Recommended Reading List for Fifth/Sixth
Grades
Please use the following list as a GUIDE. Sometimes a reading level is on the cover of the book, but you must decide if the book is right for you. There is a very wide range of difficulty and
interests. If you find an author you like, read other books by that author.
These are meant to be suggestions. Happy reading!
Adler, C.S. Winning
Vicky wants so much to be on the tennis team that she will do almost anything to be selected. realistic
Aiken, Joan Black Hearts in Battersea
Simon gets involved in a madcap adventure which results in trying to stop a plot to overthrow King James. (Sequel to The Wolves of Willoughby Chase)
Armstrong, William Sounder
A young black boy is both angry and humiliated when his sharecropper father is jailed for stealing food for his family. Sounder is his very devoted dog. Sad and memorable
Avi The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
Charlotte Doyle is the only passenger on a sailing ship from England to America, and discovers that she is traveling with dangerous criminals. suspenseful! (Great author--also read the Beyond
the Western Seas series)
Bridges, Ruby Through My Eyes
Ruby Bridges, the first African American child to attend a "white school" tells her own amazing story. Includes great photographs.
Brooks, Bruce Woodsie (Wolf Bay Wings series)
Woodsie joins a losing hockey team and helps turn it around.
Bunting, Eve Blackwater
When two friends drown, thirteen-year-old Brodie struggles to deal with his own guilt.
Bunting, Eve Spying on Miss Muller
Jessie goes to Boarding school in Ireland during World War II. She and her friends begin to suspect that their favorite teacher, Miss Muller, may actually be a Nazi spy. They start a spy ring of
their own to find out the truth.
Byars, Betsy Summer of the Swans
The longest day in the life of a 14-year-old girl--the summer day her loved, mentally retarded brother is lost, is also the day she rediscovers herself. Award book (For fun, read Bingo Brown's
Guide to Romance or "Herculeah Jones" mysteries.)
Clements, Andrew Janitor's Boy
Jack has a hard time coping at school with his dad as the janitor, that is, until he discovers he has access to the keys. By the author of Frindle !)
Collier, Christopher My Brother Sam is Dead
Tim is caught between his brother's patriotism and his father's Tory sympathies. historic fiction, moving
Cooper, Susan Over Sea Under Stone
Three children are on vacation in Cornwall England when they discover a map which may lead them to King Arthur's Holy Grail. Unfortunately, they aren't the only ones looking and it turns
into a very dangerous situation. (series) exciting and challenging, fantasy
Coville, Bruce The Dragonslayers
When Grizelda decides to seek revenge on King Mildred by creating the largest, fiercest dragon in the kingdom, an unlikely trio of heroes--an elderly squire, a young page boy, and a headstrong,
tomboy princess--set out to destroy it.
Creech, Sharon Walk Two Moons
Thirteen-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle discovers a lot about life, love, and her mother's mysterious disappearance on a car trip from Ohio to Idaho with her eccentric grandparents. Award
book (Also read Bloomability by the same author.)
Curtis, Christopher Paul Bud, Not Buddy
Bud is a street-wise orphan who is determined to find his real father, a famous jazz musician. funny, award book (Also read The Watsons Go to Birmingham,1963.)
Cushman, Karen Catherine, Called Birdy
Catherine feels trapped. Her father is determined to marry her off to a rich man -- But by wit, trickery, and luck, Catherine manages to send several would-be husbands packing.
Danziger, Paula & Martin, Ann P.S. Longer Letter Later
Elizabeth and Tara Starr are best friends. When Tara moves away, they write each other letters and share the ups and downs of life and friendship. The authors actually wrote the book by
writing letters back and forth. (Author of the "Amber Brown" books)
DeFelice, Cynthia Weasel
Young Nathan Fowler meets evil in the form of Weasel, a cruel Indian killer who stalks him in the Ohio woods. (Also read The Ghost of Fossil Glen and The Apprenticeship of Lucas Whitaker)
DeJong, Meindert The Wheel on the School
It is said that storks bring good luck. But storks never come to Shora, a Dutch fishing village, until a determined group of children do the impossible and bring the storks to roost on every roof in
the village. classic, Award book
Denenberg, Barry The Journal of William Thomas Emerson: a Revolutionary War Patriot
William is twelve when he joins the cause of the Patriots who are opposed to British rule.
Farmer, Nancy A Girl Named Disaster
Nhamo's mother is dead, and her father is gone. Before her twelfth birthday, Nhamo learns that she must marry a cruel man with three other wives--and decides to run away and face starvation
and wild animals rather than marry. survival, adventure, Award book
Fleischman, Sid Bandit's Moon
Bad luck follows orphaned Annyrose Smith. First she loses her brother, then she is kidnapped by a notorious Mexican bandit who thinks she's a boy and decides she might be useful in his own
quest. Nonstop action
Fritz, Jean Homesick; My Own Story
Author Jean Fritz was born in China during a time when foreigners were becoming very unpopular. She remembers many wonderful things and rotten things about her early years in China.
funny, insightful, well-written biography; Award book
Gantos, Jack Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
Joey Pigza's got heart, he's got a mom who loves him, and he's got "dud meds," which is what he calls the Ritalin pills that are supposed to even out his wild mood swings. Also read Heads or
Tails about a boy's crazy sixth grade year. Fast-paced books.
George, Jean Craighead Julie of the Wolves
A young girl finds herself lost in the Alaskan wilderness and befriends a pack of wolves in order to survive. Award book, sequel
Giff, Patricia Reilly Lily's Crossing
Lily's father announces that he's enlisted in the Army and days later, he is gone. Alone with her grandmother, Lily sees a long lonely summer ahead until she meets Albert, a Nazi refugee.
Award book
Gregory, Kristiana Winter of the Red Snow (Dear America series)
Eleven-year-old Abigail Jane Stewart writes in her diary about the difficult winter between 1777-1778 when she witnessed George Washington readying his young soldiers on the frozen fields of
Valley Forge.
Gutman, Dan The Million Dollar Shot
Eddie has a chance to earn one million dollars if he can sink one shot. No fair reading ahead on this one!
Haddix, Margaret Peterson Among the Hidden
Twelve-year-old Luke lives in a futuristic world where third children are not permitted to exist. (Also try Running Out of Time)
Hahn, Mary Downing The Dead Man in Indian Creek
A fast paced murder mystery begins with the discovery of a body by two boys and the suspicion that one of their mothers may be involved.
Hesse, Karen Phoenix Rising
Nyle's world changes when fallout from a nuclear disaster causes her to lose people she loves. (Great author! Read Letters From Rifka, Out of the Dust, Time of Angels, or Music of Dolphins.)
Hunter, Mollie The Stranger Came Ashore
Twelve-year-old Robbie becomes convinced that the stranger befriended by his family is one of the Selkie Folk and struggles to keep his sister, Elspeth, from marrying the Great Selkie.
Jacques, Brian "Redwall" series
Action and adventure! Begin with Redwall and read through to the newest addition, Legend of Luke.
Juster, Norton Phantom Tollbooth
Discovering a large toy tollbooth in his room, bored ten-year-old Milo drives through the tollbooth's gates and drives his small electric car on a memorable journey to the Kingdom of Wisdom
with a watchdog named Tuck. Classic
Kehret, Peg Small Steps
The author was diagnosed with Polio when she was twelve years old and shares her story of that very difficult year when she was paralyzed and close to death. The author has a great sense of
humor.
Konigsburg, E.L. View From Saturday
This unusual sixth grade quiz bowl team makes it to the state finals. Expect to be confused for the first couple of chapters, then it all comes together! Award book, realistic
Lawrence, Iain Wreckers (sequel)
In this fast-paced adventure, fourteen-year-old John Spencer is shipwrecked on the coast of Cornwall and discovers that his rescuers are actually pirates who feed and clothe themselves from the
cargo of dead sailors and wrecked ships. Will he escape? Exciting!
Levine, Gail Carson Ella Enchanted
Ella is cursed at birth by a fairy's gift of obedience. There is only one way to break the spell.
Lowry, Lois Number the Stars
Annemarie and her best friend Ellen, who is Jewish, live in Copenhagen, Denmark during the Nazi occupation. The soldiers are rounding up all the Jews, but Annemarie and her family try to
hide Ellen. Award book
Lowry, Lois The Giver
When he turns 12, Jonah begins to find out that the "perfect" society in which he lives is anything but perfect. Award book, futuristic
Lyons, Mary E. Letters From a Slave Girl
A fictionalized account of the life of a North Carolina woman who hid for seven years in an attic to escape slavery. (Might remind you of The Diary of Anne Frank)
MacLachlan, Patricia Baby
There is a baby and a note left on the Larkins' doorstep. The note says that Sophie's mother will return for her. Despite warnings not to love her because her stay is temporary, the family cannot
avoid giving Sophie their hearts.
Mazer, Norma Fox Good Night Maman
Two Jewish children must leave their sick mother behind in order to escape the Nazis in Paris. They are taken to the only refugee camp in America where they struggle to build a new life.
Meyer, Carolyn Isabel: Jewel of Castilla (The Royal Diaries series)
Isabel, the future Queen of Spain, agonizes while others choose her husband for her.
Morgenstern, Susie Secret Letters From 0 - 10
Victoria changes Ernest from a sad, lonely boy to a happy young man when they become best friends.
Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds Saving Shiloh
Judd tries to shoot Shiloh and ends up in a car accident. Read any "Shiloh" book.
O'Dell, Scott Island of the Blue Dolphins
Karana lives alone for years on the Island of the Blue Dolphins. Year after year, she watches, waiting for a ship to take her away. She keeps herself alive by building a shelter, making weapons,
finding food, and fighting her enemies, the wild dogs. Award book, classic, survival
Oppel, Kenneth Silverwing
Shade is the runt of his Silverwing bat colony, determined to prove himself on the perilous migration to Hibernaculum. During a fierce storm, he loses the others and soon faces the most
incredible journey of his short life. Fantasy, adventure
Paterson, Katherine Jacob Have I Loved
Sara Louise feels intense jealousy toward her twin sister. who seems to do everything right. Very honest and compelling, award book (By the author of Bridge to Terabithia)
Paulsen, Gary Soldier's Heart
Based on the real-life experiences of Charley Goddard, a hard-working, sweet-tempered Minnesota farm boy, the hardships and sufferings of soldiers in the Civil War are graphically portrayed.
Historical
Paulsen, Gary Hatchet
A plane accident leaves Brian stranded in the Canadian wilderness, and he must struggle to survive. (sequels) survival, Award book
Peck, Richard A Long Way From Chicago: A Novel in Stories
Starting in 1929 when he is nine, Joey and his kid sister, Mary Alice, spend seven adventure-filled summers with their tough-as-nails Grandma. realistic, humorous
Peck, Robert Soup
Rob and his friend, Soup, have some hilarious adventures. (series) funny, realistic
Perkins, Lynne Rae All Alone in the Universe
Debbie struggles when her best friend isn't her best friend anymore. Honest, humorous
Pullman, Philip The Golden Compass
Children are being kidnapped for a wicked experiment. Lyra's Uncle is involved, but she doesn't know exactly how until she needs to try to rescue her best friend. thrilling fantasy with a sequel
(Also try Count Karlstein if you like thrillers or I Was a Rat for comedy.)
Rawls, Wilson Where the Red Fern Grows
Billy was determined to have the best hunting dogs in the valley, and he succeeds. Sad and wonderful (Also read Summer of the Monkeys)
Roberts, Willo Davis The View From the Cherry Tree
A boy witnesses a murder next door, but everyone is too busy to believe him. mystery, suspenseful
Rowling, J.K. "Harry Potter" series
Reread all of the books this summer, then curl up with number four!
Rylant, Cynthia Missing May
Summer is twelve years old when Aunt May dies. Summer's grief is profound, but Uncle Ob seems unable to go on living without his beloved companion. Award book
Sachar, Louis Holes
Stanley Yelnats (palindrome) gets sent to a Detention Center for delinquent boys and has to dig a hole in the hot sun every day under the watchful eyes of the warden. They will dig up more
surprises and secrets than you can imagine. Fantastic... funny, clever, fast-paced; Award book
Scieszka, Jon Summer Reading is Killing Me! (Time Warp Trio series)
Fred, Sam, and Joe travel via "The Book" to Hoboken, New Jersey, where characters from the books on their summer reading list are alive.
Simon, Seymour Einstein Anderson
Match your wits with the science genius to solve ten mysteries.
Snyder, Zilpha Keatley The Headless Cupid
David suspects that his nasty new stepsister, Amanda, is causing mischief in their old house, but then they discover a ghost. Award book
Speare, Elizabeth The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Orphan, Kit Tyler befriends a Quaker woman in the Connecticut village where she must now live, and is accused of being a witch. (Also read Sign of the Beaver)
Spinelli, Jerry Wringer
If Palmer's "friends" find out about his pet pigeon, they will kill it. (Author of Maniac Magee) Award book
Steig, William Abel's Island
Abel gets stranded on an island and discovers talents he never knew he had. A most delightful survival story. Fantasy, survival story
Taylor, Mildred Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry
Cassie learns a lot about what is most important in one horrible year when her family has to endure a lot of prejudice. Excellent series, (sequels) realistic
Taylor, Theodore The Cay
Phillip is thrown into the sea and blinded when a torpedo hits the freighter he and is mom are on to escape from the war. He ends up on a Caribbean island in the care of an islander named
Timothy. Great book! (sequel) realistic
Tillage, Leon Leon's Story
An autobiography which gives a powerful and honest account of what it was like to grow up as an African American in the south during the 1930's, 1940's, and 1950's.
Tolkien, J.R.R. The Hobbit ; Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Gandalf, the wizard, chooses Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, to go on a great adventure involving the dragon, Smaug, and a magic ring. Not to be missed! (series) fantasy, adventure
Turner, Megan Whalen The Thief
Because of his bragging--and his great skill at thievery--Gen lands in the King's Prison, shackled to the wall of his cell. His one chance for release is if he can recover the ancient treasure for the
King. Gen is a survivor and a trickster--and he has ideas of his own. Suspenseful!
Van Draanen, Wendelin Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief
Sammy Keyes gets into trouble when she involves herself in the investigation of a robbery at a seedy hotel across the street from where she is living with her grandmother.
Voigt, Cynthia Homecoming
With $11, little adult help and a great deal of adult interference, four children, ages 6 to 13 make their way from Rhode Island to Connecticut to find their Grandmother. (sequels)
White, Ruth Belle Prater's Boy
When Woodrow's mother mysteriously disappears, he goes to live next door to his cousin Gypsy. They become friends, and in the process of helping him discover his mother's whereabouts, she
finally accepts the truth about her own father's death. Award book
Williams, Laura Behind the Bedroom Wall
Thirteen-year-old Korinna must choose between her love for her parents and her loyalty to Hitler and the Nazi party when she discovers that her parents are hiding a Jewish family behind her
own bedroom wall. Holocaust
Wolff, Virginia Euwer Bat 6
After WWII, there are still anti-Japanese feelings in a small Oregon community.
Woodruff, Elvira The Orphan of Ellis Island
Ashamed of being an orphan, Dominic has a very unusual experience on his class's field trip to Ellis Island, and in the process he discovers how it feels to be part of a loving family. (or
experience the Revolutionary War by reading George Washington's Socks.)
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