Book Recommendations
What an astonishing thing a book is. It's a flat object made from a tree with flexible parts on which are imprinted lots of funny dark squiggles. But one glance at it and you're inside the mind of another person, maybe somebody dead for thousands of years. Across the millennia, an author is speaking clearly and silently inside your head, directly to you. Writing is perhaps the greatest of human inventions, binding together people who never knew each other, citizens of distant epochs. Books break the shackles of time. A book is proof that humans are capable of working magic. –Carl Sagan
I am a voracious reader, and I love literature for the fifth-grade level. Below are just a handful of my favorites! Many are Newberry winners.
A Long Walk to Water, by Linda Sue Park
This short book follows the stories of two youth in Sudan. One of them is based on the true story of Salva Dut. It's a remarkable book--a wonderful read for both kids and adults.
A Single Shard, by Linda Sue Park
This is historical fiction, taking place in 12th century Korea. An orphan boy dreams of becoming a potter and ends up working for a master potter after accidentally breaking one of his pots.
A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L'Engle
A classic, now more than half a century old!
Becoming Naomi Leon, by Pam Munoz Ryan
This is a story about a girl in search of her own voice. It's because of this book that I'm determined to someday see the radish-carving festival in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Bud, Not Buddy, by Christopher Paul Curtis
This takes place during the Great Depression in 1936 in Flint, Michigan. Bud has to be one of the most endearing characters I've met in a book.
Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliet & Brett Helquist
This book requires some interaction and puzzle-solving sleuthing on the part of the reader. The first of a series.
Counting by Sevens, by Holly Goldberg Sloan
This is a book that I can't help but flip open again and again to get a glimpse into the sweet interactions and profound and simple thoughts of Willow Chance. I only wish I could be a part of the lucky, eccentric crew that takes Willow into their lives.
Everything on a Waffle, by Polly Horvath
Sweet, funny, good lessons about life.
First Light, by Rebecca Stead
A stunning science fiction story, of the same vein as City of Ember
Hoot, Flush, Chomp, and Scat (four books), by Carl Hiaasen
I can't get enough of Carl Hiaasen. His books are eco-adventures with quirky characters that take place in Florida.
Maniac Magee, by Jerry Spinelli
This is a fantastic tall tale. The figurative language pours off the page.
My Life in Dog Years, by Gary Paulsen
This is a wonderful quick read about a few of the amazing dogs Paulsen has owned.
Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry
One of Lowry's Newbery winners, this takes place during World War II in Denmark.
Okay for Now, by Gary Schmidt
Schmidt is a really wonderful storyteller. This is realistic fiction and among my favorites--great lessons. It follows Wednesday Wars, but they don't need to be read in order.
Rules, by Cynthia Lord
A very sweet story about a 12-year-old girl who makes rules for her autistic younger brother to behave "right" in the world.
Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio, by Peg Kehret
This one is hard to put down, and it's a quick read. Autobiographical and inspirational.
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, by Jacqueline Kelly
If I could have written any book, this one might have been it. It's a fictional story about a young naturalist in 1899. Absolutely delightful.
The Giver, by Lois Lowry
This takes place in a utopian society, with a hint of Brave New World.
The Mighty Miss Malone, by Christopher Paul Curtis
I don't know that I can do justice to this book by trying to describe it. The depth of Curtis's writing and characters is simply beautiful.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, by Kate DiCamillo
A beautiful story about life and relationships and love. Among my favorite read-alouds.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham, by Christopher Paul Curtis
This is historical fiction--both hilarious and tragic, taking place during the civil rights movement.
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
One of my favorites when I was young--a delightful whodunit.
When You Reach Me, by Rebecca Stead
Rebecca Stead is among my favorite children's authors. This is a beautiful novel with a bit of a mystery and a hint of science fiction.
The Crossover, by Kwame Alexander
This powerful story, told in verse, is dripping with figurative language.
A Whole 'Nother Story, by Dr. Cuthbert Soup
The funniest read aloud. The humor is spot on, and delightful for adults! It's the first of a trilogy.
The Secret of Nimh, by Robert C. O'Brien
I've read this multiple times, from childhood through teacher-hood. A classic and a page-turner.