READING LIST for the RISING 5TH GRADERS
TOTAL OF 3 BOOKS
Required for English:
HATCHET by Paulsen, Gary
Brian Robeson, the sole passenger in a single-engine plane, is on his way to visit his father in the Canadian oil fields when his pilot suffers a heart attack. Alone and desperate, Brian guides the plane to a landing on an isolated lake. He spends the next fifty-four days struggling to survive.
Required for History:
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION by Steve Sheinkin
The story of the American Revolution comes alive in this special edition of a Storyteller’s History.
Plus one book chosen from the following lists of Classics, Contemporary Fiction or Non-Fiction.
Classics
LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY - Burnett, Frances H.
An American boy goes to live with his grandfather in England, discovers a secret garden, and finds friends and happiness.
LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY - Burnett, Frances H.An American boy goes to live with his grandfather in England, discovers a secret garden, and finds friends and happiness
DANNY, THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD - Dahl, Roald
Danny feels very lucky. He adores his life with his father. It is peaceful and wonderful…until he turns 9 and discovers his father’s one vice. Other great books by Roald Dahl are: THE BFG, THE WITCHES, MATILDA, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, CHARLIE AND THE GREAT GLASS ELEVATOR.
ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL (series) - Herriot, James
The humorous, serious, and heartwarming adventures of an English veterinarian are fun to read.
FIVE CHILDREN AND IT - Nesbit, E.
When five children discover a Psammead (a sand fairy who is obliged to grant wishes that last a whole day) while digging in the quarry near their summer cottage, the stage is set for wondrous adventures. E. Nesbit, considered the godmother of the fantasy genre for children, is also the author of THE RAILWAY CHILDREN and the recently reissued BOOK OF DRAGONS, both wonderful summer reading choices.
BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA - Paterson, Katherine
Jess Aarons is eager to start fifth grade. He's been practicing his sprints all summer, determined to become the fastest runner at school. All seems to be on track, until the new girl in class (who also happens to be Jess' new next door neighbor), Leslie Burke, leaves all the boys in the dust, including Jess. After this rather frustrating introduction, Jess and Leslie soon become great friends.
SELECTED TALES - Poe, Edgar Allan
These exquisitely written horror and detective stories are timeless.
WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS - Rawls, Wilson
A loving threesome, they roamed the dark hills and river bottoms of Cherokee country. Old Dan had the brawn, Little Ann had the brains -- and Billy had the will to train them to be the finest hunting team in the valley. Glory and victory were coming to them, but sadness awaited them too. An exciting tale of love and adventure you will never forget.
KING ARTHUR AND THE ROUND TABLE - Talbot, Hudson
A beautifully illustrated edition of the beloved Arthurian legend, this volume is a great introduction to Arthur and his adventures. Other Arthur tales by Hudson Talbot are SWORD IN THE STONE, EXCALIBUR, and LANCELOT.
THE EYES OF AMARYLLIS - Babbitt, Natalie
For thirty years a captain's widow waits for her deceased husband to send her a message after his ship Amaryllis sinks in a hurricane. While her granddaughter keeps watch with her, the boundaries between reality and fantasy become blurred in this haunting tale.
TUCK EVERLASTING - Babbitt, Natalie
The Tuck family discovers a spring which grants eternal life, decides to protect it for the sake of humanity, and finally meets challenges to their goals in the form of a ten-year- old's inquisitive mind and a greedy stranger who suspects their secret.
THE LANDRY NEWS - Clements, Andrew
Fifth grader Cara Landry publishes her homemade newspaper, the Landry News, and reports truth and education. This paper exposes the laziness of her once enthusiastic teacher, Mr. Larson, and results in a large scale media frenzy. See also FRINDLE, THE SCHOOL STORY, THE JACKET and THINGS NOT SEEN, all wonderful stories by Clements.
ARTEMIS FOWL - Colfer, Eoin
Suspend your disbelief and read this wild and wacky story for the fun of it. Artemis Fowl is a 12-year-old genius and the scion of a legendary Irish criminal family whose fortune was diminished when Artemis Senior tried to horn in on the Russian Mafia. Determined to restore the family wealth, Artemis Fowl the Second concocts an elaborate plan to relieve the fairies of some of their magical gold. Follow this up with the sequels: THE ARCTIC INCIDENT, THE ETERNITY CODE, THE OPAL DECEPTION,and the newest adventure, THE LOST COLONY .
GRANNY TORELLI MAKES SOUP - Creech, Sharon
Granny’s stories help two twelve-year-old neighbors stay best friends.
THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE - DiCamillo, Kate
A china rabbit, Edward Tulane is adored by his owner Abiliene and is quite smug about it . When he gets lost, he travels from one perilous and terrifying situation to another. His redemptive journey is truly miraculous in this breathtaking tale. For readers of all ages.
THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX - DiCamillo, Kate
A small mouse, who loves light, music and a princess, becomes involved in a desperate adventure which tests his valor. This year’s Newbery Award winner.
THE CITY OF EMBER - DuPrau, Jeanne
Two twelve-year-olds struggle to uncover the truth of their mysterious, deteriorating city and search for an escape route. Follow up with the sequel, THE PEOPLE OF SPARKS and the brand new prequel, THE PROPHET OF YONWOOD.
THE TRANSMOGRIFICATION OF ROSCO WIZZLE - Elliot, David
Eating too much fast food turns a normal ten-year-old into a giant bug. A suspenseful and very funny fantasy.
SEEDFOLKS - Fleischman, Syd
This innovative, slim novel tells the story of an urban garden planted and nurtured by a community. Each chapter is narrated by a different member of the neighborhood, which gives the reader a fully realized sense of the impact the garden has on each character and on the community as a whole.
ONE-EYED CAT - Fox, Paula
Ned knows he shouldn’t shoot the air rifle he got for a present. Even though his father and invalid mother have forbidden it, he can’t resist. One night he sneaks out and fires it. A few days later, a cat with only one eye appears, and Ned is filled with guilt that won’t go away.
THIEF LORD - Funke, Cornelia
Welcome to the magical underworld of Venice , Italy , where hidden canals and crumbling rooftops shelter runaways and children with incredible secrets... Prosper and Bo are orphans on the run from their cruel aunt and uncle. The brothers decide to hide out in Venice , where they meet a mysterious thirteen-year-old boy who calls himself "the Thief Lord." This exciting tale of fun, flight, and freedom is sure to enchant readers and keep them guessing up until a breathtaking finale.
INKHEART - Funke, Cornelia
Meggie loves to read. She lives alone with her Dad, named Mo, who repairs books. One day a stranger named Dustfinger arrives, and Meggie discovers that her father has a special power: he can make characters from books come to life – literally. The villains from one book, entitled Inkheart, have hunted Meggie’s father for years, and have finally caught up with him. Meggie and her father begin to search for Inkheart’s author so he can write a new ending to the story. Follow up with the sequel, Inkspell.
JOEY PIGZA SWALLOWED THE KEY - Gantos, Jack
Both funny and moving, this novel is about a good kid with ADHD, his trials and tribulations. JOEY PIGZA LOSES CONTROL is a sequel that won a 2001 Newbery Honor. WHAT WOULD JOEY DO? continues Joey’s saga of trying to settle down in a family that keeps winding him up all over again.
THE HOMEWORK MACHINE - Gutman, Dan
When 5th grader Brenton invents a machine that actually does homework, things quickly get out of hand. Suspicions are raised, laws are broken, and friendships are tested. A thought-provoking tale that will raise the maxim, "Be careful what you wish for."
JASON’S GOLD - Hobbs, Will
The 1897 Klondike gold rush is the vivid backdrop to this harshly realistic novel. When 15-year-old Jason Hawthorn sets off from Seattle to the newly discovered gold fields, he has no idea of the difficulties of terrain, weather, and chronically short rations that lie ahead. This is a good choice for those of you who enjoy adventure stories. See also DOWN THE YUKON, GHOST CANOE, and FAR NORTH.
WHEN ZACHARY BEAVER CAME TO TOWN - Holt, Kimberly Willis
When Zachary Beaver, a 600 pound teenager, comes to Antler, Texas, home of 13-year-old Toby Wilson, Toby’s world and his view of the world will change dramatically.
THE CANNING SEASON - Horvath, Polly
Ratchet Clark is a lonely 13-year-old who lives in Florida with her mother – until her mother decides to send her to live with her aunts, 91-year-old twins Tilly and Penpen, on their blueberry farm in Maine. Despite the aunts’ odd behavior and wild storytelling, Ratchet feels loved for the first time in her life.
THE GAMMAGE CUP: A NOVEL OF THE MINNIPINS - Kendall, Carol
Read about the adventures of the tiny folk (Minnipins) who become mighty heroes. The five outcasts from the conformist society of Slipper on the Water have broad appeal, and readers of all ages will relate to the themes of loyalty and friends.
MAXX COMEDY - Korman, Gordon
After learning about a comedy contest for kids, Max Carmody adopts the stage name Maxx Comedy, makes a videotape of his comedy routine with the help of his friends and then tries to record a laugh track to add to the tape. He and his three best friends participate in hilarious scienes that accentuate their eccentricities and bring home the main theme of loyalty to friends and family.
THE DAYDREAMER - McEwan, Ian
The daydreams of 10-year-old Peter are presented in a series of vivid, humorous, and sometimes bizarre episodes that include changing places with a cat and a baby, being attacked by a group of dolls, and catching a burglar.
BRIAN’S WINTER (Companion to HATCHET) - Paulsen, Gary
Instead of being rescued from a plane crash, as in HATCHET, this story portrays what would have happened to Brian had he been forced to survive a winter in the wilderness with only his survival pack and his hatchet.
SOLDIER’S HEART
In spare prose, Gary Paulsen writes of the horrors of combat in the Civil War. Based on the life of a real boy, it tells the story of Charley Goddard, who lies his way into the Union Army at the age of 15. Charley has never been any place beyond Winona, Minnesota, and thinks war would be a great adventure.
PROTECTOR OF THE SMALL - Pierce, Tamora
This is a series filled with adventure and humor and interesting information on how to become a knight. Other series by Tamora Pierce are: SONG OF THE LIONESS QUARTET, CIRCLE OF MAGIC, THE IMMORTAL SERIES.
THE GOLDEN COMPASS - Pullman, Philip
This epic novel is about missing children, a golden truth-divining compass, and a young girl and her “daemon” and their struggle against the forces of evil. Its sequels, THE SUBTLE KNIFE and THE AMBER SPYGLASS, complete this exciting and compelling trilogy.
HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE - Rowling, J.K.
HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE
HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX
HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS
Of course, read all of the HARRY POTTERS, if you’d like. For fun, try the Harry Potter school books: QUIDDITCH THROUGH THE AGES and FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM.
THE WESTING GAME - Raskin, Ellen
Sam Westing has died. Sixteen people came to hear his will. It turns out that they are all related. The will says that someone has murdered Westing and the heirs have to solve a puzzle game in order to inherit the huge amount of money left by him. This is a fun-filled mystery. Highly recommended.
VARJAK PAW - Said, Sf
An outcast Mesopotamian Blue cat, with help from friends and an ancient secret, battles an evil cat snatcher. Lush illustrations. The story continues with the sequel, The Outlaw Varjak Paw.
TIME WARP TRIO
SQUIDS WILL BE SQUIDS - Scieszka, Jon, illustrated by Lane Smith
Any title in the TIME WARP TRIO series is good for laughs from this wacky author/illustrator team of THE STINKY CHEESE MAN including SUMMER READING IS KILLING ME,(!?!?!?). Check out Jon Scieszka’s website “www.guysread.com” for a great list of books boys love.
SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS - Snicket, Lemony
The Bad Beginning, The Reptile Room, The Wide Window, The Miserable Mill, The Austere Academy, The Ersatz Elevator, The Vile Village, The Hostile HospitaL, A Carnivorous Carnival, The Slippery Slope, The Penultimate Peril and The Grim Grotto and The End (the final title in this series) comprise the ghastly and uncompromising series in which the author advises on the first page of the first book, “If you are interested in stories with happy endings, you would be better off reading some other book.” Irresistible, and funny, you will want to follow the misadventures of the three Baudelaire children from start to finish. You also might want to try Lemony Snicket, The Unauthorized Biography, for more information on this mysterious author.
ABEL’S ISLAND - Steig, William
A mouse gets stuck on an island after going on a picnic with his fiancee.
SHREDDERMAN: SECRET IDENTITY SERIES- Van Draanen, Wendelin
The pen is mightier than the sword, or rather, the keyboard is mightier than the bully, as the case happens to be for fifth grader Nolan "Byrd the Nerd." When "Happy Hippie" teacher Mr. Green asks his students to each create a newspaper page, he unintentionally spawns Shredderman, Nolan's inner superhero. Will Nolan use his power to create good or evil?
BELLE PRATER'S BOY - White, Ruth
In this 1997 Newbery Honor book, twelve-year old Gypsy wants to know the facts about the sudden and unsolved disappearance of her Aunt Belle. With the help and friendship of her cousin Woodrow (Belle's son), she comes to understand that there are different truths.
THE GOLDEN HOUR - Williams, Maiya
When Rowan and his sister, Nina, arrive for a summer visit with their eccentric aunts, Agatha and Gertrude, they could not anticipate the adventure they were about to have, not even in their wildest imaginations. Exciting, mysterious things keep happening, not the least of which is an episode of time travel to 18th century France, smack in the middle of the French Revolution.
CASTLE IN THE ATTIC - Winthrop, Elizabeth
A fabulous fantasy about a boy who travels in time when a model of a medieval castle comes to life for him. William’s quest, which includes a ferocious dragon and a wicked wizard, leads the reader through an enthralling journey in which good conquers evil and courage triumphs over fear. Its sequel, BATTLE FOR THE CASTLE, is an exciting continuation of the story.
SHIPWRECKED! THE TRUE ADVENTURES OF A JAPANESE BOY -Blumberg, Rhoda
Fourteen-year old Manjiro and four other fishermen are shipwrecked on a small, rocky island three hundred miles from shore during the 1800’s, when Japan had strict isolation laws. Blumberg is also the author of COMMODORE PERRY IN THE LAND OF THE SHOGUN and THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY OF LEWIS AND CLARK.
FREDERICK DOUGLASS: FOR THE GREAT FAMILY OF MAN - Burchard, Peter
A biography of the runaway slave who became an abolitionist, a crusader for women’s rights, and an advisor to Abraham Lincoln. Includes photographs.
THE PERILOUS JOURNEY OF THE DONNER PARTY - Calabro, Marian
The story of the Donner Party, the ill-fated wagon train that faced horrific circumstances on its way to California, is nothing short of riveting. Calabro tells her story primarily through the eyes of one of the young emigrants, 12-year-old Virginia Reed. She traces the journey from its optimistic beginnings to its tragic end.
BOY: TALES OF CHILDHOOD - Dahl, Roald
Discover that many of Dahl’s tales of his own childhood inspired him to write his world-famous, best-selling books.
THE WRIGHT BROTHERS - Freedman, Russell
The Newbery author has filled this photo-biography, which follows the lives of the Wright brothers and describes how they developed the first airplane, with original photographs by Wilbur and Orville Wright. See also LINCOLN; A PHOTO-BIOGRAPHY and IN THE DAYS OF THE VAQUEROS and many other exciting non-fiction titles by the same author.
THE ABRACADABRA KID: A WRITER’S LIFE - Fleischman, Sid
A rollicking autobiographical journey follows Fleischman from budding magician to award-winning author.
THE FROZEN MAN - Getz, David
A well-preserved body found frozen in the Alps in 1991 was identified as a five-thousand-year-old mummy. Illustrated with color photographs and evocative drawings, this compact volume explains the scientific procedures that led to informed speculation on how this ancient man had lived and died. Other great books by David Getz include THE FROZEN GIRL, LIFE ON MARS, and PURPLE DEATH; THE MYSTERIOUS FLU OF 1918.
ROMARE BEARDEN - Greenburg, Jan
COLLAGE OF MEMORIES
The life of the twentieth century African-American artist enhanced by his exuberant art.
THE NIGHT THE MARTIANS LANDED - Krull, Kathleen
Krull relates the story of the notorious 1938 radio broadcast of an adaptation of H.G. Wells' The War of the Worlds. By drawing a parallel between the nascent medium of radio in the 1930's and the Internet today, Krull introduces some timelessly relevant points about media literacy and critical thinking as she gently compels readers to consider the psychological dynamic that could make so many interpret fiction as fact, both then and now.
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - Mann, Elizabeth
Clear text, fascinating facts and captivating illustrations and photos. For those interested in engineering, design or architecture, see also, The Brooklyn Bridge, The Roman Colosseum, The Great Pyramid, Macchu Picchu and The Panama Canal, The Great Wall and The Parthenon.
MY LIFE IN DOG YEARS - Paulsen, Gary
In this memoir, Paulsen devotes a chapter to each of the dogs he has owned. This is a great choice for dog lovers and Paulsen fans.
GUTS: THE TRUE STORIES BEHIND HATCHET AND THE BRIAN BOOKS
Find out about the real events that inspired Paulsen’s writing of HATCHET and the subsequent Brian books. Check out the Official Gary Paulsen website: www.randomhouse.com/features/garypaulsen/index.html.
KNOTS IN MY YO-YO STRING Spinelli, Jerry
Spinelli, author of MANIAC MAGEE and WRINGER, turns regular happenings in his life, like sidewalk races and his first kiss, into hilarious events in this autobiography.