42 Books for 5th Graders (That Our Kids Recommend)

Asia Beltran said:  I recommend the School for Good and Evil series by Soman Chainani for 5th graders.

Kelly R. said:  Orphan Jeffrey Magee runs away from life with his difficult aunt and uncle, and finds himself homeless in a racially-divided town. "Maniac" Magee achieves legendary status for his athleticism and bravery, and his struggle to find out where he fits in will challenge kids to think about racism, homelessness and poverty.

Shila said:  This a survival tale about a 12-year-old girl and her scuba diving crew lost at sea. Their dive boat has vanished, so how will they survive in the cold water? Will they meet a shark? 5th graders will be glued to this story, and the adventure quickly progresses page after page.

Kelly R. said:  My fifth grader loved this mysterious and magical story about two orphan brothers living in Venice. The boys run away from their aunt and fall in with a group of street kids led by "The Thief Lord," meeting with adventure, twists and turns along the way.

Kelly R. said:  This is a fun series of graphic novel mysteries that my daughter has been loving in the summer before 5th grade, a time when we usually need to coax her to pick up a book. The stories center around two California surfer girls who solve mysteries.

Kelly R. said:  My 5th grader raced through the books in this series! These exciting and mysterious middle-grade chapter books follow a 17th-century apothecary's apprentice as he deciphers codes, puzzles and secrets to solve murders and conspiracies.

Kelly R. said:  Looking to explain her brother's mysterious disappearance, Amari's search brings her to a summer tryout at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, where she discovers that magical creatures really exist. The thrilling and fast-paced story is reminiscent of some of my 5th grader's other favorite fantasy books, while encouraging thought about bullying, privilege and racism. The diverse characters are relatable for all kids, and we'll be anxiously awaiting the rest of the series!

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Mia Winchell has synesthesia, a blending of the senses where a person can see sounds, smell colors, taste shapes, etc. She's kept this a secret until one day she is forced to reveal her condition and must learn to accept her gift and herself. This is a great book for fifth graders who enjoyed Wonder.

Kelly R. said:  A surprisingly uplifting middle grade book about a genius 12-year-old girl who loses her parents and learns to move forward and cope with grief. It's a well-written story with wonderful multicultural characters and would appeal to older kids, too.