The Best Books for 5th Graders
The books we read as children have a significant impact on how we view the world. Stories have the power to teach us valuable life lessons, nurture our imaginations and critical thinking skills, and help us understand others with compassion and empathy.
When we incorporate age-appropriate novels into our children’s education, we provide them with a priceless opportunity to engage with themes and concepts that will enrich their lives and open their hearts and minds to the glory of the gospel.
5th Grade Novel Studies
Total Language Plus offers parents and educators comprehensive novel study guides for students of all ages to assist with their educational development. Here are a few of our favorite novels for 5th graders.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
This classic fantasy novel by C.S Lewis has become a mainstay in children's literature since its publication in 1950. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe tells the epic story of Peter, Susan, Edmond, and Lucy, four young siblings who discover a wardrobe in their home that leads to the magical world of Narnia. They meet and befriend fantastical creatures and are enlisted to complete the prophecy of defeating the White Witch, who keeps Narnia in a constant state of winter. The four siblings go on an incredible journey that spans decades as they grow up and find the courage to fight for what is right.
This novel explores themes of war, courage, sacrifice, betrayal, and forgiveness while allowing for the comparison of Aslan to Jesus. The book’s World War II setting is an important element of the book, as the battles and anxieties in Narnia are not dissimilar to those that occur in the real world. The story explores the implications of war, growing up, and learning to find personal and moral strength in times of strife or uncertainty. The magical setting and fantastical characters provide an excellent outlet for 5th grade students to engage with these topics in a way that is meaningful and enjoyable.
Our study guide offers unique activities, field trips, and supplemental materials to assist students in their novel studies. The Lion, the Witch, and The Wardrobe is a timeless classic, and its moving thematic elements and intriguing story continue to solidify its place in children's literature.
My Side of the Mountain
Published in 1959 and written by Jean Craighead George, My Side of the Mountain follows Sam Gribley, a twelve-year-old boy who runs away from a small New York Apartment where he lives with his parents and eight siblings, to live alone in the wilderness on his grandfather's mountain. Over the next year (with help from a few basic survival books) Sam learns how to survive on his own. He hunts and makes traps, gathers edible plants and berries, makes his own clothes and shelter, and befriends numerous animals – including a falcon named Frightful.
Throughout his journey in the wild, Sam learns valuable practical skills as well as life-lessons about loneliness, independence, resourcefulness, courage, the importance of human companionship, and growing up. 5th grade students will not only learn about nature and various survival concepts, but they’ll also learn about these important themes through a fun and enlightening adventure. TLP’s guide aides in their novel studies with various assignments and activities related to writing, grammar, thematic concepts, and more.
Amos Fortune: Free Man
Written by Elizabeth Yates, Amos Fortune, Free Man tells the true story of a young African prince who is captured by slave traders at the age of fifteen and brought to New England in the early 1700s, where he is sold at auction. This biographical novel won the Newbery Medal for excellence in American children’s literature in 1951 and challenges readers of all ages to consider our Christian faith from a unique perspective.
Amos Fortune was born free – as a prince of his tribe, the At-mun-shi – before his village is raided by slavers who kill his father. He is kidnapped, enslaved, and sold before being forced to work for years. Throughout his ordeal, he remains determined to reclaim his freedom. He faces tremendous loss and disappointment, but through faith, forgiveness, and resolve, he is able to buy his freedom, eventually saving enough money to purchase his own land, build a house and a barn, and start a business of his own.
This incredible true story gives 5th-grade students a unique opportunity in their novel studies to explore difficult themes grounded in historical and biblical truth. TLP’s extensive study guide covers comprehension, spelling, vocabulary, and grammar and offers enrichment ideas related to this story that enhance the learning experience.