Are you looking for reading material for your 5th grader? This 5th grade reading list has numerous books to choose from. There is also at least one free lesson for each book included on the list. These lessons vary from book to book. Some are comprehensive unit studies or novel guides, while others are simply a set of discussion questions.

All of the lessons below are free, but you will need to obtain the corresponding books. You can buy used books, borrow them from the library, or click/tap on a book’s cover to purchase it on Amazon.

How I Created the List

When creating this 5th grade reading list, I looked at what books several different sources recommend for each grade. Often various curriculum providers and book lists will recommend a book for different grade levels. For this list, I used the average of the different recommended grade levels. Because of this, you’ll find that other sources may recommend some of the books on this list for 4th or 6th grade instead of 5th.

Please note: As values, beliefs, and standards vary widely by family, I have not attempted to screen these books for appropriateness. I recommend that you read several reviews before choosing books for your child to read. The post How to Choose Age Appropriate Books lists several resources you can use to help ensure the books you pick are suitable for your family.

5th Grade Reading List

The books below are listed in alphabetical order by title. For additional book options, also check out our reading lists for other grades.

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The Apple and the Arrow by Mary and Conrad Buff

Homeschool Share’s lapbook covers the events and vocabulary of the book as well as lessons in related history, geography, science, language arts, and Bible study.

This novel study from Renaissance Academy includes comprehension questions, character sketches, and cross-curricular activities.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

Rise to Reading has comprehension questions for each chapter of the book.

This novel guide, found on Teachers Pay Teachers, includes discussion questions, vocabulary worksheets, journal writing, and projects.

Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis

Rise to Reading has comprehension questions for each chapter.

NovelWise provides section worksheets, discussion questions, and activities for the book.

Plain and not so Plain offers comprehension questions for each chapter of the book.

This set of comprehension questions is available on Teachers Pay Teachers.

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink

This guide from Learning Heroes includes discussion questions, vocabulary words, and a research activity.

This set of discussion questions is available on Teachers Pay Teachers.

Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry

Beginning on page 85 of Response Guides for Teaching Children’s Books, there are discussion questions, writing assignments, and activity suggestions for the book.

This workbook found on Teachers Pay Teachers includes vocabulary definitions, comprehension questions, and discussion questions.

This set of comprehension questions is available on Teachers Pay Teachers.

Rise to Reading provides comprehension questions for the book.

The Captain’s Dog by Roland Smith

On Roland Smith’s website, this exploration unit includes lessons on vocabulary, characterization, research, map making, weather, and more.

NovelWise provides section worksheets, discussion questions, and activities for the book.

Dangerous Journey: The Story of Pilgrim’s Progress by Oliver Hunkin

Redeemed Reader created this devotional guide to accompany the book. It includes Bible verses, activities, and reading notes. Choose the guide for 4 to 12-year-olds.

Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Scholastic provides a set of discussion questions and writing prompts for the book.

This novel unit found on Teachers Pay Teachers covers the plot, characters, theme, writing prompts, and much more.

Rise to Reading has comprehension questions for each chapter.

NovelWise provides section worksheets, discussion questions, and activities for the book.

From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg

Immanuel Lutheran College provides comprehension questions, discussion questions, and other assignments for each chapter.

This novel study on Teachers Pay Teachers provides discussion questions for the book.

Granny Torrelli Makes Soup by Sharon Creech

At Bright Hub Education, you’ll find discussion questions and other teaching ideas.

Bound to Stay Bound Books has created this set of discussion questions and activity suggestions.

Reading to Kids provides discussion questions and craft ideas.

Holes by Louis Sachar

Ms. Wrights’s novel study includes comprehension strategies, activities, a writing prompt, vocabulary definitions, and a summative test.

This novel study found at kifo24.wordpress.com includes discussion questions, vocabulary worksheets, and extension activities.

NovelWise provides section worksheets, discussion questions, and activities for the book.

Rise to Reading provides comprehension questions for the book.

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

Homeschool Share’s lapbook printable covers vocabulary, characters, historical events related to the book, and more.

This set of comprehension questions is available on Teachers Pay Teachers.

The Liberation of Gabriel King by K.L Going

K.L. Going, the book’s author, created this teacher’s guide to accompany the book. It includes vocabulary words, discussion questions, and activities.

The Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Beginning on page 61 of Response Guides for Teaching Children’s Books, there are discussion questions, writing assignments, and activity suggestions for the book.

With Homeschool Share’s lapbook study, children will create character mini-books, chapter mini-books, and copywork pages.

Garden of Praise provides vocabulary lessons and vocabulary tests for each chapter.

Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry

7Sisters Homeschool’s study guide includes comprehension questions, vocabulary words, and supplemental activities.

Homeschool Helper Online’s unit study includes vocabulary words and activity ideas for each chapter of the book.

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

This literature guide from Mercy for Marthas has discussion questions for each chapter.

Life Beyond the Lesson Plan provides a literature unit and nature study for the book. It includes discussion questions, language arts activities, nature study, art, life skills, and field trip ideas.

Rise to Reading provides discussion questions, vocabulary words, and writing prompts for the book.

This unit, created by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, focuses on the human capital the main character possessed, the investments in human capital he made, and why these investments were important. Students will also create a plan for investing in their human capital.

One Crazy Summer by  Rita Williams-Garcia

Tulsa Library’s curriculum guide includes a lesson plan with links to videos, discussion questions, a character map, and more.

This novel study from Teachers Pay Teachers covers comprehension, vocabulary, writing, and many cross-curricular activities.

Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff

Classroom in the Middle provides discussion questions for the book.

Henry County Schools put together this list of reading comprehension questions.

This novel study from Teachers Pay Teachers provides comprehension questions for each chapter.

This scrapbook activity found on Teachers Pay Teachers is a fun way for kids to review the book’s events and study the character of Hollis.

The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene

Bookroo offers a 15-question multiple-choice quiz on the book.

This lesson plan, created by Library Sparks, teaches about mystery story elements and includes activities related to The Secret of the Old Clock. However, children do not have to read the book to complete the lessons.

The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs by Betty G.Birney

Betty Birney, the book’s author, created this study guide to accompany the book. It includes discussion questions, vocabulary, activities, and topics for further research.

These discussion cards found on Teachers Pay Teachers provide questions for each chapter.

Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Immanuel Lutheran College provides comprehension questions, discussion questions, vocabulary words, and activities for the book.

This reading guide prepared by Scholastic BookFiles includes background information, discussion questions, activities, a vocabulary glossary, and more.

This set of comprehension questions is available on Teachers Pay Teachers.

The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting

Books for Learning provides a multiple-choice worksheet for each chapter of the book. You’ll find links to the questions and answers under “downloads” in the right sidebar of the website.

Reading to Kids provides vocabulary words, discussion questions, and craft ideas.

The Summer of the Swans by Betsy Byars

Teaching Books provides comprehension questions for the book.

From Teachers Pay Teachers, this literature kit includes several writing prompts and extension activities for the book.

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

This instructor’s guide from Ohio Reading Road Trip includes discussion questions, vocabulary words, writing prompts, projects, and more.

Teachers Pay Teachers has a set of reading comprehension quizzes for the book.

Way Down Deep by Ruth White

Macmillan Publishers has created this discussion guide for the book.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Rise to Reading provides comprehension questions for each chapter of the book.

Wonder the Book, the book’s official website, has created a collection of downloadable teacher resources.

This novel unit found on Teachers Pay Teachers includes discussion questions and writing prompts.

I hope your child enjoys reading these books!

6th Grade School Reading List

When your child is ready, we also have a 6th grade reading list. Like our 5th grade reading list, it includes at least one free novel study or lesson for each book.

More Free Reading Curriculum & Resources

Free Vintage Readers for 5th Grade– Download free grade-level vintage readers here.

Free Book Guides– This page tells where to find book guides and novel studies for every grade.

Free Reading and Literature Curriculum– On this page, you’ll find many reading and literature curriculum options.

Free eBooks– This post tells where to find free eBooks for the entire family.

Free Audiobooks– This post shares where to find free audiobooks for all ages.

Note: This post was originally published on May 31, 2021, and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.