The 20 Best Books for 5th Graders
Whether you’re a homeschool mom looking for a great book for your 5th grader or a classroom teacher trying to build a great library, finding texts that are engaging and a great fit for your readers can be tough. I’ve compiled this list of the best books for 5th graders to help save you time and give you a starting place when you’re looking for where to start when you’re planning your next novel study or helping your learner find their next favorite book.
While there are a ton of great 5th grade books on this list, I can promise you there are even more amazing chapter books for 5th graders coming out every week so use this list as a jumping off point as you’re planning for your learners this year. Ready to hop in?
20 Amazing 5th Grade Books You Need to Get Now
Whether you grab a single copy for your classroom library or read aloud or buy a whole class set for a large group novel study, these 20 novels are fantastic for fifth grade students.
For each chapter book for 5th graders I am sharing below, I’ve included a short plot summary to help you determine whether it fits your classroom well. I also shared links to the trifold novel study pack to help save you prep time and ensure you cover those essential comprehension standards.
I’ve included various 5th grade books to help you meet the needs and interests of your below, on-level, and above-level readers. I know your fifth graders will love these great stories, and you’ll be ready to rock your year with a great 5th grade book list!
1. Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
I purposefully put this title first out of all the 5th grade books on this list because it is truly an AMAZING story. The kind that you just can’t put down, and it is truly deserving of the awards it has received.
Embarking on a cross-country journey with her eccentric grandparents, 13-year-old Sal recounts the tale of her friend Phoebe’s missing mother, all while grappling with the mystery of her own mother’s disappearance. The winding roads are not just physical paths but are symbolic of Sal’s journey of acceptance, understanding, and healing. Through Creech’s poetic prose, this story beautifully illustrates the complexities of love, loss, and the bridges between generations.
Reading Level:
- Advanced
- Lexile: 770L
- DRA: 50
- Guided Reading: W
2. Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
Emotions surge and hope remains unwavering in this captivating story. Every page immerses readers in the resilience and determination of a young boy named Bud.
During the harsh realities of the Great Depression, 10-year-old Bud Caldwell sets off on a journey after being orphaned. Carrying only a suitcase filled with mementos of his mother, he’s on a quest to find his long-lost father, whom he believes is a famous jazz musician. Bud encounters a tapestry of characters along the way, each shaping his journey unexpectedly. This tale paints a vivid picture of Bud’s adventures and showcases the power of tenacity, belief, and the human spirit.
Reading Level:
- Advanced
- Lexile: 950L
- DRA: 50
- Guided Reading: U
Get the No Prep Novel Study: Bud, Not Buddy Novel Study
3. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Set in World War II, this historical fiction novel by Lois Lowry follows the story of a ten-year-old girl named Annemarie as her family attempts to help save their Jewish friends from the Nazis.
When her best friend is left to live with her and must pretend to be Annemarie’s dead sister, they face the most dangerous challenge of their lives.
As a companion to your social studies standards, this story brings the challenges and hardships children and families faced during the Nazi regime to life while giving students relatable characters and high-level vocabulary exposure.
If you are looking for an amazing historical fiction novel, you won’t find any more engaging and thought-provoking than this one! It is a definite must-read.
Reading Level:
- On-level
- Lexile: 670L
- DRA: 50
- Guided Reading: U
Get the No Prep Novel Study: Number the Stars Novel Study
4. Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Another novel focused on kindness and being your true self, Fish in a Tree is the story of a girl named Ally who has mastered the art of hiding her inability to read…that is, until her new teacher, Mr. Daniels, figures it out and helps Ally see that she doesn’t need to be ashamed of having dyslexia.
It is a great novel for talking about learning differences and individual talents. With likable characters and situations that could be happening in your own school or classroom, Fish in a Tree is sure to be a winner with your fifth graders.
Reading Level:
- Advanced
- Lexile: 550L
- DRA: 60
- Guided Reading: X
Get the No Prep Novel Study: Fish in a Tree Novel Study
5. Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick
When two boys who might otherwise be considered misfits team up, they become unstoppable.
The topics built into the plotline of this story include physical disabilities and learning disabilities, making it a great chapter book for 5th graders to start discussions about inclusion and kindness toward others.
A great book about the development of a friendship against the odds, there is lots of action and adventure in this great novel, but there is also some sadness at the end…so be prepared.
Reading Level:
- Advanced
- Lexile: 930L
- DRA: 60
- Guided Reading: W
Get the No Prep Novel Study: Freak the Mighty Novel Study
6. Old Yeller by Fred Gipson
Old Yeller is a classic novel set in the post-Civil War era. It is so popular that you probably already know the gist of the plot, but in case you don’t, here are the (general) details.
After unsuccessfully trying to drive away the old golden retriever he found, Arliss ends up being saved by him. Despite the dog’s naughty antics, this act of heroism endears him to the family and forms a bond between dog and owner. This act of heroism won’t be Old Yeller’s last.
With highs and lows throughout, this touching story is one that has held up over time. Strong writing and excellent characters make it a perfect novel study for your 5th grade class.
Reading Level:
- On-level
- Lexile: 910L
- DRA: 50
- Guided Reading: V
Get the No Prep Novel Study: Old Yeller Novel Study
7. Rules by Cynthia Lord
Another Newbery winner, this realistic fiction book is a great read and includes a cast of characters that could be the kid in the next seat over. The story focuses on Catherine, a twelve-year-old struggling with her brother’s autism and her desire to have a “normal life.” As the story unfolds, Catherine realizes that normal isn’t always what you think it is.
A great story for analyzing change across time, this story will connect with students on a number of levels and spark great discussions in your 5th grade classroom.
Reading Level:
- On-level
- Lexile: 670L
- DRA: 40
- Guided Reading: R
Get the No Prep Novel Study: Rules Novel Study
8. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
Get your tissues ready because you’re likely to cry reading this one. (No, seriously, be sure the tissue boxes aren’t empty if you assign it to students.)
A great book for those animal lovers in your classroom, this novel is the story of Billy and his two hunting companions. A classic story full of adventure, emotion, and heartbreak, this book is a must-read for every student.
While tears will likely be shed, there will also be great discussions that help build students’ skills in literature analysis, including characters and their relationships, how the setting impacts the plot, and more.
Reading Level:
- Advanced
- Lexile: 700L
- DRA: 60
- Guided Reading: X
Get the No Prep Novel Study: Where the Red Fern Grows Novel Study
9. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
Would you want to live forever?
This book makes students think about whether this is such a good thing as they read about the Tuck family as they explain their life challenges to a ten-year-old girl named Winnie Foster after she discovers their secret. However, when a stranger follows Winnie to locate the mystical spring that brings eternal life, they must face the challenges that arise.
This is such a great novel for discussion. With lots of amazing characterization and a plotline that pulls young readers in, your students will have so much fun discussing this story and deciding whether they want to live forever.
Reading Level:
- Advanced
- Lexile: 770L
- DRA: 60
- Guided Reading: W
Learn more about the skills you can teach in a Tuck Everlasting Novel Study.
10. Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
For starters, Jerry Spinelli writes some great books for 5th graders…so it was tough to decide which to include in this list. However, Maniac Magee rose to the top because it digs deep into a number of themes that are engaging and important to talk about with students.
After becoming an orphan, Jeffery Magee becomes a local legend due to his athletic ability and fearless nature. Despite this he still faces numerous conflicts (both internal and external) within the small town of Two Mills. From bullies to racism, this story covers many deep topics that are just as top of mind today as they were in the story.
Full of rich detail and opportunities to think beyond the text, this is a great choice for your fifth grade readers.
Reading Level:
- Advanced
- Lexile: 820L
- DRA: 60
- Guided Reading: W
Get the No Prep Novel Study: Maniac Magee Novel Study
11. The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
This is the story of an unlikely friendship and coming of age.
While his father is away, Matt must learn to coexist with nature in order to survive. With the help of the Beaver clan, he begins to adapt to his new life on the frontier, but he also realizes the challenges the tribe is facing from the new settlers and the changing environment they bring.
A Newbery winner, this book is engaging and captures the reader’s imagination with lots of great vivid details. Students can really imagine themselves in Matt’s shoes as he learns to survive.
Reading Level:
- On-level
- Lexile: N/A
- DRA: 50
- Guided Reading: T
Get the No Prep Novel Study: The Sign of the Beaver Novel Study
12. Holes by Louis Sachar
If you haven’t read much Louis Sachar, prepare to laugh! He truly writes some funny children’s books.This particular story has won numerous awards and is the tale of Stanley, a boy who is sent to a juvenile correction facility called Camp Green Lake.
Full of irony (the camp is in the middle of the desert) and some interesting characters, this story captures readers early on and takes them on a wild ride as Stanley begins to wonder if the holes they are being forced to dig to “build character” are really a hunt for something else.
Reading Level:
- On-level
- Lexile: 660L
- DRA: 50
- Guided Reading: V
Learn more about the No Prep Novel Study: Holes Novel Study
13. The Giver by Lois Lowry
Another great science fiction story (and Newbery Medal winner), this is the story of Jonas, and while it seems his life is perfect, this all changes when he is given the job of Receiver of Memory. Soon he discovers that his colorless world is not the calm, peaceful place that he grew up knowing. Instead, he must consider whether this existence is really what is best for society and face the challenging decisions that lie ahead.
There are three companion books that go along with this great novel, and I guarantee your students will be hooked once they’ve read this story. With great plot twists and unexpected events, the discussions you can have about The Giver are truly limitless.
Reading Level:
- Advanced
- Lexile: 760L
- DRA: 60
- Guided Reading: Y
Learn More About The Giver Novel Study.
14. Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Tragedy transforms Esperanza’s life from one of great riches to one of hard labor in this historical fiction novel.
A young girl faced with the death of her father ends up having to overcome great challenges as she learns to survive without all the things she had become accustomed to (including incredibly low paying migrant work).
A great novel with a multicultural lens, Esperanza Rising is beautifully told with many great opportunities to explore sensory details and other aspects of writer’s craft.
Reading Level:
- On-level
- Lexile: 750L
- DRA: 50
- Guided Reading: V
Learn more about my No Prep Esperanza Novel Study.
15. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
A story of friendship and loss, this amazing novel is the story of a fifth grader (Jesse) who becomes friends with a girl from school after she beats him in a race.
Despite having very different life experiences, the pair is soon inseparable, and through the friendship, Jesse learns to be brave and manage his emotions.
The title comes from the kingdom they create for themselves in the woods, which they name Terabithia.
Reading Level:
- On-level
- Lexile: 810L
- DRA: 50
- Guided Reading: T
Get the No Prep Novel Study: Bridge to Terabithia Novel Study
16. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein
One of the most fun on my list of books for fifth graders, this story follows a group of children who win an essay contest held by the nation’s most famous game maker. As winners, the group gets the chance to be the first to see their town’s new state-of-the-art library and the ability to compete in a contest for even bigger and better prizes.
Unlike the rest of the winners, Kyle Keeley, a fun-loving kid with a competitive streak, gets in on a last-minute entry. Lucky for him, he’s Lemoncello’s biggest fan and the ultimate gamer.
The best part about this book is students get to play along with the characters as they try to solve the puzzles that will win Mr. Lemoncello’s contest and let them escape from the library.
Full of drama, excitement, and adventure, this story is great for even reluctant readers.
Reading Level:
- On-level
- Lexile: 720L
- DRA: 50
- Guided Reading: V
Get the No Prep Novel Study: Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Novel Study
17. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Hearts resonate deeply with this poignant story by Katherine Applegate. As you flip through the pages, you’ll find yourself looking at the world through the eyes of a unique gorilla named Ivan.
Living in a cage at a shopping mall, Ivan has accepted his lot in life with humans watching his every move. However, his perspective shifts when he befriends a baby elephant named Ruby, realizing they both deserve better. This tale traces Ivan’s heartwarming journey, his use of art to communicate, and his determined hope to create a better future for Ruby and himself.
Reading Level:
- On-level
- Lexile: 570L
- DRA: 40
- Guided Reading: S
18. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
After surviving a plane crash in the rugged wilderness of Canada, Brian is in the fight of his life. This story is the ultimate in survival fiction as students follow Brian’s transformation from a scared, unsure boy to a strong, independent survivor. From making
From creating a fire to gathering food, Brian makes a lot of mistakes in his quest to survive, and Paulsen’s writing captures the imagination of readers, pulling them into Brian’s journey.
Reading Level:
- Below-level
- Lexile: 1020L
- DRA: 40
- Guided Reading: R
Learn more about the no prep Hatchet novel study.
19. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien
A fantasy tale about a widowed mouse and her small children. In this story Mrs. Frisby is faced with a move…or certain death. With a young son suffering from pneumonia and numerous other challenges, Mrs. Frisby lucks out when she encounters the rats of NIMH. These (as luck would have it) highly intelligent problem-solvers develop a brilliant answer to Mrs. Frisby’s unfortunate situation.
A great read with lots of high-quality vocabulary!
Reading Level:
- On-level
- Lexile: 790L
- DRA: 50
- Guided Reading: V
Get the No Prep Novel Study: Mrs. Frisby & the Rats of NIMH Novel Study
20. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Looking for some great fantasy books for 5th graders? Check out the Percy Jackson series.
This fantasy based on Greek mythology is a great novel that follows the story of Percy Jackson as he learns he is not just a typical 12-year-old boy. After discovering he is a demigod, Percy winds up on a quest to find Zeus’ stolen lightning bolts.
Great for students who love the Harry Potter series, this book is just the first in a whole series.
With lots of action, excitement, and relatable characters, your students will be begging to read the rest of the series after they finish this one.
Reading Level:
- Advanced
- DRA: 60
- Guided Reading: W
Learn more about The Lightning Thief Novel Study.
Now that you’ve got a 5th grade reading list…
While you’re here, grab my free novel study planning roadmap to get step-by-step support to plan a high-quality literature unit for your fifth-grade students, whether you’re in the classroom or homeschooling. Whether planning your first novel study or looking for new ideas, you’ll love this great tool.
Have enough chapter books for 5th graders?
Need more great books to add to your classroom or home library? If you’ve got a broad range of reading levels or are trying to diversify your classroom library, here are some of my favorite books for other reading levels.
If you’ve already filled your book list for 5th grade, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered. Check out the links below to access more great novels for other grade levels.
