Adventure & Fantasy:
* The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis: A classic series about a group of children who discover a magical land through a wardrobe.
* Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan: A series about a demigod who discovers he is the son of Poseidon.
* The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black: A series about three siblings who discover a field guide to fairies.
* The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: A classic story about a hobbit who goes on an epic journey.
* The Neverending Story by Michael Ende: A timeless tale about a boy who enters a magical world.
Realistic Fiction:
* The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate: A heartwarming story about a gorilla who lives in a shopping mall.
* Wonder by R.J. Palacio: A poignant novel about a boy with facial differences who enters middle school.
* The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis: A moving story about a family who travels to Birmingham, Alabama, during the Civil Rights movement.
* Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson: A classic story about two children who create an imaginary world in the woods.
* Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli: A unique and heartwarming story about a girl who is different from everyone else.
Historical Fiction:
* Number the Stars by Lois Lowry: A powerful story about a young girl who helps a Jewish family escape Nazi-occupied Denmark.
* Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor: A moving story about a black family in the South during the Depression.
* The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: A powerful story about a young girl who steals books during World War II.
* The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne: A heartbreaking story about a young boy who befriends a boy in a concentration camp.
* The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley: A story about a young girl with a clubfoot who is evacuated to the countryside during World War II.
Mystery & Thriller:
* The Mystery of the Maya by Ann Cameron: A fun mystery about a group of friends who try to solve a theft at a museum.
* The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin: A challenging and suspenseful novel about a group of people who are invited to play a game.
* The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner: A classic series about four siblings who live in a boxcar.
* A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle: A science fiction adventure story about a group of children who travel through time and space.
* The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett: A classic story about a young girl who discovers a secret garden.
Non-Fiction:
* National Geographic Kids Almanac by National Geographic: A comprehensive guide to the world.
* The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne: A series about a brother and sister who travel through time in a tree house.
* DK Eyewitness Books series: Informative books on a variety of topics.
* The Science of Everything by Mike Goldsmith: A fascinating look at the world of science.
* The History of the World in 100 Objects by Neil MacGregor: A unique and engaging look at history through objects.
Remember: These are just a few suggestions, and the best books for your fifth grader will depend on their individual interests and reading level. Encourage them to explore different genres and authors to find what they enjoy most!