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Expert Roundups

What Are the Best Level 4 Reading Books?

SmartbooksAugust 11, 20234 min read6 experts

To help you discover the best Level 4 reading books, we asked six founders and CEOs for their top picks. From the survival story in Hatchet to the historical insights in The Diary of a Young Girl, here are the top six books these leaders recommend for Level 4 readers.

  • Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
  • The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Inside Out: The Junior Novelization by Suzanne Francis
  • Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White
  • The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
  • The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Every single fourth-grade student who reads this book comes away enamored with it. In fact, many kids on our site repeatedly choose it as their favorite book. Brian is in the fight of his life after surviving a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness.

Students will find this narrative to be the pinnacle of survival fiction as they follow Brian’s development from a frightened, uncertain kid to a confident, self-reliant one.

Paulsen’s prose engages the reader’s imagination, immersing them in Brian’s plight as he fumbles through basic survival tasks like building a fire and finding food.

Inez Stanway

Inez Stanway, Founder, MondayMandala


The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

One of the best Level 4 novels is The Lightning Thief. It’s well-written and a great story about bravery that highlights some factors of what it’s like to get diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD. It’s definitely an older book, but a classic nonetheless. I think all students in this age group will enjoy this fun and action-packed adventure.

Azmaira  Maker, Ph.D.

Azmaira Maker, Ph.D., Founding Director, Aspiring Families


Inside Out: The Junior Novelization by Suzanne Francis

Level 4 typically corresponds to intermediate reading skills suitable for children aged 9-12. Inside Out: The Junior Novelization is likely to have a storyline and language complexity appropriate for this age group.

The novelization is based on the popular animated film Inside Out by Disney-Pixar, which features characters like Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust. Children may be more motivated to read about characters they are already familiar with and enjoy.

Engaging storytelling can make it more enjoyable for children, potentially encouraging them to read more. Some novelizations may expand on the movie’s plot and offer additional details that enrich the overall story. Such adaptations can be beneficial for reading comprehension and critical thinking.

Marissa Sabrina

Marissa Sabrina, Creative Director, LeadLearnLeap


Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White

One of the best Level-4 reading books is Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White. This classic children’s novel is widely regarded as a timeless masterpiece and is suitable for advanced young readers or those at a Level-4 reading stage.

Charlotte’s Web tells the heartwarming story of a young girl named Fern and her friendship with a clever spider named Charlotte, who lives in the barn and befriends a lovable pig named Wilbur. The book explores themes of friendship, kindness, and the circle of life, captivating readers of all ages with its beautifully crafted narrative and memorable characters.

As a Level-4 reading book, Charlotte’s Web offers a good balance of challenging vocabulary and engaging storytelling, making it an excellent choice for young readers looking to further develop their reading skills while enjoying a captivating and thought-provoking story.

Aviad Faruz

Aviad Faruz, CEO, Know Mastery


The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien

While typically not suggested for Level-4 readers, The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien presents a unique challenge and literary expansion opportunity. The complex narrative and extensive world-building require higher-level reading skills.

However, by tackling this book, readers can enhance their vocabulary, critical thinking abilities, and imagination. For instance, they can explore themes like courage, friendship, and the consequences of power through the characters of Frodo, Sam, and Gollum.

The Lord of the Rings encourages Level-4 readers to push their boundaries and discover a timeless epic.

Jason Cheung

Jason Cheung, Operations Manager, Credit KO


The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank is one of the best Level-4 reading books. This poignant diary offers a firsthand account of the Holocaust, providing Level-4 readers with historical and emotional insights.

Through Anne Frank’s personal experiences and feelings, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the atrocities of World War II and the impact they had on individuals.

The book encourages empathy and critical thinking, fostering a sense of compassion and a desire to learn from history. It is a powerful choice that enhances reading skills and cultivates a broader worldview and appreciation for human resilience.

Yoana Wong

Yoana Wong, Co-Founder, Secret Florists


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