Realistic fiction books can be great for 5th graders. Depending on their reading level, there are many novels with engaging stories and characters they are sure to enjoy. Some titles that may be of interest to 5th graders include:
•Candyhouse by Soman Chainani – This fantasy novel follows fifth grade twins, Nanda and Raj, as they explore their mother's mysterious past and must work together to traverse magical realms.
•The Salamander Room by Anne Mazer – When a young boy discovers a salamander in the woods, he secretly brings it home and must find a way to keep it safe while learning important lessons about responsibility.
•The Ark by Laura Whitcomb – When a young girl is sent to a foster family after living in an orphanage, she must use her quick wit and intelligence to fit into her new home and ensure her safety.
•Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor – Inspirational Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor shares her own experiences of overcoming obstacles and encourages readers to embrace their uniqueness and find the courage to just ask for help.
•The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate – When Ivan the gorilla swaps his cage for a window in the local shopping mall, he meets a new, unrelated elephant and must help create a better home for them both.
•The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan – When Percy Jackson embarks on a quest to find Zeus's stolen lightning bolt, he discovers he is a demigod and must join with his new friends to save the world.
These realistic fiction books are sure to be a hit with 5th graders, so check these out and enjoy!