Books for fifth graders?

Question

my sister is going into fifth grade but is currently at a high 3rd grade reading level. She's not really into reading, in fact, she claims to hate it. but my mom makes her read 30 minutes a day, but I know she is just looking at the pages and flipping them every once in a while. I'd like to find some books that she might enjoy. what are some really good books for children? I'm thinking either girly-friendship books or funny books, maybe even sad ones.

thank you! (:

Answer 1

At your local library the library staff would love to   help you match your sister with books at her level.  I teach middle school students with reading problems - here are just a few immediate thoughts.

Try some of these series...

The Spiderwick Chronicles

Harry Potter

Magic Treehouse

Little House on the Prairie

Great authors:

Roald Dahl

Avi

Judy Blume

Also, it sounds as if you are invested in helping her - maybe read aloud with her.  That is a great reading strategy for improving both the understanding of what is being read as well as a great way to help her learn new vocabulary.  Plus, it will be a great experience for the two of you as sisters.

Good luck!

Answer 2

The Harry Potter and a lot of other books that are mentioned are a little over her head. If she is around a 3rd grade reading level, she needs to stick with Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary and even Roald Dahl books. those are classic authors with cute, funny and interesting books.

Also, the book Bunnicula (James Howe) is hysterically funny. You might read some of it to her, and she read some of it to you. This is a good method on any book, but this book is so much better if you incorporate some "voices" for the characters.

Check out www.carolhurst.com and see her recommendations for 3-4-and 5th grade literature. She also has some short blurbs on there with book summaries.

Answer 3

My students who are not great readers love the Dumb Diary Series and a middle school series which includes Can You get a F in lunch?  Series books are always good for reluctant readers because once they find one they like they have several others that are good as well.  

Graphic novels are also good for reluctant readers like the Queen Bee series.  

You might also want to find a novel like The United Tates of America (both funny and sad) and buddy read it with her.  Buddy reading is when she reads a chapter and you read the other.

Gail

Answer 4

As strange it sounds, if she is in 5th grade with a 3rd grade reading level... there is a newer series based on a picture book that is FANTASTIC.  They are friendship books between 4 girls and are high-interest lower reading level.

The strange part is that they are based on the book The English Roses by Madonna.

The series is The English Roses.  The first book is called Friends For Life.  The 7th book comes out this September and the 8th book comes out this December, so the series is continuing to grow.

They are GREAT books to read, they "look" like a fifth grade book, and they are very engaging.  She might love them!  I had a few of my more advanced 3rd grade readers enjoying them last year.

Honestly, I'd avoid all the Harry Potter books, the reading level is so challenging she'd probably get discouraged.  The Magic Tree House books too, are a little immature for 5th grade, but if you like that type of adventure, try reading some of the Time Warp Trio books by Jon Sczicka and Lane Smith, they are similar types of adventures but the characters are older.  The reading level is a good level too.

The thing that I find so sweet is that you are doing this for your sister.  You don't mention how old you are, but that really isn't important.  What is important is that you are looking out for her best interest, and that you can set a positive example by reading with her, reading to her, and encouraging her to read herself.

Answer 5

Try the Harry Potter series.  And I suggest reading it together out loud at first.  Alternating chapters is always a good approach.  This may get her into it enough that she'll pick up the book when you put it down and continue to read it on her own.

Answer 6

I think she would enjoy reading books she enjoys and don't make it a chore make it fun by giving her stars for books she read and praise her for great work.

Answer 7

here are some series you might like to look out for

there is the 'chicken soup series' fantastic.

'Girlzrock' series

'Little House on the Prairie' there is a series

What about 'classic start' series like black beauty, etc.

well that is some books to look out for.

Answer 8

THERE ARE SO MANY GOOD BOOK'S AT THE LIBRARY AND U CAN SAVE MONEY AS WELL IF YOUR CHILD DOESN'T LIKE THE BOOK U WILL KNOW THERE AND IT'S A GOOD BONDING EXPERIENCE'S. GOODLUCK : )

Answer 9

Oh my goodness theres a million things out there! : )

First of all, it would help to find out what genre of entertainment she likes. Since she doesn't like to read, then you can figure it out by seeing what kind of movies she watches.

Fantasy: Harry Potter series or Lord of the Rings series. I have heard that the Guardians of Ga'Hoole series are good.

VERY easy reading: Junie B. Jones series or Magic Tree House. It could be a bit embarrasing to be seen with those books but they provide easy and (i have to admit) sort of fun reading. The Horrible Harry series works too, but i havent really thought those were too good.

Funny book for boys and girls: My brother read this book and claims it is very funny. Never Mind by Avi and Rachel Vail.

Hope this helps!