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Readers Club
Grade 5 Core Literature List
Welcome to the Grade 5 Reading List! This selection of classic, adventurous, and thought-provoking stories is crafted to spark imagination and deepen young readers’ understanding of the world. These books explore themes of courage, friendship, history, and discovery, encouraging students to connect with characters, cultures, and situations from diverse perspectives. Dive into these compelling narratives and explore the magic of reading!
Encourage your child to read for 20-30 minutes each day and fill in their weekly reading logs, which can be redeemed for exciting rewards at the Motivation Station!
Our Curated Book List:
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
By C.S. Lewis
Step through the wardrobe with Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy into the magical land of Narnia, where they join forces with Aslan the lion to battle the evil White Witch. This captivating tale of bravery, friendship, and the eternal battle between good and evil has enchanted readers for generations.
Theme: Fantasy, Adventure
Where the Red Fern Grows
By Wilson Rawls
Follow Billy and his loyal hunting dogs as they navigate life in the Ozarks. This touching story about friendship, determination, and the strength of bonds between humans and animals is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Theme: Adventure, Friendship
Sign of the Beaver
By Elizabeth George Speare
Left alone in the wilderness, young Matt must rely on the help of Attean, a Native American boy, to survive. This heartfelt story about cultural understanding, friendship, and resilience during colonial times is an unforgettable journey of survival and respect.
Theme: Historical Fiction, Survival
The Secret Garden
By Frances Hodgson Burnett
Mary Lennox, a lonely girl, discovers a hidden garden that transforms her life and the lives of others around her. This enchanting story of mystery, growth, and the power of nature is filled with themes of healing and friendship.
Theme: Classics, Friendship
Ben and Me
By Robert Lawson
This whimsical story is told from the perspective of a mouse named Amos, who claims to have guided Benjamin Franklin in his greatest inventions. A humorous and imaginative way to explore history, this book adds a touch of fun to the story of a famous American inventor.
Theme: Historical Fiction, Humor
Ben Franklin of Old Philadelphia
By Margaret Cousins
Get to know one of America's founding fathers through this engaging biography. From his experiments with electricity to his role in the American Revolution, Ben Franklin’s incredible life story comes alive in this informative and entertaining book.
Theme: Biography, History
Brighty of the Grand Canyon
By Marguerite Henry
Follow the adventures of Brighty, a burro who lives in the rugged Grand Canyon. This story of bravery and friendship with a touch of history captures the spirit of the wild and showcases the beauty of the Grand Canyon.
Theme: Adventure, Animals
The Cabin Faced West
By Jean Fritz
In this story set during the American Revolution, Ann Hamilton is a young girl adjusting to life in the wilderness of western Pennsylvania. This inspiring tale of courage and perseverance gives readers a glimpse into early American life.
Theme: Historical Fiction, Pioneer Life
Caddie Woodlawn
By Carol Ryrie Brink
Caddie is a spirited pioneer girl whose love for adventure takes her on many exciting escapades. Set during the Civil War, this classic story celebrates independence, family bonds, and the challenges of growing up.
Theme: Historical Fiction, Culture
Dear Mr. Henshaw
By Beverly Cleary
Leigh Botts writes letters to his favorite author, Mr. Henshaw, sharing his struggles and triumphs. This touching story is a powerful exploration of identity, family dynamics, and the importance of self-expression.
Theme: Realistic Fiction, Growth
The Fighting Ground
By Avi
Thirteen-year-old Jonathan gets his first taste of battle during the Revolutionary War. This gripping story gives readers a young perspective on the realities of war, courage, and the value of peace.
Theme: Historical Fiction, War
Frindle
By Andrew Clements
Nick Allen invents a new word for a pen—"frindle"—and it becomes a nationwide phenomenon. This playful tale about creativity, language, and standing up for your ideas is a fun and inspiring read.
Theme: Humor, Creativity
A Gathering of Days
By Joan W. Blos
Set in the 1830s, this award-winning story follows Catherine, a young girl who records her experiences, challenges, and family life in her diary. This moving story brings early American history and the importance of family to life.
Theme: Historical Fiction, Diary Format
George Washington
By Stephen Krensky
Learn about the life of America’s first president in this accessible biography. From his early years to his role in shaping the nation, George Washington's story is both educational and inspiring.
Theme: Biography, History
I, Columbus: My Journal
By Peter Roop
Follow Christopher Columbus's journey as he discovers new lands in this historical journal-style book. This immersive read brings Columbus's daring expedition to life and gives readers a glimpse into the Age of Exploration.
Theme: Historical Fiction, Exploration
In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson
By Bette Bao Lord
Shirley Temple Wong moves from China to America and faces the challenges of adjusting to a new culture. Inspired by baseball legend Jackie Robinson, Shirley finds strength and hope in her new home.
Theme: Historical Fiction, Cultural
A Week in the Woods
By Andrew Clements
Mark is the new kid in town and embarks on a school camping trip, where he learns valuable lessons about friendship, nature, and courage. This book explores themes of self-discovery and perseverance.
Theme: Adventure, Self-Discovery
Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher
By Bruce Coville
Jeremy unexpectedly hatches a dragon egg, leading him on a magical journey of responsibility and friendship. This enchanting tale captivates readers with its blend of magic, mystery, and adventure.
Theme: Fantasy, Adventure
Letters From Rifka
By Karen Hesse
Follow Rifka, a young Russian Jewish girl, as she journeys to America in search of freedom. This story of resilience and hope sheds light on the immigrant experience and the courage to start anew.
Theme: Historical Fiction, Survival
Number the Stars
By Lois Lowry
This touching memoir follows a young boy and his raccoon companion, Rascal. It’s a heartfelt story of friendship, curiosity, and the bond between a boy and his pet.
Theme: Memoir, Animals
Sarah, Plain and Tall
By Patricia MacLachlan
This gentle story tells of Sarah, a mail-order bride who travels to the Midwest and forms a bond with her new family. Themes of family, acceptance, and belonging make this a heartwarming read.
Theme: Historical Fiction, Family
Shiloh
By Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Marty Preston befriends a mistreated dog named Shiloh, and together they form an unbreakable bond. This touching story emphasizes the importance of loyalty, compassion, and doing the right thing.
Theme: Animals, Loyalty
Sing Down the Moon
By Scott O'Dell
A Navajo girl named Bright Morning faces challenges as her people are forced from their land. This story of survival and resilience provides an insightful look into Native American history.
Theme: Historical Fiction, Native American
A Single Shard
By Linda Sue Park
Tree-ear, an orphan in medieval Korea, dreams of becoming a potter. His journey to achieve his dreams is filled with perseverance, hope, and hard work, teaching valuable lessons about ambition and dedication.
Theme: Historical Fiction, Perseverance
Tolliver’s Secret
By Esther Wood Brady
During the Revolutionary War, Ellen Tolliver becomes a spy to help the patriots. This thrilling tale of bravery and courage brings history to life.
Theme: Historical Fiction, War
Tolliver’s Secret
By Esther Wood Brady
During the Revolutionary War, Ellen Tolliver becomes a spy to help the patriots. This thrilling tale of bravery and courage brings history to life.
Theme: Historical Fiction, War
Tuck Everlasting
By Natalie Babbitt
When young Winnie Foster stumbles upon the Tuck family, she discovers their incredible secret to eternal life. This beautiful tale explores themes of life, mortality, and the importance of cherishing every moment.
Theme: Fantasy, Mystery
Walk Two Moons
By Sharon Creech
Sal embarks on a road trip with her grandparents to find her mother, uncovering secrets and learning valuable lessons along the way. This moving story of family and self-discovery captivates readers with its heartfelt and mysterious narrative.
Theme: Mystery, Family
The Wheel on the School
By Meindert De Jong
In a small Dutch village, Lina and her friends work together to bring storks back to their town, learning about teamwork, perseverance, and community. This charming tale celebrates the power of working together toward a common goal.
Theme: Adventure, Community
Hey Reading Rangers,
Remember to log your reading every day in your Weekly Reading Log. Once completed, get it signed by a parent and redeem your points at our Motivation Station for fun rewards! Happy reading!
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