Rank 1South Pole and the North Pole: Two Books in One, TheLi Rongbin, illustrated by Juliana MotzkoThe South Pole and the North Pole is a fascinating and interactive picture book that takes young readers on an exciting journey to explore the similarities and differences between the Earth's two polar regions.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book detailsCBC Favorites Awards 2026
Annual favorites chosen by children, teachers, and librarians from books submitted by publishers.
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Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th Grade
50 selections
Rank 1South Pole and the North Pole: Two Books in One, TheLi Rongbin, illustrated by Juliana MotzkoThe South Pole and the North Pole is a fascinating and interactive picture book that takes young readers on an exciting journey to explore the similarities and differences between the Earth's two polar regions.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Rank 2Earl and Worm #1: The Bad Idea and Other StoriesGreg PizzoliEarl is a happy go-lucky bird who plays saxophone to his plants because they love music in the morning. His neighbor Worm, on the other hand...well, Worm is the exact opposite.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Rank 3Growing HomeBeth Ferry, illustrated by Terry Fan, Eric FanA team of talking plants, a spider, and a goldfish uses newfound magic to defend the Tupper family from a greedy intruder.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeATOS 4.3AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Rank 4Jellyfish Scientist: Maude Delap and Her Mesmerizing MedusasMichelle Cusolito, illustrated by Ellen RooneyThis biography recounts Maude Delap's pioneering observations of jellyfish and the patient experiments that helped explain their life cycle.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Rank 5Duck and Moose: Moose's Bad Hair Day!Kirk Reedstrom, illustrated by Kirk ReedstromQuiet-loving Moose's life is turned upside down by free-wheeling Duck. The two will need to put their differences aside if they're ever going to be neighbors...or friends!Moose is having a bad hair day, so Duck offers to give his pal a haircut.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Rank 6Dog Man: Big Jim Believes: A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #14)Dav Pilkey, illustrated by Dav PilkeyJoin the journey as our heroes discover the influence of belief and find truth from within. With threads of self-awareness, confidence, and integrity, Dav Pilkey masterfully crafts a humorous and heartfelt adventure, weaving together the importance of truth, goodness, and believing in yourself.The celebration comes to a halt for our heroes in Dog Man: Big Jim Believes when…Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeATOS 3.2AR interest Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
Rank 7We're All Gonna Die-nosaur!Kon Tan, illustrated by Kon TanA 2026 Kids FavoritePterry the pterodactyl has lots of nightmares—and they always come true! Can Pterry face his fear of flying?Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Rank 8Mariam's Dream: The Story of Mariam Al-Shaar and Her Food Truck of HopeLeila Boukarim, illustrated by Sona AvedikianMariam Al-Shaar works with women in Beirut’s Bourj Al-Barajneh refugee camp to create Soufra, a community kitchen and food business. The picture book follows the financial, legal, and social obstacles they face while building it.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Rank 9Journey of the HumpbacksJuliana Muñoz Toro, illustrated by DipachoJourney of the Humpbacks follows humpback whales from Antarctica to the Colombian Pacific, combining their migration with facts about swimming, songs, calves, lifespan, and baleen-whale biology.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Rank 10Calm: A Choose Your Own Attitude BookGail Hayes, illustrated by Helen FlookIn life, sometimes things don’t go our way, but being able to stay calm in stressful or unexpected situations is like a superpower! It helps us keep things in perspective.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Rank 11What to Do When the News Scares You, Revised Edition: A Kid's Guide to Understanding Current EventsJacqueline B. Toner, PhD, illustrated by Janet McDonnellCan kids feel safe when the news feels scary? Yes―and this workbook helps them understand what’s going on and how to cope.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Rank 12CaringKobi YamadaThis empowering children’s book is a celebration of the impact we can have when we choose to care—and how even the smallest act of kindness can grow into something extraordinary.Have you ever wondered if what you do matters?This is the story of leaning in, digging deep, believing it’s possible, and making the effort.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Rank 13All EarsStuart GibbsWhen a herd of elephants interrupts the big Friday night football game, the police enlist Teddy and his father to assist them in getting the animals safely back home to the elephant sanctuary.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Rank 14SketchJacques Goldstyn, illustrated by Jacques GoldstynHis imagination runs wild and he is more rambunctious and creative than most kids his age. As the doctors say, he’s "not drawn like other people.”In a perfectly ordered town, where everything has its place and everyone behaves properly at all times, Sketch stands out.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Rank 15Chicken PredicamentMary Rand Hess and Randy Preston, illustrated by Marilena PerilliDr. Preston's class works together to find runaway hen Lady Cluckery before the bell rings, reuniting with her just as her chicks hatch.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
365 Amazing True Things to Read in BedEdward Brooke-Hitching, illustrated by Oksana DrachkovskaThis compendium offers one fact, story, anecdote, or question for every day of the year, covering unusual topics in science, nature, history, and human behavior.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Around the World on 80 HorsesJill Newton, illustrated by Jill NewtonThis fact-filled tour introduces 80 horse and pony breeds from around the world, including the ways they have adapted to different environments and influenced human cultures. It also includes notable real and mythical horses.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Bad BadgerMaryrose Wood, illustrated by Giulia GhiginiBad Badger is a young middle-grade story about Septimus, a solitary badger who sets out to find his missing gull friend and discovers that understanding himself is part of staying true to who he is.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeLexile 660LATOS 4.3View book details
C Is for Crime Scene: A Forensics A to Z BookDr. Judy Staveley, illustrated by Alessandra VitelliThis A-to-Z introduction to forensic science covers fingerprints, sample collection, ultraviolet light, microscopes, evidence analysis, and critical thinking.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Change is Gonna Come, ASam Cooke, illustrated by Nikkolas SmithOh, and just like the river, I've been a-runnin' ever since. It's been a long, a long time coming, but I know a change gonna come.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Dino Poet: A Graphic NovelTom Angleberger, illustrated by Tom AnglebergerFrom New York Times bestselling author Tom Angleberger, creator of the Origami Yoda series, comes a hilarious young graphic novel adventure through the land of the dinosaurs.A Junior Library Guild Selection***STARRED REVIEW*** "A standout title pulling double duty as a compelling graphic novel and a poetry mentor text.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeATOS 2.1AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Down Syndrome Out LoudMelissa Hart, illustrated by María Perera"In a society that often overlooks those with intellectual and developmental disabilities...this book will inspire readers to befriend and champion people with Down syndrome." – JACQUELINE JODL, Special Olympics InternationalIn this illustrated biography collection, meet over twenty people with Down syndrome who have accomplished amazing things in their lives.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Einstein the PenguinIona Rangeley, illustrated by David TazzymanIn the classic tradition of Paddington, comes this wonderfully witty, heartwarmingly humorous madcap adventure series for reading aloud or reading alone. Quirky illustrations perfectly capture the mood of the stories and the endearing, eccentric, and unforgettable characters.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Farting Fish: and 49 other weird and wonderful scientific discoveriesAlice Harman, illustrated by Sam WedelichI’m sure you’ve heard of the Nobel Prize, but have you heard of the Ig Nobel Prize? Every year, this prize celebrates unusual areas of research that first make people laugh, and then make them think.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Fossil Keeper's Treasure: With Amazing Fossils to Touch, TheAmy Atwater, illustrated by Natalia CardozoUncovering key dinosaur, plant, and human fossils, with embossed fossils to touch on every spread, this interactive book is a keepsake for the whole family to treasure. Take a journey through time and discover:- A fish that could walk on land, the Tiktaalik Roseae- The lizard king, T.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
George Washington's Spectacular Spectacles: The Glasses That Saved AmericaSelene Castrovilla, illustrated by Jenn HarneyAt the Newburgh crisis, George Washington's unexpected use of reading glasses helps calm angry officers and defuse a confrontation that threatened the young United States.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeLexile 530LView book details
Golden Necklace: A Darjeeling Tea Mystery, TheMitali Perkins, illustrated by Maithili JoshiNational Book Award nominee Mitali Perkins crafts a contemporary chapter-book mystery about a Nepali girl who sets out to solve the disappearance of her…Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Lighthouse Keeper, TheEugenio Fernández Vázquez; translated by Kit Maude, illustrated by Mariana Villanueva SegoviaFortunately for us, out in the middle of the sea lives the lighthouse keeper, a remarkable person who dedicates his life to saving the lost and shipwrecked. You'd think he'd be lonely out there all on his own, but he has a secret friend who visits him when he least expects and most needs it.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Me & the Magic CubeDaniel Fehr; translated by Marshall Yarbrough, illustrated by GOLDEN COSMOSHave you ever picked up a Magic Cube and wondered who invented it, who can solve it, and how in the world you can, too? Jump into this fun and fact-filled picture book to discover the mathematics and magic of the Cube!In a dusty box, a child finds a colorful cube.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Newborns: How Baby Animals Come into the WorldPaulina Jara, illustrated by Mercè GalíDid you know that Darwin's frogs hatch as tadpoles in their father's mouth? Or that a baby giraffe has to survive a six-foot fall because its mother is standing when it's born?What about how a baby dolphin has to swim up to the surface immediately after it's born to take its first breath?Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Not Extinct: The Przewalski's Horse Returns from Extinct in the WildDarcy Pattison...optimistic tone...realistically presenting both successes and setbacks. But in 1959, the international community came together to fight to save the species.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Passover on EverestRachelle Burk, illustrated by Craig OrbackThe two things Nikki loves most are huge family holiday gatherings and huge mountains. This year, she is forced to choose between them.In this true story about kindness across cultures, Jewish mother-daughter mountain climbing team Cheryl and Nikki Bart experience a seder like no other―seder on Mt.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Paws, Camera, Action! Starring Bugsy: A Collection of Poems & VideosKristine Koziol-Gallop, illustrated by Surya GunawanIn this delightful "tail", follow a journey through the soulful eyes of Bugsy the dog! Included in the book are whimsical poems, beautiful illustrations and charming videos!Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Return of the Terns: How Scientists Are Saving Island BirdsJennifer Keats Curtis and Kim Abplanalp, illustrated by Phyllis SaroffDiscover the inspiring, true story of how scientists are helping Common Terns. Scientists in a partnership between Maryland Coastal Bays Program, Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Program, and Audubon Mid-Atlantic are building huge rafts to serve as nesting areas for these birds whose nesting habitats have disappeared due to climate change and erosion.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Sabotage at Casa Grande SpringsDD SternerI have a plan!Join the PI Squad on a thrilling adventure as they uncover a dangerous smuggling ring amidst the chaos at the new Casa Grande Springs Care Center.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Saving Hawai'i's HonuLeslie Ann Hayashi, illustrated by Kelly Pousette2025 Blueberry Changemaker AwardDive into the life story of George Balazs, the American sea turtle scientist responsible for bringing awareness to and ultimately saving the green sea turtle population of Hawai'i.When George Balazs saw his first green sea turtle, or honu, his life changed forever.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
SeabirdMichelle KadarusmanConfined to the family home in preparation for an arranged marriage, Kartini’s desire for freedom ignites as she fights to have a say in the decisions that shape her life.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Shape FamiliesLynn Parrish Sutton, illustrated by Jake Tebbit"Meet a young cylinder who lives with his sphere grandmother. A hexagon with two trouble-making twin trapezoid sisters.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Shirley Chisolm: Champion of ChangeDr. Tonya Allen, illustrated by Chasity HamptonShirley Chisholm was a shero, a born leader, and a pioneer for women and Black people in America. She was an educator in her early career and later entered politics, becoming the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress, the first woman to run for the Democratic Party's nomination, and the first Black candidate to seek…Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Smalltown City and the Spirit of City HallNancy Pearson, illustrated by John Klossner"A chapter book “about a storm, some children, and yes, a bit of magic,” Smalltown City and the Spirit of City Hall celebrates civic responsibility." ― Foreword Reviews 2026 Children's Book Council Teacher Favorites Smalltown City and the Spirit of City Hall is the first book in an early chapter series focused on civics and community engagement.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Snake in the Grass: A Fina Mendoza MysteryKitty FeldeA great book and series for CIVICS EDUCATION Pairing the allure of Washington DC, with an animal misadventure, "Snake in the Grass" is a robust series mystery novel. —FOREWORD REVIEWS Fina Mendoza is the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman who solves mysteries in the U.S.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Snips: A Bad Buzz Day, TheRaúl the Third, illustrated by Raúl the ThirdA GNCRT Outstanding Comics Award Honor Book For readers of Dog Man and The Bad Guys comes a fun and zany early graphic novel series starring a crew of scissor-wielding hairdresser superheroes saving the city from evildoers bent on creating havoc and bad haircuts.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
So Rude!: Animals Behaving BadlyJessica Fries-GaitherGrownups say, “Be on your best behavior." But in the animal world, rudeness sometimes rules the day! Scarlet kingsnakes lie; they pretend to be venomous coral snakes to scare off predators.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeFountas & Pinnell OView book details
Stuck! The Story of La Brea Tar PitsJoyce Uglow, illustrated by Valerya MilovanovaThe science and history of the La Brea Tar Pits reveal how asphalt trapped ancient animals and preserved clues to Ice Age Los Angeles.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest, TheAubrey HartmanThe Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest pairs Clare, a fox who guides animal souls to the afterlife, with the stubborn badger Gingersnipes on a dangerous mission that may change both of their destinies.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeATOS 5.3AR interest MG 4–8View book details
Voyage That Changed The World: The Epic Story of The First Crew to Sail Around the Globe, TheThekla Priebst, illustrated by Thekla PriebstThe Spice Race is on—and Captain Ferdinand Magellan's expedition to find the treasure will change the course of history. Welcome to a bold new telling of his famed but ill-fated voyage.This is the epic true story of the sailors who circumnavigated the Earth for the very first time, and of the people who shaped the voyage along the…Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
When a Book Begins: A Book of PoemsAlegra Dashielle, illustrated by Daniela AlarconEach poem starts with the engaging refrain "When a..."―setting the stage for surprising adventures, quirky characters, and unexpected twists that will delight.In this fantastical world of poems, readers will meet a dog who takes on a wild car ride, a lost flower searching for home, a cranky crow having a particularly bad day, and many more unforgettable characters.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Wild Wonderings: Scientists and Their QuestionsJessica Fries-Gaither, illustrated by Linda OlliverThis lively book will inspire you to ask questions like scientists do. Because questions can lead you to amazing discoveries.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
You Are HomeBex Tobin Fine, illustrated by Andrés LandazábalA beautiful and reassuring story for anyone who has ever looked for—and finally found—the place where they belong.When a child loses their home, they embark on a journey toward rebuilding not only their sense of place but also their sense of belonging.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeView book details
Zero! The Number That Almost Wasn'tSarah Albee, illustrated by Chris HsuA nonfiction picture book that traces the development of zero and explains why the number became essential to mathematics.Teacher Favorites — 3rd–5th GradeATOS 5.0AR interest LG K-3View book detailsTeacher Favorites — 6th–8th Grade
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Rank 1ChickenpoxRemy LaiChickenpox is a contemporary middle-grade graphic novel about eldest sister Abby, who is quarantined at home with her four younger siblings and must reconsider her feelings about family while everyone recovers.Teacher Favorites — 6th–8th GradeATOS 3.0AR interest MG 4–8View book details
Rank 2J vs KKwame Alexander, Jerry CraftA New York Times and IndieBound bestseller!Created by real-life rivals and #1 New York Times bestselling authors Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft this hilarious…Teacher Favorites — 6th–8th GradeATOS 4.8AR interest Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
Rank 3Blood in the WaterTiffany D. JacksonBlood in the Water is a middle-grade mystery about twelve-year-old Kaylani McKinnon, whose summer on Martha’s Vineyard turns into an investigation after a popular local teenager is found dead.Teacher Favorites — 6th–8th GradeATOS 4.3View book details
Rank 4Almost SunsetWahab Algarmi, illustrated by Wahab AlgarmiIt's almost sunset, and Hassan has been dreaming about eating since the sun came up. The month of Ramadan has begun, and not eating until sundown intensifies his already busy days full of homework, soccer, and gaming.Teacher Favorites — 6th–8th GradeView book details
Rank 5El NiñoPam Muñoz RyanSwimmer Kai Sosa is still grieving his missing sister when a strange library book begins echoing through his life, drawing him into a storm where myth, memory, and reality collide.Teacher Favorites — 6th–8th GradeLexile 740LATOS 5.3View book details
Rank 6Athlete is AgenderKatherine Locke and Nicole MellebyProfiles and first-person accounts explore LGBTQ+ athletes across sports and levels, including Adam Rippon, CeCé Telfer, Megan Rapinoe, Billie Jean King, and coauthor em dickson. The collection examines identity, participation, and barriers in sport.Teacher Favorites — 6th–8th GradeView book details
Rank 7BustedDan GemeinhartBusted is a middle-grade road-trip adventure about twelve-year-old Oscar Aberdeen, who breaks an elderly resident out of his retirement home and joins him on a risky search for hidden money to save the home they share.Teacher Favorites — 6th–8th GradeATOS 3.7AR interest MG 4–8View book details
Rank 8Island of Forgotten Gods, TheVictor PiñeiroWhile spending the summer with family in Puerto Rico, aspiring filmmaker Nico and his cousins awaken a Chupacabra and become targets of a shadowy cult.Teacher Favorites — 6th–8th GradeView book details
Rank 9Make Good TroubleJamia Wilson, illustrated by Devon Blow and Ashley LukashevskyThis illustrated nonfiction collection recounts more than 70 protest movements, from the 1899 newsboys’ strike to climate strikes and campaigns against book bans. It also offers dates, a glossary, and practical guidance for young activists.Teacher Favorites — 6th–8th GradeView book details
Rank 10HickSarah MillerThis young adult biography follows Lorena Hickok from a difficult childhood into a groundbreaking journalism career and her intimate relationship with Eleanor Roosevelt.Teacher Favorites — 6th–8th GradeView book details