Books for Year 5 – this curated list contains books suitable for children aged 9-10 in upper KS2 of primary school. These titles – picked by teachers, librarians and authors, consist of a variety of fiction and nonfiction books for all ability ranges including the more able and readers who struggle. We’ve picked books suitable for whole-class reading, home-learning, online zoom and teams sessions, intervention groups, book clubs, performance; and paired, sibling, buddy & shared reading. This list of books for 9-year-olds is edited termly and includes children’s stories by Vashti Hardy, Polly Ho-Yen, Christopher Lloyd, Kate DiCamillo, Cornelia Funke, Maz Evans, Anthony Horowitz, Malorie Blackman, Judith Kerr and Eoin Colfer.
Books for Year 5 – our recommendations
Brightstorm: A Sky-Ship Adventure by Vashti Hardy
A gripping fantasy story that is perfectly suited for class reading. Arthur and Maudie Brightstorm set off on a dangerous voyage to find their father and save the family reputation. The first of a stunning series and an ideal year 5 book to inspire readers.
Malamander by Thomas Taylor
When Violet teams up with Herbie to help her find out what happened to her long lost parents, little does she realise how her life will become entangled with the Malamander monster of Eerie-on-Sea. A fascinating story that captures a uniquely quirky and fantastical atmosphere. An ideal whole class reading book for year 5 children. The first of a series.
Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver
In a dark world set many millennia ago, 12-year-old Torak must take a dangerous journey to the mountain of Wolf Spirit and save the world from a dangerous demon. An ideal group reading book for year 5 pupils.
Who Let the Gods Out by Maz Evans
An anarchic laugh out loud story about a boy, Elliot, who spots a shooting star one night which turns out to be a deity with a lot on her mind; and something unexpected and very nasty lurking under Stonehenge. The pair call on the Gods of Greek myths to save the world and Elliot’s mum. The outrageously funny language will appeal to reluctant readers. This must-read book is probably a cult series in the making.
The Violet Veil Mysteries by Sophie Cleverly
When Violet’s father is arrested for crimes he did not commit, she is thrust into a world of intrigue and ghostly goings-on in this, the first of a new series. Set in the world of undertakers Veil & Son’s, Violet is determined to walk in her father’s footsteps and one day run the family firm. With fast-paced plotting, short chapters and a strong female protagonist, this story is ideal for upper KS2 murder mystery fans and would make a good year 5 book for reading group discussion.
Beetle Boy by MG Leonard
When Darkus’ dad vanishes he finds himself living next to the neighbours from hell. When things seemingly can’t get any worse, a super-intelligent talking beetle comes to the rescue. Anarchic, funny, and at times completely mad – with a hint of Roald Dahl.
Boy in the Tower by Polly Ho-Yen
A boy who lives in a tower block sees the whole world below him. But one day the tower begins to crumble and fall. The world around him collapses amongst peculiar and menacing plants. Is all hope lost or can he find a way out?
The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell
Set in deepest snowbound Russia, a mother and daughter live in fear of the encroaching Red Army. But Feodora and her mother have a unique talent – they can turn tame wolves into wild beasts fit to fend for themselves. A great story about struggling for freedom and independence.
Heidi by Johanna Spyri
Heidi is an orphan left heartbroken when she has to leave her grandfather and home in the mountains to live in the city.
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Artemis Fowl is the twelve-year-old son of an Irish crime lord. After significant research, Artemis believes that he has confirmed the existence of fairies, and he intends to track them down. A more advanced book for Year 5 book clubs.
The Wonder Garden by Jenny Bloom and Kristjana Williams
A beautifully realised illustrated exploration of five incredible habitats – each meticulously detailed in colourful pictures and snappy labels. Journey through the Great Barrier Reef and the Amazon in this visual masterpiece. Great for sparking off imaginative young minds.
The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis
11-year-old Parvana is forced by to become the breadwinner for her family in a war-torn Taliban ruled Afghanistan.
The Butterfly Lion by Michael Morpurgo
A young boy runs away from a boarding school and he meets an old woman who tells him the story of Bertie and the butterfly lion. In Africa, Bertie rescued a white lion cub but was forced to leave it behind when he went to boarding school. The lion was sold to a circus but Bertie promised to find it one day. An easy read for year fives.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
When Wilbur the pig is in danger of being slaughtered and eaten by the farmer, Charlotte the spider writes messages about Wilbur to stun the farmer into letting him live. Perfect for reluctant readers and as a class reader for Year 5.
Clockwork by Philip Pullman
A tormented apprentice clock-maker, a deadly mechanical knight in armour – and the sinister Dr Kalmenius, who some say is the devil. A great modern fairy tale.
Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl
Danny and his father William live in a Gypsy caravan mending cars for a living, although Danny’s father also has a dangerous sideline in poaching pheasants.
The What on Earth? Wallbook Timeline of Big History by Christopher Lloyd
An incredible history book that spans the dawn of time to the present day, in a five-metre long fold-out book timeline which can be laid out on a table, floor or wall. Children can walk around the book and dip into different time periods. Unique and very engaging. Great for reluctant readers and pupils interested in history. Perfect for Year 5 pupils who are interested in facts and non-fiction texts.
Dial a Ghost by Eva Ibbotson
When new owners force the Wilkinsons to leave the home they’re haunting, they travel to London and apply to Dial-a-Ghost for a new home. The agency finds the perfect home for the Wilkinsons – a ruin – and tells them they can move in on Friday the 13th…
Indiana Bones by Harry Heape
With the perfect blend of humour and history, Indiana Bones, a dog detective with Aisha as his owner and sidekick, set out to fathom centuries-old crimes from Castile to Casablanca. This gripping and pacey mystery is cleverly set in highly legible and doubled spaced type to appeal to reluctant readers in UKS2.
Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke
A silver dragon named Firedrake, the Brownie Sorrel, and Ben, a boy, search for the mythical mountain range called the Rim of Heaven to escape persecution from humans.
Emil and the Detectives by Erich Kästner
On the train to Berlin, Emil meets a mysterious man who introduces himself as Max Grundeis. This man gives Emil mysterious chocolate and Emil falls asleep. When he wakes up, the money and Herr Grundeis are gone. A gripping mystery.
The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm by Norman Hunter
A series of stories featuring the mad Professor Branestawm, his crazy inventions, Mrs Flittersnoop, Colonel Dedshott, General Shatterfortz and Dr Mumpzanmeasle, the doctor. Ideal for Year 5 readers interested in inventions and STEM.
I Know What You Did Last Wednesday by Anthony Horowitz
The Diamond Brothers receive an invitation to a school reunion on a remote Scottish island and Nick has a very bad feeling about it.
Peter in Peril by Helen Bate
Peter’s life is turned upside down when his family have to go into hiding to escape persecution in WW2 Hungary. This easy to read graphic novel is ideal for reluctant readers.
Cloud Soup by Kate Wakeling
This new collection from the creators of the award-winning Moon Juice contains 35 inventive, quirky and humorous poems for 9-11-year-olds. Full of imagery and great to read aloud, this is a good pick for year 5&6 classrooms. This highly imaginative poetry collection is also ideal for sparking ideas for children’s writing in upper KS2.
The Ghost of Thomas Kempe by Penelope Lively
James Harrison and his family move into a cottage in Ledsham and from day one they are bothered by a ghost called Thomas Kempe. A great book for group-reading with more confident readers in Year 5.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling
Book two in the Harry Potter series.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling
Book four in the Harry Potter series.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J. K. Rowling
The first book in the Harry Potter series, introducing Harry, Ron and Hermione.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling
The third instalment in the Harry Potter series.
Heard it in the Playground by Allan Ahlberg
A funny illustrated collection of poems and songs about primary school life.
The Ultimate Alphabet by Mike Wilks
A stunning and quirky book featuring amazing paintings each depicting a letter of the alphabet. Within each picture are hundreds of objects beginning with that letter. The challenge is to find them all! The book includes an answer key. Great for long train journeys.
The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith
Cruella de Vil has 97 Dalmatian puppies. She needs 101 to make a new fur coat. Can anyone stop her before it’s too late?
The Iron Man by Ted Hughes
A new paperback edition of this classic children’s novel, with spectacular graphic illustrations by Chris Mould. A giant metal man rains destruction on the countryside by attacking farm equipment, before befriending a boy and defending the world from an alien monster.
Krindlekrax by Philip Ridley
With frizzy hair and thick glasses, nine-year-old Ruskin believes he is born to be a hero and sets out to prove it by rescuing Lizard Street from the evil Krindlekrax.
Wild is the Wind by Grahame Baker-Smith
A truly mesmerising picture book that takes the reader on a journey over the ocean in a hot air balloon with Cassi and the swift that she has nursed back to health. The reader experiences spectacular and diverse illustrated landscapes along the route, in this migration story with a distinctly human element. Ideal to incorporate into topics about seasons and weather, the poetic commentary also lends itself to use as an impetus for teaching similes and metaphors in years 5&6.
Scribbleboy by Philip Ridley
Bailey arrives in a new neighbourhood with his unusual family. He has no friends but receives a strange invitation to join the Scribbleboy Fan Club. A great book to encourage reluctant readers.
Stig of the Dump by Clive King
Stig is a caveman. He lives at the bottom of a pit close to Barney’s grandparents’ house. People throw all their old junk in the pit and Barney decides it would be the perfect place to build a den. An ideal group reader book for year 5.
Hacker by Malorie Blackman
Vicky’s father is accused of stealing over a million pounds from the bank where he works. How can she prove his innocence? A more mature reading book for year 5 pupils.
When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr
The powerful story of a young Jewish girl who is forced to flee her home in Germany in 1933.
Moondial by Helen Cresswell
A girl discovers a tunnel through time and tries to help two children of the past. A vividly told story.
The Demon Headmaster by Gillian Cross
Dinah Glass discovers that her new school Headmaster is very strange. It’s almost as if he’s controlling what all the pupils say and think. Something is very wrong, and Dinah wants to know what it is.
The Witches by Roald Dahl
A young boy goes to stay with his grandmother after his parents are killed in a car crash in the Norwegian mountains The next night, she begins to warn him about witches, evil witches. Roald Dahl titles are perennial favourites with year 5 children.
Bill’s New Frock by Anne Fine
Bill is forced to go to school in a dress. A frilly pink dress. One of the worst days of his life is about to begin. A very funny story. A fun storybook to read around the class and perform in year 5.
The Mouse and His Child by Russell Hoban
The spellbinding story of a tin father and son who dance under a Christmas tree until they break the ancient clockwork rules and are themselves broken.
The Clocktower Ghost by Gene Kemp
Addlesbury Tower is haunted by Rich King Cole, a man who fell off it long ago. But now Amanda wants the tower for herself and a battle begins.
The Sheep-pig by Dick King-Smith
When Babe is won at a fair by Farmer Hogget, he is adopted by Fly, the kind-hearted sheepdog. Babe knows he can’t be a sheepdog but maybe he might become a Sheep-Pig.
King of the Cloud Forests by Michael Morpurgo
When Japan invades China, Ashley and his Uncle are forced to flee across the Himalayas. When Ashley is captured by a group of strange creatures, they revere him as their king. Why? A great addition to an upper KS2 classroom library.
The Phoenix and the Carpet by E. Nesbit
A group of children find out their new carpet is magical. An egg in the carpet hatches into a talking Phoenix which explains that the carpet is magical and will grant them three wishes every day. A challenging book for year 5 readers.
The Scarecrow and his Servant by Philip Pullman
A scarecrow comes alive after being struck by lightning and sets out on a quest with Jack, an orphan who is his servant.
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
The quirky and funny stories of Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire and their lives after their parent’s death in a mysterious house fire. The children are claimed by their distant cousin Count Olaf who just wants their inheritance… This is a perfect series of books for children in year five.
Woof! by Allan Ahlberg
Eric is a normal boy. Until the nighttime that is, when, in fifteen seconds he can turn into a dog. An easy read option in our list of books for year 5.
Laughter is an Egg by John Agard
A very funny series of poems, riddles, jokes and ballads. A good book for Year 5 classroom libraries.
The Factory Made Boy by Christine Nostlinger
Mrs Bartolotti receives a package by mistake. Inside is a factory-made boy called Conrad who never does anything wrong. The factory wants Conrad back, but he doesn’t want to go. A good year 5 book choice for reluctant readers.
Aquila by Andrew Norriss
A highly imaginative science fiction / historical thriller about two boys who miss school to investigate a strange machine. Soon they find it can take them anywhere they imagine, and many places they can’t. A great story for any children interested in the Romans.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
The spellbinding journey of Edward Tulane – a toy rabbit – who falls from a train and lives with tramps, a scarecrow and a dying child. A heart-warming, but sad, ending.
Click for more children’s reading book recommendations – Picture books to read before you are 5 years old | Reception books | Year 1 books | Year 2 books | Year 3 books | Year 4 books | Year 5 books (this page) | Year 6 books | Topic books | KS3 books
For less able readers, try our Books for Year 4 reading suggestions.
For even more books for 9-10-year-olds, see this list.
For the more able, have a look at our Books for Year 6 reading list.
Please respect copyright and don’t copy or reproduce our year 5 book reviews. Sharing on social media or linking to our site’s pages is fine. Thanks.
