Reading Representation Grades 3-4

The books on this list have been curated for grades 3-4 by Guilford Free Library and Guilford Public Schools librarians. These titles showcase characters from a wide range of backgrounds, ethnicities, abilities, and family structures, affirming everyone’s presence and value in society while also being good stories that children enjoy! Reading stories from different perspectives inspires empathy, fostering self-love as well as a greater connection with others. This project is also presented by the Guilford Anti-Bias Anti-Racist (ABAR) Alliance, a collaborative partnership of educators, parents, and caregivers who work to further inclusion, equity, and tolerance within Guilford Public Schools. Learn more at www.GuilfordCtABAR.com .
 

Showing 1 - 12 of 12  There are a total of 78 valid entries on the list.

1. A boy called Bat

Book cover for "A boy called Bat"
Star rating for A boy called Bat
Author:
Arnold, Elana K.
Average Rating:
5 stars
Formats:
Book, CD Audiobook, Hoopla eAudiobook, Hoopla eBook, Media Player, OverDrive eBook
Description:
When his veterinarian mom brings home a stray baby skunk that needs rehabilitation before it can be placed in a wild animal shelter, Bat, who has autism, resolves to prove that he is up to the challenge of caring for the skunk permanently.

2. The extraordinary education of Nicholas Benedict

Book cover for "The extraordinary education of Nicholas Benedict"
Star rating for The extraordinary education of Nicholas Benedict
Author:
Stewart, Trenton Lee
Average Rating:
5 stars
Formats:
Book, CD Audiobook
Description:
Nine-year-old Nicholas Benedict, an orphan afflicted with an unfortunate nose and with narcolepsy, is sent to a new orphanage where he encounters vicious bullies, selfish adults, strange circumstances, and a mystery that could change his life forever.

3. Flora & Ulysses

Book cover for "Flora & Ulysses"
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Author:
DiCamillo, Kate
Formats:
CD Audiobook, Hoopla eBook
Description:
It begins, as the best superhero stories do, with a tragic accident that has unexpected consequences. The squirrel never saw the vacuum cleaner coming, but self-described cynic Flora Belle Buckman, who has read every issue of the comic book Terrible Things Can Happen to You!, is just the right person to step in and save him. What neither can predict is that Ulysses (the squirrel) has been born anew, with powers of strength, flight, and misspelled...

4. Fuzzy mud

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Author:
Sachar, Louis, 1954-
Average Rating:
5 stars
Formats:
Book, CD Audiobook, Media Player, OverDrive eAudiobook, OverDrive eBook
Description:
"Two middle-grade kids take a shortcut home from school and discover what looks like fuzzy mud but is actually a substance with the potential to wreak havoc on the entire world"--

5. Garvey's choice

Book cover for "Garvey's choice"
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Author:
Grimes, Nikki
Formats:
Book, CD Audiobook, Hoopla eAudiobook, OverDrive eBook
Description:
"Garvey's father has always wanted Garvey to be athletic, but Garvey is interested in astronomy, science fiction, reading--anything but sports. Feeling like a failure, he comforts himself with food. Garvey is kind, funny, smart, a loyal friend, and he is also overweight, teased by bullies, and lonely. When his only friend encourages him to join the school chorus, Garvey's life changes. The chorus finds a new soloist in Garvey, and through chorus,...

6. The jumbies

Book cover for "The jumbies"
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Author:
Baptiste, Tracey
Formats:
Book, CD Audiobook, Hoopla eAudiobook, Hoopla eBook, OverDrive eAudiobook, OverDrive eBook
Description:
Eleven-year-old Corinne must call on her courage and an ancient magic to stop an evil spirit and save her island home.

7. The mysterious Benedict Society

Book cover for "The mysterious Benedict Society"
Star rating for The mysterious Benedict Society
Author:
Stewart, Trenton Lee
Average Rating:
4.6 stars
Formats:
Book, CD Audiobook, OverDrive eAudiobook, OverDrive eBook
Description:
After passing a series of mind-bending tests, four children are selected for a secret mission that requires them to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules.

8. The mysterious Benedict Society and the prisoner's dilemma

Book cover for "The mysterious Benedict Society and the prisoner's dilemma"
Star rating for The mysterious Benedict Society and the prisoner's dilemma
Author:
Stewart, Trenton Lee
Average Rating:
5 stars
Formats:
Book, CD Audiobook, OverDrive eAudiobook, OverDrive eBook
Description:
When an unexplained blackout engulfs Stonetown, Benedict Society members Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance follow clues on an adventure that threatens to separate them from their families, friends, and even one another.

9. The red pyramid

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Author:
Riordan, Rick
Average Rating:
4.5 stars
Formats:
Book, CD Audiobook, Hoopla eBook, Large Print, Media Player, OverDrive eAudiobook, OverDrive eBook
Description:
Brilliant Egyptologist Dr. Julius Kane accidentally unleashes the Egyptian god Set, who banishes the doctor to oblivion and forces his two children to embark on a dangerous journey, bringing them closer to the truth about their family and its links to a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharoahs.

10. The throne of fire

Book cover for "The throne of fire"
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Author:
Riordan, Rick
Average Rating:
5 stars
Formats:
Book, CD Audiobook, Hoopla eBook, Large Print, OverDrive eBook
Description:
Carter and Sadie, offspring of the brilliant Egyptologist Dr. Julius Kane, embark on a worldwide search for the Book of Ra, but the House of Life and the gods of chaos are determined to stop them.

11. We're not from here

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Author:
Rodkey, Geoff, 1970-
Average Rating:
5 stars
Formats:
Book, CD Audiobook, OverDrive eAudiobook
Description:
After a year on Mars, a young boy and his family migrate to the planet Choom, but the inhabitants of Choom, the Zhuri, who look like giant mosquitoes, don't really like humans and it up to the boy and his family to change their minds if they hope to survive.

12. The year of the dog

Book cover for "The year of the dog"
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Author:
Lin, Grace
Average Rating:
4 stars
Formats:
Book, CD Audiobook, Hoopla eBook, OverDrive eBook
Description:
It's the Chinese year of the dog! When Pacy's mom tells her that this is a good year for friends, family, and "finding herself," Pacy begins searching right away. As the year goes on, she struggles to find her talent, deals with disappointment, makes a new best friend, and discovers just why the year of the dog is a lucky one for her after all.