Top 20 Books Your Elementary Student Should Read

Now that your child is a little bit older, they can expand their reading horizons and start tearing into some of these beautiful classics! Check out FHD’s List of Top 20 Books Your Elementary Student Should Read!

The books range from over 50 years old to more modern beloved classics, but you and your child will not be disappointed by the books on this list. They will provide hours of reading fun, adventure, and inspire your child’s imagination. You can find all of them on Amazon, but you could also check your local library! Included at the bottom of the post is the link to our compilation of book lists for other great children’s books.

Lower Elementary (K-2nd grade)

Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman: This is a must read classic for little ones. They will love following the journey of a baby bird searching for its mom!

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister: This is a great tale about sharing and only caring about what really matters! 

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter: Children everywhere love all of Beatrix Potter’s classics! But this one is one of her best, and every kid can relate to Peter Rabbit’s adventuresome nature!

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein: Not only is this book a tear-jerking classic, but it will teach your child a valuable lesson, and your child will want to read the book again and again. 

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams: Your child will fall in love with the story of a beloved childhood friend. 

The Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne: Your little one can follow the adventures of this funny and whismsical bear and his friend Christopher Robin in this collection of the two stories!

Corduroy by Don Freeman: You’ll love to see your kids reading this cute tale about a teddy bear that’s over 50 years old!

Horton Hears a Who! by Dr. Seuss: Learn about caring for others, even the smallest of creatures, with this classic from Dr. Seuss!

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak: Inspire your child’s imaginative world with this class children’s book!

The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss: Every child can relate to rainy day boredom, and they will love this old yet always good classic. 

Upper Elementary (3rd-6th grade)

The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks: For your adventurous elementary-age child, this is the perfect starter novel. 

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls: For dog-loving children, this is a wonderful little story for them to read!

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George: Send your child to the mountains with this beautiful book by a beloved children’s author! 

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen: Join Brian as he fights to survive in the wilds of Canada after a plane crash. 

The BFG by Roald Dahl: Explore the magical world of giants in this heart-warming book by the author of James and the Giant Peach!

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell: This story about a horse and it’s transformation is one that will stick with your child, and they’ll want to return it again and again. 

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis: Your young reader can lose themselves in the magical world of Narnia with this lovely book by the famous C.S. Lewis!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Set of Books 1-4) by Jeff Kinney: Kids are clamoring to read more and more about the tales of the star of this book, an incredibly relatable young child. 

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl: Kids wish they could win the golden ticket and join Charlie in his sweet adventure!

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White: This is one of the most-loved children’s books of all time, and your child will be no exception! Join the farmyard for a lovely story about friendship!

For even more ideas, check out our lists for other great children’s books!