Entering Grade 5

Realistic Fiction

Click on the cover art to order the title from Amazon.
Air by Monica Roe
Emmie loves speed. Give her a ramp or a half-pipe and she'll take her wheelchair down it as fast as she can. She's trying to earn money to get a decent chair that won't wobble so she can enter wheelchair motocross competitions. Then a tumble on her school's poorly designed wheelchair ramp puts her in the spotlight and threatens to take some decisions out of her hands.
Allergic by Megan Wagner Lloyd
Maggie is so excited that her family is getting a dog. Her parents are getting ready for a new baby, her twin brothers are always in their own world, and she thinks a dog will be great company as she gets used to making new friends in a new school. However, when she discovers she's allergic to anything with fur, she begins a quest to find a perfect pet. (graphic novel)
Black Boy Joy edited by Kwame Mbalia
This book of short stories, some in prose, some in poetry and some in graphic novel format, explore the many ways to find joy in life. Picking out a great outfit, flying on your skateboard, entering a baking contest, are just some of the ways the characters find joy. Authors include Jerry Craft, Varian Johnson, Lamar Giles and Jason Reynolds.
The Candymakers by Wendy Mass
sequel: The Candymakers and the Great Chocolate Chase
Four 12-year-olds compete in the Confectionary Association's annual contest, unexpectedly become friends, and uncover secrets.
The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartaya
also by this author: Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish
This summer instead of just hanging out playing basketball, Arturo tries to save his grandmother’s restaurant from a greedy developer, get the girl and make Abuela proud.  Will he succeed or will it be an epic fail?
Front Desk series by Kelly Yang
Book 1: Front Desk
When Mia's parents signed up to work at the Calivista Motel, they didn't realize how hard the work was, or how mean the owner, Mr. Yao, is. Still they have it better than some of the other immigrants they know, and help them out whenever they can. Meanwhile, Mia helps out at the front desk, tries to get better at writing, and deals with Mr. Yao's mean son, who's in her class at school.
Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson
Six middle school students meet every Friday for one hour without a teacher.  They soon realize it's a safe place to talk about what's bothering them--like Esteban's father's deportation and Haley's dad's upcoming parole.
I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day
Other than having to get used to her new braces, Edie is having a great summer with her friends making an animated movie. But while exploring the attic, she discovers some old photographs of a woman named Edith who looks like just like her. Could this be the Native American grandmother she never knew? Why won't her parents answer her questions?
Illegal by Eoin Colfer
Ebo knows his brother Kwame has gone off to attempt the dangerous journey to Europe, following their sister. But Ebo is determined not to be left behind, and begins the journey from Ghana, across the Sahara desert, (graphic novel)
Mr. Terupt series by Rob Buyea
Book 1: Because of Mr. Terupt
Seven 5th-graders at Snow Hill School relate how their lives are changed for the better by their rookie teacher.
The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones by Wendelin van Draanen
Lincoln keeps to himself at school, constantly turning his less than ideal life into fantastic superhero stories, until a nosy girl invades his life, demanding to know what he’s writing, where he disappears to after school, and why he never talks to anybody.
Stay by Bobbie Pyron
Piper is a human girl, living in a family homeless shelter. Baby is a dog living on the street with a woman who struggles with many things. As Piper learns to navigate her new situation, she realizes she can help Baby, Baby's human, and herself.
Stuntboy, In the Meantime by Jason Reynolds
Portico Reeves has a secret life as Stuntboy. His superpower is keeping his parents, neighbors and friends super safe. But something is going on with his parents, and his archenemy Herbert Singletary the Worst is up to no good. Can even a superhero triumph over these troubles?