Are you looking for the best books for your fifth graders? From reading aloud to novel studies to independent reading, there are so many different options and it can be challenging to find quality novels that engage your students while supporting critical thinking about the text.
20 Awesome 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 high school students. fifth grade.
You are reading: Best 5th grade books
For each book I share below, I’ve included a brief plot summary to help you determine if it’s right for your classroom. I’ve also shared links to the triple novel study pack that can help you save prep time and ensure you’re covering those essential standards of comprehension.
I’ve included a variety of fifth grade level books to help you meet the needs and interests of your lower level, level, and higher level readers. I know your fifth graders will love these great stories and you’ll be ready to enjoy your year with a great fifth grade book list!
(if you’re new to triple novel studies, read more about them in my post what are triple novel studies?)
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Buying through these links won’t cost you anything extra, but I do earn a small percentage of commission which helps keep this site running.
1. the war that saved my life by kimberly brubaker bradley
I deliberately put this title first of all the fifth grade books on this list because it really is an amazing story. the kind you just can’t put down, and it really deserves the awards it’s received.
The main character is a girl named Ada who is born with a club foot. An embarrassment to her mother, she is physically and mentally abused and kept hidden in her dirty apartment as the threat of World War II looms. When her brother is sent to the countryside to escape danger, Ada bravely decides to sneak out and join him.
This begins a chapter in Ada’s life where she learns that she is capable of much more than she thought. As she learns to ride a horse, read and be confident in herself, she also begins to learn what love is and discovers that she is worthy of being loved.
See Also: 21 Sudha Murty Books You Will Absolutely Love (The Big List)
reading level:
- advanced
- lexile: 580l
- dra: 60
- guided reading: z+
buy the book: the war that saved my life
get the novel study without preparation: the war that saved my life novel study
2. a wrinkle in time by madeleine l’engle
This science fiction novel tells the story of Meg Murry, who feels she doesn’t fit in. After a strange night of storms and unexpected visitors, Meg ends up on an unexpected journey to save her father that takes her through space and time.
This newbery award-winning novel takes students on an adventure that challenges their thinking about what really exists in the world beyond their comprehension.
With challenging vocabulary and great opportunities for higher-level comprehension and discussion, this is the perfect novel to get your high-achieving fifth graders thinking and talking about their reading.
See Also: 21 Sudha Murty Books You Will Absolutely Love (The Big List)
reading level:
- advanced
- lexile: 740l
- dra: 60
- guided reading: w
buy the book: a wrinkle in time
Get the No Prep Breakthrough Study: A Wrinkle in Time Breakthrough Study
3. number the stars by lois lowry
Set in World War II, this historical fiction novel follows the story of a ten-year-old girl named Annemarie as her family tries to help save their Jewish friends from the Nazis.
When her best friend comes to live with her and must pose as Annemarie’s dead sister, they begin to face the most dangerous challenge of their lives.
Great as a supplement to your social studies standards, this story truly brings to life the challenges and hardships faced by children and families during the Nazi regime, while also giving students characters to interact with. can relate and a display of high-level vocabulary.
If you’re looking for an amazing historical fiction novel, you won’t find any more compelling and thought-provoking than this one! definitely a must read.
See Also: 21 Sudha Murty Books You Will Absolutely Love (The Big List)
reading level:
- at level
- lexile: 670l
- dra: 50
- guided reading: u
buy the book: number the stars
get the novel study without preparation: number the stars novel study
4. fish in a tree by lynda mullaly hunt
reading level:
- advanced
- lexile: 550l
- dra: 60
- guided reading: x
buy the book: fish in a tree
Get No Prep Novel Study: Fish in a Tree Novel Study
5. freak the mighty by rodman philbrick
When two guys who would otherwise be considered misfits team up, they become an unstoppable force.
Themes embedded in the plot of this story include physical disabilities and learning disabilities, making it a great forum to discuss inclusion and kindness towards others.
a great book about the development of a friendship against all odds, there is a lot of action and adventure in this great novel, but there is also some sadness at the end…so be prepared.
See Also: 21 Sudha Murty Books You Will Absolutely Love (The Big List)
reading level:
- advanced
- lexile: 930l
- dra: 60
- guided reading: w
buy the book: freak the mighty
get the novel study without preparation: freak the mighty novel study
6. old fred gipson scream
Old Screamer is a classic novel set in the post-civil war era. 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 chase away the old golden retriever he found, Arliss ends up being saved by him. Despite the dog’s mischievous antics, this act of heroism endears him to the family and forms a bond between dog and owner. this act of heroism will not be the last for the old screamer.
With ups and downs at all times, this heartwarming story has stood the test of time. strong writing and excellent characters make it a perfect novel study for your fifth grade class.
reading level:
- at level
- lexile: 910l
- dra: 50
- guided reading: v
buy the book: old screamer
get the no prep novel study: old yeller novel study
7. cynthia lord rules
Another rookie winner, this realistic fiction book is a great read and includes a cast of characters who could be the kid in the next seat. The story centers on Catherine, a twelve-year-old girl who struggles with her brother’s autism and her desire to have a “normal life.” As the events of the story unfold, Catherine realizes that normal isn’t always what you think it is.
A great story to explore change over time, this story will connect with students on multiple levels and spark great discussions in your 5th grade class.
See Also: 21 Sudha Murty Books You Will Absolutely Love (The Big List)
reading level:
- at level
- lexile: 670l
- dra: 40
- guided reading: r
buy the book: rules
get novel study without preparation: rule novel study
8. where the wilson rawls red fern grows
get your tissues ready because chances are you’ll cry reading this one. (No seriously, make sure the tissue boxes aren’t empty if you assign them to students.)
A great book for the animal lovers in your classroom, this novel is the story of Billy and his two hunting partners. A classic story full of adventures, thrills, and heartaches, this book is truly a must-read for all students.
While tears will likely be shed, there will also be great discussions that will help develop students’ skills in analyzing literature, including characters and their relationships, how setting affects plot, and more.
See Also: 21 Sudha Murty Books You Will Absolutely Love (The Big List)
reading level:
- advanced
- lexile: 700l
- dra: 60
- guided reading: x
buy the book: where the red fern grows
get the novel study without preparation: where the red fern grows novel study
9. eternal tuck by natalie babbitt
Would you like to live forever?
This book makes students really think if this is such a good thing as they read about the Tuck family while explaining their life challenges to a ten year old girl named Winnie Foster after discovering her secret. However, when a stranger follows Winnie to locate the mystical spring that brings eternal life, they must face the challenges that lie ahead.
This is a great novel for discussion. With many amazing characterizations and a plot that appeals to young readers, your students will have a blast discussing this story and deciding if they want to live forever.
See Also: 21 Sudha Murty Books You Will Absolutely Love (The Big List)
reading level:
- advanced
- lexile: 770l
- dra: 60
- guided reading: w
buy the book: tuck forever
get the study of novels without preparation: go for the study of eternal novels
10. manic magee by jerry spinelli
for starters, jerry spinelli writes some fantastic books for 5th graders… so it was hard to decide which one to include on this list. however, maniac magee came out on top because she delves into a number of topics that are interesting and important to talk about with students.
after being orphaned, 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 stalkers to racism, this story covers many deep topics that are as important today as they were in history.
Full of rich detail and opportunities to think beyond the text, this is a great choice for fifth grade readers.
See Also: 21 Sudha Murty Books You Will Absolutely Love (The Big List)
reading level:
- advanced
- lexile: 820l
- dra: 60
- guided reading: w
buy the book: maniac magee
get 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, she begins to adjust to her new life on the frontier, but she also becomes aware of the challenges the tribe faces with the new settlers and the changing environment they bring with them.
A rookie winner, this book is engaging and captures the reader’s imagination with lots of vivid detail. Students can really imagine themselves in Matt’s shoes as he learns to survive.
reading level:
- at level
- lexile: n/a
- dra: 50
- guided reading: t
buy the book: the sign of the beaver
get the novel study without preparation: the sign of the beaver novel study
12. holes by louis sachar
If you haven’t read much of Louis Sachar, prepare to laugh! really writes some fun children’s books.
This particular story has won numerous awards and is the story of Stanley, a young boy who is sent to a juvenile correctional facility called Camp Green Lake.
Full of irony (the camp is in the middle of the desert) and some interesting characters, this story grabs readers from the start and takes them on a wild ride as Stanley begins to wonder if the holes they’re forced into to dig “character building” are really a quest for something else.
See Also: 21 Sudha Murty Books You Will Absolutely Love (The Big List)
reading level:
- at level
- lexile: 660l
- dra: 50
- guided reading: v
buy the book: holes
get the novel study without preparation: holes novel study
13. the giver by lois lowry
another great science fiction story (and a newbery medal winner), this is the story of jonas.
Although it seems that his life is perfect, everything changes when he is given the job of memory receiver. she soon discovers that his colorless world is not the calm and peaceful place she knew when she grew up. instead, she must consider whether this existence is truly in the best interest of society and face the challenging decisions that lie ahead.
There are three companion books to accompany this great novel, and I guarantee your students will be hooked once they’ve read this story. With big plot twists and unexpected events, the discussions you can have about the donor are truly limitless.
reading level:
- advanced
- lexile: 760l
- dra: 60
- guided reading: y
buy the book: the giver
get novel study without preparation: the donor novel study
14. hope being born by pam muñoz ryan
tragedy transforms the life of hope from great wealth to one of hard work in this historical fiction novel.
A young woman coping with the death of her father ends up having to overcome great challenges as she learns to survive without all the things she’s grown accustomed to (including incredibly low-paying migrant work).
See Also: Lisa Marie Rice – Book Series In Order
A great novel with a multicultural lens, Hope Rises is beautifully told with many great opportunities to explore sensory details and other aspects of the writing craft.
reading level:
- at level
- lexile: 750l
- dra: 50
- guided reading: v
buy the book: increasing hope
Get No Prep Novel Study:Hope Rising Novel Study
15. bridge to terabithia by katherine paterson
A story of friendship and loss, this incredible novel is the story of a fifth grader (Jesse) who befriends a girl from school after she beats him in a race.
Despite having very different life experiences, the pair soon become inseparable, and through their friendship, Jesse learns to be brave and manage his emotions.
the title comes from the kingdom they create for themselves in the forest, which they call terabithia.
reading level:
- at level
- lexile: 810l
- dra: 50
- guided reading: t
buy the book: bridge to terabithia
get the novel study without preparation: novel study bridge to terabithia
16. escape from mr. chris grabenstein’s lemoncello library
The best part of this book is that students can play with the characters as they try to solve the puzzles that will win mr. lemoncello contest and let them escape from the library.
Full of drama, excitement, and adventure, this story is great even for reluctant readers.
See Also: 21 Sudha Murty Books You Will Absolutely Love (The Big List)
reading level:
- at level
- lexile: 720l
- dra: 50
- guided reading: v
buy the book: escape from mr. lemoncello library
get the novel study without preparation: escape from mr. lemoncello library novel study
17. the lion, the witch, & c.s.’s closet louis
Imaginations run wild with this enchanting tale from c.s. Lewis. you can almost imagine the thrill of discovering a magical door hidden in your own closet.
When four brothers walk through the door of their new wardrobe, they discover a whole new land called Narnia. Unfortunately, this land is under the power of the white witch and is frozen in eternal winter. This story follows their quest as they help the great lion, Aslan, save the kingdom.
See Also: 21 Sudha Murty Books You Will Absolutely Love (The Big List)
reading level:
- at level
- lexile: 940l
- dra: 50
- guided reading: t
buy the book: the lion, the witch and the wardrobe
get the no prep novel study: the lion, the witch and the wardrobe novel study
18. Gary Paulsen’s ax
After surviving a plane crash in the rugged Canadian wilderness, Brian finds himself in the fight of his life. This story is the ultimate in survival fiction, as students follow Brian’s transformation from a frightened and insecure boy to a strong and independent survivor. to do
From building a fire to gathering food, Brian makes many mistakes in his quest to survive, and Paulsen’s writing captures readers’ imaginations by drawing them into Brian’s journey.
See Also: 21 Sudha Murty Books You Will Absolutely Love (The Big List)
reading level:
- low level
- lexile: 1020l
- dra: 40
- guided reading: r
buy the book: axe
get the novel study without preparation: axe novel study
19. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh by Robert C. o’brien
a fantasy tale about a widow mouse and her young children, in this story mrs. frisby faces a move… or certain death.
with a young son suffering from pneumonia and many other challenges, mrs. frisby is lucky when she meets 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!
See Also: 21 Sudha Murty Books You Will Absolutely Love (The Big List)
reading level:
- at level
- lexile: 790l
- dra: 50
- guided reading: v
buy the book: mrs. frisby and the rats of nimh
get the novel study without preparation: mrs. frisby & the rats of nimh new study
20. the lightning thief by rick riordan
Are you looking for fantastic fantasy books for fifth 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 that he is not just a typical 12 year old. After discovering that he is a demi-god, Percy ends up on a quest to find Zeus’s stolen lightning bolts.
Ideal for students who love the Harry Potter series, this book is just the first in a complete series.
With lots of action and excitement, along with relatable characters, your students will be looking forward to reading the rest of the series after they finish this one.
See Also: 21 Sudha Murty Books You Will Absolutely Love (The Big List)
reading level:
- advanced
- dra: 60
- guided reading: w
buy the book: the lightning thief
Get No Prep Novel Study: The Lightning Thief Novel Study
now that you have a good list of fifth grade books to read…
After seeing the popularity of my post on the best novels for fourth graders, I was inspired to compile this list of the 20 best books for fifth graders. (I’ve also added a list of the best novels for 3rd graders, in case you need it.)
Did I forget your favorite? leave me a comment and tell me your favorite novel for 5th graders.
Are you ready to plan your fifth grade novels unit?
While you’re here, get my free novel study planning roadmap for step-by-step help planning a high-quality literature unit for your fifth graders, whether it’s whether it’s in the classroom or homeschooling. Whether you’re planning your first novel study or just looking for new ideas, you’ll love this great tool.
Looking for more great books to add to your library?
If you have a wide range of reading levels or are trying to diversify your classroom library without spending a lot of money, here are some of my favorite books for other reading levels.
If you’ve already filled out your fifth grade book list, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered. Check out the links below for more great novels for other grade levels.
See Also: Formatting Your Novel: What Font Size Are Books Written In?