Check out our picks for best picture books for 4th graders, both on and off our platform!
Whether your kid is an advanced reader already poring through chapter books or still honing their skills, what 4th grader can’t still get into a fun and captivating picture book? These faves are great books for read-alouds, independent reading and even bringing educational topics to life.
Take a look at this book list for some of our most recommended picture books for 4th graders below.
Best Picture Books for 4th Graders
This Way, Charlie
Written by: Caron Levis
Illustrated by: Charles Santoso
At the Open Bud Ranch, Jack the goat likes to keep to himself, until one day a horse named Charlie arrives… and steps right on top of him! At first a little miffed, the gruff goat learns that Charlie is blind in one eye. This makes it hard to see and get around the ranch. Jack has compassion for Charlie and summons the courage to help him. He guides him to his favorite field and a powerful friendship grows between them.
This tender, sweet tale teaches young children and grade schoolers about the importance of empathizing with others’ point of view and helping those in need. And it shows them how friendship can arise in the most unlikely places.
The Wanderer
By: Peter Van den Ende
Without using text, this graphic novel-style picture book is about one little paper boat’s journey across the ocean.
All alone, the little boat sails past reefs, between icebergs, through schools of fish, confronts scary sea monsters and must weather a terrible storm. During its perilous journey, the boat wonders at the enchanting fairytale world above and below it.
Your 4th-grade kid will love this inspiring story about growing, learning and adapting to changing circumstances, good and bad.
Soldier for Equality: José de la Luz Sáenz and the Great War
Written by: Duncan Tonatiuh
Mexican American José de la Luz Sáenz (Luz) believed in fighting for what was right. Despite being born in the U.S., Luz often faced discrimination from other Americans because of his heritage.
When World War I broke out, Luz enlisted, and became a vital member of the Intelligence Office in Europe. However, he continued to face prejudice. So when the war ended, he returned to his home state of Texas and joined other Mexican American veterans to create the League of United Latin American Citizens. Today it’s the largest and oldest Latinx civil rights organization.
Drawing from Luz’s actual wartime diary, this book tells the story of a Mexican American war hero and his fight for equality.
Freedom in Congo Square
Written by: Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrated by: R. Gregory Christie
Set in 19th-century Louisiana, this Caldecott Honor winner tells the little known true story of enslaved people finding hope and joy even under the most oppressed conditions.
All week long, they labored all day, with the exception of Sundays, when they would worship in the mornings. But in the afternoons they could gather with free Blacks at Congo Square. Here they could sing and dance, set up a market, play music and forget their struggles for just a little while.
The beautiful illustrations and simple rhymes make it easy for even 3rd-grade readers to understand. The lyrical language makes it a great choice for read-alouds with even pre-K readers.
Grand Canyon
By: Grace Hansen
Many of us are familiar with the vast, majestic national park in Arizona known as the Grand Canyon. Famous for its sprawling views of the canyon and the Colorado River, it is vividly explored in this accessible kids’ book through breath-taking photography and simple text. It includes activities and all sorts of interesting factoids for young readers.
Aligned with Common Core Standards, it’s also a great addition to any classroom library.
Gittel’s Journey: An Ellis Island Story
Written by: Lesléa Newman
Illustrated by: Amy June Bates
When a young girl, Gittel, and her mother attempt to immigrate to America from Poland, Gittel’s mother is blocked from leaving the country by a health inspector due to a suspected eye infection. So young Gittel must continue on alone. Her mother gives her a piece of paper with the address for her cousin in New York. But by the time Gittel gets to Ellis Island, the ink is smeared and she can’t decipher it.
This heartbreaking and heartwarming piece of semi-biographical historical fiction is inspired by the true story of Lesléa Newman’s grandmother and her journey to Ellis Island. It’s a touching, inspiring way to introduce 4th and 5th grade readers to the immigrant experience in America.
The Bluest of Blues: Anna Atkins and the First Book of Photographs
By: Fiona Robinson
This stunning biography is a gorgeous, immersive way to introduce 8 through 12-year-olds to botanist and photographer Anna Atkins.
After losing her mother as a child, Atkins was raised by her father, who was set on giving her a scientific education. Fascinated with the plant life around her, Anna went into botany, recording her findings in illustrations and engravings. She later went on to catalogue her discoveries and observations and became the first person to publish a book of photography.
Intersecting women’s history, science and art, “The Bluest of Blues” will inspire your young reader’s own journey of discovery and creativity.
The Eye That Never Sleeps
By: Marissa Moss
Illustrated by: Jeremy Holmes
In this first children’s book about Allan Pinkerton, kids can learn all about the life of one of America’s greatest detectives. Known for thwarting an assassination attempt on President Abraham Lincoln, his career really began when he helped the Chicago Police Department nab a group of counterfeiters. He then founded the most successful detective agency in the country, solved more than 300 murders and recovered millions of dollars in stolen money.
Illustrated in a quirky eye-catching cartoon style, it appeals not only to kids in the fourth grade, but to kids in the third grade and fifth grade as well.
More Recommendations
Here are a few of our favorite books not available on Epic, several of which you can find on Amazon.
Secrets of a Civil War Submarine
By: Sally M. Walker
In 1864, the H.L. Hunley made history as the first submarine to sink a ship in battle. But several days later, the sub still hadn’t returned to the dock. It was never seen again until 130 years later, when it was discovered off the coast of South Carolina. This fascinating story describes the history and inner workings of this famous submarine, as well as the real-world efforts to recover, excavate and conserve it.
Journey
By: Aaron Becker
In this fantastical, text-free picture book, a lonely girl uses a magic red marker to draw a door on her bedroom wall. She then goes through it and escapes into a world of wonder and adventure. Armed with her magic marker, she creates a boat, balloon, and a flying carpet that she then uses to embark on an extraordinary journey. But when she finds herself captured, only an act of kindness and courage can set her free.
Jumanji
By: Chris Van Allsburg
Peter and Judy aren’t too impressed when they find a board game, Jumanji, under a tree. It looks like all the other games they’ve played. But they nevertheless decide to pluck up the game and give it a try. Little did they know they are about to embark on the strangest and most thrilling adventure of their lives. Your kid will love this fantastical story as Peter’s and Judy’s quiet house transforms into an exotic jungle filled with otherworldly surprises.
Flotsam
By: David Weisner
Flotsam is anything floating in the ocean that washes ashore: bottles, lost toys, small objects and everything in between. When a bright, science-loving young boy heads down to the beach to do some exploring, he discovers a barnacle-encrusted underwater camera full of secrets. What follows is a fascinating exploration of the mysteries of the deep, and what makes us appreciate and delight in these wonders.
We hope you enjoy these high-quality picture books for 4th graders! If your kid is ready for a little more advanced reading, check out our post: “10 Most Popular Epic Books for 5th Graders.”