16 Best 3rd Grade Books for Summer Reading (Age 8)

Summer is the perfect time for young readers to dive into new adventures and discover the joy of reading outside the classroom. For third graders, aged 8, summer offers a golden opportunity to explore captivating stories that spark imagination and encourage a love of books. Whether your child is a budding bookworm or a reluctant reader, finding the right books can make all the difference. To help you navigate the plethora of options available, we’ve curated a list of 16 of the best books for 8-year-olds that are guaranteed to keep them entertained and engaged throughout the summer break.

From humorous tales of mischievous animals to thrilling adventures in far-off worlds, these selections cater to a variety of interests and reading levels. Each book has been chosen for its ability to captivate young minds and foster a love for reading. With vivid illustrations, relatable characters, and exciting plots, these titles are not only enjoyable but also support literacy development in a fun and interactive way. So, grab a cool drink, find a comfy spot, and let your child embark on a summer of reading that is both educational and entertaining!

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16 Best 3rd Grade Books for Summer Reading

As summer unfolds, it’s the perfect opportunity for third graders to immerse themselves in exciting new worlds and adventures. To inspire their reading journey, we’ve selected 16 of the best books that are sure to captivate and engage 8-year-olds during their summer break.

1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: No Brainer by Jeff Kinney 

In “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: No Brainer,” the eighteenth instalment of Jeff Kinney’s internationally bestselling series, Greg Heffley faces a new challenge as his middle school teeters on the brink of closure. Initially indifferent to the prospect, Greg’s apathy turns to urgency when he realises the potential separation from his best friend, Rowley Jefferson. This novel follows Greg and his classmates’ comical and heartfelt efforts to save their beloved but dilapidated school. True to Kinney’s signature style, the book seamlessly blends humour and relatable middle school antics through a balanced mix of text and cartoons, ensuring laughter and engagement for young readers.

2. The Majorly Awkward BFF Dramas of Lottie Brooks by Katie Kirby

“The Majorly Awkward BFF Dramas of Lottie Brooks” by Katie Kirby is a delightful continuation of the beloved series, bringing back Lottie with all her charm and wit. Now officially coupled with Daniel, Lottie faces new challenges, including the jealousy of Amber and the addition of Pot Noodle, an adorable but untrained cockapoo, to her family. As Lottie juggles her new relationship and the demands of a new pet, she inadvertently neglects her best friends, leading to a balancing act that many young readers will find relatable. Kirby’s storytelling captures the humour and heart of pre-teen life, resonating deeply with readers, who find themselves laughing and connecting with Lottie’s experiences.

3.The Supernaturals and the Miracle Dream by Andy Robb

“The Supernaturals and the Miracle Dream” by Andy Robb invites young readers into the captivating world of Teji and her extraordinary friends, collectively known as The Supernaturals. Teji possesses a unique gift of receiving divine messages through her dreams, and her latest dream sets in motion a series of faith-challenging events. Convinced that her vivid dream is a message from God, Teji, supported by her friends, each with their own special abilities, embarks on a journey of faith and discovery. Their adventure takes them from their familiar skatepark to a bustling shopping mall, where they encounter a homeless woman from Teji’s dream in need of healing. This heartwarming narrative weaves themes of friendship, faith, and the supernatural, illustrating that miracles can happen when least expected and highlighting the boundless nature of God’s love.

4. The 169-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths

“The 169-Storey Treehouse” by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton is the final, laughter-filled instalment in the globally acclaimed Treehouse series. With comic book-style illustrations that will captivate fans of Dog Man and Bunny vs. Monkey, this book takes readers on a fantastical journey through the newly expanded, awe-inspiring treehouse. Andy and Terry’s latest additions include an electric pony stable, a weather dome, and a 100% edible gingerbread house, among other whimsical features. The plot thickens as they navigate a hall of funhouse mirrors to evade Mr Bunkoff, who is determined to send them to school. Meanwhile, their mischievous opposites, Anti-Andy, Terrible Terry, and Junkyard Jill, are trapped in one of the mirrors, plotting their escape. Amidst the chaos, Andy and Terry must also meet a tight book deadline. This book is a delightful blend of humour and adventure, perfect for young readers and a fitting conclusion to a beloved series that has sold millions of copies worldwide.

5. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

“The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown is a heartwarming and action-packed illustrated novel that delves into the clash between nature and technology. When robot Roz awakens on a remote, untamed island, she finds herself utterly alone, with no memory of how she arrived or what her purpose might be. Faced with the daunting task of survival, Roz must navigate fierce storms and evade a bear attack, eventually realising that her best chance lies in adapting to her environment and learning from the island’s wary animal inhabitants. As Roz gradually gains their trust, the island begins to feel like home—until her mysterious past threatens to disrupt the newfound harmony. This captivating story is perfect for young readers, combining adventure, empathy, and the exploration of what it means to belong.

6. The Day I Fell Down the Toilet by Stephen Mangan

“The Day I Fell Down the Toilet” by Stephen Mangan, with illustrations by Anita Mangan, is a high-energy, laugh-out-loud adventure perfect for young readers. In the land of Dunny, where jokes originate, disaster strikes as the Queen loses her sense of humour and bans fun entirely. The fate of humour rests on making her laugh, but through a mix-up, the wrong Timothy—an indecisive boy—is brought in to save the day instead of the child genius expected. Can this unlikely hero find a way to tickle the Queen’s funny bone? Overflowing with toilet humour and wildly imaginative scenarios, this delightfully silly tale underscores that any child can be a hero. With illustrations that bring the story to life, this book continues the comedic legacy of Mangan’s previous bestsellers like “Escape the Rooms” and “The Fart That Changed the World.”

7. The Danger Gang by Tom Fletcher

“The Danger Gang” by Tom Fletcher, renowned author of “The Christmasaurus” and “The Creakers,” is an electrifying adventure that has captivated readers worldwide. Franky is excited to move to a new town, though saddened to leave his best friend Dani behind. Following a bizarre storm marked by green lightning and powerful thunder, the children on Franky’s street begin to exhibit strange, magical abilities. Inspired by his hero, super-spy Zack Danger, Franky seizes the opportunity to form an extraordinary group, the Danger Gang, with his newfound friends. Together, they navigate the thrills and perils that accompany their unusual powers in this spellbinding tale of friendship and adventure, making it a perfect summer read for young readers.

8. The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd

“The Boy Who Grew Dragons” by Andy Shepherd is a captivating start to a delightful new series. When Tomas discovers a peculiar tree in his grandad’s garden, he unwittingly brings home a piece of its strange fruit, only to witness the miraculous hatching of a tiny dragon named Flicker. Life with Flicker proves to be both thrilling and chaotic, as dragons are prone to setting fire to toothbrushes and leaving clothes in odd places. As Tomas navigates the challenges of caring for his fiery companion, more dragonfruits appear, and he finds himself quite literally growing dragons. This enchanting tale is filled with humour, magic, and the joys of unexpected adventure, making it an ideal summer read for young readers.

9. The Boy At the Back of the Class by Onjali Rauf

“The Boy at the Back of the Class” by Onjali Rauf is a heartfelt and humorous novel that offers a child’s perspective on the refugee crisis. The story begins on an ordinary school day when a new boy named Ahmet, a refugee fleeing from a war-torn country, joins the class. With pale skin, lion-like eyes, and a tattered red rucksack, Ahmet initially becomes a target for bullies and rumours due to his inability to speak English. However, he soon captures the attention and empathy of a fellow classmate and their friends, Josie, Michael, and Tom. Determined to help Ahmet find his family, the group devises several ambitious plans, even contemplating involving the Queen herself. This touching tale underscores the power of friendship and kindness in navigating complex and challenging situations, making it an inspiring read for young readers.

10. The Blunders by David Walliams

“The Blunders” by David Walliams is a hilarious and heartwarming tale about the most endearingly clumsy family in history. Meet the Blunders: Bertie, Betsy, their children Brutus and Bunny, their beloved grandma Old Lady Blunder, and their pet ostrich, Cedric—a fittingly absurd pet for a delightfully absurd family. Living in the dilapidated Blunder Hall, this upper-class family’s eccentricities and blunders are put to the test when their home is threatened. The Blunders must navigate a series of uproarious misadventures to save their crumbling residence. Overflowing with Walliams’ signature humour and charm, “The Blunders” is a perfect summer read that promises endless laughter for young readers.

11. Cake and Hamster by Annie Burchell

“Cake and Hamster” by Annie Burchell is a delightfully humorous tale perfect for children who enjoy quirky adventures. Cordelia Roberts is gearing up for her school baking competition, but she’s facing a major challenge—she can’t bake. With her rival, Cleo Hawkins, poised to make her life difficult, Cordelia needs to pull off a baking miracle. Fortunately, with the eccentric support of her gran and her fellow nerdy friends, Oscar and Amrita, she might just succeed—if Blake Hartley doesn’t accidentally blow up the kitchen first. Set against the backdrop of Melton Primary School, this roller-coaster ride features eccentric teachers, bizarre playground games, and a remarkably skilled hamster. Filled with fun and absurdity, “Cake and Hamster” is an ideal read for kids aged 8-12 who relish quirky humour, karate grandmas, farting dogs, and baking chaos.

12. The Great Crisp Robbery by Pamela Butchart

“The Great Crisp Robbery” by Pamela Butchart, illustrated by Thomas Flintham, is a laugh-out-loud tale that turns an ordinary school trip into an extraordinary adventure. Izzy and her friends are thrilled about their overnight train ride, but their excitement quickly turns to bewilderment when they find everything on board to be utterly strange, including the impossibly tiny bunk beds. The situation escalates when their teacher, Miss Jones, mysteriously vanishes, leading to a panicked outcry that she has been kidnapped. As chaos unfolds, Izzy and her friends dive into another hilariously chaotic escapade. This Blue Peter Award-winning team delivers a story where everyday school life transforms into a whirlwind of misadventures, ensuring that no day at school is ever ordinary with Izzy around.

13. An Anthology of Intriguing Animals by Ben Hoare

“An Anthology of Intriguing Animals” by Ben Hoare is an exceptional animal encyclopedia designed for curious young readers aged 6-8. This visually stunning book invites children to explore the vast world of animals through captivating stories, fascinating facts, and vivid illustrations. Each entry features detailed photographs and engaging illustrations that bring creatures like tigers, chameleons, and owls to life, while simple, storybook-style descriptions reveal the myths and unique traits of these animals. From the mysterious slow-motion sloth to the ancient Egyptian beliefs about the sun’s chariot, this anthology combines educational content with delightful storytelling. Ideal as both a reference and a gift, it encourages children to delve into the wonders of the animal kingdom and discover their new favourite creatures. With its beautiful presentation and informative content, “An Anthology of Intriguing Animals” is perfect for sparking young imaginations and fostering a love of learning.

14. The Mysteries of the Universe by Will Gater

“The Mysteries of the Universe” by Will Gater is a captivating space encyclopedia designed for young readers aged 6-8, offering an inspiring journey through the cosmos. This beautifully illustrated book invites children to explore over 100 remarkable celestial objects, from planets and asteroids to black holes and galaxies. Each page combines striking photography with detailed illustrations, accompanied by engaging storybook-style descriptions that reveal fascinating facts, myths, and scientific discoveries about the universe. With its stunning visual presentation and accessible text, this book not only fuels young imaginations but also serves as a perfect first reference for curious minds eager to delve into the wonders of space. Ideal for solo reading or family exploration, “The Mysteries of the Universe” makes a wonderful gift that will be cherished and enjoyed for years to come.

15. Astrochimp by David Walliams

“Astrochimp” by David Walliams is a riotously funny space adventure that will have young readers in stitches. The story follows Chump, a mischievous chimpanzee whose antics, like making rude noises and eating banana skins, have earned him a reputation for silliness. Unbeknownst to him, Chump is chosen by NASA for a high-stakes mission: to prove that if a chimp can orbit Earth, so can a human. With Chump at the helm of a spacecraft, the mission quickly spirals into chaos, featuring encounters with dog space pirates, evil insects, and the most absurd situations imaginable. This lively and fully illustrated book combines Walliams’ trademark humour with colourful, engaging illustrations, making it a must-read for children who love hilarious, out-of-this-world adventures.

16. Dog Man 12 by Dav Pilkey

In “Dog Man 12: The Scarlet Shedder,” Dav Pilkey delivers another thrilling and humorous instalment in his globally bestselling series. This twelfth graphic novel follows our beloved canine hero, Dog Man, who, after an unfortunate encounter with a skunk, is left with a lingering scarlet hue and exiled by the very citizens he protects. As he struggles to prove his worth, the story introduces a new, formidable villain unleashing an army of A.I. robots, and Petey the Cat is reluctantly drawn back into his criminal ways to aid Dog Man. Pilkey’s signature blend of suspense and comedy, combined with vibrant full-colour illustrations, continues to captivate readers of all ages. With themes of empathy, kindness, and perseverance, “The Scarlet Shedder” remains a delightful addition to the series, inviting fans to enjoy the latest adventures and explore additional titles such as “Dog Man with Love: The Official Colouring Book” and the “Cat Kid Comic Club” series.

For more summer reads check out these posts:

• 16 Best 4th Grade Books for Summer Reading (9-Year-Olds)
• 16 Best 5th Grade Books for Summer Reading (10-Year-Olds)
• 16 Best 6th Grade Books for Summer Reading (11-Year-Olds)

Summary

As we wrap up our list of the 16 best books for third graders this summer, we hope you’ve found some new favourites to add to your child’s reading list. These books offer a delightful mix of adventure, humour, and heart, ensuring that every young reader will find something to ignite their imagination and keep them engaged. We’d love to hear from you—do you have any go-to summer reads for 8-year-olds or any personal favourites that didn’t make our list? Share your recommendations and experiences in the comments below.