20 Fantastic Chapter Books for Fifth Graders
by Jennifer Garry
Looking for the perfect book for your fifth grader? You’ve come to the right place!
Fifth grade sits on the cusp of so many things: it marks the end of elementary school and the beginning of middle school. It’s an in-between zone, right in the middle of being a little kid and teen. And it’s a time when kids should just be kids — and dip their toes into deeper waters, too.
These books include something for everyone: mystery, humor, sports, the intersection of thoughts and feelings, and so much more.
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Impossible Creatures
Buy from:When Christopher discovers an injured baby griffin, he stumbles upon a magical world filled with mythological creatures, new friends, and adventure. But a dark force threatens the magical islands, and Christopher must find a way to save them from utter destruction. The adventure continues in The Poisoned King and The Neverfear.
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Forbidden Mountain
Buy from:Readers who loved Fablehaven and Beyonders will want to read the author’s newest bestselling fantasy novel. This book kicks off a new series about a boy who bonds with a magical spirit and a girl who disguises herself as a criminal to search for a friend. When Mako and Arden’s paths cross, the fate of the kingdom rests on the outcome of their respective journeys.
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The Last Kids on Earth Series
Buy from:Reluctant and avid readers alike love this highly illustrated zombie-apocalypse series. Jack and his band of misfit friends take on monsters, evil overlords, and villains of all shapes and sizes in this action-packed series. Humor and action combine into an obsession-worthy 10-book series (and counting) that keeps kids coming back for more.
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Paper Dragons
Buy from:More than anything, Yeung Zhi Ging wants to become a Silhouette, apprentice to the immortals. As a trainee, she faces ruthless rivals, an ancient evil spirit, and a series of trials that push her abilities to the limits. This unforgettable fantasy novel is perfect for kids who love magic, competition, and adventure.
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The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks
Buy from:Being eleven is hard enough without embarrassing parents, awkward crushes, and one social disaster after another. Through diary entries, doodles, and laugh-out-loud observations, Lottie chronicles all the ups and downs of middle school life. Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dork Diaries will race through this hilarious and highly relatable read.
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Black Boy Joy
Buy from:Seventeen Black male and non-binary writers share their stories of Black boyhood in this essential anthology. Authors like Jason Reynolds, Jerry Craft, and Kwame Mbalia share celebratory stories, comics, poems, and more—making it a must-have for every type of reader.
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Fast Pitch
Buy from:As captain of the only all-Black softball team in the league, Shenice is determined to lead her team to the championship. She gets distracted when she learns her great-grandfather’s baseball career-ending crime might have been a setup. Determined to uncover the truth about her ancestor, her focus on the game slips. Can she clear her great-grandpa’s name and help take home the championship?
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Midnight at the Barclay Hotel
Buy from:A weekend away at a haunted hotel turns into a murder mystery when the guests learn of Mr. Barclay’s demise—and that they are all suspects. Three kids team up to figure out who the culprit is, uncovering secrets about the hotel and its guests along the way. This fun and fast-paced story is an excellent introduction to mystery novels.
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The Magic Paintbrush
Buy from:When Amy is fed up with feeling lackluster about her recent drawings, she gives her grandmother Lao Lao a visit. There she discovers an ancient paintbrush that brings her creations to life right before her eyes. When her creation Luna begins to roam the streets of her New York City neighborhood, Amy embarks on an exciting journey.
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Starfish
Buy from:This novel in verse is about Ellie, an 11-year-old girl who struggles with self-acceptance after years of fat-shaming. The criticism comes from everywhere: kids at school, her mom, and even strangers. As a result, she tries to fly under the radar and avoids attracting unwanted attention. With a new friend by her side and the support of a few caring adults, can she learn to accept herself?
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The Dollhouse: A Ghost Story
Buy from:When Alice’s parents get divorced, her mom takes a job at Blackwood House as a live-in nurse to a wealthy older woman. After they move into the big, creepy house, things quickly turn strange. First, the housekeeper’s daughter tells her that her bedroom is haunted. Then, they find a dollhouse replica of Blackwood House filled with dolls that look like real girls. Soon, Alice becomes obsessed with solving the mystery of the girls in the dollhouse and what might have happened to them.
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Maizy Chen's Last Chance
Buy from:Maizy is faced with unexpected change as she learns that Ohio will be her family's new home. The move is even more challenging as they are the only Asian Americans in their new town. At The Golden Palace, their family restaurant with generations of history, Maizy uncovers some surprising truths. However, with each discovery comes more questions, especially after a beloved family treasure goes missing and a racist note is left behind. Determined to find answers, Maizy embarks on a quest to uncover the truth.
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Harbor Me
Buy from:In this book by National Book Award-winner Jacqueline Woodson, a diverse group of kids meets weekly to talk in a safe, adult-free space. They start off discussing bullying incidents and end up tackling significant, timely issues like immigration, incarceration, race, and identity. This hope-filled book is a fantastic starting point for many essential discussions.
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Fish in a Tree
Buy from:Ally never learned to read, but she has always hidden it by causing disruptions in class — until Mr. Daniels sees through her antics and meets her where she’s at. As Ally pushes through her shame and past bullies, her confidence grows, and she realizes she’s more than her dyslexia. This book is an uplifting read—especially for kids who struggle in school.
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The Cardboard Kingdom
Buy from:No “best of” list for kids is complete without a graphic novel that can pull in reluctant readers. The Cardboard Kingdom is a classic tale about kids being kids. Sixteen children from one neighborhood use cardboard and their imaginations to create an entire world for themselves. Through their play, the kids explore their identities and touch on friendship, divorce, bullying, and so much more.
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The Apothecary
Buy from:After abruptly moving from sunny Los Angeles to London during the Cold War, Janie visits her local apothecary for a homesickness cure. The apothecary’s son, Benjamin (who dreams of being a spy) quickly becomes the most exciting thing in her new life. When his dad gets kidnapped, Janie and Benjamin must protect a 700-year-old book from Russian spies, save the apothecary, and prevent a nuclear disaster.
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Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer
Buy from:Theo Boone might be only 13, but he dreams of being a lawyer and even gives legal advice to kids at school. But when he gets involved in a murder trial, he must risk everything to expose the truth and deliver justice. The first in a series from John Grisham, this book will catch the attention of mystery lovers and aspiring lawyers alike.
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There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom
Buy from:Bradley Chalkers is the kid everyone avoids. He's rude, disruptive, and convinced nobody likes him — until a new school counselor begins helping him see himself differently. Funny, heartfelt, and surprisingly moving, this classic novel explores friendship, self-esteem, and the power of second chances in a way that still resonates with readers today.
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A Royal Conundrum (The Misfits #1)
Buy from:Trouble always seems to find Olive, but that all changes when she is invited to join a secret group of crime-fighting kids known as the Misfits. With the help of her fellow misfits, she'll have to use her unique talents to pull off an unforgettable heist. Packed with puzzles, surprises, and plenty of humor, this fast-paced adventure is perfect for readers who love clever characters and high-stakes intrigue.
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Flora and Ulysses
Buy from:Flora and Ulysses is one of my all-time favorite middle grade books. Cynical, comic-loving Flora saves an unsuspecting squirrel from being swallowed by her neighbor’s vacuum — only for the squirrel to emerge with superpowers. Hilarious and heartfelt, it follows the two on an adventure with comic-style illustrations throughout
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2021 and updated in 2026.