The Best Books for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Book Clubs
Are you looking to start Literature Circles or Book Clubs with your upper elementary students, but don’t know which books to use? I have a short list of titles - some new and some classic - to get you started. You’ll find a range of reading levels and genres included including a graphic novel or two, which are perfect for reluctant readers.
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20 of the best book club books for upper elementary students
The War That Saved My Life
Ada is a ten-year old who has never left her apartment. Her foot is disfigured and her mother won’t allow her to leave for fear of others’ reactions. So when her brother leaves home, she sneaks out to go with him. A Newbery Honor book, this is an emotional story that is sure to stick with students long after they’re done reading.
Fish in a Tree
Ally is a dyslexic student who moves often and has hidden her inability to read from nearly everyone. After landing in Mr. Daniels’ classroom, she discovers self-confidence and begins to overcome her fear of being true to herself. Great for anyone who has ever struggled with a difference or felt like they didn’t fit in.
Rules
I loved using this book with my sixth graders. It’s about a 12-year old girl named Catherine whose brother has autism. She has to teach him all the “rules” about being a “normal” kid that most of us take for granted. It’s the perfect story for students who are caretakers and one that will build empathy for those who are different.
Midnight Without a Moon
Set in 1955, this story is based on actual historical events. Rose lives with her grandparents who are sharecroppers on a cotton plantation. A young boy named Emmett, who lives in the next town, was just killed for a crime he didn’t commit. The trial and acquittal of the men involved inspires Rose to fight for change in the South. Great for older readers.
Out of My Mind
Another great book for older readers, this is the story of an 11-year old who has cerebral palsy. Written from her point of view, it tells of her struggle to prove she’s more than her disability while not being able to speak, walk, or write. If you’re looking for a book that permits readers to walk in someone else’s shoes - this is it!
Magic Tree House
These books were well-loved by my third graders. They tell the story of Jack and Annie who go on wild adventures in their magic tree house. Together they travel in time to meet historical figures and even see the dinosaurs! As a teacher, I loved these books because they are short and easy to read. Perfect for older students with lower reading abilities and younger students new to chapter books.
The Secret's Lake: A Children's Mystery Adventure
Having a great mystery for the kids to read can be a great way to spark conversations! This book is geared towards children ages 8-12, and they'll love reading and talking about the mysterious disappearance of the neighbor's lost dog.
Marcus Vega Doesn’t Speak Spanish
This story is about Marcus, who is bigger and physically more mature than most in his eighth grade class. His mother decides Marcus needs a reset after he gets in a fight at school and ends up taking him to Puerto Rico to reconnect with distant relatives. While there, Marcus is on the hunt for his father who left the family when Marcus was very young. The time spent on that trip changes Marcus’ life. Another title for older students.
Wonder
Geared towards students aged 8-12, this book is all about being kind and showing kindness to the world. This book club book suggestion is certain to give the students plenty of great topics to talk about.
Holes
With the reading age of 10-12 suggested, the 5th graders will have a chance to speak their mind about this curious book. This book has won several awards and is full of page after page of fun, treasure, and mystery.
Return to Sender
This book is perfect for starting discussions about immigration with students. Tyler lives on a farm in Vermont with his family. When his father is injured, the family hires migrant workers from Mexico to help out on the farm. His budding friendship with a worker’s daughter challenges what he thought he knew about immigrants who might be “illegal”. Good for ages 8-12.
Brown Girl Dreaming
Honestly, any book by Jacqueline Woodson is worth including in book groups. There’s not a title of hers I’ve read that I wouldn’t recommend. This title won the National Book Award, Coretta Scott King Award, and was a Newbery Honor winner. It’s her own story about growing up during the Civil Rights movement of the 60’s and 70’s. Worth a read whether or not you choose to include it in your book groups.
The One and Only Ivan
Students aged 8-12 will love this book! Geared toward animal fans, this is a page-turner for sure. There's a reason that this book takes center stage in many classrooms all over the world.
Charlotte's Web
Everyone loves the pig named Wilbur! This classic story will forever be in your student's hearts, and there will be so many discussions about the events that unfold. The reading age suggested for this book is 8-12.
Blended
Sharon Draper is another author to add to your go-to list. Her books raise important issues and include characters who are relatable and multidimensional. Meet Isabella, an eleven-year-old whose divorced parents are recently engaged to other people. The story is about Isabella learning to navigate all the challenges associated with blended families in addition to being biracial and not feeling as if she really fits in on either side.
Esperanza Rising
When I taught sixth grade, this was a book I always included in book clubs. Set during the great depression, Esperanza is a girl who grows up in a wealthy family in Mexico. She’s used to having nice things and servants to care for her. However, that all changes when her family flees Mexico and lands in a Californian labor camp. The story tells of Esperanza’s struggle to adapt to her new life and care for her sick mother. Another book great for older readers.
Sisters
Last but not least, this graphic novel book is full of feelings of what it's like to have a sister or sibling. Many students will be able to relate to this, which can be a great way to help spark conversations and heal emotions. Kind of reminds me of the Beezus and Ramona books from back in the day. Great for ages 8-12.
A Long Walk to Water
This book is actually two stories based on real people and events. One is about Salva, who was a boy living in Sudan during the 1990’s. He was separated from his family during the war, survived on his own enduring multiple hardships, and eventually led a large group of other “lost Boys” like him to safety. The second story is of Nya, a young girl in present day living in an African village. This book is an excellent choice in raising awareness of issues experienced in societies other than our own.
One for the Murphys
I’ve appreciated that over the years more and more books are addressing the issue of foster care. Fostering is near and dear to my family and I’m always glad to see foster kids represented in books. In this story, Carley is put into foster care and goes to live with a family called the Murphys. It’s an environment she’s never experienced before - one that is stable and loving. She’s forced to make a difficult choice when, after living with the Murphys for some time her mother decides she wants Carley back. Another great title for older kids.
Who Were the Tuskegee Airmen?
This recommendation is really for the entire “Who Was?” series. If you’ve never read one of the many books included, I highly suggest you do. They’re short, engaging for kids, and really help bring history to life. Because they’re based on facts, rather than a plot, these books would be better fits for book clubs rather than literature circles. They’re also great titles to add to your classroom libraries.
Closing note…
As with any book used in your classroom, I recommend reading each before handing to your students. While a book might be appropriate for one group of readers, it may not fit yours. Looking for more? Be sure to see this post on the benefits of using Book Clubs and Literature Circles and this one on tips for getting started with Literature Circles
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