Favorite 5th grade books: 14 Fantastic Chapter Books for Fifth Graders

Favorite 5th Grade Books to Read Aloud

Reading books aloud is just as important in fifth grade as it is in earlier years. Fifth graders still need to experience listening to a fluent reader on a regular basis to help improve their own reading skills. To help you choose the perfect read aloud books for your class, I’ve put together a list of my very favorite fifth grade books These books will keep your students excited about reading and open doors to deep classroom discussion about tough themes like friendship, acceptance, loss, and bullying. Here are eleven of the best books for fifth graders…

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1.

Frindle by Andrew Clements

Nick Allen has a reputation for doing little things to annoy his teachers. In fifth grade, Nick meets his match in Mrs. Granger. She’s the toughest teacher at Lincoln Elementary School, and is known for her love of vocabulary and the dictionary. Nick challenges her by getting the entire school to call a pen a “frindle.” The name catches on, and soon Nick becomes a local hero.

Frindle is a perfect read-aloud for the beginning of the school year because it’s a quick, fun read. Students love the back-and-forth between Nick and Mrs. Granger, so this is a great book for getting reluctant readers interested in books.

Buy the book: Frindle

2.

Wonder by R. J. Palacio

Auggie Pullman is a 10-year-old boy living in New York City. He was born with a facial deformity that has prevented him from going to school and made it very difficult for him to make friends. Wonder begins as Auggie contemplates starting school for the first time in his life as a 5th grader. As he begins school, Auggie is faced with the challenge of making friends and dealing with bullies.

No book list is complete without Wonder. It’s truly one of my favorites and has been a student favorite every year that I’ve read it. The point of view switches several times throughout the story, giving lots of opportunities to teach literature skills. This touching story is perfect for teaching compassion and acceptance in your classroom. The follow-up book of short stories, Auggie & Me, is a must for your classroom library since it presents the bully’s side of the story.

Buy the book: Wonder

3.

Firegirl by Tony Abbott

Everything changes when Jessica joins the 7th grade class at St. Catherine’s . Jessica was badly burned in a fire and is attending the school while she is getting medical treatment. Despite her appearance, a boy named Tom befriends Jessica, and his life is changed as a result.

This book is a perfect follow-up or alternative to Wonder. It continues the themes of acceptance, empathy, and not judging one another based on appearance. Firegirl is another quick read, so it’s perfect for the last few weeks before a break.

Buy the book: Firegirl

4. Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Luke has spent the first 12 years of his life in fear and isolation due to a law limiting families to only two children. As the third child in his family, Luke is one of the “shadow children” who spend their entire lives hiding from the Population Police. He’s never been to school, the park, a birthday party, or any of the other things most 12-year-olds take for granted. Everything changes when Luke discovers another shadow child living next door. Jen has a dangerous plan to protest the population law, and wants Luke to help her.

This entire series keeps students (and me) on the edge of their seats. It’s suspenseful, dangerous, and masterfully written. I love reading the first book in a series, because students will often go on to read the rest of the series on their own. Go ahead and get the box set, because you will have a wait list of kids wanting to read the rest of these books as soon as you finish this one!

Buy the book: Among the Hidden

5. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

13-year-old Brian is a city-boy from New York when he boards a single-engine plane headed for Canada to spend the summer with his father in the oil fields. When the plane’s pilot suddenly dies of a heart attack, the plane crashes, and Brian finds himself stranded in the wilderness. Brian slowly begins to learn survival skills while he hopes to be rescued.

Hatchet is always a favorite of the boys in 5th grade. It’s filled with adventure, suspense, and the struggle to survive in the woods alone. The writing is very descriptive and realistic, due in part to the fact that many of its events were inspired by Gary Paulsen’s own life. (He tells the true stories that inspired all the Brian books in his book Guts.)

Buy the book: Hatchet

6.

Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli

“Maniac” Magee is an orphaned boy who lives a very unhappy life with his aunt and uncle for 8 years before finally deciding to run away. Maniac eventually finds himself in a small, racially divided town. Maniac meets a girl named Amanda Beale and moves in with her family, but the family faces negativity due to his race, and he runs away again. After living with the Beales, a zookeeper, and the McNabbs, Maniac eventually finds a home with friends who become his family.

Maniac Magee is a modern classic with themes of kindness, generosity, overcoming differences, and love. While it’s set in the past, it remains relatable and easy to read, even for students without background knowledge of the time period. There are some uncomfortable moments of racial tension in the book, but these lend themselves to class discussions about respecting each other and embracing our differences.

Buy the book: Maniac Magee

7.

Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick

Freak the Mighty is the story of two boys who are polar opposites, yet neither fits in with the rest of the crowd at school. Kevin, known as “Freak,” is small for his age and very intelligent. Max is bigger than all the other kids in his class but struggles in school & has trouble making friends because of his family’s past. These unlikely friends become close as they endure challenges together.

This is a simple, yet touching story with themes of friendship, bullying, and seeing people for who they truly are. This quick read is loved by students and leads to rich classroom discussion.

Buy the book: Freak the Mighty

8. Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis

Bud (do not call him Buddy!) is a 10-year-old boy on the run from a terrible foster home. Before his momma died, she left him a clue about who his father was… a flyer advertising for a famous band. Bud is sure that these flyers will lead him to his father, so he takes off in search of the band.

Students will love following Bud on his journey across Michigan in search of his father. While the story is set in 1936, it is still easily relatable to today’s students. While I normally wouldn’t suggest the audiobook in lieu of reading to your students yourself, the audio version of Bud, Not Buddy is wonderful! The music in the background. The narrator sounds just like Bud. If you’re looking for something for a listen to reading center, it’s fantastic!

Buy the book: Bud, Not Buddy

9. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

This classic World War II story is told from the perspective of 10-year-old Annemarie Johansen, a Jewish girl living in Denmark. Through Annemarie’s eyes, readers learn how the Danish Resistance smuggles almost the entire Jewish population of Denmark out of the country to Sweden where they would be safe from the Nazis.

This is one of the best World War II novels I’ve read for upper elementary students. If the war is in your social studies standards, this is a must read for your class! It’s a story of strength, resilience, and human decency in the midst of this terrible war.

Buy the book: Number the Stars

10. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis

Four adventurous siblings step through the door of a magical wardrobe into the fantasy land of Narnia. The White Witch controls all of Narnia, where it is “always winter, but never Christmas.” Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy meet a host of characters and form alliances with the good animals of Narnia to defeat the White Witch. When all hope seems lost, they meet Aslan, the lion, and together they battle the White Witch to save Narnia. This classic story is truly magical!

Buy the book: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

11. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Jesse Aarons wants nothing more than to be the fastest runner in 5th grade, and after practicing all summer, he almost is. When the new girl at school, Leslie, beats Jesse in the recess races, the two become fast friends. They spend their afternoons and weekends in the woods behind her house, where they invent a make-believe world called Terabithia. Jesse is king, Leslie is queen, and they enjoy lots of imaginary fun in Terabithia until one day when tragedy strikes. This touching story deals with themes of friendship, loss, and grief.

Buy the book: Bridge to Terabithia

12 Best Read Aloud Books for Fifth Grade

Explore these 12 new read aloud books that will inspire fifth graders

It is extremely important for students in fifth grade to have access to books, especially ones that can be read aloud. 5th graders are at a crucial stage in development where they are transitioning from juvenile fiction to adult fiction. By providing them with both genres of literature, they are given the opportunity to broaden their vocabulary and improve their comprehension.

There are many different types of read-aloud books for 5th graders that can be found online or at libraries. The most important factor when selecting these texts is to make sure they match reading levels and subject matter interests while maintaining an engaging storyline. Check out our education catalogue for upcoming novels.

Sometimes it is essential to introduce a book that is slightly more challenging for an elementary student’s reading level that way they can work out the words while they are being read to and learn new vocabulary terms. Not only is reading aloud pleasurable but it also is more expressive and can allow a child to connect deeply with the characters in the story since they are hearing them acted out. Fifth graders develop good listening habits, which is important in the classroom when they need to participate in lessons.

5th grade books fall into the category of juvenile fiction and can be anything from fairy tales to stories featuring people and new places to explore. Although fiction books are more prevalent, nonfiction categories that are autobiographical can be great, especially for students who are interested in a person from history, or a modern figure that they admire. 

Today, we discuss some of the most popular pieces of literature and read-aloud books for 5th graders.

1. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen is an award-winning book about a boy named Brian who is stranded and struggling to survive in the wilderness. Brian was on his way to visit his estranged father in Canada when the pilot suffers an untimely heart attack and the plane crashes in the middle of nowhere. Brian is left alone, with only his clothing and a hatchet that his mother gave him. 

In addition to the tribulations of surviving in a desolate place, Brian is also carrying the weight of his parent’s divorce and his mother’s secret in his heart. With no knowledge of how to survive in the wilderness and fend for himself, will Brian make it? Will he be able to learn how to survive on his own? An inspiring story of courage, Brian’s tale is about overcoming adversity.

2. Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Wonder traces the story of ‘’Auggie’’, August Pullman who was born with a facial deformity and has spent his adolescent years not being able to attend a mainstream school – until now. Auggie is now in fifth grade and he wants to be treated the same way as the other students, but his classmates cannot get over his extraordinary face. 

Wonder is aimed at instilling basic yet significant values in readers. This story will teach students not to judge people based on appearance and to understand that differences are what make a person unique. Although this book is recommended for middle-grade students, it is loved by teens and a perfect choice for elementary school students too for its enlivening narrative. 

3. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson 

Another award-winning book, Bridge to Terabithia is a creative fantasy that explores the power of family and friendship. The book revolves around the story of Jess Arons, who has been practicing all summer to become the fastest runner in the fifth grade. Jess almost reaches his goal until, a new girl in the school, Leslie manages to outpace him. In a sweet turn of events, Jess and Leslie become fast friends and spend a lot of time in the woods behind Leslie’s house where they invent an enchanted land called ‘’Terabithia’’.

One unfortunate day, tragedy strikes Jess while Leslie goes to Terabithia without him. The plot then takes the readers on Jess’s journey as he copes with grief over the tragedy.

4. Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan

A beautifully crafted tale of resilience, and the unexpected turns of life, Esperanza Rising is filled with life lessons that are touching. The story takes place during the Great Depression and outlines the struggles of Esperanza who moves from a lavish and beautiful house to a camp with Mexican farmworkers.  

Esperanza has to tackle new challenges that life has brought her, as she now struggles financially and has moved to a place where she has to do hard work. Unfortunately, things again take a turn for the worse for Esperanza who now has to face not being accepted.

This story of resilience and tackling life’s challenges is the perfect recommendation for students as they navigate through their fifth-grade year since they too can learn how to grow when facing hardship.

5. Peter and the Starcatchers by Ridley Pearson & Dave Barry

A creative fantasy that will take you on a journey, Peter and the Star Gazers has some of the most fun characters in its plot. A young, orphan boy, Peter Pan is sent off to an island that is owned by an evil king. The real adventure begins as they set sail on a ship to Never Land which holds a mysterious trunk in its cargo. 

This spin on an iconic Disney character will reveal mysteries and secrets that have never before been discovered. The action-adventure will quickly pull readers in and is one of those books that students will have a hard time putting down – so make sure this book is started once all others are complete!

6. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

A Wrinkle in Time is a science fiction story that follows the adventures of Meg, Calvin, and their friend, Charles Wallace across time and space in search of Meg’s father. Although this book is classified as juvenile fiction, the storyline is complex with intricate details about space travel, strange planets, and time travel. This means it can be read by fifth-graders at different reading levels.

This science-fiction book is highly recommended for fifth and sixth-grade students as it has an engaging story and a few key lessons that are penned down beautifully by the author.

7. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Number the Stars is a historical fiction book that takes place in Denmark during the Holocaust. It follows Annemarie Johansen and her best friend, Ellen, who is Jewish and faces danger from the Nazis. When Ellen’s parents flee, she is left with the Johansens. The Germans become suspicious of Ellen, the dark-haired girl who is living with the Johansens.

The plot focuses on what goes on inside the mind of Annamarie who tries to come to terms with what she knows about the war and what she doesn’t know.

The book presents the heroism of a nation that smuggled nearly seven thousand people across the sea to Sweden. Number of Stars is an impactful story that will teach fifth-graders about the holocaust through the eyes of a Jewish little girl who is very brave.

8. Rules by Cynthia Lord

Rules is a highly recommended book, written specifically with fifth graders in mind. It teaches life lessons about friendship, the importance of personal space, and learning to appreciate the company of others. Although this book is rated for fifth graders, it can also be enjoyed by younger and older readers alike.

Rules traces the life of Catherine, a twelve-year-old, who just wants a normal life. Unfortunately, that is easier said than done since Catherine has a younger brother with autism and her family’s life revolves around him. Catherine tries to teach her brother what ‘’normal behavior’’ looks like until she meets new friends who make her question what normal really is. 

9. Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt 

Fish in a Tree is a nonfiction book that follows the life of a fifth-grade girl named Ally who has dyslexia. Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of people and hide her inability to read by creating clever distractions. However, her new teacher sees Ally not as the troublemaker in class, but as a bright and creative child. With his help, Ally embarks on a journey of rediscovery and self-acceptance.

Fish in a tree brings about the lesson that If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree it will live its entire life believing it is stupid. In other words, everyone is different and should be taught in ways that allow them to succeed. Through this story, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that great minds don’t always think alike.

10. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

The Westing Game is a mystery/thriller that will have readers wanting to uncover the secrets of Sam Westing, a puzzle-loving millionaire who wants his friends and family to play one final game, one that may uncover a murder. 

The plot of the book is quite unique as it traces a bizarre chain of events that begins after sixteen people gather for the reading of Sam Westing’s will. Who will solve the difficult puzzle and figure out the truth about Sam Westing’s death? A book filled with suspense and the thrill of a good mystery, fifth-grade students will enjoy it thoroughly.

11. A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park 

A Long Walk to Water is a nonfiction book about two countries, Uganda and Sudan, both during different times in history. This book follows the stories of Salva, an orphaned Sudanese boy, and Nyaako, a girl living in Uganda. Both of these characters struggle to find basic necessities of life like water and food.

While the characters are based in different zones, their paths end up crossing to create a beautiful and heartwarming story. The focus on history and important life lessons in this book make it a perfect read for fifth-grade students.

12. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson is a series of books that follow the adventures of Percy as he tries to save his mother from Hades. Although this book is classified as juvenile fantasy, it contains mature themes including death, betrayal, and violence that may be appropriate for more adult audiences.  

This book in the series follows Percy’s transition into a magical world as his mother eventually reveals the truth about his father and his origins. The series is also a perfect introduction to Greek mythology for students!

This post was written by Joelle Shusterman, the Marketing Intern at BookPal. She is currently reading Ace of Spades by Faridah Abike-lyimide.

Essay on the topic My favorite book Grade 5

• Compositions

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• 5 class

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• My favorite book

Composition My favorite book on behalf of a girl

Reading books, it seems to me, is the best and most useful of all that a person can spend his leisure time on. Previously, of course, this activity was more popular, since there were not so many different gadgets in people’s lives. Now, many children will say that playing on the phone is a hundred times more interesting than reading a book.

When I read, it’s as if I’m immersed in another world, I begin to empathize with the characters in the story. I no longer care what is happening around.

I have read a great many books, but most of all I liked the fairy tale by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, namely, The Little Prince. This work attracted me with its enormous allegorical and philosophical content. The main meaning of this book is to remind adults that they, too, were children at one time, they just don’t remember it anymore. In addition, the fairy tale contains many popular expressions with an incredibly deep meaning.

It seems to me that those who do not like to read simply have not found a book to their liking. That is why, if you did not like the work, do not despair, but you need to continue the search.

Composition My favorite book on behalf of a boy

I don’t like reading enough to talk about the benefits of reading as freely as some of my classmates. Unfortunately, I do not have enough time to devote to his books, as I am a professional boxer. That is, I rarely read and only what we definitely need in the school curriculum.

And yet, there was a book that could hook me and soon became my favorite. We are talking about the novel by Daniel Defoe, known to all as “Robinson Crusoe”. This story tells us about the adventures of the protagonist, who ended up on a desert island. His main goal was not only to survive, but also to make those lands on which he found himself suitable for living. On the way Robinson encountered many difficulties and obstacles, which he successfully managed to overcome. In addition, he met a native who soon became his best friend and was named Friday. At the end of the work, the protagonist returns to England, where he is reunited with his family, for whom he was considered long dead.

I think that reading books is important and necessary. Even if you don’t have time for it. Reading enriches vocabulary, improves visual memory and enhances attentiveness.

Grade 5

Discourse on the topic My favorite book

My favorite book is \|War and Peace\| Lev Tolstoy. This is not only a book, but also a real work of art that penetrates the very depths of the reader’s soul.

The reason I love this book so much is its deep philosophy and richness of characters. Tolstoy created a whole world where each character has his own unique personality and story. It describes various aspects of life, from love and friendship to war and death.

In addition, \|War and Peace\| not only tells a story, but also provides a unique window into the past. The book covers the events of the early 19th century in Russia, which allows you to understand what the social, political and cultural conditions of those times were like.

Finally, I love this book because it makes you think. It has deep thoughts about life, justice and the meaning of existence. Every time I read this book, I get new thoughts and ideas.

In general, \|War and Peace\| is not only my favorite book, but one of the greatest literary works of all time. Its depth, richness and philosophy will never cease to inspire and make you think.

Discourse on the topic My favorite book

My favorite book is \|War and Peace\| Lev Tolstoy. This is not only a book, but also a real work of art that penetrates the very depths of the reader’s soul.

The reason I love this book so much is its deep philosophy and richness of characters. Tolstoy created a whole world where each character has his own unique personality and story. It describes various aspects of life, from love and friendship to war and death.

In addition, \|War and Peace\| not only tells a story, but also provides a unique window into the past. The book covers the events of the early 19th century in Russia, which allows you to understand what the social, political and cultural conditions of those times were like.

Finally, I love this book because it makes you think. It has deep thoughts about life, justice and the meaning of existence. Every time I read this book, I get new thoughts and ideas.

In general, \|War and Peace\| is not only my favorite book, but one of the greatest literary works of all time. Its depth, richness and philosophy will never cease to inspire and make you think.

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