Take a look at some great books for fifth graders:

The underneath by Kathi Appelt; illustrated by David Small

An unremarkable boy and a rather remarkable ghost by Louise Arnold

Dragon's breath by E.D. Baker

Looking for some great Fourth Grade reads? Try some of these:

The strange case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

The one and only Ivan by Katherine Applegate; illustrations by Patricia Castelao

Tales of a fourth grade nothing by Judy Blume; illustrated by Roy Doty

AnnArbor.com's Sunday paper edition touts George Orwell's 1984 as "one novel that everyone should have under their [sic] literary belts." Orwell's grim prediction for the future is fully unveiled in the workings of the totalitarian state run by Big Brother. Often on the reading list of the public schools, this novel is one of those rare gems that is both entertaining and meaningful.

Thanks to Drose1976 for another Fave Five!

A Painted House by John Grisham
This is just simply a great story. Grisham knows how to keep pages turning and this is him at his best.

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky