Rising 5th Grade Summer Learning
Scroll to the bottom of this page to find printable Choice Book lists and discussion questions for Required Books.
Required Math Practice
This summer we are offering two options for students to reinforce their math proficiency over the summer months. Practicing 1 to 1.5 hours a week consistently every week of the summer (10 to 15 hours total) will help ensure a smooth transition back to school in August. If your child wants to do more, all the better. Review the following options with your child to determine which are preferred and would be beneficial.
- Math Minutes for Rising 5th (ISBN-13: 978-1574718157): These workbooks are available for purchase online or through local bookstores. Students should complete the workbook for the grade they just completed.
- Khan Academy (https://www.khanacademy.org/math/cc-fifth-grade-math): Complete the entire course or target specific areas for practice.
Optional Keyboarding Practice
For students entering grades 3- 8, computer keyboarding is an essential skill that will benefit them greatly as we increase the use of technology. Typing.com offers fun, helpful, and free keyboarding practice. Students should create an account to keep track of their progress (not for teachers to monitor).
Required Books
Read BOTH books and answer associated discussion questions.
Read BOTH books and answer associated discussion questions.
Choice Books
Choose at least TWO, preferably from different genres; as well, select titles you have NOT read previously.
Printable lists available below.
Choose at least TWO, preferably from different genres; as well, select titles you have NOT read previously.
Printable lists available below.
ADVENTURE/SURVIVIAL FICTION
96 Miles by J. L. Esplin A great choice for lovers of Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet or Roland Smith’s Peak. The Lockwood brothers can survive just about anything. Their dad, a hardcore believer in self-reliance, has stockpiled enough supplies to last for months. But when they are robbed during a massive blackout while their dad is away, John and Stew must walk 96 miles in the stark desert sun to get help. Along the way, they’re forced to question their dad’s insistence on self-reliance and ask what we owe our neighbors, our kin, and ourselves. Beast: Face-to-face With the Florida Bigfoot by Watt Key Jason says he can't remember where he was for the two months he went missing in the swamps. That's not true. He does remember. The truth: He was driving with his parents, and the car crashed when his father swerved to avoid colliding with a 12-foot Sasquatch-like creature. Haunted by his parents disappearance and presumed deaths, hounded for claiming to have seen Bigfoot, Jason sets off into the deadly wilderness on a hunt for answers, and the creatures he finds are more terrifying--and fascinating--than he could have imagined. The Canyon's Edge by Dusti Bowling One year after their family is changed forever, Nora and her father are exploring a slot canyon deep in the Arizona desert, hoping it will help them find peace. But when they reach the bottom, a flash flood rips across their path, sweeping away Nora's father and all of their supplies. If Nora is going to save herself and her father, she must conquer her fears and find the courage to live her new life. My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George Every kid thinks about running away; few get far. Sam Gribley gets all the way from NYC to the mountains of upstate New York. There he sets up house in a hollowed-out tree, with a falcon and a weasel for companions and his wits as his tool for survival. Blizzards, hunters, loneliness, and fear all battle to drive Sam back, but his desire for freedom, independence, and adventure is stronger. FANTASY/DYSTOPIAN FICTION Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix (or any in series) In a future where the Population Police enforce the law limiting a family to only two children, Luke, a third child, has lived all his twelve years in isolation and fear. That is until another "third" convinces him that the government is wrong. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer (or any in series) When a twelve-year-old evil genius tries to restore his family fortune by capturing a fairy and demanding a ransom in gold, the fairies fight back with magic, technology, and a particularly nasty troll. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (or any in series) Percy Jackson is no ordinary teenager. He's the son of Poseidon and is accused of stealing Zeus' lightning bolt, the most powerful weapon ever created! With storm clouds brewing, Percy embarks on an incredible cross-country journey to prove his innocence, recover the bolt, and prevent a war among the gods that could destroy our world! Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder Nine orphans live by themselves on an island which provides everything they need as long as they follow a few rules: learn to swim, learn to read, and there can never be more than nine children on the island. Each "year" a boat arrives with a new youngest child and departs with the oldest. When Jinny rebels and refuses to leave, the island responds in kind, and when disaster strikes, Jinny has only one choice if the rest are to survive. Stowaway by John David Anderson For readers who like Star Wars and Gibb's Moon Base Alpha series. When scientists discover a mysterious mineral buried in the Earth’s crust, they have no idea that it is the most valuable substance in the entire universe. Before long, aliens show up offering protection, new technology, and entry into the intergalactic coalition in exchange for this resource. A material so precious that the ongoing war over it, soon makes its way to Earth. When tragedy strikes, Leo and his family, including his Coalition scientist father, decide to leave Earth behind. When tragedy strikes again, Leo's only chance to survive is to stow away on a ship of mercenary space pirates and beg the captain to help him. On a mission to reunite with his family, Leo discovers that the universe isn't full of simply good and bad people, but beings who, like him, are just trying to survive. HISTORICAL FICTION Boys Without Names by Kashmira Sheth Eleven-year-old Gopal and his family leave their rural Indian village for life with his uncle in Mumbai, but when they arrive his father goes missing and Gopal ends up locked in a sweatshop from which there is no escape. The Lost Year: A Survival Story of the Ukrainian Famine by Katherine Marsh Thirteen-year-old Matthew is miserable. His journalist dad is stuck overseas, and his mom has moved in with his 100-year-old great-grandmother to ride out the pandemic, adding to his stress and isolation. But when Matthew finds a tattered black-and-white photo in his great-grandmother’s belongings, he discovers a clue to a hidden chapter of her past, one that will lead to a life-shattering family secret. Set in alternating timelines that connect the present-day to the 1930s and the US to the USSR, this novel sheds fresh light on the Holodomor – the horrific famine that killed millions of Ukrainians, and which the Soviet government covered up for decades. One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia Eleven-year-old Delphine is like a mother to her two younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern, ever since their mother, Cecile, left for a radical new life in California. When the girls arrive from Brooklyn to spend the summer with Cecile, she sends them to a day camp run by the Black Panthers. Unexpectedly, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern learn much about their family, their country, and themselves during one truly crazy summer. Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga Jude never thought she’d be leaving her family behind, all the way across the ocean in Syria. But when things start becoming volatile, Jude and her mother are sent to live in Cincinnati. At first, everything in America seems too fast and too loud. But this life also brings unexpected surprises—new friends, a whole new family, and a school musical that Jude might just try out for. Maybe America, too, is a place where Jude can be seen as she really is. Stella by Starlight by Sharon Draper When a burning cross set by the Klan causes panic and fear in 1932 Bumblebee, North Carolina, fifth-grader Stella must face prejudice and find the strength to demand change in her segregated town. Words on Fire by Jennifer A. Nielsen Danger is never far from Audra's family farm in Lithuania. The occupying Russian soldiers have banned Lithuanian books, religion, culture, and even the language. In June 1893, when soldiers arrive at their door, Audra's parents insist that she flee, taking with her a package and instructions for where to deliver it. As Audra embarks on a journey to deliver the package, she faces unimaginable risks, and becomes caught up in a growing resistance movement. LEGENDS Holes by Louis Sachar As further evidence of his family's bad fortune which they attribute to a curse on a distant relative, Stanley Yelnats is sent to a horrible correctional camp in the Texas desert where he finds his first real friend, a treasure, and a new sense of himself. The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill Stone-in-the-Glen, once a lovely town, has fallen on hard times. A variety of calamities have caused the people to lose their library, their school, and even their neighborliness. The people put their faith in the Mayor, who promises he alone can help. Only the children of the Orphan House and the kindly Ogress at the edge of town can see how dire the town’s problems are. Then one day a child goes missing. At the Mayor’s suggestion, all eyes turn to the Ogress. The Orphans know this can’t be, but how can the Orphans tell the story of the Ogress’s goodness to people who refuse to listen? And how can they make their deluded neighbors see the real villain in their midst? When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller Lily and her family must move in with her sick grandmother, Halmoni. Soon after arriving, a magical tiger, straight out of Korean folklore, arrives and tells Lily that Halmoni stole something from the tigers. Now they want it back. When one of the tigers offers Halmoni's health in exchange for what her grandmother stole, Lily is tempted. But deals with tigers are never what they seem! With help from family and friends, Lily must find her voice and face the tiger. Wishtree by Katherine Applegate Red, the neighborhood oak, has stood for more than a century, watching and befriending the animals that call her home. Each May, her branches are strung with wishes, a tradition stemming from an Irish immigrant who once lived on the property. Red sees all, including an act of hate aimed at new renters, a Muslim family. After so many years of keeping quiet, Red and the animals take action, aiming to connect Samar, a young Muslim girl, with her neighbor, Stephen. MYSTERY Framed! by James Ponti (or any in series) In Washington, D.C., twelve-year-old Florian Bates, a consulting detective for the FBI, and his best friend Margaret help thwart the biggest art heist in United States history. |
MYSTERY (cont'd)
The Lion of Mars by Jennifer L. Holm Bell has spent his whole life on Mars. He's still just a regular kid--he loves cats and cake, and is curious about the secrets the adults in the US colony are keeping. Like, why don't they have contact with the other Mars colonies? When a virus breaks out and the grown-ups all fall ill, it’s up to Bell and his friends to uncover the truth and save the colony and possibly unite an entire planet. Scat by Carl Hiaasen Nick and his friend Marta decide to investigate when a mysterious fire starts near a Florida wildlife preserve and an unpopular teacher goes missing. NONFICTION/BIOGRAPHY The Boy on the Wooden Box by Leon Leyson This, the only memoir published by a former Schindler’s list child, perfectly captures the innocence of a small boy who goes through the unthinkable. Can You Crack the Code? A Fascinating History of Ciphers and Cryptography by Ella Schwartz and Lily Williams (illus.) Codes can carry big secrets! Throughout history, lots of good guys and lots of bad guys have used codes to keep their messages under wraps. This fun nonfiction features stories of hidden treasures, war-time maneuverings, and contemporary hacking as well as explaining the mechanics behind the codes. Gods and Heroes: Mythology Around the World by Korwin Briggs Before Wonder Woman or Black Panther, there was Indra, Hindu king of gods, who battled a snake to save the world. And Athena, the powerful Greek goddess who could decide the fate of battles. Featuring more than 70 characters from 23 cultures around the world, this is a who's who of gods and goddesses, warriors and kings, whose stories have been passed down since the beginning of time. The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Greece OR The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome by Korwin Briggs These entertaining and informative travel guides contain information vital to the sensible time traveler. Filled with humorous maps, reviews of places to stay, and the top attractions in the area–if you had a time travel machine and could take a vacation anywhere in history, these are the only guidebooks you would need. REALISTIC FICTION Bea is for Blended by Lindsey Stoddard Bea and her mom have always been a two-person team. But now her mom is marrying Wendell, and their team is growing by three boys, two dogs, and a cat. Finding her place in her new blended family may be tough, but when Bea finds out her school might not get the all-girls soccer team they’d been promised, she learns that the bigger the team, the stronger the fight! Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea (or any in series) It’s the start of fifth grade for seven kids at Snow Hill School and only Mr. Terupt seems to know how to deal with them all. He makes the classroom a fun place, even if he doesn’t let them get away with much until the snowy winter day when an accident changes everything—and everyone. Born Behind Bars by Padma Venkatraman Kabir has been in jail since the day he was born, because his mom is serving time for a crime she didn't commit. When the new warden decides he's too old to still be living there, Kabir ends up living on the streets. Fortunately, he befriends Rani, another street kid. But plotting their next move is hard in a world that cares little for low caste children. This is not the world Kabir dreamed of, but he is ready to show the world that he--and his mother--deserve a place in it. Clean Getaway by Nic Stone When eleven-year-old Scoob, who is grounded, is invited on a road trip with his G'ma, he's grateful to get away. The pair follow the route through the formerly segregated south that G'ma, who is white, once traveled with Scoob's grandfather, who was Black. As the trip progresses, G'ma's behavior becomes stranger and stranger. She calls Scoob by her deceased husband's name, ditches and dines at a restaurant, and shoplifts jewelry. When she throws her phone away so their movements can't be traced, Scoob officially is worried. Front Desk by Kelly Yang (or any in series) Mia Tang has a lot of secrets. Number 1: She lives in a motel and, every day, her immigrant parents clean the rooms while Mia manages the front desk. Number 2: Her parents hide immigrants. And if the motel owner finds out, the Tangs will be doomed. Number 3: She wants to be a writer. But how can she when her mom thinks she should stick to math. It will take all of Mia's courage, kindness, and hard work to get through this year. Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks by Jason Reynolds An inside look at one day’s walk home from school. Ten tales (one per block) about what happens after the dismissal bell rings. A funny, poignant look at the detours we face on the walk home, and in life. Through this format, we see a range of experiences, highlighting what binds us as well as what makes us and our lives unique. Millionaires for the Month by Stacy McAnulty $5,368,709.12. The value of a penny doubled every day for thirty days. Think you could spend that much in just 30 days? Felix Rannells and Benji Porter are challenged to do just that when they find a wallet that belongs to billionaire Laura Friendly. They can't tell anyone. And there are LOTS of other rules. But if they succeed, they each get ten million dollars. Challenge accepted! They rent cool cars, go to Disney World, buy pizza for the whole school-and that's just the beginning! But money can't buy everything or fix every problem. And spending it isn't always as easy and fun as they thought it would be. Muffled by Jennifer Gennari Ten-year-old Amelia does not like noise. She is sensitive to sound, just like her dad. Amelia has always worn noise-canceling headphones, but now her parents want her to stop wearing them. To help Amelia cope, her father gives her a pair of earmuffs to wear instead. Even with her new earmuffs, Amelia struggles at school…until she befriends Madge. Madge is loud and bold and goofy—everything Amelia is not. It’s not long though before Amelia’s quiet nature clashes with Madge’s loud personality. And when Madge disappears, Amelia fears Madge might be in trouble. If she’s going to help her friend, she will have to find a way to let in the noisy world. Omar Rising by Aisha Saeed (or any in series) Omar knows his scholarship to Ghalib Academy Boarding School is a game changer, providing him with an opportunity to improve his station in life. He can't wait to experience it all, especially the science club and the soccer team. But when he arrives, he learns that first-year scholarship students aren't allowed to join clubs or teams. And not only that, they have to earn their keep doing menial chores. At first Omar is dejected—but then he gets angry when he learns the school deliberately "weeds out" kids like him by requiring them to get significantly higher grades than kids who can pay tuition. With the help of his tight-knit new group of friends—and with the threat of expulsion looming over him—he sets out to do what seems impossible: change a rigged system. The Only Game by Mike Lupica (or any in series) Can a young baseball star maintain his love of the game after the loss of his brother? Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper Eleven-year-old Melody can't walk, talk, or write. All because she has cerebral palsy. She also has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She's the smartest kid in her whole school, but NO ONE knows it. Most people dismiss her, but Melody refuses to be defined by her disability. And she's determined to let everyone know it! Ruby in the Sky by Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo Twelve-year-old Ruby Moon Hayes does not want her new classmates to ask about her father or to know that her mother has been arrested. And she definitely does not want to make any friends. But keeping to herself isn’t easy when Ahmad Saleem, a Syrian refugee, decides he’s her new best friend. Or when she meets “the Bird Lady,” a recluse named Abigail. Before long Ahmad and Abigail have become Ruby’s friends—and she realizes there is more to their stories than everyone knows. Spy School by Stuart Gibbs (or any in series) Ben Ripley may only be in middle school, but he’s already pegged his dream job: CIA or bust. Unfortunately for him, his personality doesn’t exactly scream “secret agent.” In fact, Ben is so awkward, he can barely get to school and back without a mishap. Because of his innate nerdiness, Ben is not surprised when he is recruited for a magnet school with a focus on science—but he’s entirely shocked to discover that the school is actually a front for a junior CIA academy. Could the CIA really want him? Starfish by Lisa Fipps Ever since Ellie wore a whale swimsuit and made a big splash at her fifth birthday party, she's been bullied about her weight. To cope, she tries to live by the Fat Girl Rules—like "no making waves," "avoid eating in public," and "don't move so fast that your body jiggles." And she's found her safe space—her swimming pool—where she feels weightless in a fat-obsessed world and can take up all the room she wants. It's also where she can get away from her critical mom. Fortunately, Ellie has allies in her dad, her therapist, and her new neighbor, Catalina, who loves Ellie for who she is. With this support buoying her, Ellie might finally be able to cast aside the Fat Girl Rules and be, unapologetically, her own fabulous self. Ungifted by Gordan Korman When Donovan Curtis pulls a major prank at his middle school, he thinks he’s finally gone too far. But thanks to a mix-up, instead of getting in trouble, Donovan is sent to a special program for gifted and talented students. As his new classmates and teachers grow to realize that Donovan may not be good at math or science (or just about anything), he shows that his gifts may be exactly what they never knew they needed. |
Rising 5th Grade Summer Reading List (alpha by title)
Rising 5th Grade Summer Reading List (alpha by genre; includes summaries)
Discussion Questions for Required Reading
Answer the discussion questions in complete sentences. You may type or write your responses. We will discuss them as a class in August.
Summer Reading Record
Rising 5th Grade Summer Reading List (alpha by genre; includes summaries)
Discussion Questions for Required Reading
Answer the discussion questions in complete sentences. You may type or write your responses. We will discuss them as a class in August.
Summer Reading Record