Fourth Grade Summer Reading List

Kid entering the fourth grade are on a roll with reading, and it's important to keep that momentum going over the summer months. “Research consistently shows that summer reading halts the lag associated with extended periods of non-reading,” says Helen Huber, a veteran librarian and elementary school teacher, and a literary adviser for GiftLit, an online retailer of books hand-selected by experts. “Summer reading helps develop more sophisticated readers and can lead to a lifelong love of literature.” Looking for a solid gold reading list to kick off the summer? Look no further. We've combed the shelves for new titles that have what it takes to engage fourth grade readers all summer long. Here's our list of favorites:

Stonewall Hinkleman and the Battle of Bull Run by Michael Hemphill and Sam Riddleburger
Stonewall Hinkleman is a snarky 7th grader whose parents regularly force him to participate in Civil War reenactments as the Bugle Boy. Needless to say, he's not one bit happy about it. But through a series of uncontrollable events, Stonewall is hurled back in time along with his crush Ashby and her villainous father Dupree, right into the midst of the Battle of Bull Run. Stonewall must stop Dupree from changing the course of history. Along the way, he goes through a series of life-changing (and life-threatening) events. Great for girls and boys alike, this exciting page-turner will transport readers deep into the action of the Civil War. (Dial, 2009, $16.99) Where to buy

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart
Managing to balance a breathless adventure and language that doesn't talk down to kids is no easy task, but Stewart proves the first time was no accident, with this worthy followup to his original gem. A classic tale of good versus evil, with rich characters, a crafty plot, and plenty of clues young readers can attempt to puzzle out themselves as they race to the end. Underneath all the high-wire action is a story that emphasizes the power of true friendship, loyalty, and courage-- and the fact that kids, no matter how young, are capable of great emotion, courage, and brain power, and that being smart isn't something to be ashamed of, but something of which to be proud. (Little Brown, 2009, $6.99) Where to buy

The Magic Thief: Lost by Sarah Prineas
Do you have a Harry Potter addict in the house? Stop bemoaning the fact that the series is over and grab her a copy of this fantastic alternative. At the crux of the series is former pickpocket Conn, who should have died when he attempted to steal a wizard's very powerful locus stone. Because he did not, he's of interest, and the wizard takes Conn on as an apprentice, with the stipulation that he must find his own locus stone within the month. But there's evil afoot. Conn must discover who's stealing the city's supply of magic. In this newest installment, he comes face-to-face with the embodiment of evil itself. A gripping page-turner that will grab kids by the collar. If this doesn't fire them up for reading, we don't know what will! (HarperCollins, 2009, $16.99) Where to buy

The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester
Piper McCloud is just another ordinary girl: a farmer’s daughter, with two loving but strict parents. Except that Piper can fly. Once her talent is revealed to her gossip-loving hometown and made public, a chain of events is set into motion. Piper is sent to a school where her gift can be nurtured, and along the way, she meets some other rather extraordinary people. But as Piper knows all-too-well, not everything is always as it seems. This clever and fantastical book is a wonderful cross between X-Men and The Little Princess, making it the perfect summer reading for an advanced reader with a vivid imagination. (Feiwel & Friends, 2008, $16.95) Where to buy