5th Grade Summer Reading List (Ages 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!

All book reviews and recommendations for 10-year-olds.

It’s 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 grade levels here.

Summer reading programs can be a 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 (Ages 10 – 11)

Fantasy

If you like fantasy, you’ll love:

• Charlie Hernandez and the League of Shadows by Ryan Calejo
• Willa of the Wood by Robert Beatty
• Five Kingdoms (series) by Brandon Mull
• The Language of Spells by Garret Weyr
• In a Glass Grimmly (series) by Adam Gidwitz
• Nightmares! (series) by Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller

Adventure

If you like adventures, you’ll love

• Masterminds by Gordon Korman
• Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret by Trudi Trueit
• The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
• Spy School by Stuart Gibbs
• The Cloak Society by Jeramey Kraatz
• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein

Mystery

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
• The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
• Nooks and Crannies by Jessica Lawson
• The Frame-Up by Wendy McLeod MacKnight

Historical Fiction

If you like historical fiction, you’ll love 

• The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
• Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldeko
• Lost in the Pacific, 1942: Not a Drop to Drink by Tod Olson
• Dactyl Hill Squad by Daniel Jose Older
• Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper
• Journey of the Pale Bear by Susan Fletcher

Realistic

If you like realistic fiction, try reading:

• The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Perez
• El Deafo by Cece Bell (graphic novel)
• Unteachables by Gordon Korman
• The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman
• No Fixed Address by Susin Nielsen
• New Kid by Jerry Craft (graphic novel)

Humor

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

• Origami Yoda (series) by Tom Angleberger
• Middle School: The Worst Years of my Life by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts
• Vordak the Incomprehensible by Vordak T. Incomprehensible
• The Worst Class Trip Ever by Dave Barry
• Belly Up by Stuart Gibbs
• The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier

Animals

If you like animal adventures, you’ll love:

• The Last Dogs(series) by Christopher Holt
• Warriors (series)by Erin Hunter
• Mouseheart (series)by Lisa Fielder
• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
• Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien
• Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer by Kelly Jones

Nonfiction

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
• 2020 National Geographic Almanac
• The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome by Jonathan Stokes
• Beavers: The Superpower Field Guides by Rachel Poliquin
• The Girl Who Drew Butterflies by Joyce Sidman

(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

Brain Camp Summer Learning Printable

Fun Activity Books for Kids

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