Entering Grade 5
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Realistic Fiction

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.
Born Behind Bars by Padma Venkatraman
also by this author: The Bridge Home
Nine-year-old Kabir was born in a prison where his mother was unjustly incarcerated. It's not actually a bad life, until the warden releases him to an unscrupulous man pretending to be a relative. Kabir makes a run for it, and with the help of an older girl and her talking parrot, goes on an epic journey through India to find his father's family.
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.
A Day at the Beach by Gary D. Schmidt and Rob Koertge
The dawn to dusk story of a group of kids (and a couple of dogs) who meet new and old friends, swim, play, lose their phones or their trunks, and have an amazing day at the beach.
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 (and other books by this author)
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?
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.
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 series by Jason Reynolds
Book 1: Stuntboy, In the Meantime
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?
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