Fudge and his brother Peter in Fudge-A-Mania and Superfudge. (series)

Brown, Marc Arthur Makes the Team

Arthur feels like a klutz on the baseball field, and he's worried that he will let down the team. (an "Arthur" chapter book series actually written by Stephen Krensky)

Brown, Jeff Flat Stanley

Stanley Lambchop is a normal boy until a bulletin board falls on top of him. Imagine what it would be like to be only 1/2 an inch thick and then read about how a flat boy becomes a hero.

Bulla, Clyde Robert Ghost Town Treasure

When Paul and Nora visit Gold Rock, a deserted gold mine town, they bring their Grandfather's diary and try to find the cave where he discovered gold many years ago.

Byars, Betsy The Golly Sisters Go West (series)

May-May and Rose make their way West in a covered wagon entertaining people, especially readers, along the way. .

Byars, Betsy The Seven Treasure Hunts

Jackson and his best friend make up treasure hunts for each other, but someone steals the grand prize. (Also read My Brother, Ant and Ant Plays Bear.)

Cameron, Ann More Stories Julian Tells (series)

Huey and Julian's dad thinks that maybe the boys should "go through a dangerous situation together. He plans a little surprise for them involving an animal... maybe a shark or an alligator.

Catling, Patrick The Chocolate Touch

Everything John touches turns to chocolate. Sounds great, right? Guess again.

Christopher, Matt Baseball Pals

Jimmy is voted captain of his baseball team and makes himself pitcher against the wishes of his friends. Will Jimmy let his team down? (good sports author)

Cleary, Beverly Muggie Maggie

Third grader Maggie does not want to learn how to read or write in cursive until she is selected to be the class messenger. Also, try the Ramona books! (series)

Cole, Joanna The Gator Girls (series)

It's the first day of vacation and best friends, Allie and Amy have all kinds of plans... until Allie has to go away to camp! .

Conford, Ellen What's Cooking, Jenny Archer? (series)

Jenny Archer can't stand the lunches served at school, so she starts a cooking business and sells her creative lunches to her friends.

Dahl, Roald Fantastic Mr. Fox

Read anything by this author and you will laugh. In this story, Mr. Fox has to outsmart three disgusting hunters. (By the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.)

Dalgliesh, Alice The Courage of Sarah Noble

Sarah goes with her father into the wilderness of Connecticut while he builds the family a house. He leaves to gather the rest of the family, but Sarah must stay behind with the Indians.

Danziger, Paula Amber Brown is Not a Crayon

Amber’s best friend, Justin, has to move and everything goes wrong. There is a giant chewing gum ball in the story. (funny series)

dePaola, Tomie 26 Fairmount Avenue

The author describes some very funny things that happened when his family built their house at 26 Fairmount Avenue. Follow this up with the sequel, Here We All Are.

Duffey, Betsy How to be Cool in Third Grade

This is the perfect summer to read this book. Third grade will be here before you know it! .(series)

Estes, Eleanor The Hundred Dresses

This is a book that has stood the test of time. A girl is laughed at by her classmates because she wears the same clothes all the time. When they discover her secret, she gains their respect and friendship.

Giff, Patricia Reilly Purple Climbing Days

Richard hates Mondays because he has to climb the rope in gym. (Polk Street series)

Gannett, Ruth Stiles Elmer and the Dragon

After rescuing the baby dragon in My Father's Dragon (prequel,) the dragon offers to fly Elmer home. They get caught in a storm and get stranded on Feather Island. Elmer is reunited with an old friend and helps uncover a buried treasure. Finish with The Dragons of Blueland (sequel).

Gardiner, John Stone Fox

This book has the most amazing dog sled race and the most amazing ending. You will never forget this book.

Greene, Stephanie Owen Foote, Soccer Star (series)

Owen Foote tries to help his friend learn to play soccer and deal with a bully on the team.

Griffith, Helen V. Alex and the Cat

Alex, the dog, tries to be more like the family cat

Haas, Jessie Beware the Mare

Why was the pony Grampa bought for Lily named "Beware?" She has to take things very slowly before she can claim him for her own. A story for horse lovers.

Herman, Charlotte Millie Cooper Take a Chance

Millie is so afraid of not succeeding, that she doesn't even want to try to enter a contest. She finds out that taking a chance usually pays. Also by this author, Millie Cooper, 3B.

Hest, Amy Nannies for Hire (series)

Three friends start a babysitting service. It's a lot more work than they imagined!

Hurwitz, Johanna Class Clown (series)

Lucas does not mean to be the class clown, but things just seem to happen to him.

Kinsey-Warnock, Natalie The Canada Geese Quilt

Ariel gives her grandmother a special gift to help her get well. This is a fabulous book.

King-Smith, Dick Jenius the Amazing Guinea Pig

Judy has a brilliant guinea pig for a pet. Another fun book by the author of Babe the Gallant Pig and The Merman.

Kline, Suzy Horrible Harry and the Green Slime (series)

Harry and Doug discover the joy of green slime.

Kline, Suzy What's the Matter With Herbie Jones? (series)

Raymond is really worried about his pal, Herbie, when he sees that "puppy dog" look in his eyes. Could he really be in love with Annabelle?? Try the "Mary Marony" series too.

Landon, Lucinda The Case of the Missing Babe Ruth Baseball (series)

Meg follows a series of notes hidden in her grandfather's house to solve an old mystery of a missing baseball signed by Babe Ruth.

LeGuin, Ursula Jane on Her Own (series)

This is the newest addition to the "Catwings" series. Jane finally gets reunited with her mother.

Levy, Elizabeth Something Queer in Outer Space (series)

Read any of these funny mysteries. This one has some great scenes with Fletcher, the dog. .

MacDonald, Betty Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's Magic (series)

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle invites children over every day for tea and fun. She also has a magic cure for every imaginable childhood ailment including children who hate to take baths and "thought-you-saiders." Read all four Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle books.

Marshall, James Rats on the Roof and Other Stories

By a favorite author (George and Martha, Fox on the Job, Three By the Sea, etc.) this is a funny collection of short stories about proud, vain, greedy and love-stricken creatures. If you like this book, look for Rats on the Range.

Moore, Lilian Junk Day on Juniper Street

Do you have any junk around your house? Maybe it's time for you and your neighbors to have a Junk Day. Also read The Magic Spectacles.

Osborne, Mary Pope "Magic Treehouse" series

The magic treehouse whisks Jack and Annie to the Arctic, the Amazon, ancient Egypt, Australia and who knows where next. A riddle to solve, some danger, some quick thinking, and you have a great series.

Parish, Peggy Key to the Treasure (series)

Ready for a treasure hunt? Keep a pencil and paper handy to solve the secret codes.

Peterson, John The Littles to the Rescue (series)

Aunt Lily may not make it to the Littles in time for Mrs. Little to have the baby. Read about another adventure of these wee people.

Roy, Rob The Absent Author (series)

Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose solve a kidnapping and meet their favorite mystery writer in the process.

Rylant, Cynthia "Henry and Mudge" series

Read and reread the adventures of Henry and his huge and lovable, dog Mudge. Cat lovers, read the "Mr. Putter and Tabby" series.

Rylant, Cynthia "Cobble Street Cousins" series

Rosie, Lily, and Tess always have fun when they stay at their Aunt's house. Good beginning chapter books.

Sachar, Louis Marvin Redpost: Is He a Girl? (series)

Marvin Redpost thinks he is turning into a girl since he accidentally kissed his elbow.

Sachar, Louis Wayside School is Falling Down (series)

Wayside School is not like any other school. It has thirty floors, only there is no 19th floor. Mrs. Jewls is very nice, but she teaches children about gravity by dropping a computer out the window. These books are very funny.

Scieszka, Jon Knights of the Kitchen Table (series)

Joe, Fred, and Sam find themselves face-to-face with a knight in black armor aiming a giant shish-kebab skewer right down their throats. It all started with a few knight pictures in The Book, a birthday present from Joe's magician uncle. Will they ever find their way back to the present? Read all the "Time Warp Trio" books.

Sharmat, Marjorie Nate the Great (series)

Nate, is a great detective.

Smith, Janice Lee The Kid Next Door and Other Headaches (series)

Adam Joshua and Nelson are best friends even though they are opposites. Read about these two funny kids and George, the dog.

Sobol, Donald Encyclopedia Brown (series)

Match your wits with the expert! Encyclopedia Brown solves cases which stump even his police chief father. The solutions to ten mysteries are given at the back of the book. No cheating!

Spinelli, Eileen Lizzie Logan Wears Purple Sunglasses (series)

Heather is a little scared of this crazy kid with purple sunglasses who announces before the moving truck is even unloaded that, "I'm giving you a chance to be my best friend.". funny

Stevens, Carla Lily and Miss Liberty

Lily finds a great way to raise money to buy a pedestal for "Miss Liberty" (the famous statue.) You'll even learn how to make your own Miss Liberty crown.

Tripp, Valerie Meet Josefina (series)

Josefina tries to help keep her household running after her mother dies. Read any American Girl book.

Warner, Gertrude Chandler Mystery in the Old Attic (series)

Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny discover a diary and a valuable diamond ring.

Willner-Pardo, Gina Jumping Into Nothing

Sophie faces her fear of the high diving board!

Ziefert, Harriet Egg-Drop Day (series)

How would you drop a raw egg from a second-story window so that it won't break?. The children in Mr. Rose's science class have to do just that. Pretty yucky business!

FAMILY READ_ALOUDS

Gurney, James Dinotopia

Join Arthur Denison and his son as they explore the lost continent where dinosaurs and humans live together. (sequel)

Kipling, Rudyard Jungle Book

Read about Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves and Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, a mongoose who heroically saves his family from cobras. Just So Stories, also by Kipling, are very entertaining.

Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

On his 10th birthday, orphan Harry is summoned to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. If you haven't read this yet, you will soon be hooked. . (series)

White, E.B. The Trumpet of the Swan

Louis is a trumpeter swan who was born without a voice. The only way he can win his love is by learning how to play a trumpet. Read anything by this author.