3rd grade books about Grief
6 books commonly assigned to 3rd grade students explore grief— every title’s grade range covers 3rd grade, so each is grade-appropriate by curriculum placement. Each links to its reading level, themes, and the curricula that cite it.
What this list holds: All 6 titles are cited by at least one US curriculum or award list for 3rd grade, first published between 2017 and 2025. Themes these books most often share besides grief: family (4).
6 3rd grade books about grief
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The Labors of Hercules Beal
Gary D. SchmidtCited in 3 curricula across 3 states, taught from grade 3 to 7. Also covers mythology, family and community.
Pie in the Sky
Remy LaiCited in 3 curricula across 2 states, taught from grade 3 to 6. Also covers immigration and baking.
Dadaji's Paintbrush
Rashmi SirdeshpandeCited in 1 curriculum, taught from grade K to 3. Also covers family and art.
Fowl Play
Kristin O'Donnell TubbCited in 1 curriculum, taught from grade 3 to 6. Also covers mystery and family.
Hope in the Valley
Mitali PerkinsCited in 1 curriculum, taught from grade 3 to 6. Also covers change and family.
The Girl with the Ghost Machine
Lauren DeStefanoCited in 1 curriculum, taught from grade 3 to 8. Also covers fathers and daughters, ghost stories, inventions.
Grief books at other grades
4th grade · 5th grade · 6th grade · 7th grade · 8th grade · 9th grade · 10th grade · 11th grade
Other 3rd grade themes
Friendship · Family · Humor · Humorous Stories · Courage · Schools · Imagination · Dogs
← Full 3rd grade reading list · All griefbooks →
Frequently asked questions
What grief books are good for 3rd grade students?
6 books exploring grief have a grade range that covers 3rd grade and are assigned across US-school curricula — Common Core exemplars, AP, IB, Cambridge, and state ELA standards. Each title on this page links to its full curriculum citations and reading level.
Are these grief books grade-appropriate for 3rd grade?
Every title's grade range covers 3rd grade, so each is age-appropriate by curriculum placement. Check each book's themes and content notes before assigning.
How many grief books are on the 3rd grade list?
This page lists 6 3rd grade titles about grief, ordered by how many US curricula cite each one for this grade (ties alphabetical). The list expands as more curriculum references are verified.
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