Entering Grade 5

Realistic Fiction

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As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds
When two city bred boys go to live in the country with their grandparents one summer, they learn a lot about chores (including picking up dog poop), family, and the real meaning of bravery.
Brendan Buckley’s Universe and Everything in It by Sundee T. Frazier
sequel: Brendan Buckley’s Sixth-Grade Experiment
When at a rock club meeting, Brendan runs into his mom’s dad, a grandfather he’s never met.  It’s awesome to hang out and talk rocks, but Brendan needs to discover why his mom and grandfather refuse to talk.
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
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?
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.
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.
Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez
When Tyler’s father is injured, his family hopes hiring a Mexican migrant family will help save their Vermont farm.
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.