Grade 5 reading books
Recommended reading books for elementary school children in Fifth Grade ages 10-11
By Fifth Grade, students have become independent readers. However, parents and educators still have an important role—and that is of course is maintaining their love of reading.
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Although educators still emphasize the importance of reading at home, adherence to this recommendation is mixed, often based on the child’s intrinsic motivation. Boys are especially at risk. The good news is, at around Fifth Grade, students are fully ready for middle grade reads which explore pre-teen topics and also include immersive and enjoyable fantasy novels. If your student has mostly read chapter books to this point, this is the time to move them up to middle grade books.
Deep and Dark and Dangerous: A Ghost Story
Mary Downing Hahn
Deep and Dark and Dangerous is a gripping tale perfect for kids who love a bit of mystery and suspense. The story follows 13-year-old Ali, who discovers an old photograph of her mother and aunt by a lake—but there’s a third person in the picture, someone no one in her family will talk about. Intrigued, Ali heads to a remote family cottage for the summer, where she meets an unsettling girl named Sissy and starts to uncover some long-hidden secrets.
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A relatively quick read for tweens who enjoy a little suspense. Suitable also for encouraging fifth graders who haven't yet discovered and transitioned into middle-grade books.
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Suspense, Relationships
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Treasure Hunters
James Patterson
Treasure Hunters is a fun adventure novel that follows the story of four siblings, who are left to fend for themselves when their dad goes missing while on the deck of their boat during a storm. Twelve-year old twins Bick and Beck narrate the story—Bick through his writing, and Beck through her comic-style illustrations—with a dose of sarcasm and light-hearted sibling bickering.
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A not-too-serious book for tweens well-suited for reluctant readers. The lively, conversational tone brings out the chaos of the sibling adventure. Yet there's plenty of solid writing throughout to recommended this for transitioning middle graders looking for an easier-to-read text.
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Adventure, Humor, Relatable
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Keeper of the Lost Cities
Shannon Messenger
Keeper of the Lost Cities is the first book of a riveting fantasy novel series that follows twelve-year-old Sophie, a seemingly ordinary girl who discovers that she is far from normal. Sophie has an extraordinary ability—she can read minds, and it’s this skill that sets her apart and ultimately leads her to the discovery of a hidden world where she truly belongs.
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More than an action adventure, this book stands out for its deep exploration of identity, friendship, moral dilemmas, and the challenges of growing up. Highly recommended for those ready to dive into middle grade fantasy and explore more complex world-building and character dynamics.
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Adventure, Imagination, Friendship
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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
J.K. Rowling
While many children may have begun their Harry Potter journey during their early elementary years, with the Globlet of Fire, the stories begin to take on a darker tone in Harry's fourth year at Hogwarts. One thing that doesn't change though is how much the beloved books captures readers with a story that is full of emotional growth and thrilling to the finish.
This book is longer and dives deeper into the characters' dynamics, particularly as they navigate new friendships and the complexities of growing up. It also introduces more challenging themes, such as the idea of courage in the face of fear and the reality of danger.
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Adventure, Friendship, Coming of Age, Heroic
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Echo
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Echo is a powerful and intricately woven novel that spans multiple decades and countries, connecting the lives of three young people in different historical periods
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The novel is told in the style of a fairy tale, and is a rare blend of children's fairy tale fantasy and historical fiction. What's beautiful about Echo is how it introduces young readers to important historical events in a way that’s both engaging and accessible. This book isn't for everyone, but the interconnected story-lines, real-life struggles, and hint of magic make it a compelling read for those ready to appreciate it.
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Adventure, History, Descriptive Writing
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