Favorite Chapter Books for Kids in 4th and 5th Grades

Finding chapter books for kids to read that they have a high interest in is key. Listed here are some of our favorite chapter book series for kids in 4th and 5th grades. Most of these are ones that I either read as a kid or used as a reading tutor. Note that while these books are generally on a 4th and 5th grade reading level, the reading levels of kids can vary greatly (some reading below grade level and others reading above.) Please do not assume that just because you teach a 4th grader, that he/she will be able to read a text at this level. It is vital that we consider both the reader’s readiness and interest level when choosing “just right” texts for him/her.

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In our favorite chapter books for kids in 2nd/3rd grade, I explore more about why chapter book series are so powerful for kids, especially for struggling readers. If you have a struggling reader who is reading below grade level, you may want to check out the books in that 2nd/3rd grade book list.

 

Favorite Chapter Books for Kids in 4th and 5th Grades

These books are listed from easiest to hardest reading levels.

Big Nate is one of those series that you’ll probably  either love or hate. It’s similar to Diary of a Wimpy Kid in that there is a bit of crude boy humor. Whether you agree with these or not, they can get kids hooked on reading. I think kids also like the comic book look of them. If you don’t care for the humor, you may want to check books such as Ready Freddy, Stink, George Brown, Captain Awesome, Roscoe Riley, & Galaxy Zack (these are mentioned in my chapter books for 2nd/3rd graders) as well as the Hank Zipzer series found later in this post, as they have a little less boy humor and are just as much fun to read.

 

The I Survived Series is a phenomenal historical fiction series. I almost put on the end of our Chapter Books for 2nd and 3rd graders because they are written on approximately a 3rd grade level, but the content of some of the books may not be appropriate for the younger ages (in my opinion). This is a great series for struggling readers!

 

These classic books written by Beverly Cleary follow the adventures of Ralph S. Mouse. We read these this past summer together and my 3rd grader, especially enjoyed them. While Cleary’s chapters are longer, I love how descriptive and vivid her language is, helping kids to visualize what they are reading. I think they are perfect for boys AND girls. The books in the mouse series are: 1- The Mouse and the Motorcycle, 2- Runaway Ralph, and 3- Ralph S. Mouse.

 

Henry Winkler just has a way with words in his Hank Zipzer series. Hank is a kid who struggles in school, making him the perfect character for struggling readers, too. He is always getting himself into predicaments that are comical. I had one particular 4th grade student I tutored who devoured this series. I always got a chuckle out of reading them myself. Even though the star of this book is a boy, girls would enjoy this series as well.

 

The Little House books have generally been seen as girl books, but with the newer hype of Minecraft (survival mode), maybe boys would enjoy learning of the in’s and out’s of surviving on the land. 🙂 Set back in the 1800’s, this classic series helps kids understand what it may have been like to live without all the amenities they have now.

 

The Fudge Books by Judy Blume are ones that I greatly enjoyed as a child. Because I wasn’t a terrific reader, I don’t remember many other books that I enjoyed as much as the Fudge ones. In this series, she has give books; and while you can read them out of order, I prefer to have kids read them in order: 1- Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing, 2-Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great, 3- Superfudge, 4- Fudge-a-Mania, and 5-Double Fudge.

 

The Ramona books were another favorite of mine as a child. Ramona is a rambunctious little girl who is always up to mischief, similar to Junie B. Jones, but on a higher reading level. I can vividly remember watching a Ramona series that came on TV and loving every minute of that as well! Although my son and I haven’t read any Ramona books, yet, I used them as a reading tutor with kids.

 

Books by E.B. White are ones that I enjoyed having my mother read to me as a child. While they are not really a chapter book “series”, I’ve still included them in this list…because how could I not? 🙂 So far, we’ve only read Charlotte’s Web, but Stuart Little and The Trumpet of the Swan will be read soon! His books are simply timeless. {And for what it’s worth, as much as I loved the older cartoon movie, I really do think the newer version is better than the older.}

 

As mentioned above, Diary of a Wimpy Kid books can also be a great hook for boys who really don’t get too excited over the classics. Are classics needed? Absolutely! But there’s something to be said for a chapter book series that can draw a boy into reading for enjoyment. I could say the same thing about struggling readers. If you’re skeptical about using these books, I really think Homegrown Learners’ perspective on using them is extremely helpful.

 

The Indian in the Cupboard series is a great one for boys especially, although girls might enjoy them just as much. Follow the adventures Omri and the magical cupboard. I have just recently enjoyed reading the first book in this series to my boys (3rd grade and Kindergarten.) Many times, they got upset when I wouldn’t go ahead and read the next chapter. There are more Indian in the Cupboard books, too.

 

I remember reading The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe as a child, but when the movie came out years ago, I told myself I would re-read the book before I saw the movie and I’m so glad I did. While this is probably the most well-known book in the series, it is part of a larger series called The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. Well worth the read!

 

If you want a thrill-seeking series, the Hatchet series by Gary Paulsen would be it. They’re actually leveled at a 6th grade reading level, but kids late in 5th grade would enjoy them as well. I would even suggest you put at least the first book, Hatchet, on your list of read alouds for 4th graders. This is one book you will not want to put down. I have not read every book in the series, but I did read the next one and it was just as well written.

 

What are some of your favorite Chapter Books for Kids in the 4th/5th grades?

 

More Reading Resources

• Reading Resources for Older Readers {Pinterest Board}
• Struggling Readers {Pinterest Board}

 

Chapter Books for Kids in 2nd & 3rd grade

 

 

See all our favorites books in this series.

 

~Becky