Librarians’ picks for fourth- and fifth-grade readers

Looking for a few books for your nine or ten year old? Take a look at the eight books suggested here, and be sure to check our Seattle Picks: Books for Fourth and Fifth Graders 20-item list in our catalog.

Extra Credit by Andrew Clements (2009)
Abby takes on an extra credit pen pal project with a a student in Afghanistan.

The Real Spy’s Guide to Becoming a Spy by Peter Earnest
A former CIA operations officer reveals some spy techniques and busts some spy myths. Classified information here that probably shouldn’t be shared with adults.

Belly Up by Stuart Gibbs
Twelve-year-old Teddy discovers that Henry the Hippo — a favorite at a Texas zoo — didn’t just die, but was murdered.

I Am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to Be Your Class President
by Josh Lieb
Oliver Watson has everyone fooled into thinking he’s lazy and dull witted, but watch out when this evile genius decides to run for seventh-grade class president.

The Popularity Papers by Amy Ignatow
A novel in the form of a scrapbook, with the subtitle: “Research for the Social Improvement and General Betterment of Lydia Goldblatt & Julie Graham-Chang.”

The Death-defying Pepper Roux by Geraldine McCaughrean
His superstitious aunt always said he’d never live past 14, so when Pepper’s 14th birthday rolls around — and he wakes up alive — he takes off on a sea voyage that leads to a series of adventures.

Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen
It all started with a riding lawn mower and a goal to make a little money, but soon things get out of hand.

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by W.R. Philbrick
In this Civil War era novel, Homer’s older brother is sold off to take the place of a rich man’s son in the Union Army, and it’s up to Homer to set things straight. A mix of humor and adventure.

Ready for more? Check with the children’s librarian at your branch!

 

4 responses to “Librarians’ picks for fourth- and fifth-grade readers”

  1. Afghanistan is spelled incorrectly. Off to check out the recommendations. Thank you.

  2. David W

    Whoops! Thanks Jayne – thanks for catching our typo – I guess we now know who’s smarter than a 5th grader: Not Us! Fixed now.

  3. Catlady

    wow, andrew clements has such interesting themes in his books. i’m going to read this one soon!

  4. Christina

    Thank you so much for this! I have a reader who’s perfectly in this age group and I should be happy about that, but when he gravitates toward a reread I succumb to grasping book lists like this. (I’ve also received a brilliant list from Blythe @Faye G. Allen Room today courtesy of the Next 5 Books service.)

    word verification is “IKEA” so I’m inserting [Faye G.] Allen key groaner.

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