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5.FL.F.5 Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.a. Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding.b. Read grade-level prose and poetry orally with accuracy, appropriate rate, and expression on successive readings.c. Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding of words; reread as necessary.

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5.FL.F.5 Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.a. Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding.b. Read grade-level prose and poetry orally with accuracy, appropriate rate, and expression on successive readings.c. Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding of words; reread as necessary.

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Fun Fact: Reading for fun exercises a part of our brain very few other activities do because we have the chance to imagine the scenes and characters for ourselves. Reading is freedom! It's like writing and watching the movie at the same time. A conversation with the author and you in your head!

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Fun Fact: Reading for fun exercises a part of our brain very few other activities do because we have the chance to imagine the scenes and characters for ourselves. Reading is freedom! It's like writing and watching the movie at the same time. A conversation with the author and you in your head!

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Funny Books for 5th Graders - The Seattle Public Library

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Funny Books for 5th Graders by rookiekresl - a community-created list : A list of books created for 5th graders (and readers beyond) who are in for a good laugh!

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Fun Fact: Rereading books strengthens an understanding of the pattern, rhythm and pronunciation of the text. Developing a deeper understanding of phonemic awareness involves identifying, hearing and manipulating separate sounds in words, an important early stage of learning to read.

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Fun Fact: Rereading books strengthens an understanding of the pattern, rhythm and pronunciation of the text. Developing a deeper understanding of phonemic awareness involves identifying, hearing and manipulating separate sounds in words, an important early stage of learning to read.

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The Power and Importance of...READING! | Luke Bakic | TEDxYouth@TBSWarsaw

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Fifth grade is a major transition year in the life of students. They are still in elementary school and in a sense still kids, yet they are also about to embark on the journey to the middle grades. As they approach their teenage years, it's important that students are exposed to certain novels - books that teach valuable lessons, start important conversations, merely make them laugh, or all of the above.

We've compiled a list of our favorite 5th grade books. Run -don't walk! - to your nearest library or bookstore for this essential reading.
Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!
1. by Raina Telgemeier

When Raina trips and falls, injuring her two front teeth, she's forced to have surgery and wear braces, making sixth grade even wilder than it already is. This graphic novel, based on Telgemeier's life, has everything from boy problems to a major earthquake.

Moving and funny with an edge, Louis Sachar's Newberry Medal-winning novel revolves around Stanley Yelnats (his surname is Stanley spelled backwards), who has been sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention center, to dig holes. Soon after picking up the shovel, Stanley begins to suspect that they are doing more than just moving dirt.

This is historical fiction at its finest. It's the story of Esperanza, a wealthy girl living in Mexico, who must go with her family to the United States during the Great Depression. Esperanza's life gets turned upside down, but she pushes through and learns that pleasant surprises can result from change.

Read the book before you see the movie! The hero of is Auggie Pullman, who has an extremely rare medical facial deformity. After having undergone many facial surgeries, Auggie has been homeschooled by his mother, but soon he will be attending mainstream school for the first time. This lovely story of acceptance will have every pre-teen rooting for Auggie the "wonder."

"I never had a brain until Freak came along and let me borrow his for a while." Freak the Mighty is the tale of the unlikely friendship between Max, a strong boy with a learning disability, and Freak, a brilliant, small boy with a heart condition. Together, they are Freak the Mighty: nine feet tall and ready to conquer the world.

Words always swirl around in Melody's head. However, due to her cerebral palsy, they remain stuck in her brain. Out of My Mind is the powerful story of an intelligent young girl with a photographic memory who cannot communicate her thoughts. No one believes Melody is capable of learning, but she eventually finds her voice.

Moose Flanagan isn't growing up where most kids grow up. He is a resident of The Rock, also known as Alcatraz, the infamous prison where his father works as an electrician. In an effort to help his sister, Natalie, who has autism, Moose gets help from an unlikely-and notorious-new friend.

8. (Young Reader's Edition) by Malala Yousafzai

The inspiring memoir of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani teen who was shot by the Taliban, who became an international symbol of peaceful protest. Every pre-teen should hear the wisdom in the words, "When you've nearly lost your life, a funny face in the mirror is simply proof that you are still here on this earth."

Jerry Spinelli's classic Maniac Magee follows an orphan boy looking for a home in a fictional town in Pennsylvania. For his feats of athleticism and fearlessness and his ignorance to the racial boundaries around him, Jeffrey "Maniac" Magee becomes something of a local legend. This timeless book is essential reading for learning about social identity and finding your place in the world.

Gary Soto uses experiences from his own life as a Mexican American growing up in California as the inspiration for eleven stellar short stories, each describing small moments that showcase bigger themes. Crooked teeth, girls with ponytails, embarrassing relatives, and karate class, all are wonderful fabric for Soto to weave the beautiful tapestry that is young Gary's world.

Fifth graders will enjoy Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic children's novel Mary Lennox is a spoiled orphan sent to live with her uncle at his mansion full of secrets. Generations young and old love this book that showcases the true meaning of the word The Secret Garden. family.

Jess meets the smart and talented Leslie after she beats him in a race at school. Leslie transforms his world, teaching him how to have courage in the face of adversity. They create a kingdom for themselves, called Terabithia, an imaginary refuge where their adventures take place. In the end, Jess has to overcome heartbreaking tragedy in order to stay strong.

The city of Ember was built as a last refuge for the human race. Two hundred years later, the lamps that light the city are beginning to die out. When Lina finds part of an ancient message, she's sure it holds a secret that will save the city. This classic dystopian tale will light up your heart.

Lois Lowry's classic begins as a utopian tale but is later revealed to be a dystopian story in every sense of the word. Jonas lives in a world where society has eliminated memories, pain, and emotional depth. When he becomes a Receiver of Memory, he struggles with new emotions he's never before felt. And as you read, so will you!

Lois Lowry does it again! Be prepared to answer lots of questions while reading this classic must-read about Annemarie, a young girl, who helps keep her Jewish friends safe during the Holocaust. The details are so precise, you will feel as if you are right in the middle of the story.

This adventure tale is also a great example of huge character growth. Brian must try to survive the wilderness after a plane crash, but he has only the clothes on his back, a windbreaker, and the titular hatchet. Brian learns how to fish, how to build a fire, and most importantly, patience.

History unfolds in this book set during the Civil Rights Movement when the Watsons, a family from Flint, Michigan, takes a road trip to Alabama. Chock-full of family dynamics, adolescent angst, and humor, this book will encourage much discussion about what Birmingham was like in 1963.

This classic diary documents the life of Anne Frank while she was in hiding with her family during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. The diary has since been published in over 60 languages. It's a gripping and heartbreaking tale for kids and adults to read and discuss together.

This story is an exciting tale of love and adventure that your fifth grader never forget. Ten-year-old Billy raises hunting dogs in the Ozark Mountains. Throughout the story, young Billy encounters his share of heartbreak.

Two heartwarming, compelling stories are woven together in this delightful tale. As 13-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle takes a cross country trip with her grandparents, a story of love, loss, and the depth and complexity of human emotion is revealed.

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20 of Our Favorite Books to Teach in 5th Grade

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Fifth grade is a major transition year in the life of students. They are still in elementary school and in a sense still kids, yet they are also about to embark on the journey to the middle grades.

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Why should we read with sufficient accuracy and fluency? The accuracy in reading requires the reader to have the capacity to interpret or make sense of words in the text during the reading process. Reading accuracy allows one to concentrate attention on the comprehension process or other related assignments, finding meaning from a combination of texts.

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Why should we read with sufficient accuracy and fluency? The accuracy in reading requires the reader to have the capacity to interpret or make sense of words in the text during the reading process. Reading accuracy allows one to concentrate attention on the comprehension process or other related assignments, finding meaning from a combination of texts.

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Why Reading Is Important - 10 Shocking Benefits of Reading

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Looking for the best books for your 5th graders? From read 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 Amazing 5th Grade Books You Need to Get Now

Whether you grab a single copy for your classroom library or read aloud or you buy a whole class set for a large group novel study, these 20 novels are fantastic for fifth grade students.

For each book I am sharing below, I've included a short plot summary to help you determine whether it is a good fit for your classroom. I also shared links to the trifold novel study pack that can help save you prep time and ensure you're covering those essential comprehension standards.

I've included a variety of 5th grade level 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!

(If you're new to trifold novel studies, read more about them in my What are Trifold Novel Studies? post.)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Purchasing via these links won't cost you any extra, but I earn a small percentage commission that helps me keep this site running.

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.

The main character is a girl named Ada who is born with a twisted foot. An embarrassment to her mother, she is both physically and mentally abused and kept hidden away in their dirty apartment as the threat of World War II looms closer. When her brother is sent to the countryside to escape the danger, Ada bravely decides to sneak out and join him.

This begins a chapter of Ada's life where she learns she is capable of so much more than she thought. As she learns to ride a horse, read, and be self-confident, Ada also begins to learn what love is and discovers that she is worthy of being loved.
Reading Level: Get the No Prep Novel Study: The War that Saved My Life Novel Study
This sci-fi novel tells the story of Meg Murry, who feels she just doesn't fit in. After a strange night of storms and unexpected visitors, Meg winds 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 understanding.
Reading Level: Get the No Prep Novel Study: A Wrinkle in Time Novel Study
With challenging vocabulary and great opportunities for higher-level comprehension and discussions, this is the perfect novel to get your high-achieving 5th graders thinking and talking about their reading.

Set in World War II, this historical fiction novel 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 begin facing the most dangerous challenge of their lives.
Reading Level: Get the No Prep Novel Study: Number the Stars Novel Study
Great as a companion to your social studies standards, this story really 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.

4. Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Reading Level:
Reading Level: Get the No Prep Novel Study: Freak the Mighty Novel Study
When two boys who might otherwise be considered misfits team up, they become an unstoppable force.

The topics built into the plotline of this story include physical disabilities and learning disabilities, which makes it a great forum for having 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.

6. Old Yeller by Fred Gipson
Get the No Prep Novel Study: Old Yeller Novel Study
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.
Reading Level: Get the No Prep Novel Study: Rules Novel Study
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:
Reading Level: Get the No Prep Novel Study: Where the Red Fern Grows 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 events of the story unfold, Catherine realizes that normal isn't always what you think it is.
Reading Level: Get the No Prep Novel Study: Tuck Everlasting Novel Study
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.

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.)
Reading Level: Get the No Prep Novel Study: Maniac Magee Novel Study
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 truly a must-read for every student.

While there will likely be tears shed, there will also be great discussions that help build students skills in literature analysis including characters and their relationships, how setting impacts plot, and more.

Would you want to live forever?
Get the No Prep Novel Study: The Sign of the Beaver Novel Study
This book makes students really think about whether this is such a good thing as they read about the Tuck family as they explain the challenges of their life 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'd want to live forever.
Reading Level: Get the No Prep Novel Study: Holes Novel Study
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.
Reading Level: Get the No Prep Novel Study: The Giver Novel Study
Full of rich detail and opportunities to think beyond the text, this is a great choice for your fifth grade readers.

This is the story of an unlikely friendship and coming of age.
Reading Level: Get the No Prep Novel Study: Esperanza Rising Novel Study
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: Get the No Prep Novel Study: Bridge to Terabithia Novel Study
Reading Level:
Reading Level: Buy the Book: Get the No Prep Novel Study: Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library Novel Study Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library
If you haven't read much Louis Sachar, prepare to laugh! He truly writes some funny children's books.
Reading Level: Get the No Prep Novel Study: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Novel Study
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.
Reading Level: Get the No Prep Novel Study: Hatchet Novel Study
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.

Another great science fiction story (and Newbery Medal winner), this is the story of Jonas.
Reading Level: Get the No Prep Novel Study: Mrs. Frisby & the Rats of NIMH Novel Study
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.

Tragedy transforms Esperanza's life from one of great riches to one of hard labor in this historical fiction novel.
Reading Level: Get the No Prep Novel Study: The Lightning Thief Novel Study
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 multi-cultural lens, Esperanza Rising is beautifully told with many great opportunities to explore sensory details and other aspects of writer's craft.

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.

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 a great one for even reluctant readers.

17. The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Imaginations run wild with this delightful tale by C.S. Lewis. You can almost imagine the excitement of discovering a magical door hidden in your own wardrobe.

When four siblings step 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 an eternal winter. This story follows their quest as they help the Great Lion, Aslan, save the kingdom.

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.

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!

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 and excitement, along with relatable characters, your students will be begging to read the rest of the series after they finish this one.

Now that you've got a good list of 5th grade books to read...

After seeing the popularity of my post about the best novels for 4th graders, I was inspired to compile this list of the 20 best books for fifth grade. (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 let me know your favorite novel for 5th graders.

Looking for more great tips for finding great books?

Maybe you've got some struggling readers or you don't need more books for 5th grade.

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.

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This list includes my 20 favorite books to use for novel studies, literature circles, or book clubs in your fifth grade classroom. Perfect if you're looking for 5th grade books to read aloud in your classroom or to build your library. Includes a short novel summary and supporting resources for each.

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When establishing the main idea while reading the purpose is what you, as the reader, hope to accomplish by the end of the reading. Without a purpose, you can easily lose your train of thought and get to the end of a reading without ever knowing what you’ve even read.Remember, it’s a matter of not working harder but of working smarter. Knowing your purpose for reading allows you to find the answer your looking for with the minimum amount of muss and fuss. 

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When establishing the main idea while reading the purpose is what you, as the reader, hope to accomplish by the end of the reading. Without a purpose, you can easily lose your train of thought and get to the end of a reading without ever knowing what you’ve even read.Remember, it’s a matter of not working harder but of working smarter. Knowing your purpose for reading allows you to find the answer your looking for with the minimum amount of muss and fuss. 

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Reading is Fun! 📚 | Mira, Royal Detective | Disney Junior

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Books Every Fifth Grader Should Know - Daniel Boone Regional Library

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Books Every Fifth Grader Should Know by DBRL_KIDS - a staff-created list : Books recommended by Daniel Boone Regional Library staff for fifth graders.