Summer Reading for 5th

"Final Season" by Tim Green is an engaging story about family, sports, and growing up. The book follows Brock, a young football player, who is faced with a big decision when he learns his dad, who is also his coach, has a serious illness called ALS. As Brock goes through high school, he deals with the pressure of making his dad proud while adjusting to changes at home. The story highlights the importance of teamwork, being strong in tough times, and how much families mean to each other. Through Brock's experiences, Tim Green tells a heartfelt tale of love, sacrifice, and the lasting power of family.

*Kirkus Starred Review, Rebecca Caudill nominee 2026

After some trouble in school Ava's parents whisk her off to her mother’s alma mater, the Academia del Forte, a mysterious international boarding school in Venice. There, Ava and her brother, Jax, discover that the Olympian gods founded the Academia to teach the descendants of mythological monsters how to control their emotions and their powers and become functioning, well-adjusted members of society. But not everything at the Academia is as it seems. After her friend Fia is almost expelled for challenging a teacher, Ava realizes the school is hiding a dangerous secret. To uncover the truth, Ava and her new friends embark on an adventure that could change the way they view history, mythology—and themselves—forever…or end their lives. 

*Rebecca Caudill Nominee 2026

"Better with Butter" is a heartwarming story about a young girl named Marvel who struggles with anxiety. One day, she unexpectedly becomes the caretaker of an adorable but nervous little goat named Butter. Marvel and Butter form a special bond, and as they spend time together, Marvel discovers that caring for Butter helps her manage her own worries. Throughout the novel, Marvel learns valuable lessons about friendship, bravery, and the importance of embracing who you are. This story beautifully illustrates how sometimes, helping others can be the key to helping ourselves.

*Bluestem Award Nominee 2026

"The Lost Library" by Rebecca Stead is a delightful story that follows a mysterious adventure involving a newly appeared little library. When it appears in town, a young boy named Evan is drawn into a life-changing journey. Along with his friends, Evan discovers that the library holds more than just books; it contains secrets and stories from the past, including a fire at the old library. As they explore, they learn about the importance of friendship, courage, and the power of stories to connect people across time. This enchanting tale inspires readers to cherish their own love for reading and the adventures found within the pages of a book.

*Bluestem Award Nominee 2026

"Millionaires for the Month" by Stacy McAnulty is an exciting and heartwarming story about two seventh graders, Felix and Benji, who stumble upon a billionaire's lost wallet. They return it to the owner, Ms. Faulkner, but she challenges them to spend $5 million in a month as a reward. The catch? They can't spend it on certain things like buying a house, donating it all to charity, or giving it to their families. As the boys try to tackle this unique challenge, they learn important lessons about friendship, money, and what truly matters in life. The novel is a fun adventure that encourages kids to think about the value of money and the importance of being true to oneself.

*Bluestem Award Nominee 2026