I highly recommend 'Because of Winn - Dixie' by Kate DiCamillo. It's about a girl named Opal who befriends a dog. The story is full of love, loss, and the power of friendship. It has simple yet beautiful language that 5th graders can easily understand.
'A Wrinkle in Time' by Madeleine L'Engle is a classic. It takes readers on an intergalactic adventure with Meg Murry as she tries to find her father. The book is full of complex ideas about time, space, and good vs. evil, but presented in a way that 5th graders can start to grapple with.
I highly recommend 'The Vanishing Half'. It has a really engaging plot about race and identity. The characters are well - developed and the story keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Well, 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' by Jeff Kinney is very popular among 6th graders. It's a humorous look at the life of a middle - schooler through his diary entries. Another popular one is 'The Hunger Games' trilogy by Suzanne Collins. It's set in a post - apocalyptic world where kids are forced to fight in a deadly game. However, some parents might find it a bit intense for 6th graders.
I highly recommend 'Homegoing' by Yaa Gyasi. It's a beautifully written book that traces the generations of two families, one in Ghana and one in America. It shows how their lives are interconnected by history and the legacy of slavery.
I highly recommend 'The Underground Railroad'. It's not only a great work of historical fiction but also a powerful exploration of race in America. The way Colson Whitehead uses the concept of the railroad is both imaginative and thought - provoking.
Well, 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond' is a fine historical fiction for 5th graders. It's about a girl in colonial Connecticut. Then there's 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' by Mildred D. Taylor. This book deals with racial issues in the South during the Great Depression. And don't forget 'Island of the Blue Dolphins' which is based on the true story of a girl stranded on an island.
One great option is 'Wonder' by R.J. Palacio. It tells the story of a boy with facial differences as he enters mainstream school for the first time. It's really heart - warming and teaches kids about kindness and acceptance. Another is 'Out of My Mind' by Sharon M. Draper. The main character has cerebral palsy but has a brilliant mind. It gives a great perspective on disability. Also, 'Because of Winn - Dixie' by Kate DiCamillo is a wonderful choice. It's about a girl and her dog and how they form connections in a new town.
I'd recommend 'Flight Behavior' by Barbara Kingsolver. It deals with themes like climate change and the impact on a rural community. It has really engaging characters that draw you into the story.
I highly recommend 'Number the Stars'. It has a very engaging plot that makes you feel like you're in the middle of the events of World War II. The characters are well - developed and the story is full of suspense. Another great one is 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry'. It not only tells a great story but also educates readers about the harsh realities of racial discrimination in the past.
One highly recommended Chinese urban fiction book is 'Beijing Doll' by Chun Sue. It vividly depicts the life of a young girl in Beijing, including her growth, dreams, and the challenges she faces in the urban environment.
I highly recommend 'The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle' by Stuart Turton. It's a mystery - thriller with a unique time - loop concept that keeps you on your toes. 'A Column of Fire' by Ken Follett is also great. It's a historical fiction that continues the Kingsbridge series and is full of political intrigue and complex characters. And 'The Alice Network' by Kate Quinn, which is set during World War I and II and tells the story of female spies.