First Son's Third Grade Reading List

First Son, back when he was in third grade

This is just a quick post with a list of the books First Son read independently, for lessons but not for narrations, in third grade. I used to find lists like this invaluable in determining the kind of books that were about right for both reading level and age level when my kids were younger. First Son is now sixteen (gasp!), 6'3" (gasp!) and reads just about whatever he wants.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and the rest of the Narnia series by C.S. Lewis - I've linked to one of the editions we've had over the years. I think we've gone through at least three copies of each book over the years.

Walking the Road to Freedom: A Story about Sojourner Truth by Jeffi Ferris - This was on our bookshelf and lined up with our American history readings.

Chike and the River by Chinua Achebe - This matches well with an Africa study. It's a wonderful story of adventure and courage.

A Grain of Rice by Helena Clare Pittman - First Son was able to read this in one day; it's really an early reader. It's a delightful little book, though, and I wanted him to read it even though he was older before I found it.

The Apple and the Arrow by Mary and Conrad Buff - An exciting story of William Tell.

The Wright Brothers: Pioneers of American Aviation by Quentin Reynolds - I think this is my favorite Landmark book. It's well-written, adventurous, and inspiring.

From Kansas to Cannibals: The Story of Osa Johnson by Suzanne Middendorf Arruda - This is a biography of a young woman from Kansas who travelled the world making some of the first movies of natural wildlife in Africa and the people of the South Seas. There's a lot of grappling with out-dated beliefs about non-white ethnicities necessary when reading it, but she's one of my heroes. Third grade on the Range includes both a study of the South Seas in Extreme Environments and a study of Kansas, so it's a perfect fit. Not every family would feel the same.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Blessed John Paul II: Be Not Afraid by Susan Wallace (Encounter the Saints series) - This series is a pretty good one for the early elementary years. First Son chose from the ones we have.

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder - First Son also read Little House on the Prairie and Farmer Boy. Farmer Boy was by far his favorite.

Time Cat by Lloyd Alexander - I haven't read this book, but my boys have both enjoyed it.

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