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

Alexandra F. said:  This series is one you and your middle grade child do not want to miss! Sophie is a 12-year-old girl whose life is upended when she discovers she is an elf and has to leave her home to join elven society. As if the challenge of adjusting to her new life were not enough (elves are practically immortal and have special abilities like telepathy), Sophie also learns that she is at the center of a scheme to destroy the elven world, and it is up to her and her new friends to save the day. Our entire family is hooked!

Kelly R. said:  This fun series from Neil Patrick Harris showcases the adventures of a group of friends with unique abilities in magic. The writing is funny and suspenseful and the characters are diverse. The books are true page turners in our house! They're also peppered throughout with instructions for magic tricks that kids can learn at home.

Kristy Pepping said:  My 5th grade girl loved this book! The main character, Julia, is very short for her age. She is cast as a munchkin in The Wizard of Oz and befriends Olive, an adult who has dwarfism. It's a great book about building self-esteem and realizing that being different is not only good but makes you special.

Beth Wood said:  

This graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier has been read and re-read numerous times by my fifth grader. She loved the story of a family who has to move in order to help one of their children, who has cystic fibrosis. After the family's relocation, two sisters Catrina and Maya learn a secret about their new town...there are ghosts there!

This delightful story by E.B. White explores being different, overcoming adversity, and the power of music. Follow the tale of Louis, the swan that is unable to make sounds until his father steals him a trumpet and changes his future forever.

Danielle Tobin said:  Each year 5th graders read this series by Stuart Gibbs. Some 4th graders read it too.

Beth Wood said:  This heartwarming story is about sisters and how they don't always see eye to eye. Especially when you're 10 and your older sister seems to have it all! Overcoming obstacles with the help of the person you think you dislike the most can seem unlikely, but feels surprisingly good when you do.