25 Best Read Aloud Books for 4th Grade
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Reading aloud is one of the best ways to connect with children and build a love of books. By 4th grade, young readers are ready for stories with deeper plots, complex characters, and meaningful themes—while still enjoying the fun and magic of getting lost in a good read. Whether you’re a parent at home or a teacher in the classroom, choosing the right read aloud can spark conversations, strengthen listening skills, and inspire a lifelong love of reading.
To help you, I’ve put together a list of 25 of the best read aloud books for 4th grade. Each one has a quick summary so you can decide which book might be the perfect fit for your class or child.
Why Read Aloud in 4th Grade?
Even though 4th graders are capable of reading on their own, reading aloud still holds incredible benefits. It exposes children to new vocabulary, helps them hear fluent reading, and encourages thoughtful discussions about character choices, main ideas, and life lessons. Plus, let’s be honest—it’s simply enjoyable to share a story together!
Now let’s dive into the book list.
25 Best Read Aloud Books for 4th Grade
1. Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
A heartwarming story about a lonely girl named Opal who adopts a scruffy dog. Through Winn-Dixie, she learns about friendship, forgiveness, and community. Perfect for sparking conversations about kindness and acceptance.
2. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
This timeless classic tells the story of Wilbur the pig and his unlikely friendship with Charlotte, a clever spider. A beautiful mix of humor, love, and life lessons, it’s one of those books that never loses its magic.
3. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Inspired by a true story, this novel follows Ivan, a gorilla who has spent years behind glass in a shopping mall. Told from Ivan’s point of view, it explores themes of hope, freedom, and compassion.
4. Frindle by Andrew Clements
Nick Allen decides to invent a new word—“frindle” instead of “pen.” What starts as a classroom prank turns into a nationwide movement. This book is both funny and thought-provoking, perfect for 4th grade humor.
5. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
When a robot named Roz washes up on a remote island, she must learn how to survive in the wild. A thoughtful story about nature, technology, and friendship, with just enough adventure to keep listeners hooked.
6. Matilda by Roald Dahl
Matilda is a brilliant little girl stuck with terrible parents and a frightening headmistress. But with her brains, courage, and a little magic, she finds her way. This story is funny, empowering, and unforgettable.
7. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
Based on a true story, this survival tale follows Karana, a girl stranded alone on an island. She learns to fend for herself and finds courage in solitude. A great pick for discussions about resilience and independence.
8. Holes by Louis Sachar
Stanley Yelnats is sent to a strange camp where boys dig holes every day. But the mystery behind the holes unravels into a tale of family history, justice, and fate. Funny, adventurous, and deeply meaningful.
9. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
Peter Hatcher’s little brother, Fudge, is constantly causing chaos in his life. Hilarious and relatable, this book is a classroom favorite and makes kids laugh out loud.
10. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
A porcelain rabbit named Edward goes on an emotional journey of loss, love, and redemption. It’s a deeply moving story that sparks conversations about empathy and kindness.
11. Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
A silly, wacky collection of stories about a very unusual school. Each chapter is a funny adventure, making this a fantastic pick for short daily read aloud sessions.
12. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Blending Chinese folklore with magical storytelling, this novel follows Minli as she sets out on a journey to change her family’s fortune. Rich in imagery and lessons about gratitude.
13. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
James escapes his miserable life by climbing inside a magical peach and traveling with a group of quirky insect friends. This adventurous story keeps kids giggling and engaged.
14. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Two friends create a magical kingdom in the woods, but the story takes an emotional turn. A powerful tale about friendship, imagination, and loss—best read with tissues nearby.
15. The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies
A brother-sister duo compete to see who can make the most money selling lemonade. Along the way, they learn lessons about sibling rivalry, teamwork, and business smarts.
16. How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell
A gross-but-funny story about a boy who bets he can eat 15 worms in 15 days. Fourth graders love the humor, and it sparks great discussions about peer pressure and determination.
17. Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Esperanza goes from a life of privilege in Mexico to working on farms in California during the Great Depression. A story of resilience, cultural identity, and hope.
18. Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater
Mr. Popper’s quiet life changes when he inherits a group of penguins. Full of silly chaos, this classic is perfect for lighthearted classroom or family reading.
19. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Meg, her brother Charles Wallace, and a friend travel through time and space to rescue their father. A mix of science fiction and fantasy that challenges young readers to think big.
20. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
Pippi is bold, funny, and completely original. Her adventures—filled with humor and a touch of chaos—never fail to capture kids’ imaginations.
21. The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
In a city where the lights are failing, two children must solve clues to save their people. A suspenseful, mysterious story that keeps kids guessing.
22. Love That Dog by Sharon Creech
Told through free verse poetry, this book follows Jack, a boy learning to express himself through writing. A wonderful way to introduce poetry to young readers.
23. The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden
A country cricket accidentally lands in New York City and befriends a cat and mouse. Together, they go on whimsical adventures that combine humor and heart.
24. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
Milo travels through a magical tollbooth into a land filled with wordplay, puns, and clever adventures. A funny yet thoughtful story that inspires kids to appreciate curiosity and learning.
25. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial difference, attends school for the first time. This powerful book sparks empathy, kindness, and important conversations about acceptance.
Tips for Choosing the Right Read Aloud
Match interest and maturity. Some stories are light and silly, while others dive into more emotional themes. Think about your group of young readers and what they’re ready for.
Mix up genres. Alternate between humor, adventure, fantasy, and realistic fiction to keep things fresh.
Keep discussions going. Ask questions after each chapter—What do you think the character will do next? How would you feel in that situation?
Reread favorites. Sometimes the best way to fall in love with a story is hearing it more than once.
Final Thoughts
Choosing read aloud books for 4th graders is such an exciting opportunity. At this age, kids are old enough to appreciate deeper plots and themes, but they still love humor, adventure, and magic. Whether you pick a classic like Charlotte’s Webor something modern like The Wild Robot, the important thing is the joy of reading together.
So grab a book, gather your young readers, and get ready to share the magic of a great story—one chapter at a time.