2025 lists are being edited-but still contain great titles!
Entering Grade 5

Adventure

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All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team by Christina Soontornvat
​This well-researched account follows 12 young soccer players and their coach as a day trip to a local cave turns into a 17-day ordeal as flood waters trap them in the cave with no light or food. Outside rescuers race to figure out innovative ways to rescue them, while the boys and their coach have to learn the mental skills they need to survive. (nonfiction)
City Spies series by James Ponti
Book 1: City Spies
When Sarah gets caught hacking, and is facing years in a detention center, she is recruited by a British secret agent to a top-secret team of gifted young spies. Her first mission with four other kids is to go to France, break into an secret research facility, outwit an evil genius, and try to earn the trust of her colleagues.
The Creepy Case Files of Margo Maloo series by Drew Weing
Book 1: The Creepy Case Files of Margo Maloo
When Charles moves to Echo CIty, he discovers that his new home is full of monsters who don't like him much--except as a snack. Luckily, he also meets Margo Malloo, monster mediator, who can keep the monsters in line. Probably. (graphic novel)
The End of the Wild by Nicole Helget
The nearby woods is a refuge for Fern and also provides food for her needy family.  When a fracking company comes to town with plans to mine her forest, Fern decides to fight back.
The Fox and Little Tanuki series by Tagawa Mi
Book 1: The Fox and Little Tanuki
Senzou, the once great Fox Spirit, was imprisoned for 300 years for bad behavior. In order to regain his powers, the gods have given him a task: successfully protect and mentor the mischievous tanuki cub named Manpachi. (manga)
Hero series by Jennifer Li Shotz (and other books by this author)
Book 1: Hero
Ben and his retired search and rescue dog brave dangers to locate an injured runaway puppy.
Lei and the Legends series series by Malia Maunakea
Book 1: Lei and the Fire Goddess
Part-Hawaiian Anna Leilani Kamaʻehu is excited to visit her Grandmother in Hawaii, even though she's a bit embarrassed by the fantasical stories this side of the family tells about gods and curses. However, when she accidentally offends the goddess Pele, she suddenly has to battle mythical creatures to rescue friends and family from the consequences of her actions.
Lost  series by Tod Olson 
Lost in the Amazon
On Christmas Eve, 1970, when flying over the Andes mountains, lightning strikes her plane and 17-year-old Juliane finds herself alone in the largest rainforest on Earth. (nonfiction)
​The Society of Explorers and Adventurers series
Book 1: Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl
Shinji is just minding his own business when a magical guardian attempts to take over his body to awaken its 
powers. Captured by an evil corporation, who intends to harness the magical powers, and having his life force slowly drained by the guardian, Shinji must turn to some unlikely allies to escape.
Supernatural Investigations series by B. B. Alston
Book 1: Amari and the Night Brothers
When Amari finds a ticking briefcase in her missing brother's closet, it contains an invitation to try out for the secret and competitive Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. Between being behind on this whole magic thing, the other kids competing for spots viewing her unusual talents as threatening, and trying to locate her brother, she has her summer work cut out for her.
Team Chu series by Julie C. Dao
​Book 1: Team Chu and the Battle of Blackwood Arena
Soccer-obsessed Clip and top-notch student Sadie are siblings with only one thing in common--a highly competitive love for laser tag. When Blackwood Arena opens nearby with virtual-reality headsets and amazing courses, they and their friends can't wait to go. When a sinister force enters the game, Clip and Sadie have to decide if they might be better off cooperating than competing.
Terror at Bottle Creek by Watt Key
Cort has to use all the survival skills his father has taught him to help two young neighbor girls survive a hurricane in the wetlands of Alabama.
The Wild Robot series by Peter Brown
Book 1: The Wild Robot
​When a shipment of advanced robots washes up on the shores of an island, Roz is the only one not destroyed in the impact.  She must learn to survive on her own and make peace with the frightened animal residents.
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