Key Stage 2
Year 5 reading list
30 books. Books that primary schools read as class novels and recommend for independent reading in this year.
Core
16 books
The books most schools teach in this year. A good place to start.
Kensuke's KingdomMichael Morpurgo
Street ChildBerlie Doherty
The ExplorerKatherine Rundell
CogheartPeter Bunzl
Wolf BrotherMichelle Paver
Journey to Jo'burgBeverley Naidoo
Running WildMichael Morpurgo
Beetle BoyM. G. Leonard
Who Let the Gods Out?Maz Evans
The Last BearHannah Gold
The Nowhere EmporiumRoss MacKenzie
Kaspar: Prince of CatsMichael Morpurgo
PaxSara Pennypacker
MalamanderThomas Taylor
The Unforgotten CoatFrank Cottrell-Boyce
Viking BoyTony Bradman
Stretch
8 books
A step up in length or difficulty, for a confident reader.
Challenge
6 books
Demanding books for a strong reader who wants a real challenge.