5th Grade Reading List

Are you looking for reading material for your 5th grader? This list has numerous books to choose from. There is also at least one free lesson for each book included on the list. These lessons vary from book to book. Some are comprehensive unit studies or novel guides, while others are simply a set of discussion questions.

All of the lessons below are free, but you will need to obtain the corresponding books. You can borrow them from the library, purchase them used, or click/tap on a book’s cover to buy it on Amazon.

How I Created the List

When creating this list, I looked at what books several different sources recommend for each grade. Often various curriculum providers and book lists will recommend a book for different grade levels. For this list, I used the average of the different recommended grade levels. Because of this, you’ll find that other sources may recommend some of the books on this list for 4th or 6th grade instead of 5th.

Please note: As values, beliefs, and standards vary widely by family, I have not attempted to screen these books for appropriateness. I recommend that you read several reviews before choosing books for your child to read. This post lists several resources you can use to help ensure the books you choose are appropriate for your family.

5th Grade Reading List

The books below are listed in alphabetical order by title. For additional book options, also check out our lists for other grades.

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The Apple and the Arrow by Mary and Conrad Buff

Homeschool Share’s lapbook covers the events and vocabulary of the book as well as lessons in related history, geography, science, language arts, and Bible study.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

Rise to Reading has comprehension questions for each chapter of the book.

This novel guide, found on Teachers Pay Teachers, includes discussion questions, vocabulary worksheets, journal writing, and projects.

Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis

Rise to Reading has comprehension questions for each chapter.

NovelWise provides section worksheets, discussion questions, and activities for the book.

This set of comprehension questions is available on Teachers Pay Teachers.

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink

This guide from Learning Heroes includes discussion questions, vocabulary words, and a research activity.

Easy Fun School provides discussion questions and vocabulary words for the book.

Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry

Mr. Telles’s website provides a study guide for the book that includes discussion questions for each chapter. This study guide is the first item listed under “links.”

Beginning on page 85 of Response Guides for Teaching Children’s Books, there are discussion questions, writing assignments, and activity suggestions for the book.

At Easy Fun School, you’ll find vocabulary words and discussion questions for the book.

The Captain’s Dog by Roland Smith

Ms. Kendall’s website has a multiple-choice quiz for the book.

On Roland Smith’s website, this exploration unit includes lessons on vocabulary, characterization, research, map making, weather, and more.

NovelWise provides section worksheets, discussion questions, and activities for the book.

Dangerous Journey: The Story of Pilgrim’s Progress by Oliver Hunkin

Redeemed Reader created this devotional guide to accompany the book. It includes Bible verses, activities, and reading notes. Choose the guide for 4 to 12-year-olds.

Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Scholastic provides a set of discussion questions and writing prompts for the book.

Rise to Reading has comprehension questions for each chapter.

NovelWise provides section worksheets, discussion questions, and activities for the book.

From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg

Harrisburg Academy made this set of comprehension questions available.

Immanuel Lutheran College provides comprehension questions, discussion questions, and other assignments for each chapter.

Granny Torrelli Makes Soup by Sharon Creech

Ms. Kendall has made this comprehension quiz available on her class website.

At Bright Hub Education, you’ll find discussion questions and other teaching ideas.

Bound to Stay Bound Books has created this set of discussion questions and activity suggestions.

Reading to Kids provides discussion questions and craft ideas.

Holes by Louis Sachar

Ms. Wrights’s novel study includes comprehension strategies, activities, a writing prompt, vocabulary definitions, and a summative test.

This novel study found at kifo24.wordpress.com includes discussion questions, vocabulary worksheets, and extension activities.

NovelWise provides section worksheets, discussion questions, and activities for the book.

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

Homeschool Share’s lapbook printable covers vocabulary, characters, historical events related to the book, and more.

The Liberation of Gabriel King by K.L Going

K.L. Going, the book’s author, created this teacher’s guide to accompany the book. It includes vocabulary words, discussion questions, and activities.

Ms. Blaszak’s website provides discussion questions for each chapter of the book.

The Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Beginning on page 61 of Response Guides for Teaching Children’s Books, there are discussion questions, writing assignments, and activity suggestions for the book.

With Homeschool Share’s lapbook study, children will create character mini-books, chapter mini-books, and copywork pages.

Garden of Praise provides vocabulary lessons and vocabulary tests for each chapter.

Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry

7 Sisters Homeschool’s study guide includes comprehension questions, vocabulary words, and supplemental activities.

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

This literature guide from Mercy for Marthas has discussion questions for each chapter.

Life Beyond the Lesson Plan provides a literature unit and nature study for the book. It includes discussion questions, language arts activities, nature study, art, life skills, and field trip ideas.

Rise to Reading provides discussion questions, vocabulary words, and writing prompts for the book.

This unit, created by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, focuses on the human capital the main character possessed, the investments in human capital he made, and why these investments were important. Students will also create a plan for investing in their human capital.

One Crazy Summer by  Rita Williams-Garcia

Ms. Kendall’s website provides a multiple-choice comprehension quiz for the book.

Tulsa Library’s curriculum guide includes a lesson plan with links to videos, discussion questions, a character map, and more.

Harper Collins offers a discussion guide and extension activities for the book.

Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff

Classroom in the Middle provides discussion questions for the book.

Henry County Schools put together this list of reading comprehension questions.

This scrapbook activity, found on Teachers Pay Teachers, is a fun way for kids to review the book’s events and study the character of Hollis.

The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene

Bookroo offers a 15-question multiple-choice quiz on the book.

This lesson plan, created by Library Sparks, teaches about mystery story elements and includes activities related to The Secret of the Old Clock. However, children do not have to read the book to complete the lessons.

The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs by Betty G.Birney

Betty Birney, the book’s author, created this study guide to accompany the book. It includes discussion questions, vocabulary, activities, and topics for further research.

Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Immanuel Lutheran College provides comprehension questions, discussion questions, vocabulary words, and activities for the book.

Ms. Kendall’s website has a multiple-choice quiz for the book.

The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting

Children can read the book or listen to the audiobook for free at Lit2Go.

Books for Learning provides a multiple-choice worksheet for each chapter of the book. You’ll find links to the questions and answers under “downloads” in the right sidebar of the website.

The Summer of the Swans by Betsy Byars

Teaching Books provides comprehension questions for the book.

From Teachers Pay Teachers, this literature kit includes several writing prompts and extension activities for the book.

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

Teachers Pay Teachers offers a comprehension quiz for the book.

Way Down Deep by Ruth White

Macmillan Publishers has created this discussion guide for the book.

On Ms. Kendall’s website, you’ll find a multiple-choice comprehension quiz.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Rise to Reading provides comprehension questions for each chapter of the book.

Wonder the Book, the book’s official website, has created a collection of downloadable teacher resources.

I hope your child enjoys reading these books!

More Free Reading Curriculum & Resources

Grade Level Reading Lists – These are our reading lists for 3rd grade through high school. There is a free lesson or novel study for each listed book.

Free Language Arts Curriculum – Here you’ll find curriculum for reading, literature, phonics, book guides, and poetry. There are also options for grammar, composition, spelling, vocabulary, and handwriting. There is something for every grade, from preschool through high school.

Free eBooks – This post tells where to find free eBooks for the entire family.

Free Audiobooks – This post shares where to find free audiobooks for all ages.

How to Choose Age Appropriate Books – If you need help choosing appropriate books for your children, this post includes several free resources you can use.

Note: This post was originally published on May 31, 2021, and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.