Recommended reading list books for Year 3 pupils aged 7-8

Books for Year 3 – all picked by highly experienced and qualified teachers and librarians using their expert knowledge of children’s literature. Are you looking for a great book for the classroom, the school library or your child’s collection? The following list contains over 40 short chapter books, more advanced picture books and rhyming verses.  The diverse range of books featured in our Year 3 reading list below have been tried out by children and teachers to ensure that they will appeal to children aged 7-8 in lower Key Stage 2 of UK primary schools.

There is a range of recommended reads suitable for all ability ranges within this age group, including titles for both reluctant and more independent readers. In all our hand-picked lists, we feature books to appeal to a wide range of interests and situations, including classroom reading corners, school libraries, book clubs, learning at home, reading buddies and first free readers. This list of Year 3 books is reviewed termly and includes stories by Lara Hawthorne, John Steptoe, Liz Flanagan, Roald Dahl, Zanib Mian, Dick King-Smith, Derek Keilty, Jon Scieszka, Andy Shepherd, Helen Cresswell and many more.

For book prices and ordering, click on the cover image. International orders click here

Books for Year 3

As an Amazon Associate schoolreadinglist.co.uk earns from qualifying purchases.

Books for Year 3 – our recommendations

Wildsmith: Into the Dark Forest by Liz Flanagan, illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton

When war forces Rowan and her mother to escape their city home and seek refuge in the Dark Forest, little can she imagine the incredible new life with her Grandpa and his white wolf Arlo that will follow. Can she help to save baby dragons from dangerous poachers? With magic, excitement, adventure and a page-turning plot, this engrossing adventure will spark every child’s imagination.

Fantasy

Wildsmith: Into the Dark Forest by Liz Flanagan, illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton

Kate on the Case by Hannah Peck

Kate, a wannabe journalist, and her mouse companion Rupert set out to find out who is behind a sequence of bizarre happenings aboard a train. Can they find the thief before the train reaches the Arctic? This fast-paced, illustrated chapter book is suitable for independent readers or to group-read and discuss. It will also encourage children who are interested in writing and finding things out. Previously featured as a fiction book of the month.

Mystery

Kate on the Case by Hannah Peck

Big Tree by Brian Selznick

Every page oozes awe and wonder in this illustrated hardback full of pictures and thought-provoking bursts of text. Louise and Merwin are two sycamore seeds searching for a new safe place. Their epic journey of adventure is a quest through Earth’s history, science and culture. This fast-paced, accessible and award-winning stunner is perfect for children interested in the natural world and how to change the world.

Adventure

Big Tree by Brian Selznick

The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd

A funny, heart-warming and captivating adventure about a boy whose dragon fruit from the tree in his garden begins hatching. He soon finds that caring for a small dragon is no easy task. And then more and more dragon fruits start to hatch… It’s perfect to read to your child or use as a Year 3 class reader.

Adventure

The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd. An ideal class reader for year 3

Accidental Trouble Magnet by Zanib Mian

Omar is a boy with a vivid imagination, but he also worries about school, bullies and what his parents think of him. With ingenious ideas and creative thinking, he manages to make the best of every situation. According to the publisher’s blurb, you will laugh so loud that ‘snot will come out of your nose’. Just saying that might be enough to ensure your year 3 children will want to read it.

Diverse | Fantasy

Accidental Trouble Magnet by Zanib Mian

The Nothing to See Here Hotel by Steven Butler

Young Frankie, and his family who run a hotel, are plunged into frantic action when they find out a particularly awkward guest is coming to stay. Nothing is quite good enough for the goblin prince Grogbah in this laugh-out-loud and magical page-turner that’s perfect for independent readers in year 3.

Funny | Fantasy

The Nothing to See Here Hotel by Steven Butler

Angel on the Roof by Shirley Hughes

When a young boy called Lewis looks out of his window at Christmas, hoping someone will see him, he notices a strange feather floating from the sky. When he looks up he sees an angel on the roof who takes him on an incredible and heart-warming adventure. A timeless, magical and enchanting story that’s perfect to read at the end of the autumn term.

Enchantment | Fantasy

Angel on the Roof by Shirley Hughes. Great to discuss in year three literacy lessons

You’re a Bad Man, Mr Gum! by Andy Stanton

Mr Gum is a delightfully nasty character who hates children, lives with a cantankerous fairy and maintains a perfect garden. The madcap, unlikely and achingly funny adventures will grab young readers’ attention. With short chapters, colourful descriptions and memorable language, this text is ideal for reluctant readers. Perfect for group reading, this is an excellent text to help year three pupils develop reading confidence.

Funny

You're a Bad Man, Mr Gum! by Andy Stanton

Football Crazy by Tony Bradman

When a football legend arrives to coach Danny’s team, he and his friends Jamil and Lewis imagine record scorelines, endless winning streaks and football heaven. But the new coach doesn’t turn out to be exactly what they hoped for…

Sport | Funny

Football Crazy by Tony Bradman - a useful book for class reading

The Accidental Prime Minister by Tom McLaughlin

When schoolboy Joe’s video about how he would make the world a better place goes viral, he becomes very popular and very famous and ends up being – Prime Minister! Follow Joe’s funny journey in which he makes buses banana-shaped, cats have hats and trains have swimming pools. A great chapter book for more confident 7-year-old readers.

Funny

The Accidental Prime Minister by Tom McLaughlin - a great book for class reading LKS2

Flyntlock Bones – The Eye of Mogdrod by Derek Keilty

In the second Flyntlock Bones pirate escapade, the Black Hound’s crew faces dangerous northern pirates and a cat monster called Mogdrod in a fast-paced dialogue-driven illustrated adventure. With Norse-sounding characters such as Grethel and Egfart, and evocative locations such as Bog Island, Mugger’s Marsh and Lake Squelch, this is bound to be a hit with pupils in lower KS2.

Adventure | Pirates

Flyntlock Bones - The Eye of Mogdrod by Derek Keilty. A rip-roaring adventure book for seven year old readers

This Bee is not Afraid of Me edited by Fran Long and Isabel Galleymore

This anthology of more than 40 poems suitable for KS2 children explores a myriad of different insects and how and where they live. Ants, beetles, butterflies, moths and ladybirds are featured. Cafe Six is a highlight – a perfect impetus for teaching poetry in lower KS2 – if you can stomach the edible creepy crawlies. For schools teaching minibeasts, or classes with access to outside space or a Forest School, this collection of poems will be a useful resource for cross-curricular topic teaching.

Poetry

This Bee is not Afraid of Me edited by Fran Long and Isabel Galleymore

Small Worlds: Earth by Lara Hawthorne and Camilla De La Bedoyere

This spectacularly realised illustrated non-fiction guide to the micro-world of undergrowth, meadows, foliage, forest floors, caves and more, features eye-catching graphics and precise natural history and ecological observations. The language is refreshingly not dumbed down and there are over 70 card flaps with information on the creatures displayed. Lifting them reveals what they get up to and how they interact with the ecosystem. This book would make a wonderful present for a KS2 child interested in the natural world. Also in the series is Small Worlds: Water.

Non fiction

Small Worlds: Earth by Lara Hawthorne and Camilla De La Bedoyere - illustrated year 3 book for research

King Kong by Anthony Browne

The classic tale of the giant ape who falls in love with the beautiful Ann Darrow but finds himself locked up and held in captivity. When he escapes, chaos ensues in New York. This large-format book for year 3 pupils includes lots of stunning illustrations and will appeal to both able and reluctant readers in year three. There are lots of opportunities to ask questions and check whether readers can predict what might happen next. It is also ideal to read with your child at home.

Classic

King Kong by Anthony Browne - an ideal book for reluctant readers in year 3

Beast Quest by Adam Blade

A fast-paced and exciting series of books that are ideal for 7-year-old readers in lower KS2. Set in a fantasy land with dragons, wizards, good vs evil and strong heroes and heroines, these stories feature lots of twists and turns and will appeal to reluctant readers and they are a good starting point for encouraging children to read classic myths and legends in year 3.

Myths and legends

Beast Quest by Adam Blade - great book for 7 year old reluctant readers

Leon and the Place Between by Angela McAllister and Grahame Baker-Smith

Perfect for group reading and ideas for creative writing, this lavishly illustrated picture book for older readers will stretch the creativity and language of year 3 readers. Leon finds out what happens to the rabbit which appears from a hat and where the magician’s assistant disappears – but can he find his way back from the ‘place between’?

Fantasy

Leon and the Place Between by Angela McAllister and Grahame Baker-Smith - an ideal book to provoke discussion in year three

The Abominables by Eva Ibbotson

A funny take on the abominable snowman legend. A boy and a girl hatch a plan to save a family of yetis from hunters, by hiding them in a bridal suite and a giant freezer lorry. A real page-turner with numerous twists, turns and cliffhangers, this is the perfect classroom year 3 book to read aloud.

Adventure | Funny

The Abominables by Eva Ibbotson. A great lower KS2 for reading around the class

Ice Palace by Robert Swindells

An extremely fast-paced adventure that won’t leave the reader bored for a second. When the evil King of Winter kidnaps his younger brother, Ivan sets out on an epic and dangerous quest to get him back. A useful story for modelling action in creative writing. Ice Palace is a popular year thee class reading book, and ideal to spark creative writing ideas and character hot seating discussion.

Adventure

Ice Palace by Robert Swindells. A riveting adventure for children in year 3

Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale by John Steptoe

A thoughtful picture book retelling of an African folk tale, set to dazzling illustrations. When the king decides to pick a new wife, Mufaro’s two daughters behave in very different ways – one unreasonable and aggressive, and the other with kindness and humility. A classic moral tale that is useful to discuss with year 3 pupils.

Folk tale | Diverse

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale by John Steptoe - a diverse book for seven year olds

Voices in the Park by Anthony Browne

A clever book that looks at the same story from different perspectives, this picture book is ideal to provoke discussion and debate. There are few words and complex, vibrant illustrations with lots of talking points, making it ideal for less confident 7 and 8-year-old readers.

Realistic fiction

Voices in the Park by Anthony Browne. A great year 3 bedtime story

The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney

The hilarious adventures of Humphrey the Hamster, told by Humphrey and including Og the Frog and the bully Mean Martin Bean. This is a fun and engaging class reader for seven-year-olds that is particularly well-suited to mixed-ability classes.

Adventure | Animal

The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney. A good book to read aloud around the year three classroom

Harry the poisonous centipede by Lynne Reid Banks

Harry is a centipede who likes to eat things that wriggle and crackle. At the start of the story, he’s shy, but increasingly he becomes braver. Will his bravery get the better of him and lead him into danger? A good text for group reading to help challenge less able seven-year-olds, and one of a series of enjoyable year 3 books.

Animal

Harry the poisonous centipede by Lynne Reid Banks. An ideal class reader for 7 year old pupils

StoryWorlds: A Moment in Time: A Perpetual Picture Atlas by Thomas Hegbrook

A picture book with few words, this book will appeal to imaginative but reluctant readers. This book explores one single moment in time across many strikingly different locations and situations so the reader can compare what is happening in the world all at the same time. The book folds out to allow a child to read any part without having to start at the beginning or reach the end.

Non fiction | Diverse

StoryWorlds: A Moment in Time: A Perpetual Picture Atlas by Thomas Hegbrook. An excellent independent level book for classroom libraries

The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig

A clever picture book that will appeal to both reluctant and more able readers. Examining thought-provoking and complex themes of bullying and loneliness, this text is ideal for PSHE lessons and Y3 book group discussions.

Self-help | Resilience

The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig. Ideal for PSHE discussion in LKS2

Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown

When a pinboard falls on top of Stanley he is left completely flattened. Sent to America in an envelope will he be able to unflatten himself? A good story for dyslexic readers and an ideal book for year 3 pupils.

Funny | Adventure

Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown. An easier read for 7 year old children

The Secret World of Polly Flint by Helen Cresswell

The imaginative story of Polly Flint who can see things other children cannot, including a village and its inhabitants which disappeared long ago. The rich language and ghostly atmospheric settings are ideal for teachers to model and help children develop and explore their own creative writing.

Mystery | Horror

The Secret World of Polly Flint by Helen Cresswell. A more advanced book for reading to a year 3 class

Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl

The timeless story of Mr Fox and how he cunningly outwits the nasty farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean. This is a fun, and engaging text for seven-year-olds that is well-suited for helping develop inference and prediction skills. It’s also a good choice to read with your year three-aged child or use for guided reading with small groups where greater depth children can discuss and ask questions about the vivid and unforgettable characters.

Adventure | Animal

Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl - a more advanced book for 7 year old pupils

The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl

When Lucy gets upset she uses her “Magic Finger” and points it at the person who has upset her. Real magic turns her teacher into a cat and Lucy swears never to use her finger again. Until… An ideal book for class reading in year three.

Funny | Fantasy

The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl. Get to inspire imaginative writing in year three

Willa and Old Miss Annie by Berlie Doherty

When she moves with her parents to a new home, Willa thinks she’ll never have friends again. That is until she meets Old Miss Annie, a lonely goat, a forgotten pony, and an orphaned fox. This is an ideal text for seven-year-olds who are interested in animals.

Classic | Animal

Willa and Old Miss Annie by Berlie Doherty. A classic book for children in year three

My Naughty Little Sister by Dorothy Edwards

A story about possibly the naughtiest little sister in the world. She digs up the garden, eats all of the trifle, doesn’t like Father Christmas and causes chaos all around her. This is an anarchic and fun book for year three children to read over the holiday period.

Funny | Realistic fiction

My Naughty Little Sister by Dorothy Edwards. A fast paced story for 7 year olds

The Diary of a Killer Cat by Anne Fine

Ellie is shocked to find out her pet cat is a killer. Tuffy brings home a dead bird, then a mouse, and then more victims. Can Ellie stop him? A very funny story. A must-read chapter book for seven-year-olds and a great introduction to Anne Fine’s short chapter novels.

Animal | Autobiography

The Diary of a Killer Cat by Anne Fine - a great book for reading aloud

The Reluctant Dragon by Kenneth Grahame

A boy finds a dragon in a cave and he believes it is harmless and friendly, but how can he convince the frightened villagers and, St. George, the famous dragon killer? A great fun storybook to read around the class in year 3.

Classic

The Reluctant Dragon by Kenneth Grahame. A good myth to study in year three

The Charlie Moon Collection by Shirley Hughes

Charlie manages to get himself into all sorts of trouble. His seaside summer trip turns into a missing jewellery mystery with burglars. A ripping yarn for seven-year-olds, this is a perfect text for taking on holiday.

Realistic fiction

The Charlie Moon Collection by Shirley Hughes. Great to discuss in year three literacy lessons

All Because of Jackson by Dick King-Smith

Jackson is an odd rabbit. He stands most days watching ships sail by and he longs to be on one of those ships. One day he boards one of the ships and sets out on an adventure. A modern classic, and a great introduction for seven-year-olds to the extensive canon of Dick King-Smith children’s books.

Animal | Adventure

All Because of Jackson by Dick King-Smith. A fun read aloud book for seven year olds

The Orchard Book of First Greek Myths by Saviour Pirotta

A perfect illustrated primer of Greek Myths. This book includes Theseus and the Minotaur, Odysseus, Pandora, King Midas and more. The year 3 book of myths is a perfect age-appropriate introduction to these classic stories, and also serves as a useful impetus for creative writing.

Myths

The Orchard Book of First Greek Myths by Saviour Pirotta. A perfect book of myths for 7 year olds

Winnie-the-Pooh Collection by A. A. Milne

Classic stories about perhaps the world’s most famous fictional bear. Including what happens when Pooh goes visiting and Piglet meets a Heffalump, the story of when Eeyore loses his tail and Pooh finds one, and many others.

Classic | Short stories | Animal

Winnie-the-Pooh Collection by A. A. Milne. A classic story series for 7 year olds

Mrs Pepperpot Stories by Alf Proysen

Mrs Pepperpot has a secret – she can shrink to the size of a pepperpot – and when she does she can talk to animals. This imaginative text can provide a good starting point for creative writing, particularly when looking at settings and character descriptions with younger children.

Short stories | Animal

Mrs Pepperpot Stories by Alf Proysen. Timeless reading fun for seven year olds

The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlinson

A young owl, called Plop, is afraid of the dark – something which makes his life more than a little difficult. An ideal text for less able and reluctant readers – and a good choice for focused year 3 book groups.

Classic | Animal

The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlinson - an ideal book for performance

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

Fearless Pippi Longstocking is scared of nothing. She’ll wrestle a circus strongman, dance the polka with burglars, and tug a bull’s tail! A great story to help challenge stereotypes, this is a highly recommended book for year 3 children to read aloud.

Classic | Realistic fiction

Pippi Longstocking Gift Edition by Astrid Lindgren. Cracking yarns for younger children in KS2

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka

If you thought you knew the story of the Three Little Pigs, think again! This is the real story, told by the Wolf himself. A great year 3 book option to encourage children’s thinking skills and help children to develop more interesting plots, twists and cliffhangers in their creative writing.

Fable

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka

It Was a Dark and Stormy Night by Janet Ahlberg

A young boy has been kidnapped by thieves. He stays alive by telling them incredible stories while planning his escape from a cave. An atmospheric book for reading at home with your year 3 child or for exploring fears and anxiety in PSHE lessons, this is a book to treasure.

Classic | Adventure

It Was a Dark and Stormy Night by Janet Ahlberg

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

A clever and emotive story about a boy who takes too much from a tree that gives too much. With sparse language and clever wordplay, this is a good text to explore in lower KS2 literacy lessons. Very useful for discussing the concepts of giving and sharing, this is an ideal book to use in PSHE with Year 3.

Fable

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

A tale of love and belonging. Max – eight – decides to dress up as a wolf, and enters a world of wild things in which he becomes the ruler. A good year 3 book choice to inspire imaginative writing.

Classic

Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. Perfect to inspirare imaginative writing in seven year olds

Oxford Primary Dictionary by Susan Rennie

Ideal for children new to Key Stage 2, this dictionary includes 608 pages packed with age-appropriate definitions. It also features children’s book settings and character quotes, cross-curricular words and plenty of practical help with learning dictionary skills. At the back of the book are links to internet-based and downloadable curriculum activities on the publisher’s website that teachers and parents will find useful.

Dictionary

Oxford Primary Dictionary by Susan Rennie


Click the buttons below to purchase all of the books in this Year 3 book list, as well as class sets of any of these books and many more, from Bookshop.org UK. Or buy the 20 most popular titles from this list from Amazon – ideal for gifts or your classroom library.

Buy from UK.Bookshop.Org Buy from Amazon.co.uk

Disclosure: If you buy books using the buttons above: we may earn a commission from Bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookshops; as an Amazon Associate schoolreadinglist.co.uk earns from qualifying purchases.

Books for year 3 video

Below is a video featuring all our Year 3 book choices in a quick-to-view five-minute-long movie which can be used in CPD training, class assemblies, parent/teacher meetings, and shared for online learning or social and professional networks.

How many Year 3 books have you read?

Here’s a free background wallpaper of our recommended year 3 books list to use on your classroom computer

Books for year 3 - our free background wallpaper

Schools & teachers: please respect copyright and don’t copy our Year 3 book list. If you find our book recommendations useful, please consider sharing on social media or linking to this page instead. Thanks.

Books for Year 3 – what titles to recommend to children

In year 3, most children begin the school year aged seven and turn eight before the beginning of the next school year the following September.

Year three is the start of Key Stage 2, which might also be known as juniors in some primary schools, or ‘prep’ in some independent schools. This is the start of the final four years of primary education. In year 3 pupils will be introduced to more discrete academic subjects which might be taught by subject specialists, for example in music or PE.

What books should children be reading in year 3?

Most children will be reading a mixture of short chapter books, more detailed and thought-provoking picture books, and a range of non-fiction and reference. Teachers will often introduce poetry anthologies and playscripts in year three literacy lessons. By the end of year three, most pupils will have moved away from structured reading schemes, although some will still benefit from the support and repetition these books can provide.

How to pick books for year 3 children

Many children at this age are more likely to read a book if they have chosen it themselves. Exposing children to reading material and encouraging them to explore books is often a good strategy to maintain reading motivation. A well-curated Year 3 reading list will prove beneficial. Libraries, both at school and at home, bookshops, book tokens, children’s literature events, book signings, book fairs at school and talking about which books you liked to read as a child are all good places to start.

What level or reading age are children in year 3?

Most children should be looking at books banded by publishers for ‘7-9-year-olds’. While some children might be able to decode the text in stories written for older children, the subject matter and themes might not be appropriate for empathy or understanding. At the beginning of KS2, children should be exploring which books interest them, by choosing books independently and developing a love of literature. Helpful and encouraging reading suggestions, and exposing children to new material which they can pick from is often more effective than dictating which books must be read.

How can I help my 7-year-old child to improve their reading?

A daily routine of reading at home during term time and the holidays is essential for seven and eight-year-old children. 15-20 minutes spent reading with your child, or to your child, or listening to your child read will pay huge dividends in the long term. Some children respond well to a structure and timetable for reading, but for others, a set block of time might not be productive. Try to take advantage of reading opportunities as they arise. This might be reading a leaflet, letter or children’s magazine, it could be reading and explaining a sign or notice or a recipe, or it might be helping read a bedtime story to a younger sibling. When you listen to your child read, ask them questions about what has happened, how they feel about the story and characters, and what they think will happen next.

It’s best to encourage your child to read for pleasure and help them find books that interest them. Try to avoid logging the exact time spent reading, or how many pages have been read each day – reading logs and journals can be demoralizing for children, particularly if they find reading a challenge. Instead try to focus on finding new and exciting authors, and texts about subjects they find interesting or which can be explored further by visiting places, researching online, or engaging in hobbies or activities.

What do children learn about in Year 3?

Many pupils will study the Stone Age, the ancient worlds of the Romans, Ancient Greeks and Egyptians; and in science, minibeasts, rocks, earthquakes & volcanoes, light, sound, healthy eating and the human body are often taught as topics in lessons. Children will begin to plan and build projects in design and create artwork using different techniques and media. In maths, they will be introduced to geometry and data, including different shapes, areas and perimeters, collecting data and creating simple graphs and charts. Developing personalised Year 3 booklists that explore these topics can help boost your child’s confidence and learning at school.

Can a 7-year-old read Harry Potter?

This is a very popular question! While some seven and eight-year-olds may well be able to read the words aloud, most children in year 3 will find comprehending the characters and storyline too challenging. We think Harry Potter is better suited for children aged 9+.


Click for more children’s reading book recommendationsPicture books to read before you are 5 years oldReception books | Year 1 books | Year 2 books | Year 3 books (this page) | Year 4 books | Year 5 books | Year 6 books | Topic books | KS3 books

For less challenging year 3 books, see our books for Year 2 reading list, and for even more books for seven-year-olds see this list.

For more challenging reading material, try our books for Year 4 reading list.

 

Comics for Year 3 - Beano Children's Magazine Exclusive Offer



About Tom Tolkien

Photo of author
Tom Tolkien is a highly qualified (BA Hons, PGCE, QTS) children's literature expert and teacher with over 25 years of experience. He has led inset courses, developed curriculum materials, spoken at conferences, advised on longlisting for several international children's literature literature awards and written for educational publishers including contributing to a BETT award-nominated app. Social profiles: Twitter | Linkedin

This booklist was last updated on March 10th, 2024 and first published in 2013.