5th Grade Summer Reading List (age 10 – 11)

I believe it’s so important for children to have a choice of what to read. And I love getting recommendations as much as I do giving them to you. Here is the 5th grade summer reading list, books for your kids ages 10 or 11, split into genres so kids can explore something in every category. I hope it’s helpful!

5th Grade Summer Reading Printable List (Updated for 2018!)

Its worth mentioning that these books are great for other grade levels, too. If you want other book lists of easier or harder book lists, go here: Summer Reading List for 4th Grade, Summer Reading List for 6th Grade. See all the grade levels reading lists here.

Summer reading programs can be great motivation for your fifth graders. I especially love programs that give free books as a reward.

Don’t miss this free reading printable for summer as well as a different free summer “Brain Camp” learning printable.

5th Grade Summer Reading List (age 10 – 11)

If you like fantasy, you’ll love:

• Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
• Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee
• The Endling by Katherine Applegate
• Five Kingdoms series by Brandon Mull
• In a Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz
• Nightmares! (series) by Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller
• The Secret Zoo by Bryan Chick
• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle

If you like animal adventures, you’ll love:

• The Last Dogs by Christopher Holt
• Warriors by Erin Hunter
• Mouseheart by Lisa Fielder
• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
• Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien

If you like adventures, you’ll love

• Masterminds by Gordon Korman
• Stranded by Jeff Probst and Chris Tebbetts
• Spy School by Stuart Gibbs
• The Cloak Society by Jeramey Kraatz
• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein

If you like mysteries, you’ll love:

• Space Case by Stuart Gibbs
• Isabel Feeney, Star Reporter by Beth Fantaskey
• Framed! A T.O.A.S.T. Mystery by James Ponti
• Warren the 13th and The All-Seeing Eye by Tania Del Rio
• Nooks and Crannies by Jessica Lawson

If you like historical fiction, you’ll love 

• The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
• A Long Walk to Water (memoir) by Linda Sue Park
• Lost in the Pacific, 1942: Not a Drop to Drink by Tod Olson
• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
• Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper
• Secret of Midway: Ghosts of War #1 by Steve Watkins

If you like realistic fiction, try reading:

• All Four Stars by Tara Dairman
• See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng
• El Deafo by Cece Bell (graphic novel)
• The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
• Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller
• Kristy’s Great Idea Babysitter’s Club by Ann M. Martin, illustrated by Raina Telgemeier (graphic novel)
• Smile, Drama, & Sisters by Raina Telgemeier (graphic novels)
• Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldeko

If you like funny, you’ll laugh your way through these books:

• Origami Yoda (series) by Tom Angleberger
• Unicorn on a Roll by Dana Simpson (graphic novel)
• Middle School: The Worst Years of my Life by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts
• Anyone But Ivy Pocket by Caleb Krisp
• Vordak the Incomprehensible by Vordak T. Incomprehensible
• Plants vs. Zombies by Paul Tobin and Ron Chan
• The Worst Class Trip Ever by Dave Barry

What about NONFICTION? Here are some great choices:

• Two Truths and a Lie by Ammi-Joan Paquette and Laurie Ann Thompson, illustrated by Lisa K. Weber
• National Geographic Kids Almanac 2018
• The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome by Jonathan Stokes

(Some of these middle grade chapter books cross over genres. I tried to keep them in the most recognizable groupings I could.)

Don’t forget to find ways to make reading FUN!

Participate in a summer reading program.

Read with a headlamp in bed.

Read on an electronic device. (Free eBooks?)

Start a book club.

Reward reading with . . . more BOOKS! (Kids choose, of course.)

Read nonfiction books and graphic novels, too.

Even More Book Suggestions for Your 5th Graders:

–> More Book Recommendations Plus REVIEWS for 5th Graders

Summer Reading List for 6th Grade

Challenging books for (young) advanced readers

Brain Camp Summer Learning Printable

Fun Activity Books for Kids

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