Best Picture Books for 4th Graders

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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. 

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. 

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.