My last post was about how we just bought a home… While it still has a looong way to go, we are finally getting settled in and planning projects.
When we first started painting and moving things in, we had no internet, no cable, no entertainment. We didn’t get internet until a couple days after we started staying at the house. It was hard on us, but it was difficult for the kiddo. Luckily, Aden loves to read. He gets excited about new books and really enjoys reading. Books were easy for us to transport back and forth instead of a bunch of toys/activities.
Being in 4th grade, I feel like it has been kind of hard to find new books & book series. He’s not quite a teen, but he isn’t a little kid either. So, here we are. I wanted to share with you all our top book series for 4th grade boys (or girls, I just don’t have any girls). All of the following book series come personally recommended by my 10 year old son – promise. (I had a couple on the list I thought he liked & he kindly requested their removal because they were “SO BORING!”)
Diary of a Wimpy Kid is by far Aden’s favorite series. He’s read these books all the way through more than once. He just recently got the Do It Yourself Book too and has really enjoyed it.
Description: Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a satirical realistic fiction comedy novel for children and teenagers written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney. The book is about a boy named Greg Heffley and his struggles to fit in as he begins middle school.
There are also movies based on the books. They are pretty cute.
2. Captain Underpants
Captain Underpants has been around for quite awhile. Too be honest, I was turned off by the name at first. I thought it sounded inappropriate and dumb. But – it actually isn’t bad & the kid loves to read the books. The movie is actually pretty funny too.
Description: The series revolves around two fourth graders, George Beard and Harold Hutchins, living in Piqua, Ohio, and Captain Underpants, an aptly named superhero from one of the boys’ homemade comic books, that accidentally becomes real when George and Harold hypnotize their ill-tempered principal, Mr. Krupp.
3. The Familiars
It is no surprise that my child, lover of all animals, wants to read books with animals. Especially ones that have to do with magic!
Description: THE FAMILIARS are the magical animal companions to a wizard or witch. When three young wizards-in-training get kidnapped by the evil queen of the land, it is up to their familiars to go a dangerous journey to rescue them.
4. Tom Gates
Description: The Brilliant World of Tom Gates is about Tom Gates. A boy who is more focused on doodling and biscuits than his school work. His life is full of beady eyed teachers like Mr Fullerman, the annoying Marcus Meldrew and grumpy sisters like Delia.
5. Big Nate
Obsessed is an understatement when referring to how much my kiddo loves Big Nate books. Aden loves to draw as well, so this being more of a graphic novel is right up his alley
Description: Nate doesn’t enjoy school, but, despite his sarcasm, he’s a good kid. The mix of narrative and comics-style illustrations make each book a quick, fun read, even for reluctant readers, and the series especially appeals to boys.
6. Black Lagoon Adventures
There are over 25 books in this series currently. They are interesting and quick reads. I love how many books there are so we won’t be running out any time soon (hopefully). Bonus: They are SO cheap!
Description: Oh, no! It’s the class trip from the Black Lagoon. The kids have no idea where they’re going but they imagine a day full of ferocious animals, maniacal monsters, and scary aerial acrobatics. And their teacher, mean Mrs. Green, is going to quiz them on everything! When the kids stop letting their imaginations run wild they soon realize that they’re going to a very cool zoo. But that won’t change the fact that there’s never a dull moment in the Black Lagoon!
7. Dog Man
Dog Man is kind of a spin off from Captain Underpants from what I understand. If your kiddo enjoys Captain Underpants, they will probably like Dog Man!
Description: George and Harold have created a new hero who digs into deception, claws after crooks, and rolls over robbers. … New from the creator of Captain Underpants, it’s Dog Man, the crime-biting canine who is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO.
8. Goosebumps
As long as your kiddo doesn’t scare easily, Goosebumps is a great book series. Obviously it has been around forever & it continues to be popular. These are not books Aden reads all the time, as he does sometimes have nightmares. However, he enjoys them every once in awhile for a different type of book. They really aren’t super scary – more funny and silly, but the boy’s imagination runs wild 😉 … Anyway, there’s TONS of books and mini series (spin-offs?) within the Goosebumps brand. We haven’t even made it through half.
9. Stick Dog
Description: Stick Dog (so named for his rudimentary depiction by narrator Tom, who claims an inability to draw) and his doggy friends—Poo Poo, Karen, Mutt, and Stripes—are strays living in a suburban park. One day they detect “a pleasant aroma” (grilling hamburgers) and decide to satisfy their hunger at whatever cost. The chase that follows involves distractions (a squirrel in a tree), misunderstandings about the family that is grilling, and a series of ludicrous attack plans that surprisingly results in a tasty conclusion.
10. Warriors
Description: Epic adventures. Fierce warrior cats. A thrilling fantasy world. It all begins here. Read the book that began a phenomenon—and join the legion of fans who have made Erin Hunter’s Warriors series a #1 national bestseller. For generations, four Clans of wild cats have shared the forest according to the laws laid down by their ancestors. But the warrior code has been threatened, and the ThunderClan cats are in grave danger. The sinister ShadowClan grows stronger every day. Noble warriors are dying—and some deaths are more mysterious than others. In the midst of this turmoil appears an ordinary housecat named Rusty… who may turn out to be the bravest warrior of them all
11. Magic Tree House
Aden started reading Magic Tree House books in 1st grade. They are an easy read but stay interesting for younger minds. In 3rd grade, he decided he was “too old” for them. Now, in 4th grade, has decided to start reading them again. He said they are simple, but cool. He enjoys the different storylines and there’s over 50 books at this time, which is awesome. They are also super affordable.
Description: Meet Jack and Annie! Jack and his younger sister, Annie, are just regular kids. But when they discover a tree house in the woods, something magical happens. Jack and Annie are whisked back in time to the Age of Dinosaurs, a medieval castle, ancient pyramids, and treasure-seeking pirates. Every visit to the magic tree house leads to adventure!
12. Guinness Book of World Records
Ok, I know. Not the most traditional “book series” that you’d think of. But, I’m telling you! These books are awesome. They are captivating, interesting, and there’s always new books coming out. Yes, there are pictures. But there’s a lot of text too. Kids can learn a lot from these and some things people have accomplished are inspirational. Aden personally likes the Gamer Edition the best, but he really enjoys them all.
There you have it! 12 awesome book series that are sure to keep your little one reading. If you have any other suggestions, please comment below. We can always use new books!
