Good Books for 4th Graders

Whales on Stilts by Anderson

Racing against the clock, shy middle-school student Lily and her best friends, Katie and Jasper, must foil the plot of her father's conniving boss to conquer the world using an army of whales.

Whittington by Armstrong

Whittington, a feline descendant of Dick Whittington's famous cat of English folklore, appears at a rundown barnyard plagued by rats and restores harmony while telling his ancestor's story.

The Wright Three by Balliet

In the midst of a series of unexplained accidents and mysterious coincidences, sixth-graders Calder, Petra, and Tommy lead their classmates in an attempt to keep Frank Lloyd Wright's famous Robie House from being demolished.

The Children of Green Knowe by Boston

When Tolly visits his grandmother at her manor house, Green Knowe, he discovers a magical world where his ancestors are children just like him.

Nurse Matilda by Brand

The incorrigible Brown children, who devour nannies, nursemaids, and governesses, finally meet their match.

Clarice Bean Spells Trouble by Child

Clarice Bean, aspiring actress and author, unsuccessfully tries to avoid getting into trouble as she attempts to help a friend in need by following the rules of the fictional, "exceptionordinarily" spy, Ruby Redfort.

Lunch Money by Clements

Twelve-year-old Greg, who has always been good at moneymaking projects, is surprised to find himself teaming up with his lifelong rival, Maura, to create a series of comic books to sell at school.

Thor’s Wedding Day by Coville

Thialfi, the Norse thunder god's goat boy, tells how he inadvertently helped the giant Thrym to steal Thor's magic hammer, the lengths to which Thor must go to retrieve it, and his own assistance along the way.

Great American Mousical by Edwards

The adventures of theatrical mice that live and work in a miniature world beneath Broadway.

Lowji Discovers America by Fleming

A nine-year-old East Indian boy tries to adjust to his new life in suburban America.

Chet Gecko’s Detective Handbook by Hale

Chet Gecko’s tips for private eyes and snack food lovers.

Lucy Rose: Here’s the Thing About Me by Kelly

Eight-year-old Lucy Rose keeps a diary of her first year in Washington, D.C., her home since her parents' separation, where she spends time with her grandparents, makes new friends, and longs to convince her teacher to let her take care of the class pet during a holiday.

The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Kessler

After finally convincing her mother that she should take swimming lessons, twelve-year-old Emily discovers a terrible and wonderful secret about herself that opens up a whole new world.

Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg by Levine

Prilla, the unusual new fairy in the Neverland of James M. Barrie's Peter Pan, finds her mettle, Mother Dove's wisdom, and Tinker Bell's courage tested by many trials, including a hurricane, a selfish fairy, and Captain Hook

Year of the Dog by Lin

Frustrated at her seeming lack of talent for anything, a young Taiwanese American girl sets out to apply the lessons of the Chinese Year of the Dog, those of making best friends and finding oneself, to her own life.

The Quigleys by Mason

The adventures and misadventures of the four members of the Quigley family--Mum, Dad, Lucy, and Will.

Hachiko Waits by Newman

Professor Ueno's loyal Akita, Hachiko, waits for him at the train station every afternoon, and even after the professor has a fatal heart attack while at work, Hachiko faithfully continues to await his return until the day the dog dies. Based on a true story.

Taking Care of Moses by O’Connor

When dissension erupts in the town of Foley, South Carolina, after a baby is left on the steps of the Rock of Ages Baptist Church, eleven-year-old Randall must decide whether or not to keep secret his knowledge of who the foundling's mother is.

Oh Say, I Can’t See by Sciezska

After arriving in Pennsylvania during the winter of 1776, time travelers Joe, Fred, and Samantha inspire General George Washington, "the man on the one dollar bill," to carry out a surprise attack on Hessian troops in Trenton, New Jersey, that will change the course of the Revolutionary War.

My Nights at the Improv by Siebold

A freshman is afraid of taking risks at her new school, but as she secretly observes an improvisational theater class week after week, she begins to apply its principles to her own life.