Books help children develop essential language skills and expand their vocabulary. Besides this, they also play a significant role in developing emotional intelligence and creativity. If you’re looking for some best books for 4th graders (9 to 10-year old kids), check out the following list. The list consists of some of the best books recommended by experts.
Nightsong
Nightsong is an award-winning picture book by Ari Berk. Illustrated by Loren Long, this picture book is about a young bat that begins his journey to the world using his good sense. At first, he is afraid of the night, but as he moves along the path, he gets confidence and learns how to use his echolocation to search his home.
Exquisite design, eye-pleasing illustrations, and charming tale of a bat baby make this book amazing for 4th graders.Â
Locomotive
The locomotive is a must-read book for fourth graders, written and illustrated by Brian Floca. The book was published in 2013, demonstrating what it is like to cross the US on a steam train. It’s a beautiful story of a train journey set back in the summer of 1869. A family travels together and rides America’s new transcontinental railroad. Parents can also enjoy this book with their kids.
2030: A Day in the Life of Tomorrow’s Kids
2030: A Day in the Life of Tomorrow’s Kids is another exciting book for 4th graders in our list. The book is the winner of the 2012 Grand Canyon Reader Award in the non-fiction category.
New technologies keep changing the way we live. So what would be our world in 2030? The story of the book demonstrates what a kid’s daily life would be in the year 2030. Since the book is full of fanciful cartoon drawings, it will entice your kids for sure.
CrickwinÂ
Crickwing is a famous picture book for kids by Janell Cannon. It’s a story of a young cockroach who is harassed by his predators. So when he gets a chance to pick on smaller insects, he doesn’t miss the chance. However, later on, he realizes leaf cutter ants are in big trouble. He then makes a plan to help leaf-cutting ants save their colony. Published in 2005, Crickwing is quite a long picture book to read, but it’s a great story for learning how to respect others. Children can also learn about different types of cockroaches and ants.
Where The Mountain Meets The Moon
Written by Grace Lin, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is an award-winning book for all ages. However, it’s an ideal story for children aged between 8 – 12 years. It’s a road-trip fantasy-based on Chinese folklore.Â
The life of Minli, the central character of the story, and her parents is not easy. They work all day in the fields, and still, they have very little to eat. One day she sets off on a journey to find an older adult on the Moon to ask him if he can mend her family’s fortune. The book has received several awards. It is a NY Times bestseller and Newbery Honor book 2010.
Camp
Parents who are looking for a fun gift for their kids must buy this book. The camp is a click graphic novel by Kayla Miller. Olive and Willow, the protagonists of the story, go for camping. This is the first time they’re stepping out of their comfort zone for the first time. While Olive makes friends quickly, Willow struggles to mingle with others. The book depicts both excitement and stress of sleep-away camp. The illustrations are colorful, giving your kids a full sense of the fun of a camp.
Beezus and RamonaÂ
Beezus and Ramona is another excellent book for children in 4th grade. It is one of the oldest (published in 1955) children’s novels written by Beverly Cleary. This award-winning novel delivers a fun-filled portrayal of the ups and downs of sisterhood.Â
Ramona, a four-year girl, is the younger sister of Beezus Quimby, who often struggles to take care of her. With a wild imagination and hunger for disorderliness, Ramona makes it difficult for Quimby to be a responsible older sister. In the story, Ramona bullies her Quimby by threatening her to ruin her birthday party.Â
Dragons in a Bag
Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliot is an urban fantasy. It’s a story of a young boy named Jaxon whose life has not been easy. His father is dead, and his mother is the only family he has. One day he has to spend the day with a lady who is a witch. She takes his help to deliver baby dragons to a magical world where they will be safe. However, the task is not as easy as it seems. There are two rules for the process – dragons should not come out of the bag and eat anything sweet. However, Jax and his friends Kavita and Vikram break these rules.Â
Your kids will love to know if Jax delivers baby dragons safely and sound and what problems Jaxon and his friends go through in the journey.
Wolf and Dog
Wolf and Dog by Sylvia Vanden Heede is a funny story with eye-pleasing illustrations. It is about the essential things in life, such as food, family, and fleas. The book depicts the story of a wolf and a dog who are cousins. Wolf is wild while the dog is docile. Wolf lives in a jungle on the top of a hill and dog in a house. Though they don’t see an eye-to-eye yet when it comes to essential things in life (food, family, and fleas), they make a good team. In the story, you will learn how both work together to survive. Â
So these are some of the best books for 4th graders recommended by different experts. We hope you and your kids love reading them.
