Top 16 Books For 4th And 5th Graders Updated 04 /2024

Many kids find it hard to find the right book. It can be especially difficult for people who can read a lot above their grade level. Those who are in fourth or fifth grade and can read at a seventh, eighth, or even high school level may be drawn to the new young adult books that are popular. These books include The Fault in Our Stars, If I Stay, and Twilight. They can read, but that doesn't mean they should.

This is a list of 12 books that advanced fourth and fifth graders on Bookopolis.com, a website for young readers, say are "must reads." These stories are fun, thought-provoking, and encourage young people to learn more about the world in a way that is appropriate for them. Adults will enjoy them, too. With your help, help your young reader make connections between what they read and what's going on in the world today, history, and even their own lives.

The Alchemyst

by Michael Scott

One of the best-known fantasy series is called The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott. The Alchemist is the first book in the series. It tells the story of Sophie and Josh Newman as they try to find the most famous thing in the world, the elixir of life. KIa, who is 10, says, "It is a classic fairy tale." It keeps you interested on every page.

Inkheart

by Cornelia Funke

ALISON: I have read the best mythical and fantastical story I have ever read. Inkheart is the best. Meggie’s father has the ability to “read” characters from books into the real world, which leads to an epic-sized magical adventure for Meggie as she faces the evil ruler from another land.

The Phantom Tollbooth

by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer

 

Beck, 8, loves The Phantom Tollbooth. "It's a lot of fun, and the puns are just pure awesomeness." A read-aloud with the whole family is a great idea for this story about Milo and Tock and their adventures in the Lands Beyond.

The Mysterious Benedict Society series

by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis

There is a book series called The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart that 9-year-old Kristin loves very much. Everyone I know has read it. If you haven't, you should read it next." There are lots of twists and turns in this series about four gifted kids who are on a secret mission to save the world. It's a good choice for mystery and adventure fans.

 

Chasing Vermeer

by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist

Chase Vermeer by Blue Balliett is a puzzle-filled mystery that tells the story of two kids who are trying to find a thief who stole art. People who like puzzles and patterns should read this book, says Erica, a 10-year-old who likes this kind of book. It's also a good way to keep advanced readers interested in art or art history, as well.

Wonderstruck

by Brian Selznick

 

Caroline, who is 9 years old, says that Wonderstruck by author and illustrator Brian Selznick is a great book. I was stuck to it. He does a great job using words and pictures to tell stories about Rose and Ben, who both want to know the truth about their lives and their families.

Call of the Wild

by Jack London

Call of the Wild tells the story of Buck, a dog who has to find out who he is in the wild. George, who is 10, says that if you like survival stories and action, this is the book for you to read. This is a very interesting book about how to stay alive and be strong, told through the eyes of a dog.

Where the Red Fern Grows

by Wilson Rawls

Anna, a 9-year-old girl, thinks everyone should read Where the Red Fern Grows if they like heartfelt stories. “OMG! I cried while I was reading! Even though it's a sad book, it's still a great story, and anyone who likes sad books will love this!

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

by Douglas Adams

As a 10-year-old, Hazel says that the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a "must-read" for kids who love to think about the universe, but also like to have fun. If you're an advanced reader, this classic sci-fi comedy is a good choice. It can lead to interesting discussions about the meaning of life at the dinner table.

Echo

by Pam Muñoz Ryan

New book Echo by Pam Muoz Ryan is full of powerful stories from before and after World War II. The book is called Echo. All of the stories are linked together by a magical harmonica, and each one makes you want to read the next one. "If you like music, you'll love this book because it's so in-depth."

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

by Grace Lin

Grace Lin won a Newbery Honor for her book, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. It's a magical story that's part fantasy novel and part Chinese myth. In this book, readers get to go with Minli on her journey to the Old Man on the Moon to ask him how she can change her family's fortunes. A review from Abigail, 10, sums it up well: "Awesome. I love it." Awesome. Aww, this is so cool.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham

by Christopher Paul Curtis

If you want to learn more about important events in history, you should read any books by Christopher Paul Curtis, who won the Newbery Medal for his work. When Riley, 9, read The Watsons Go to Birmingham, a book about an African-American family who moved from Michigan to Birmingham in the middle of 1963, she thought it was great. Riley was a big fan. This book has a lot of funny, sad, and sweet things in it.

“The Only Girl in School” 

by Natalie Standiford

It's Claire's fifth grade. She is one of only two girls in her school. That's when her best friend moves away, leaving her as the only girl in her school again. In the beginning, she thinks that she can handle it. As problems big and small come up, she realizes that it's much harder than she thought. All about friendship and girl power.

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