31 Picture Books for 5th Graders with Expert Tips for Selection
Parents often ask me if picture books for 5th graders are appropriate.
From my experience as a Montessori elementary teacher, I confidently say YES! Picture books bring many benefits to older students.
It’s a common misconception that older elementary children, navigating the second plane of development, may have outgrown picture books. But I’m here to debunk that notion.
Storybooks with images remain impactful on students well past 5th grade and there are many picture books that have been written with the fifth-grade student in mind.
Picture books are a special type of book because they can offer both entertainment and education rolled into one really fun experience. Something I like to call learning in disguise.
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The Ultimate 13 Vocabulary Development Activities for Kids
Picture Books For Upper Elementary
As an elementary Montessori teacher, I wholeheartedly believe that with the right picture book, you can captivate a class of fidgety fifth graders and as a result, so much learning can take place.
It’s important to note that not all picture books are created equally. That’s why when choosing picture books for my upper elementary classroom I always keep Dr. Montessori’s ideas about children in the second plane of development and their needs in mind.
When choosing picture books for 5th graders, I focus on eleven important principles, all of which are outlined in this article.
Each principle is explained below and we provide excellent book examples. Additionally, we link YouTube videos for certain picture books, helping 5th graders assess if the books suit their needs.
31 Picture Books for 5th Graders With Tips on Choosing Them
There are a few things I keep in mind when choosing 5th grade read aloud picture books, and I’m here to share them with you, along with a list of the best picture books for 5th graders.
Here you go!
📚 Teacher Tip: Use these books to start a family book club!
Not sure how to go about doing that?
Read our blog Your Guide to Starting a Family Book Club Now.
Choose Picture Books That Keep It Real
When looking for picture books for fifth graders, I suggest including books that are based on real-life in your reading list.
Try to find books with stories of real experiences that they can relate to, such as common life activities, or events, and that portray pictures of realistic objects, such as modes of transportation like bicycles or animals like cats, rather than fantasy characters.
Think less fairy tale, prince battling a dragon type story and more 10-year-old kid building a spaceship out of cardboard in their bedroom and using what they’ve learned about space and their imagination to explore the universe around them.
As a result, children are better able to connect with the book’s message.
Books that keep it real and appeal to older students:
1. The Lotus Seed by Sherry Garland
This story is really easy to understand for children and is filled with wonderful illustrations. This story takes you into the life of Ba, a young Vietnamese girl who collects a seed from the general imperial garden to have for the rest of her life.
This is an excellent choice for fifth graders, as it not only introduces them to diverse cultures but also instills in them the value of perseverance and the importance of family bonds.
You can also hear it read out loud here:
2. A Bike Like Sergio’s by Maribeth Boelts
Ruben’s friends, including his best friend Sergio, have bicycles. Despite not having a bike of his own, Ruben displays remarkable resilience and never resorts to complaining or whining. This story teaches about kindness and doing what’s right.
You can also hear it read out loud here:
Choose Picture Books With Beautiful Illustrations
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then beautiful picture books for upper elementary are worth a million words!
So make sure that the 5th grade picture books you choose are visually pleasing.
Aesthetically pleasing books are known to grasp an upper elementary reader’s attention and admiration so keep a lookout for beautiful books!
And who knows, by adding beautifully illustrated books to your class library you might just inspire students who love to draw in ways you didn’t even know you could.
Checkout these beautiful 5th grade picture books:
3. If: A Mind-Bending New Way of Looking at Big Ideas and Numbers by David J Smith
This book is full of interesting ways of visualizing how our world is organized. It is beautifully illustrated, provokes both wonder and hard questions, and challenges readers to think about the world differently.
Learn more about the book in this book trailer:
4. The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
This story shows kids having doubts about being different. Young readers will see that we are all different and that it’s not a bad thing.
Vibrant and gentle illustrations show the emotion of the characters. You can use this book as a tool to discuss how kids are different and how they are similar.
Watch as the pages of this book get animated in this read-aloud:
📚 Teacher Tip: Picture books are like wonderful pieces of art!
Picture books offer educators a chance to model to children how to handle books appropriately.
When we lead by example and show how to respectfully and delicately handle picture books students learn how important it is to take care of the beauty around us. Now that’s a teachable moment!
The Best Picture Books for 5th Graders Have Rich Language
One of my favourite things about the elementary level is that new words intrigue children in this second plane of development. Older children want to understand unfamiliar vocabulary terms and know how to pronounce long words.
I enjoy discovering picture books that challenge my students to learn new words. These books help students see new words in action, making it easier for them to learn and grow their vocabulary.
It was a struggle to find vocabulary-focused picture books for older students. So, I created one! With my partner’s artistic help, we made a fun, engaging book perfect for 5th graders to enjoy together.
5. Carl the Cantankerous Cat by Donna Paul and Karen Patel
A fabulous children’s story about a mischievous cat that is not just a fun and engaging read, but also very educational!
Children will discover lots of new words, and there’s a glossary at the back of the book to explain them all. Plus, they’ll learn about unconditional love too.
Listen to me, Teacher Donna, talk about how to use this awesome educational book:
6. Yakety Yak by Kathy Broderick
This story is a thoughtful collection of homonyms that can be a great teaching tool in any elementary classroom.
This book shares words that sound the same but mean different things. It’s filled with fun pictures and playful language that both kids and adults will love!
Listen to Yakety Yak and see how they break down the parts of speech and meaning of the words in this video reading:
Your students will enjoy and learn from these 5th grade read aloud picture books with rich vocabulary!
📚Teacher Tip: You can get them writing with advanced vocabulary!
If your students are excited by words and pictures, encourage them to create their own vocabulary-building picture book.
Challenge them to use at least 5 advanced words that are new to them, and to make a 4-8 page picture book.
Fun!
Teach Life Lessons with Picture Books for Older Students
When choosing picture books for 5th graders, it’s important to select ones that will teach them a lesson.
It’s true – picture books for older kids can teach important lessons! They’re a great way to show children new things about the world and help them learn valuable lessons.
From standing up to bullies in school to understanding the value of friendship or even developing a deep appreciation for nature, picture books have the ability to get fifth-grade kids really thinking about the issues that surround them.
With so many wonderful picture books out there, it’s easy to find ones that will not only engage but also educate students of all ages. So consider broadening your horizons when choosing picture books for your elementary classroom – your students will be all the better because of it!
These 5th grade read aloud picture books include many teachable moments:
7. White Socks Only by Evelyn Coleman
This is an amazing book that helps children understand the impact of segregation through vivid illustrations and easy-to-understand language.
This significant story provides children with a valuable opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the immense challenges endured by individuals during this harrowing period of history.
Listen to Lovette Lea read it here:
8. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
This is an enchanting book with a lovely message of hope for children who are shy and nervous in a new school.
The story illustrates the impact of simple and pure friendship and kindness. A great read to open discussion about empathy and inclusion.
You can also listen to this book right here:
Consider the Readability of Picture Books for 5th Graders
Read a few pages. How does it sound? Does the language flow smoothly or is it awkward and flat? Is it fun to read? Will you enjoy sharing it? Will your students enjoy hearing it?
Readability is an essential factor when choosing 5th grade read aloud picture books.
It should be designed in such a way that students can easily comprehend the text without feeling overwhelmed or confused by it.
Text that flows rhythmically and naturally is appealing to elementary students.
I also like to look for books that have soothing sounds that vary in pitch and tone. This holds the listener’s attention and allows them to connect with the text on a deeper level.
Some examples of 5th grade picture books with great readability are:
9. The Girl Who Thought in Pictures by Julia Finley Mosca
This book is an easy-to-understand, playfully written biography that rhymes.
It tells Dr. Temple Grandin’s life story with great illustrations, showing her journey through neurodiversity.
Listen to Riko, a young reader, read ‘The Girl Who Thought In Pictures’
10. Gratitude is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego
This is a very gentle story about gratitude that helps children to see the good things throughout their day.
The book is colourful and eye-catching, and the tale is told in child-friendly poetry.
Listen to how easily the words in this book flow in this upper elementary picture book:
📚Teacher Tip: Elevate reading with rhyming picture books for 5th graders!
In my experience, rhyming picture books work wonders with 5th graders in the classroom. Their rhythmic flow and engaging stories make them a delight to read and listen to.
Here are five more of what I consider to be the best rhyming picture books for 5th graders that you should add to your bookshelf:
11. ♥ Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin by Lloyd Moss
12. ♥ Parts by Ted Arnold
13. ♥ Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
14. ♥ Is There Really a Human Race by Jamie Lee Curtis
15. ♥ The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman
Know Your Audience When Choosing Picture Books for Kids
It is important to consider your learner’s interests and what they find meaningful.
And for that reason, choosing picture books for elementary students can be a tough task. There is no one book that will appeal to all readers at all levels.
I pride myself in selecting books that can be read aloud that are both relatable and enjoyable for my fifth-graders.
I start by considering their individual interests during the selection process because finding books they’ll love is absolutely doable!
Some 5th graders enjoy relatable stories about summer camp or getting new pets, while others prefer thrilling adventures with older characters. Some simply love reading about their passions, like horses, race cars, or skateboarding. Bottom line, when elementary students are connected to what they are reading, the learning opportunities are limitless.
Knowing your students and taking an interest in what they like gives you more insight into what they would enjoy in a picture book.
Inspire more interest in reading with these two picture books for 5th graders:
16. The Leaf Detective by Heather Lang
This is a beautiful interactive book for all the explorers out there. The storyline is engaging and informative while the illustrations are vibrant and eye-catching.
A wonderful learning tool for children, as they will be able to absorb information and develop questions in response to the book.
Listen to this wonderful book being read aloud:
17. Creature Features: Twenty-Five Animals Explain Why They Look the Way They Do by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page
Kids who love animals will adore this fun book! It’s about animal adaptations, told from each animal’s perspective through close-up illustrations and engaging Q&A.
This read-aloud is chock-full of fun voices that bring each of the animals to life!
Choose Picture Books with a Variety of Different Characters
Show your students that anyone can do anything by choosing picture books with main characters who ‘stray from the norm’ are ‘themselves’, and who ‘might not fit in, but are amazing’.
Reading books that represent a diverse community including characters with unique skills, personalities, and cultures helps elementary learners understand how other people see and experience the world.
It can also show upper elementary students that there’s more than one way to be human, which creates a sense of togetherness as we celebrate our shared humanity with respect for differences
What a great way to empower young readers by introducing stories that reflect the world we live in today.
Try these impactful picture books for 5th graders:
18. Just Help by Sonia Sotomayor
This story centers around a young girl whose mother encourages her to help someone every day.
The story follows Sonia and her friends, showing how they help others, in big and small ways. It sends a strong message: helping your community makes the world better.
Check out what this picture book is all about by listening to the read-aloud:
19. Just Ask by Sonia Sotomayor
This book celebrates differences among kids, portraying challenges in a positive way through its illustrations.
Sotomayor uses nature’s diversity to explain how people, like trees and flowers, grow differently. It’s a wonderfully inclusive book that upper elementary kids can easily relate to and understand.
Check out what this book is all about by listening to this read-aloud:
Choose Picture Books with Relatable and Engaging Characters
When choosing picture books for my 5th graders, I like to include books with characters that they can relate to or be inspired by.
It’s important for readers to be able to see themselves in the characters, and that’s why I always try to find diverse books with a variety of protagonists. After all, how can it not feel amazing when you come across someone in a book that is like you and deals with some of the same issues as you?
Having relatable and engaging characters helps students foster empathy and encourages students to create meaningful connections with characters – and ultimately the story itself.
It’s also important that the characters inspire young readers, which has me looking for books with characters that are brave, motivated, and kind.
Picture books help students feel connected to the story.
Many of my 5th graders relate to the characters in these books:
20. What Do You Do With a Problem by Kobi Yamada
This is a beautiful book where the author teaches kids that every problem also brings new opportunities, and with some practice, kids can learn how to extract meaning from the burdens they carry.
A good read for anyone with anxiety also as it reframes problems.
Find out what you do with a problem while listening to this read-aloud:
21. Skater Cielo by Rachel Katstaller
This is a sweet, positive story about skateboarding, perseverance, and friendship. Any children with an interest in skating or extreme sports will be excited to read this book.
It not only shows the difficulty of trying new things but also the impact that a loss of confidence can sometimes have.
This book doesn’t have a read-aloud but does have a trailer:
Picture Books for 5th Graders Should Inspire Kids to Read
As a Montessori teacher, I believe reading the same book again and again helps kids really understand and remember it. It’s like their brains need that repetition to truly grasp the story.
Repeating things helps the brain understand and remember. So be sure to choose books that your fifth graders will want to read again and again for better learning!
Look for books with lovable characters, interesting plot lines, and vivid illustrations. If a book meets all of these criteria, you can be confident that it will be enjoyed over and over again. And that’s exactly what we all want from a picture book!
Picture books are one of the key ways of fostering a love of reading because they can easily be read over and over again, and practice builds confidence, and a confident reader is more likely to want to read more.
Check out these picture books for 5th graders that invite re-reading:
22. A Ticket Around the World by Natalia Diaz
This fictional story is about a young boy who travels around 13 different places while presenting nonfictional information about each of the countries he visited.
This book introduces countries, geography, and languages, offering something new each time it is read!
This book is longer than most picture books and full of great details and pictures, check it out here:
23. My Pet Feet by Josh Funk
A funny picture book about a missing letter, sure to entertain all ages with its clever wordplay.
It’s so witty and imaginative, leaving students wanting more!
Listen to how the world would sound with a missing letter from the alphabet here:
Stimulate the Senses with Picture Books for 5th Graders
As young readers continue to develop their literacy skills, it’s essential to stimulate their senses and engage their minds through the use of unique and captivating books.
Selecting engaging picture books for older kids gives them exciting stories and different views, making them love reading more and use their imaginations!
Check out these picture books for upper elementary that intrigue the senses:
24. A Year In Nature by Hazel Maskell
This is a fantastic interactive pop-up picture book. The book itself is stunning and is an experience for the senses that for sure!
Older readers enjoy looking at all the different elements in each season. This is a great book that incorporates very simple learning concepts into it!
This is a picture book that you have to see to really appreciate!
25. A Book With No Pictures by B. J. Novak
This hilarious children’s book challenges the traditional notion of what a picture book should look like.
From a comedian’s pen, this word-only book creates surprising and funny scenarios for kids. Full of playful language, it’s a must-have for any child’s bookshelf!
Enjoy this read-aloud of A Book With No Pictures:
Here are 2 more unique picture books for your 5th graders:
26. ♥ Flotsam by David Wiesner
27. ♥ One Day The End: Short, Very Short, Shorter-Than-Ever Stories by Rebecca Kai Dotlich
Embrace Comic Books and Graphic Novels
Comics and graphic novels are often seen as more mature forms of storytelling, but they can also be considered picture books. And as you now know, picture books are great for 5th graders!
Much like picture books for upper elementary, comics and graphic novels tell stories through the combination of words and images. This makes them much more engaging for some kids than regular text-only books.
And because they are usually shorter than traditional novels, they can be just the right size for a 5th grader’s attention span.
My upper elementary students are hooked on these graphic novels:
28. The Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell
This fun graphic novel follows a group of neighbourhood kids who use their creativity to transform cardboard boxes into a fantastical world of their own.
Each chapter stars a different child facing identity, friendship, and family themes through play. ‘The Cardboard Kingdom’ celebrates imagination and childhood joy with colourful art and relatable characters.
This is a book you have to see to really appreciate!
This is a graphic novel that tells the story of Jordan Banks, a seventh-grader who starts attending a prestigious private school in Manhattan. As one of the few students of colour in the school, Jordan faces cultural differences while trying to fit in with his new peers.
Jordan’s journey explores identity, belonging, and navigating different worlds. It’s funny, thoughtful, and enriched by charming illustrations.
Have a look at this impactful book in this video.
You’ll also want to add these graphic novels to your collection of picture books for 5th graders:
30. ♥ Smile by Raina Telgemeier
31. ♥ Wallace the Brave by Will Henry
Exploring Picture Books: What Are They?
A picture book is more than just a collection of pretty pictures.
It’s in fact a unique type of book that relies on illustrations and images to convey a story. Unlike other types of books, the illustrations in a picture book are not just an afterthought or a form of decoration. Instead, they play a fundamental role in telling the story.
The illustrations in a picture book are often vibrant and detailed, and they can capture emotions and create a mood that complements the text.
And that’s what makes a picture book a picture book. It’s the fusion of words and images to create a unique form of storytelling that is both visually and emotionally captivating.
The Wrap-Up: Picture Books for 5th Graders
Picture books are fantastic teaching tools in my upper elementary class. Choosing Montessori-aligned ones, as detailed in this article, helps build a valuable set of 5th-grade read-alouds students will appreciate.
By incorporating these captivating and educational picture books into your language curriculum, you provide young readers with opportunities to thrive academically and personally. The power of picture books to engage, educate, and inspire is undeniable.
So, as you expand your collection of picture books for upper elementary students, remember that there is a perfect book out there for every learner. Embrace the magic of picture books and watch your student’s love for reading and learning soar.
Happy reading!
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Carl the Cantankerous Cat Digital Picture Book + Printable Activity Pack
