Fifth Grade MUST-Read Summer Book List

Parents Inspiring ReadingSummer Reading
Written By Bri Luna

Let's INSPIRE summer reading! I spent the last month interviewing students, parents, and teachers about what books should make our Summer Must-Read Lists. One response was, "This series required some emergency trips to the library!" I hope that every child feels that excited to rush off to the library to get the next book. If you need some additional summer reading inspiration, check out our annual, 7 Tips to Encourage Reading and Avoid Summer Slide.

Each grade level has a 2023 "Must-Read" list that includes 9 titles. I chose these books because they are inspiring, diverse, age-appropriate, and most importantly, adored by real kids!

The books chosen for the 5th grade list were selected for independent readers. They are high-interest, The books chosen for the 5th grade list were selected for independent readers. They are high-interest, popular books that will foster a love of reading for pleasure. If your child is not able to read one or more of these books independently, use this selection to read together or listen to an audio book. It will build excitement, expose your child to rich vocabulary, encourage conversations and connection, and develop a love for reading! If you would like to find out more about why audio books are helpful for striving readers, click here. If you'd like to find out ways to help your striving reader find success, visit our website's Just for Parents page.

This fantasy series has taken the young readers' world by storm!

"Clay didn't think he was the right dragon for a big, heroic destiny. Oh he wanted to be... but, he wasn't a naturally hatched hero!"

Clay and four other young dragons have been given the destiny of ending a war that has been raging for decades. They just don't know how they will be able to overcome adversity to make peace possible. The Dragonet Prophecy: Wings of Fire is the first book.

Watch the series trailer here. And, check out all that Scholastic has to offer for this popular series here. Wings of Fire audio books are available for free on Epic for free.

Elementary Mysteries: The Time Traveler is a children's mystery book that follows the adventures of a group of elementary school students who stumble upon a mysterious time-traveling device. When they accidentally activate the device, they find themselves transported to different periods in history, facing challenges and solving puzzles along the way. As they navigate through various time periods, the students uncover clues and piece together the mystery of who created the time-traveling device and why. The book combines elements of history, adventure, and problem-solving, making it an engaging read for young readers interested in mysteries and time travel.

Castle Cranshaw, aka Ghost, has always known running. He's run from his abusive father. He's run from all the trouble he constantly causes.

One day he challenges the best kid on the track team to a race. Ghost wins.

It just so happens that the coach, an ex-Olympian, is watching. He knows that Ghost is so much more than what everyone sees.

Ghost has to do something he's never had to do before. He has to be part of a team and believe in himself in a way that no one ever has before. If he can do that, maybe he can outrun the past that has been chasing him.

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is a heartfelt story about a young girl named Ally who struggles with dyslexia. Despite her intelligence and creativity, Ally faces challenges in school and often feels like she doesn't fit in. When a new teacher, Mr. Daniels, recognizes her potential and encourages her to believe in herself, Ally begins to see that her learning differences don't define her. With the support of Mr. Daniels and her friends, Ally learns to embrace her strengths, find her voice, and overcome her fears. The book highlights themes of resilience, friendship, and the power of understanding and acceptance, making it a powerful and inspiring read for readers of all ages.

Published in 1986, Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen has stood the test of time as a MUST READ!

Brian is a thirteen-year-old boy who is troubled and angry about his parents' recent divorce. He is going to travel by single-engine plane to go visit his father for the first since the divorce.

When the pilot has a heart attack, the plane goes down. Brian finds himself alone and clueless in the Canadian wilderness.

This story is about survival, personal transformation, and the incredible capability of the human spirit.

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park is a dual narrative story set in Sudan, following the lives of two characters, Nya and Salva. Nya is a young girl who spends her days walking long distances to fetch water for her family, facing challenges and hardships along the way. Salva is a young boy who becomes separated from his family during a civil war and embarks on a perilous journey across the desert in search of safety and hope..

The novel alternates between Nya's struggles for survival in her village and Salva's quest for refuge and belonging as a refugee. Through their experiences, the book sheds light on the harsh realities of life in Sudan, including the scarcity of water, the impact of war, and the resilience of the human spirit..

As the story unfolds, Nya and Salva's paths intersect, demonstrating the power of perseverance, compassion, and hope in overcoming adversity. A Long Walk to Water is a moving and inspirational tale that highlights the importance of access to clean water, the strength of community, and the determination to create a better future.

Is it just me or is everyone talking about mushrooms?

This detailed non-fiction picture book is all about the weird and wonderful kingdom of fungi.

Did you know there are over 30,000 types of mushrooms?

Did you know that mushrooms break down plant and animals and without fungi, our eco-systems would not thrive?

Learn all about mushrooms in Humongous Fungus! Then you can be both trendy and knowledgeable!

I had not read Keeper of the Lost Cities. Then, when I asked for Must Read suggestions, the raving reviews came rolling in, and I had no choice but to add this one to the list!

Sophie Foster has a secret. She can hear the thoughts of those around her! One day she meets Fitz who has the same mind-reading power.

Sophie soon realizes that she does not belong where she has always called home. She must return to a place where not everyone is excited to see her. And, she must discover the secrets buried deep in her mind, secrets other people would kill for.

This page-turning book is the first in a series of 12. Kids just can't get enough! This is the book that required some emergency runs to the library!!

"Every story in this book is strange and astounding. But not all of them are real. Just like the old game in this book’s title, two out of every three stories are completely true and one is an outright lie. Can you guess which?"

This book will have your whole family engaged and in disbelief! Some of the true facts are just...unbelievable! Some of the lies seem like they are so plausible.

What a great conversation starter about being a skeptical consumer of the information we receive each day! Two Truths and a Lie, It's Alive! will surely be a favorite!

Bri Luna

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