Many books are available that present funny or touching stories about the lives of kids close in age to fifth graders. These books can hook young readers with their fast-moving adventures, escapades and sometimes silly events. Preteens connect to the trials and tribulations of kids similar to them in stories like: "The Great Gilly Hopkins" and "Bridge to Terebithia by Katherine Paterson; "The Pinballs" by Betsy Byars; "Holes" by Louis Sachar; "Tuck Everlasting" by Natalie Babbitt; and any of Beverly Cleary's books about Henry Huggins, Beezus or Ramona.
For readers who are just below fifth grade level or are looking for an easy (and educational) summer read, try any of the "Childhoods of Famous Americans" series. These books are biographies of well-known American figures throughout history and cover sports, the arts and politics. For grade-level historical fiction try "Sarah Plain and Tall" by Patricia MacLachlan; "Bud, Not Buddy" by Christopher Paul Curtis; "Number the Stars" by Lois Lowry; or the "Little House on the Prairie" series by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
The "Harry Potter" series by J. K. Rowling may be one of the most famous book series of all time and provides great fantasy adventures for rising fifth grade readers. For other fantastical adventures, try "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" series by C. S. Lewis. Lewis's books aren't as long as the "Potter" books, so they are a good choice for those who are looking for a quicker read. Other good fantasy choices would be books by Roald Dahl like "James and the Giant Peach", "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" or "The BFG."
Matt Christopher could well be considered "the king" of authoring books about sports for boys. At his website (mattchristopher.com), you'll find sports book choices ranging from baseball to basketball and soccer to skateboarding. He also has a series of biographies about famous sports stars. If your rising fifth grader prefers animal stories and loves dogs, give "Sounder" by William H. Armstrong, "Shiloh" by Phyllis Naylor Reynolds, or "The Incredible Journey" by Shelia Burnford a try. Girls who love horses might like any of Marguerite Henry's books like "Misty of the Chincoteague" or "King of the Wind."