Fifth Grade Summer Reading: 12 Classics to Inspire and Delight
My kids enjoy a carefree, old-fashioned summer and one of our favorite things to do is read! Every summer I give each of my kids a reading list. Some of the books are stories that I want them to enjoy, some of them are books we didn’t get to during the school year, and some are to prepare the child for their upcoming studies. Here is my fifth grade summer reading list!
My fifth-grade boy loves comics, especially Calvin and Hobbes. He likes biographies, like the Childhood of Famous Americans series and adventure series like Ranger’s Apprentice. He really loves long books and enjoyed The Yearling this spring. I am glad he loves so many different genres and is not afraid to try hard or new books.
Over the summer, I know he will pick up some silly books from the library, and that is okay. I want him to pick his own books and find new authors.
The books on my list are stories that I know he will enjoy and will be good for his character and imagination. I hope you find some new ideas for your fifth grader!
Fifth Grade Summer Reading List
These are the books on his Fifth Grade Summer Reading list.
The Apple and the Arrow, by Mary and Conrad Buff
The legend of William Tell survived for more than seven hundred years. This early medieval story is about freedom, family and patriotism. This is a picture book worth having on your shelves.
The Black Stallion, by Walter Farley
First published in 1941, Walter Farley’s best-selling novel for young readers is the triumphant tale of a boy and a wild horse. A shipwreck, adventures on a desert island and exciting rescue will hold the attention of all fifth graders.
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Farmer Giles of Ham, by J.R.R. Tolkien
Everyone should read some Tolkien this summer and this book is a great introduction to one of my favorite authors. This short story is a light-hearted satire for readers of all ages that tells the tale of a reluctant hero who must save his village from a dragon.
Swallows and Amazons, Arthur Ransome
This is such a fun adventure story that has all the things that my kids like! Boats, sibling adventures, independence, mystery and it’s a series!
The Reluctant Dragon, Kenneth Grahame
Another dragon story, but this one is about a reluctant dragon instead of a reluctant farmer! It is a story about a boy and his friendship with a dragon. What will happen when St. George comes to battle the dragon? Don’t miss this clever, sweet read. It is a perfect summer classic.
Black Beauty, by Anna Sewell
I read this story SO many times when I was a girl. Black Beauty is a beautiful and tragic story of a horse. The novel follows his life through the hands of many owners. Some are kind, some are cruel. This story has sad parts and happy parts, adventures, triumphs and sorrow- the true recipe for a great story.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll
This is a very quirky story that the movie editions don’t get quite right. Alice in Wonderland is a must read because many of our modern day cultural references come from this story. It is British wit at its best and it is very strange. I know my fifth grader will like it.
Call it Courage, by Armstrong Perry
In this Newberry Award winner, a boy tries to conquer is fear of the sea. A boat, a storm, a deserted island, survival, adventure, and overcome fears all equal a great summer reading choice. I am looking forward to my son reading this one.
The Incredible Journey, by Sheila Burnford
My kids love animal stories and this one is not to be missed. I think my kids have seen this movie, but we usually all agree that the books are better! This is a sweet story of three (animal) friends who get separated from their human owners and try to find their way back to them through many trials. I will probably read this aloud, because my younger children will enjoy this one too.
Little Lord Fauntleroy, by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Written by the same author as The Little Princess and The Secret Garden, Little Lord Fauntleroy is story of a small, angelic boy from New York who is told he is the heir to an English earldom and is whisked away to the English countryside where he begins to win over his bad-tempered old grandfather. When the boy’s identity is challenged, his old friends from New York come to his rescue. We are planning to listen to this book on audio (British books are best with accents!).
The Prince and the Pauper, by Mark Twain
The Prince and the Pauper is a great introduction to Mark Twain. This story is a little different than the American stories of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. It is a satire of two look alike boys from different social classes who switch identities and learn a lot about life and themselves. This one would also be an excellent read aloud or audiobook.
A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L’Engle
A Wrinkle in Time is a fantasy series with beautiful spiritual and Christian undertones. Find out what a tesseract is and follow along on the space and time adventure as Meg and her friends try to find her father after his mysterious disappearance. My son will love this one, it is a perfect mix of fantasy, faith and science fiction.
Classics for Fifth Grade?
These wonderful books range in genres, lengths and themes, but they are all classic literature. If you have not read a lot of classic literature, you might be surprised at how wonderful you find the stories. They might be a little slower in pace, but they are still fun and wholesome. There is also a lot of humor and excitement – so don’t fear that the classics are boring! Classic books like this fifth grade summer reading list are a great way to build character and introduce children to the trials, joys and tribulations of life.
One of our jobs as parents is to prepare our kids to be able to read at high levels. Did you know that 54% of adults have a literacy rate below sixth grade? We want better for our kids! Reading classic literature is a great way to flex our reading muscles and grow in vocabulary and comprehension.
I hope you enjoy my summer reading list! Please leave me a note and let me know what your fifth grader is enjoying this year!
