My Favorite Books for 5th Graders

Looking for books for your 5th graders? I got you covered. There is no better feeling as an ELA teacher than getting your students hooked on a good book. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of my favorite books for 5th graders.

I’ve also included books I use for literature circles, book clubs, and whole class novels in 5th grade. I know I’m always interested in what other teachers are reading with their students, so I wanted to share mine, too.

Holes by Louis Sachar – Fiction

Stanley Yelnats’ family has been affected by a family curse for years. Now, Stanley has been sent to a detention center, where he spends his days digging holes in the scalding hot desert. But Stanley learns that they are looking for something with these holes, and he is determined to find it.

You might know this book from it’s classic Disney movie (which by the way, you can definitely pair with this book). This is a good book for 5th graders because it’s pretty humorous – and downright ridiculous at some points. They will enjoy this lighthearted story. I teach Holes in a novel study format. Over 20 lessons, we dive deep into every single common core literature standard, while enjoying this fun novel.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by JK Rowling – Fantasy

Harry Potter lives a pretty miserable life. His parents are dead, and he is stuck living with his horrible relatives. That is until one day, he receives a letter telling him that he’s a wizard. And that he’s been invited to enroll in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. His life is forever changed.

Alright, this is a classic that probably could have gone without introduction. This had to be mentioned as a book for 5th graders because it’s a childhood favorite for so many! I created an entire Harry Potter novel unit, which you can use in book clubs or as a whole class. If you’re looking for a 5th grade book series, many die-hard Potterheads would agree this is the place to start.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry – Historical Fiction

Annamarie Johansen lives in Copenhagen in 1942. She has a best friend named Ellen. When the Jews of Denmark are relocated, Ellen moves in with the Johansens and pretends to be a part of the family. Soon, Annamarie is asked to go on a dangerous journey to keep Ellen safe.

This novel is a great entry point to discussing WWII and the Holocaust. It’s a good book for 5th graders because it explores many important themes of the Holocaust – without being graphic. I use this Number the Stars Novel Study and pair it with several nonfiction accounts, media, and more to create a well-rounded unit.

Titanic: Voices from the Disaster by Deborah Hopkinson – Nonfiction

This student-friendly nonfiction brings together a collection of stories from the Titanic. In this novel, Hopkins shows the events of the Titanic – from leaving the dock to the horrific crash to the aftermath – all through the voices of the survivors. All of the stories and photos are primary sources.

I love doing a novel study with Titanic: Voices from the Disaster for several reasons! First, the novel unit goes over every single common core literature standard, so we take a deep dive into nonfiction. Second, who doesn’t love learning about the Titanic? It’s such a thrilling and heartbreaking story, students can’t help but want to know more.

Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz – Historical Fiction

Yanek Gruener is Jewish. He was living in Poland, until one say the Nazis took over, and he was sent to a concentration camp. During his time in the concentration camp, Yanek encounters horrific conditions and evil he couldn’t have imagined. But he also finds moments of hope. This book is based on the true story of a Holocaust survivor.

If you are looking for a book to pair with Number the Stars or add to your Holocaust unit, Prisoner B-3087 is a great addition. This novel is written for upper elementary students, so it’s not graphic or scary, but it still allows them to understand the devastating situation Jewish people faced. This book will make for great class discussion and powerful socratic seminars. You can get the Prisoner B-3087 Novel Study here.

Wonder by RJ Palacio – Fiction

August Pullman is a little different than the average 5th grader. He was born with a facial deformity, and his classmates have a hard time looking past it. In this book, the reader will explore different perspectives – from classmates to Auggie’s sister – to understand how the world sees Auggie.

This is a must-read book for 5th graders. We all know that growing up can be challenging, and Wonder addresses every difficulty of being a kid. I like to read Wonder as a whole class novel study because we have amazing discussions. Over 22 reading lessons, we explore the elements of fiction, theme, character traits and development, and much more. Get the Wonder Novel Study here.

The Giver by Lois Lowry – Dystopian

Jonas, a 12 year old boy, has been assigned as The Receiver of Memory. While his community lives in bliss, he holds the dark, complex secrets of the world. Jonas has to reconcile what he learns about the world with the community he grew up in.

My 5th graders can’t resist a dystopian novel. It is probably one of their favorites every year. When we do a novel study with The Giver, it leads to really powerful conversations about the complexity of the world. I am also able to dig deep into theme and plot with this book. Over 12 lessons, we go over every single literature standard – and have some great discussions along the way.

Want more books for your 5th graders? Check out all of the 5th grade book units here! This includes several book series for 5th graders, novel studies, book club units, and whole class novels. Happy reading!