Finding interesting chapter books is essential for 5th graders, who are approximately 10 or so. Depending on their reading abilities, they could prefer illustrated or graphic novels to more text-heavy tales.
Looking for books that will capture a young child’s imagination is important. It is also good to find stories that are relatable to them, as this can help them understand the world around them. Many children also enjoy stories that are funny, or that have expansive imaginary worlds.
The chapter books on this list are perfect for fifth graders who are gradually growing out of their elementary school selves and starting to view the world more adultly. These chapter books for 5th graders will keep your tween interested and engaged, prompting them to discuss the insights, concerns, forecasts, and ideas they have with you or their friends.
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Chapter Books For 5th Graders Picks
1. Fast Pitch
In the world of U12 fast-pitch softball, Shenice Lockwood is the fearless leader of the Fulton Firebirds. As the only team with all-brown faces, they’ve had to work twice as hard to prove that Black ladies deserve a spot on the field. With laser-like focus, Shenice is unstoppable, and determined to guide her team to the regional championship.
But unexpected challenges arise when Shenice’s great-uncle Jack suggests that a past crime may have been a setup, putting her career and family name at risk. This revelation throws Shenice off her game, leading to field errors and doubts from her teammates about her leadership abilities.
In order to save the Firebirds from future defeat, Shenice must uncover the truth about her family’s history and clear her name. This gripping tale is perfect for 5th graders, showing them the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.
2. The War That Saved My Life
10-year-old Ada has always been cooped up in her studio apartment due to her twisted foot. Her mother is too ashamed to let her go outside. However, Ada seizes the opportunity to sneak out when her little brother Jamie is sent away from London to escape the war.
Under the care of Susan Smith, the lady who is tasked with looking after them, Ada embarks on a new adventure. She slowly begins to trust Susan, who in turn starts to care for Ada and Jamie. Together, they learn important skills like reading, horseback riding, and keeping a lookout for German spies.
As the war rages on, their relationship is put to the test. Will they be able to stay together and face the challenges of wartime, or will Ada and Jamie be forced to return to their mother’s mistreatment? This captivating book is perfect for fifth graders who love historical fiction.
3. Loser
Zinkoff is a unique kid who loves riding his bike, hopes for snow days, and aspires to be like his dad. But he also raises his hand and gives all the wrong answers, trips over his own feet, and bursts into laughter at the word “Jabip.”
While Zinkoff is busy being himself, other kids have their own names for him. He’s unaware that he’s different, but his quirks show how any name can become a “hero” one day.
In this fantastic book, Jerry Spinelli tells the story of a kid whose individuality wins over the desire to fit in and the true meaning of failure. With his best writing, great humor, and wit, Spinelli takes readers on a journey from first to sixth grade as they root for Zinkoff through his ups and downs.
4. I Can Make This Promise
Edie has always known that her mother was adopted by a white family, but she’s never been satisfied with the answers she’s gotten about her Native American heritage. That is, until she and her friends discover a box hidden away in the attic that contains letters addressed to “Love, Edith” and pictures of a woman who looks just like her.
Suddenly, Edie is asking all sorts of new questions. Could this woman be a member of the Native American family she never knew she had? And if her parents have been lying to her about her adoption all these years, how can she trust them to tell her the truth now? With plenty of twists and turns, this book is sure to keep young readers engaged and guessing until the very end.
5. Big Nate: In a Class by Himself
Nate is a kid who thinks big. He knows he’s destined for greatness, but sometimes things don’t go his way. One morning, he rushes off to school without his lunch and has to suffer through his dad’s terrible porridge. And that’s just the beginning! Nate ends up body-slamming his strict teacher and insulting his least favorite teacher, Mrs. Godfrey (who he calls Godzilla). It’s not looking good for Nate on his first day of school.
But despite all the trouble he gets into, Nate stays cool as a cucumber. He believes that he’s destined for greatness, and a fortune cookie even confirms it. Get ready for Big Nate, a mischievous troublemaker who always keeps things interesting. This book is perfect for 5th graders who love a good laugh.
6. Holes
Stanley Yelnats is in trouble. He believes that his great-great-grandfather, who stole a pig, is to blame for the misfortune that has plagued the Yelnats family for generations. Now, Stanley has been unfairly sent to Camp Green Lake, where boys are forced to dig five-foot-wide and five-foot-deep holes all day, every day, to build character. It’s not what he expected, especially since there’s no actual lake at Camp Green Lake, only a lot of holes.
As Stanley starts digging, he realizes that something more sinister is going on. The warden is determined to find something buried beneath the dried-up lake, and she’s using the boys to do it. Stanley and his fellow inmates start to wonder what secrets the warden is hiding, and what they might find if they keep digging.
7. Wonder
Meet August Pullman, a young boy born with a facial abnormality. He’s excited to finally start attending a regular school like any other fifth grader, but his classmates can’t seem to look beyond his appearance.
Through the eyes of different characters, we get a glimpse into the struggles of empathy, kindness, and acceptance within this community. We witness Auggie’s experiences firsthand, as well as the perspectives of his classmates, his sister’s boyfriend, and others.
This heartwarming and inspiring story shines a light on the importance of inclusivity and the power of kindness. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to make the world a better place, especially in today’s society where bullying is unfortunately all too common.
8. Camp (A Click Graphic Novel)
Olive and Willow were eager to have the greatest summer camp adventure ever! However, things didn’t go as planned when Olive hit it off with the other kids right away, but Willow had trouble making friends and stuck to Olive like glue since she didn’t know anyone else. Olive was feeling the pressure of being Willow’s constant companion, and their friendship started to suffer as they bickered and fought. Will they be able to patch things up before camp is over, or will their friendship come to an end?
9. Midnight at the Barclay Hotel
JJ Jacobson had a thrilling surprise for his mom – an all-expenses-paid weekend retreat at the Barclay Hotel. But when they arrive, they find themselves in the midst of a murder investigation! JJ’s mom is accused of killing the hotel owner, and JJ is determined to clear her name.
But JJ had expected a weekend of ghost-hunting, not sleuthing. With the help of his new friends Penny and Emma, JJ must navigate the hotel’s secrets, search for clues, and maybe even encounter some ghosts along the way. Can they solve the mystery and prove JJ’s mom innocent before it’s too late?
10. Number the Stars
Annemarie Johansen and her family have a secret. They are hiding Annemarie’s dear friend Ellen Rosen as a member of their family. This is because the German army is trying to “relocate” all the Jews of Denmark.
But Annemarie soon learns that they are not alone in their bravery. The Danish Resistance is working hard to smuggle almost 7,000 Jews out of Denmark and into Sweden. Through Annemarie’s eyes, we see the courage and kindness of an entire nation in the face of horror and conflict. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still goodness and decency in the world.
11. The Kids of Cattywampus Street
Get ready to meet the kids from Cattywampus Street, a neighborhood near the Waddlebee Toy Store, in this thrilling and heartwarming chapter book with black and white illustrations! With each of the eleven chapters, readers will be taken on a memorable journey with Jamal, Lindalee, Hans, Matteo, and others.
From magical balls that find their way back to their owner even after being stolen, to Charlotta’s incredible ability to shrink and fit into her dollhouse, and Rodney’s prized pet rock that makes all the other kids envious, this book will captivate, entertain, and engage even the most hesitant chapter book readers. These tales are fascinating, intriguing, hilarious, terrifying, happy, and sometimes even a little bit sad, making it an excellent choice for 5th graders who are looking for a fun and adventurous read.
12. The One and Only Ivan
When Ivan, a silverback gorilla, meets Ruby, an orphaned elephant, everything changes for him. He has spent 27 years of his life enclosed behind glass walls in a mall and has become used to people staring at him. However, Ruby’s arrival makes him realize the true meaning of his art and the importance of his home.
In this thought-provoking, heartwarming, and poignant story, readers will accompany Ivan on his journey to rediscover his purpose and to help Ruby find a better life. With beautiful prose and powerful themes of friendship, empathy, and hope, this book is a great choice for 5th graders who enjoy stories that make them reflect on the world around them. It also highlights the importance of animal welfare and inspires children to think about ways they can make a positive difference in the world.
13. I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic
George Calder and his younger sister Phoebe are excited to embark on a journey across the ocean on the famous Titanic with their Aunt Daisy. On the way, George explores the ship’s many fascinating places, but when he enters the first-class storage compartment, a massive boom rocks the entire ship. Suddenly, water is everywhere, and George’s life is forever changed.
Lauren Tarshis’s best-selling series vividly recounts some of history’s most thrilling and terrifying moments. In this book, readers will experience the story of a young boy’s survival in the midst of a historical disaster. The series is perfect for fifth graders who love to be transported into a different time and place and to experience thrilling adventures.
14. Freak the Mighty
Once upon a time, there was a large child who was struggling with his troubles and a small genius who had an intellectual disability. Despite their differences, they had a special bond that demonstrated how bravery comes in all shapes and sizes. This heartwarming tale has been loved by readers since its initial publication.
The book tackles the issue of bullying, which is still a significant problem in today’s schools. This timeless novel is a must-read for 5th graders who are dealing with these issues or just looking for a touching story about friendship.
15. The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart
Once upon a time, in a land of dragons, Aventurine was a brave and daring dragon who wanted to prove herself. However, her family kept telling her that she was too young and inexperienced to go outside of their mountain home. But Aventurine was determined to show them all that she was ready for the challenge.
So, she decided to capture a human, the most dangerous prey of all. But when she finally caught one, she was tricked into drinking magical hot chocolate and was turned into a tiny human. She may have lost her dragon features, but she didn’t lose her fierce spirit, and she discovered a new passion: chocolate!
This book is perfect for 5th graders who love adventure, humor, and fantasy. It teaches kids about the importance of perseverance and believing in oneself, even when faced with obstacles.
16. Simon B. Rhymin’
Get ready to follow the journey of Simon Barnes, a timid fifth-grader from Chicago who dreams of becoming a famous rapper. But there’s just one problem: Simon is undersized for his age and struggles with self-confidence. However, when his new teacher assigns the class to give an oral presentation on their neighborhood, Simon is forced out of his comfort zone. Can he overcome his fears and use his passion for rapping to make a difference in his community?
In this uplifting and empowering book, young readers will discover that even the smallest voices can make a big impact. Through Simon’s journey, they’ll learn about the power of self-expression, the importance of standing up for what you believe in, and the value of working together as a team.
17. Starfish
Ellie has had to endure weight bullying since she made a splash at her fifth birthday party, wearing a whale bikini. To cope with this, she has been following the Fat Girl Rules, which include rules like “avoid eating in public,” “don’t make waves,” and “don’t move so quickly that your body jiggles.” But she has found solace in her swimming pool, where she can stretch out like a starfish and take up as much space as she wants.
In a world where weight is often a concern, Ellie has discovered a safe haven. It’s also an escape from her demanding mother, who believes that criticizing Ellie’s weight will motivate her to lose it. Thankfully, Ellie has found support from her dad, her therapist, and her new neighbor, Catalina, who accepts her for who she is. With their help, Ellie may finally be able to break free from the Fat Girl Rules and spread her wings in real life.
18. Fish in a Tree
Ally may be a troublemaker, but it’s not because she wants to be. In reality, she’s been covering up a secret – she can’t read. This fifth-grade novel explores the struggles of dyslexia and how it affects one’s life. Ally is afraid to ask for help because she’s afraid of being seen as “stupid,” but her new teacher, Mr. Daniels, sees through her clever schemes and recognizes the brilliant mind hidden beneath them.
As Ally learns to accept her dyslexia, she begins to see the world in a different light. She discovers that everyone has something unique about them and that labels don’t define who we are. With Mr. Daniels’ help, Ally gains confidence and begins to embrace her true self. This inspiring story will not only teach fifth graders about dyslexia but also about the importance of acceptance and self-discovery.
19. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Claudia is a smart and independent fifth-grader who feels undervalued and decides to prove her worth to her family. With Jamie’s help, they make their way to the museum and start living there, using all their knowledge and creativity to make it work.
However, Claudia soon realizes that she’s still the same person she was before and wants to feel different. On top of that, she becomes fascinated with a statue that no one seems to know anything about. As the story unfolds, Claudia and Jamie embark on a journey of self-discovery and solve the mystery of the statue.
20. Coraline
Coraline’s adventure begins when she discovers a mysterious door that leads her to a seemingly perfect world, which looks almost exactly like her own home, only much nicer. The new parents are kind, the food is delicious, and her room is fantastic, but something feels off. She soon realizes that this is not the world she knows, and the people she thought she knew aren’t who they appear to be. In fact, they’re trying to keep her there forever and change her into something she’s not.
Coraline must be brave and fight for her life and her identity if she wants to make it back to her own world. This book is perfect for fifth graders because it combines adventure, fantasy, and suspense, while also teaching valuable lessons about identity, courage, and the power of determination.
How To Choose Chapter Books For 5th Graders?
- Reading Level: Look for books that are at or just above their level so they can be successful. They should be able to read and understand literature, poetry, and drama (1).
- Interests: Choose books that cover topics they are passionate about or that will pique their curiosity.
- Length: Some fifth graders may be ready for longer novels, while others prefer shorter chapter books.
- Complexity: Look for books with storylines and characters that are appropriate for your child’s maturity level. Regardless, they should be able to correctly identify major elements of stories, like time, place, plot, problem, and resolution (2).
Can 10-Year-Olds Read Chapter Books?
Yes, most 10-year-olds are able to read chapter books. However, some may struggle with the length and complexity of the story. It is important to select books that are appropriate for your child’s reading level. You can make sure of this by checking the age recommendation before buying a book.
