Nonfiction books for 5th graders need to be selected keeping their various interests in mind. The below list covers a wide range of good books suitable for 10-year-olds. Go through the topics of science, animals, sports, history, biographies – and find the one suitable as per your child’s interest.
Best Nonfiction Books for 5th Graders (10 Year-Olds)
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Here is a list of 25 good nonfiction books for 5th graders.
Everything: Ancient Egypt
Learn all about ancient Egypt and its wonders in this historical book. The information is presented in a fun fact format along with colored photographs. Interesting anecdotes keep the readers engaged.
Have You Thanked an Inventor Today?
Take the journey of a single day along with a little child, as he finds out inventors of different items he uses throughout the day – invented by African Americans. A highly motivating STEM book, it highlights the often overlooked black contribution to the society. Brief biographies of each inventor make this book an interesting read. Also included are small fun activities for kids.
Super Bug Encyclopedia
Did you know that scorpions have existed on earth for 430 million years? From ants to wasps and centipedes to spiders, explore the fascinating world of the tiny creatures around us. Real blown-out pictures along with fun facts and statistics make this one a popular nonfiction book with kids.
Wild Vet Adventures
Travel around the animal world with the adventurous wildlife veterinarian, Dr. Gabby Wild. Read about how she performs dental work on a jaguar, teaches a baby bird to fend for itself, and many more. Interesting short stories are complemented with National Geographic’s excellent images. This information nonfiction book highlights the effort of the people working to save and protect endangered species.
Streetcar to Justice: How Elizabeth Jennings Won the Right to Ride in New York
In July 1854- Elizabeth Jennings, a young African American female, was refused a seat on a New York City streetcar. Read how she fought and won against the system to desegregate New York City’s public transportation. This award-winning biography is perfect for kids to get a lesson in the history of the Civil rights movement.
When Stars Are Scattered
It is the real-life story of Omar Mohamed, the Somali man who lived most of his life in a refugee camp in Kenya. Life in a refugee camp is extremely challenging with scarce basic amenities. Read how Omar struggles to decide whether to go to school leaving his only family, his brother, behind. This narrative nonfiction is heartbreaking, touching, and a recommended read.
Accidental Archaeologists: True Stories of Unexpected Discoveries
Read all about unexpected discoveries made by ordinary men by accident. A cowboy found an ancient skeleton of a famous king buried underneath a parking lot. Learn how hidden the African Burial Ground in New York City was found. All these discoveries and their relevance in history are covered in this insightful book. It is a short nonfiction chapter book for kids interested in archaeology.
Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court
This book is a memoir by sports legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. From a childhood of racism and prejudice to a record-smashing career on the basketball court, this one is an interesting journey. Read about the coaches and his parents who helped him in this awe-inspiring journey. This nonfiction sportsbook is for basketball lovers.
Surprising Stories Behind Everyday Stuff
Did you know that kite was invented as a tool of war? Why do people shake hands? Read about the long history of permanent tree-houses. This jam-packed book with awesome facts about everyday stuff is sure to keep your young one glued.
Ocean!: Our Watery World as You’ve Never Seen it Before
Read about all types of Seals, Narwhals, whales, other ocean animals in this fun nonfiction animal book. Take a tour of underworld wonder, which covers 70% of the planet, and learn all about sea life. Computer-generated 3D illustrations showing cross-sections view showcases a unique level of detail.
Path to the Stars
Read about young Latina Sylvia Acevedo, whose life changed when she joined the Girl Scouts. From a child struggling with losses, she became a confident youngster. Graduating from Stanford University to being a rocket scientist at NASA, it a story of inspiration. This short nonfiction book is for kids struggling with losses and lack of confidence.
Top Secret: Spies, Codes, Capers, Gadgets, and Classified Cases Revealed
Read about the top-secret spy codes, all the tricks, interesting spy gadgets, classified cases in this adventurous book. Learn the tricks magicians use, get up close with the world’s most mysterious places, and do tons of “How to Be a Spy” activities. This book comes with a page of spy survival guide.
How Things Work: Inside Out
How do self-driving cars work? What is the technology behind 3D printers? Why do trick candles never stop burning? Learn the technology behind how things work, along with some interesting scientific facts. There is also a profile of a young black, female scientist of young NASA included for inspiration. This science nonfiction book is for curious fifth graders.
Cars, Trains, Ships, and Planes: A Visual Encyclopedia of Every Vehicle
Take a ride on more than 1,000 different types of transport – from hot air balloons to rockets and everything in between. This book narrates the history of transport – from traditional horses and carts to today’s high-speed supersonic vehicles. This one is a good nonfiction book for vehicle lovers.
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures
Read the inspiring life of the scientist, Dr. Temple Grandin. Temple was diagnosed with autism as a child. However, with her family’s encouragement, she became a scientist. And went on to invent groundbreaking improvements for farms around the globe. A note by the inspiring scientists added, in the end, is sure to motivate the kids. This nonfiction book with beautiful pictures and rhyming texts is suitable for reluctant fifth graders.
Machines That Think!
Take a fascinating look at the world’s earliest calculators, the birth of computer programming, and the arrival of smartphones. Written in comic book style format with cool graphics and fascinating tidbits – this one is a must-read for 10-year-olds. Also, check the other books from this series.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
This book features 40 black women, who made a difference in American history. Beautiful illustrations along with one page in-depth summary for each woman, make it a great read. This nonfiction picture book is motivational and informative.
I Survived the Eruption of Mount St. Helens, 1980
This is the story of eleven-year-old Jessie Marlowe, who suddenly found herself in the middle of the most destructive volcanic eruptions in US history. This book is part of the popular I Survived series. A gripping and profound tale of a disaster written in a kid-friendly way along with historic facts.
What Is the Civil Rights Movement?
This historical nonfiction book narrates the African American struggles for equal rights. It talks about the discrimination met and how the civil rights movement started. Filled with playful black and white illustration, it is an important book to learn and understand about the rights of equality.
Unseen Worlds: Real-Life Microscopic Creatures
Check the world around you with a microscope and find what is hiding inside the cupboard, ocean water, even inside your nose. Pictures of amoebae, centipede, mosquitos – all will look so real in this stunningly artistic illustrated book. You will not look at the world in the same way again. This one is a science nonfiction book for curious kids.
13 Bridges Children Should Know
Want to know how the world’s most iconic bridges were built? This book has all the details. Included are initial plans, designs, history, constructions presented in a child-friendly way. Read about the well-known bridges like – Brooklyn Bridge, as well as lesser-known ones.
My First Sewing Machine: FASHION SCHOOL
Want your child to pick up a new hobby or skill? How about sewing? This book opens up the fashion world for children and presents it in a kid-friendly way. Starting with basics like how a sewing machine works, along with parts of a machine and its function, it takes children all-the-way to create their very first fashion clothing item. Step-by-step instructions with pictures make this an ideal beginner book. An excellent choice for 10-year-olds.
National Geographic Kids Guide to Photography
This nonfiction book is for the photography\selfie loving children. It does an excellent job of providing children with basic knowledge in photography. Starting with a brief history, to equipment, stage setup, everything is captured in a detailed and kid-friendly way. Recommended by parents, this book will definitely make your child a better photographer.
Food Network Magazine The Big, Fun Kids Cookbook
This children’s book is for all the little chefs out there. 150+ easy tested recipes along with step-by-step instructions, pictures in a kid-friendly way – will make your child a pro in cooking. Fun food games and quizzes from this book make cooking time interesting.
Anger Management Workbook for Kids
Want your 5th grader to make better choices in a difficult emotional situation? This anger management book shows how. Starting with defining anger, this workbook has activities to identify, feel, overcome anger. The instructions are quite simple, and primary-grade children can follow them easily. Recommended by counselors and parents, this book is a tool for any child struggling with anger issues.
Some More 5th Grade Books & Topics
What kind of book should a fifth grader read?
In fifth grade, children become more and more conscious of their surroundings and learn to observe keenly. A diverse range of books perfectly suits the inquisitive minds of 10 to 11-year-olds. They start appreciating nonfiction more. The books for this age group have to be a healthy mix of history, people, place, animals.
