As children prepare to enter 5th grade, one of the best ways to keep them reading over the summer is by helping them find books they genuinely enjoy. This list includes a wide variety of genres, themes, and reading levels, but every book has one thing in common: tremendous kid appeal. Whether your child loves mysteries, fantasy, humor, graphic novels, or heartfelt stories, there’s something here to help them stay excited about reading all summer long.
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MYSTERIES AND FAST-PACED ADVENTURES
(Perfect for reluctant readers and kids who love page-turners)
The Maze of Bones (The 39 Clues series) by Rick Riordan
This action-packed series follows the Cahill siblings, Dan and Amy, as they race around the globe uncovering 
clues to a mysterious treasure. My kids devoured these books, captivated by the suspense, clever twists, and the siblings’ ability to outwit their greedy, estranged relatives. Equal parts thrilling and educational, this series is a hit for curious young readers.
It’s also available in Graphic Novel format.
Gregor the Overlander (series) by Suzanne Collins
Adventure and fantasy lovers will devour this exciting series. When Gregor accidentally stumbles upon a hidden world he discovers he is part of an ancient prophecy that can help him find his missing father. Full of danger and memorable characters, this is an excellent series for reluctant readers.
Holes by Louis Sachar
This award-winning book follows Stanley Yelnats who is convinced he is cursed. After wrongly convicted of a crime he didn’t commit, he is sent to a boy’s detention center in the dessert where he meets a rag-tag group of kids forced to dig holes searching for a mysterious treasure. The story travels back and forth in time revealing the origin of Stanley’s supposed curse and his eventual salvation.
The Magic Misfits (series) by Neil Patrick Harris
My kids adored this humorous and action-packed series about a group of kids who practice magic and work together to stop an evil magician! The first book stars Carter who escapes the clutches of his con-artist uncle only to fall into the grasp of a villainous carnival owner. Luckily, he meets a band of other magic-loving tweens who help him save the town and find true friendship in the process. Each book in the series is told from the perspective of a different child in the group and my kids loved how the entire series comes together in the end.
Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park (National Park Mystery Series) by Aaron Johnson
Filled with hidden codes and riddles, this new mystery series that takes place in National Parks is a ton of fun to read. Before Jake’s grandfather passed away, he entrusted Jake with clues to a hidden treasure. Now, Jake and his friends are in a race to uncover the secret before someone else does.
Houdini and Me by Dan Gutman
When twelve-year-old Harry discovers an old lockbox that once belonged to Harry Houdini, he suddenly finds himself transported back in time to meet the legendary magician himself. Filled with humor, suspense, and fascinating historical details, this entertaining novel is a great pick for kids who enjoy time travel, magic, and mystery.
FANTASY & MAGICAL ADVENTURES
(Perfect for readers who love imaginative worlds and unforgettable series)
The Fairy-Tale Detectives (The Sisters Grimm series) by Michael Buckley
When orphaned sisters Sabrina and Daphne are sent to live with a grandmother they never knew existed, they uncover a startling truth. They learn they are descendants of the Brothers Grimm, and that fairy tales are fact not fiction. Thrust into a hidden world of magic and danger, the girls must use their wits to navigate enchanted creatures and ancient grudges. When their grandmother is kidnapped by a giant, they race to unravel the mystery behind the crime while also edging closer to the truth about their missing parents. Packed with adventure, humor, and fairy-tale twists, this fast-paced fantasy series is an irresistible read. It’s also now an animated series on Apple TV that my 10-year-old daughter is loving.
Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott, illustrated by Geneva B
Facing eviction from his apartment, Jaxon fears things can’t get worse, which is exactly when he meets a witch who changes his life forever. She entices him to help deliver dragons to a secret world filled with magic.Full of adventure and interesting characters, this one is a real winner!
Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
This is a wildly silly and delightfully absurd collection of interconnected stories that kids can’t help but laugh at. Set in the very strange Wayside School, a thirty-story school accidentally built sideways, the book follows a cast of quirky students and teachers through bizarre classroom adventures filled with humor and surprises. This is one that my 5th grade daughter highly recommended adding to my list.
*** Perfect for kids who love funny books.
The Tail of Emily Windsnap (series) by Liz Kessler, Sarah Gibb
When Emily Windsnap is finally allowed to take swimming lessons, she makes a shocking discovery that she is actually part mermaid! Now she is exploring an underwater world and trying to learn more about her father who is also a mermaid. This is a fun fantasy story filled with friendship and adventure.
Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
Fans of spooky stories will relish in this terrifying tale! When Ollie and her classmates are stranded on a class field trip to a farm, Ollie suspects that the ghost story of the Smiling Man she has been reading about might be true after all.
Flora and Ulysses: the Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo
This Newberry Award-winner stars the quirky, comic-book loving Flora who discovers a squirrel with super powers. Full of humor and heart, readers will love following Flora as she overcomes her cynical ways during an outlandish adventure saving her squirrel from her eccentric mother.
The Night Librarian by Christopher Lincoln/
*** GRAPHIC NOVEL
This spooky and suspenseful graphic novel follows twins Page and Turner Reed, who discover that a mysterious library is filled with dangerous magical secrets. When strange creatures begin escaping from the books, the siblings must uncover the truth about their family and work together to stop the chaos before it spreads. Filled with eerie atmosphere, fast-paced adventure, and striking illustrations, this engaging graphic novel is a fantastic choice for readers who love mystery, fantasy, and stories with strong sibling dynamics.
HEARTFELT AND SOMETIMES FUNNY REALISTIC FICTION
(Books kids connect with emotionally with plenty of humor mixed in.)
The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson
When Ryanna receives a letter from her estranged grandparents inviting her to spend the summer with them at an old summer camp in the Poconos, she doesn’t realize, she’s signing up for an adventure of a lifetime. She not only meets a plethora of relatives, but also finds a treasure map that leads her on a quest to solve a decades-long mystery.
J vs. K by Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft
This is a funny, clever, and highly engaging story about two fifth-grade rivals competing in a creative writing contest. Kwame is convinced he’s a gifted writer, while Jerry is certain his incredible illustrations will help him win the school’s coveted prize. Filled with rich vocabulary, storytelling tips, and plenty of humor, this collaboration between powerhouse creators Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft is a fantastic celebration of healthy competition, discovering your strengths, and the creative magic that can happen when different talents come together.
11 Birthdays (series) by Wendy Mass
Born on the same day, best friends Amanda and Leo have spent every one of their birthdays together until this year. Due to a recent disagreement, they are spending this birthday apart until mystical cosmic forces have Amanda repeating her birthday day after day until she can finally make amends with Leo. This is such a well-crafted and thought-provoking friendship story.
*While technically this is a fantasy based on the fact that the main character must relive the same day over and over, I’m including it in realistic fiction because of the strong friendship element.
Front Desk by Kelly Yang
This thoughtful and engaging story based on many events from the author’s life is a must! Mia may only be ten-years-old, but she works the front desk at the motel her parents run. As Chinese immigrants, her family faces a lot of adversity including poverty and racism. It is truly impressive how Mia’s hard-working attitude and desire to follow her dream as a writer guide her through difficult moments. While there is a lot of humor in this book, there are also deeper issues making this a good one to read as a family to discuss.
The Academy by T.Z. Layton
When twelve-year-old Leo earns a chance to compete at an elite soccer academy in England, he must battle fierce competition, homesickness, and self-doubt as he chases his dream of becoming a professional player. Fast-paced and full of heart, this is a fantastic pick for soccer fans and readers who love underdog stories.
Frindle by Andrew Clements,illustrated by Brian Selznick
Prankster Nick Allen turns his classroom upside down when he invents a new word in this comical realistic fiction.
The Terrible Two (series) by Mac Barnett
Miles Murphy couldn’t be less excited about moving to Yawnee Valley, a town famous for their large number of cattle. The only saving grace is that he can start his 5th grade year as the school’s new prankster. When he arrives on the first day to find the principal’s car blocking the entrance to the school, however, he realizes Yawnee may already have a prankster that needs to be dethroned. We read this book aloud as a family and it had everyone cracking up. Between the comical writing and hysterical illustrations, this one is perfect for reluctant readers or anyone who enjoys a funny story.
*** Perfect for kids who love funny books.
When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed, illustrated by Iman Geddy
*** GRAPHIC NOVEL
This is a deeply moving and beautifully told graphic novel inspired by Omar Mohamed’s real-life experiences growing up in a refugee camp in Kenya. Through expressive illustrations and heartfelt storytelling, this powerful book explores resilience, family, hope, and the transformative impact of education. This is an unforgettable read that builds empathy and sparks meaningful conversations.
BOOKS FOR ANIMAL LOVERS
(Heartfelt stories readers won’t forget)
Wish by Barbara O’Connor
With her dad in jail and her mother unable to care for her, eleven-year-old Charlie Reese moves in with her aunt and uncle in North Carolina. While waiting for the opportunity to go back home, Charlie is surprised to find true friendship in a classmate, a dog, and may even find the family she has always wished she had.
Ribsy by Beverly Cleary
When Ribsy, Henry Huggins’ lovable and mischievous dog, becomes separated from his family, he embarks on a funny and eventful journey trying to find his way home. My family listened to the entire Henry Huggins series together and absolutely loved it, and my daughter enjoyed the books so much she reread the series several times. Beverly Cleary has such a special gift for capturing childhood in a way that still feels relatable and delightful generations later. We also highly recommend the Ramona series.
Allergic by Megan Wagner Lloyd, illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter
*** GRAPHIC NOVEL
Maggie wants a pet more than anything in the world, but when she goes to adopt one, she discovers she has severe allergies. Now she must navigate a new friendship with a neighbor, prepare to welcome another sibling, and come to terms with her allergies.
A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold, illustrated by
Bat, an autistic boy who sees the world a little differently, becomes determined to care for a baby skunk his veterinarian mother rescues. Filled with warmth, humor, and empathy, this charming novel offers a thoughtful and authentic portrayal of a child discovering confidence, responsibility, and friendship.
Skunked! (Calpurnia Tate Girl Vet series) by Jacqueline Kelly; illustrated by Jennifer Meyer
From Newbery honor author Jacqueline Kelly comes a new illustrated chapter book series for younger readers featuring the beloved characters from The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. Set in Texas in 1900, the story follows Calpurnia Tate as she helps her veterinarian brother care for a wide variety of animals, including an especially memorable skunk, while continuing to challenge expectations about what girls can do. Charming, funny, and full of lovable characters, this engaging companion novel is perfect for animal lovers and fans of strong, curious heroines.
Cress Watercress by Gregory Maguire, illustrated by David Litchfield
After his father fails to return home from searching for honey, Cress and his family of rabbits move to an old oak tree where they meet an assortment of woodland animals who become their friends and neighbors. The full-color illustrations by David Litchfield are particularly enchanting.
The One and Only Ivan (series) by Katherine Applegate; illustrated by Patricia Castelao
This award-winning story follows a great silverback gorilla who resides in the Big Top Mall and Video Arcade for 27 years. When a baby elephant named Ruby joins him, he makes a promise to help her escape the caged life he has endured.
Told from Ivan’s point of view, the moving text is full of humor and heart. I have to admit that I got a little teary-eyed reading about Ivan’s capture and his treatment by some of his handlers, but was uplifted by his stoic nature and the hopeful ending. As soon as we finished the book, my son immediately asked if we could read the rest of the series.
FASCINATING NONFICTION
(Books that help readers better understand the world)
Unsolved Case Files series by Tom Sullivan
Filled with eye-catching color illustrations paired with fascinating facts about some of the FBI’s most mysterious unsolved cases, this new series is a must-have. There is a surprising amount of information packed into the books that had me excited to learn right along with my son. A detailed overview of the crime, complete with breakout boxes, reproduced documents, and photographs help readers come to their own conclusions about what happened to the evasive criminals in these mesmerizing true-crime stories.
My son absolutely loves both Escape At 10,000 Feet and Jailbreak at Alcatraz and we are now anxiously awaiting the third book in the series The 500 Million Dollar Heist.
History Smashers Ancient Egypt by Kate Messner
With an engaging format that weaves in comics and photographs, this fascinating series is such an entertaining way to teach kids about history. This installment introduces children to various 
aspects of Ancient Egypt and dispels several popular myths that will blow their minds. My daughter and I also read the History Smashers Salem Witch Trials and absolutely loved it.
Totally True Adventures by various authors and illustrators
(Ages 8 and up)
Ranging in well-known topics such as King Tut and Apollo 13 to lesser-known moments in history including George Washington’s spy ring and reporter Nelly Bly’s race around the world, this series is filled with fascinating events from history. My son and I read George Washington’s Spies together and while it is a bit dense at times, it was also extremely interesting and had my son excited to learn more.
She Persisted Chapter Book series by various authors
(Ages 8 and up)
Inspired by the success of the She Persisted picture books, this new chapter book series provides readers with a more in-depth look at a variety of women who have faced adversity, persisted through it, and changed the world because of it. Black and white illustrations accompany the inspirational biographies. Each book also includes a “How Can You Persist?” section inspiring readers to internalize the lessons they learned from the biography and apply them to their own lives.
GRAPHIC NOVELS KIDS CAN’T PUT DOWN
(Highly engaging reads perfect for visual learners and reluctant readers)
T
he CLICK series by Kayla Miller
I’ve been so incredibly impressed with the CLICK series and how authentically it navigates nuanced friendship challenges in a way that’s both engaging and accessible.
Olive is a fantastic character and role model who navigates life’s ups and downs with grace. No matter the challenge, she remains kind, stays true to herself, and confidently speaks up for what she believes in. The social dynamics at her school are equally refreshing, with diverse, realistic characters and friendship groups that are generally supportive of one another.
In the first installment, Olive’s class is preparing for a talent show and she quickly realizes that even though she has a lot of friends, she’s not part of a particular group
Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales (series) by Nathan Hale
This engaging graphic novel uses humor to teach children all about history. When Nathan Hale is magically gifted the knowledge of the future, he inform a British military officer and a goofy executioner of the outcome of the Revolutionary War. This graphic novel uses playful illustrations and entertaining stories to bring history alive to readers.
Amulet: The Stonekeeper (series) by Kazu Kibuishi
After the death of their father, siblings Emily and Navin move into their great-grandfather’s old house with their mother. Here they find a secret world filled with danger, strange creatures, and secrets.
The Baby-Sitters Club books have been extremely popular for good reason. With relatable characters navigating friendships, middle school, family, and identity, there’s a lot to love. Each member of the club brings a unique personality, allowing readers to connect with a variety of girls as they face the challenges of growing up.
El Deafo by Cece Bell
Basde on her childhood, Cece Bell reinvents her younger self as a rabbit navigating elementary school with a hearing aid. With humor and heart, it’s hard not to love this courageous Cece as she forms friendships, develops a crush, and discovers her hearing aid gives her a special superpower.
Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth (series) by Judd Winick
D.J. and his friend Gina consider their lives boring until they meet Hilo, a robot from another planet who looks like a boy. Together the three friends try to unlock the secrets to Hilo’s past while also battling giant robotic insects. This fast-paced story is funny, adventurous, and full of heart resulting in a winning combination.
Spy School: The Graphic Novel by Stuart Gibbs; illustrated by Anjan Sarker
Due to his extraordinary gaming and math skills, Ben Ripley is recruited to the CIA’s Academy of Espionage. He quickly discovers there is danger and deception lurking at every corner. As he sharpens his skills and makes new friends, he must also find his way through several comical mishaps and discover who is framing him for a crime.
This one is perfect for kids who want to experience the thrill of Spy School, but aren’t ready for the full chapter book.
Hoops by Matt Tavares
Set in the 1970’s in Indiana, the story follows the Wilkins Regional High School girls’ basketball team during their first season as they overcome unfair treatment, limited resources, and empty bleachers while proving they deserve to be taken seriously. Based on the real struggle for gender equality in athletics, this highly engaging graphic novel is filled with heart, grit, and exciting basketball action.
Check out more Middle Grade faves here.
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