Children's Books for 3rd Graders

Jill needs ancient debris to craft a shiny new pickaxe - but the only place to find it is the Nether, a fiery world full of lava and strange fire-walking creatures! Can the Mage really build a portal to take them there? Would you dare ride a Strider across bubbling lava, or would you build a bridge instead? What waits on the other side? This decodable reader practices the soft c sound in words like ‘certainly,’ ‘place,’ ‘since,’ and ‘recited.’

In the quiet village of Canville, the Mage has a problem - his magic just won’t stay put! It fizzes, sparks, and begs to be let loose. Surely one tiny prank couldn’t hurt, right? But when bricks, cacti, bubbling lava, and squawking chickens start piling up around town, will anyone stop the mischief before it’s too late? A decodable reader exploring the soft g sound through words such as ‘magic,’ ‘giant,’ ‘village,’ and ‘gentle.’

Step into the shady world of Minecraft forests, where oak and birch trees pack tight and the floor stays cool and dim. Can Alex keep her wits about her when thick leaves block her view and mobs lurk behind every trunk? Why is wood the most treasured thing in the game, and what happens when too many trees fall? Gather provisions, spot rare dark oaks, and help replant a greener world. This decodable reader practices si making /zh/ in words like ’treasure,’ ‘vision,’ ‘unusual,’ and ‘decision.’

Pokey the cat is searching for a cozy spot to sleep, but every place he tries is already taken! A box stuffed with grumpy cats, a trash can guarded by snarling Inky - nobody wants to share. Then the rain begins, lightning cracks the sky, and suddenly everything changes. Will Pokey find somewhere safe, and what will he do when the other cats need help too? This decodable reader practices the ‘ough’ phonogram in words like ’tough,’ ‘rough,’ ’enough,’ ’thought,’ and ’through.’

Ned’s wheat field is finally sprouting - but what happens when a naughty creeper sneaks in overnight? Can Ned save his crops before they go up in smoke? With help from The Book, Ned learns to plant, protect, and maybe even bake something delicious. But first he’ll need a clever plan to outsmart one very sneaky visitor. This decodable reader practices the ‘augh’ sound in words like ‘caught,’ ’taught,’ ’naughty,’ and ’laughed.’

What happens when a sticky orange ice block meets a whole market full of fancy things to touch? Grace had the best day ever at the city market - she danced to flute music, spotted lace skirts, and hugged a crying boy. But her fingers got stickier and stickier, and every single thing she touched seemed to notice! Can she make it home without causing more trouble? This decodable reader practices soft c words such as ‘city,’ ‘ice,’ ‘juice,’ and ‘fancy.’

A monster came down from the hills, and by Wednesday only sixteen villagers were left. No spear can stop it, so how do you fight a thing that swallows everything whole? Brave young Kwezi has one strange, dangerous idea: to beat the monster, he must let it swallow him. Can a boy, a breathing tube, and a small flame really save everyone? This Bookbot level practices the ‘ough’ sound with words like ’tough’, ‘rough’, ’though’, ’thought’, and ’enough’.

Every morning, Pip watches Mom leave for work - and every morning, Pip has a plan. What happens when a clever little dog decides the fence is NOT going to stop her? Will she meet her friends, find something musical next door, and still make it home before Mom? Get ready for jumps, giggles, and one very innocent smile! This decodable reader practices si making /zh/ in words like ‘decision,’ ’evasion,’ ‘illusion,’ ’treasure,’ and ‘unusual.’

What happens when villagers who have never touched a chicken sign up for a farm stay with Zom the zombie farmer? Could mucking out pig sties, milking bleating sheep, and scooping horse droppings really be worth it for a big country breakfast? And when a phenomenal spread finally appears on the table the next morning, why is every single dish a strange shade of green? This decodable reader practices the ‘ph’ sound in words like ‘pamphlet,’ ‘phantoms,’ ‘phosphate,’ and ‘phrase.’

The water rises fast, swallowing streets and rooftops, and all Mel has left is a wooden pole and her toy giraffe, Gus. When a kind helper named Jen pulls her to safety, can Mel find the courage to speak, to eat, and to help the other frightened kids at the shelter? And will Jen keep her biggest promise of all? This decodable reader practices the ’ei’ phonogram in words like ‘weight,’ ‘ceiling,’ ’eiderdown,’ and ‘feisty.’