LibGuides: Resources to Meet Standards: Grade 5

Instructions

Click on the title for a book summary and additional information.

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KAS Standard RI.5.1.: QUOTE ACCURATELY FROM A TEXT when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.

AASL Standards:

IV.D.1.: Learners select and organize information for a variety of audiences by: Performing ongoing analysis of and reflection on the quality, usefulness, and accuracy of curated resources.

V.A.3.: Learners develop and satisfy personal curiosity by: Engaging in inquiry-based processes for personal growth.

Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
ISBN: 9780142417751
Publication Date: 2011
The story is about how the community copes with a shooting at Virginia Dare Middle School that took the lives of two students and one of their teachers. One student was brother to the main character, a 10-year-old girl with Asperger's Syndrome.

Prompts:

1. When considering her passion for books, Caitlin states, "You can open and close books a million times and they stay the same. They look the same. They say the same words. The charts and pictures are the same colors. Books are not like people. Books are safe." (p.34) what can we infer about her statement? Do you agree with Caitlin?

2. As her father shares his struggles with his sister, Caitlin remarks, "I try not to listen to Dad because I've had all the empathy I can take right now. Empathy can make you feel really sad." (p.128) what does Caitlin's statement tell us about her level of understanding concepts like empathy and finesse? Do you think she is changing? Why or why not?
Smile: How Young Charlie Chaplin Taught the World to Laugh (and Cry) by Gary Golio; Ed Young (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780763697617
Publication Date: 2019
Once there was a little slip of a boy who roamed the streets of London, hungry for life (and maybe a bit of bread). His dad long gone and his actress mother ailing, five-year-old Charlie found himself onstage one day taking his mum's place, singing and drawing laughs amid a shower of coins...Charlie knew that funny and sad go hand in hand...(the story of) Charlie Chaplin's path from his childhood through his beginnings in silent film and the creation of his iconic Little Tramp.

PROMPTS:

1. The text states that, "Charlie was funny, a natural. He'd make people squeal by stumbling, slipping or taking a fall." and "they laughed until they cried". What do these quotes infer about the main features of Charlie's act?

2. Describe the different ways Charlie learned "how funny and sad go hand in hand."
Waiting for the Magic by Patricia MacLachlan; Amy June Bates (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781416927457
Publication Date: 2011
When Papa goes away for a little while, his family tries to cope with the separation by adopting four dogs and a cat. Throughout the story a little bit of magic touches everyone.

Prompts:

1. On page 79 explain what evidence is given that the dogs are starting to like Papa?

2. On page 142 and 143 in Papa's poem, what has Papa learned and who is he giving credit to for learning it?

KAS Standard RI.5.2.: Analyze how the CENTRAL IDEAS are reflected in a text, and cite relevant implicit and explicit evidence to support thinking.

AASL Standards:

I.D.2.: Learners participate in an ongoing inquiry-based process by: Engaging in sustained inquiry.

IV.D.1.: Learners select and organize information for a variety of audiences by: Performing ongoing analysis of and reflection on the quality, usefulness, and accuracy of curated resources.

Amina's Voice by Hena Khan
ISBN: 9781481492065
Publication Date: 2017
A Pakistani-American Muslim girl struggles to stay true to her family's vibrant culture while simultaneously blending in at school after tragedy strikes her community.

PROMPTS:

1. Describe how Amina dealt with the challenges of her life as a Muslin, Pakistani American beginning middle school. How did working through these challenges affect her as a person?

2. When thinking about the themes in this story. What life lessons do you think Anima learned?
Nelson Mandela by Kadir Nelson (Illustrator)
ISBN: 0061783749
Publication Date: 2013
Nelson Madela had a life-long quest of bringing peace and equality to all in his country. Through his education and personal drive he was able to fight peacefully for what he believed in, and has been and will continue to be a model for how to bring about change.

Prompts:

1. From what you read in this book, what was Nelson’s main purpose in life?

2. What actions in his life helped the people of South Africa decide to elect him as their president?
No Talking by Andrew Clements; Mark Elliott (Illustrator)
ISBN: 1416909834
Publication Date: 2007
The noisy fifth grade boys of Laketon Elementary School challenge the equally loud fifth grade girls to a "no talking" contest.

Prompts:

1. Explain or discuss how Dave dealt with the challenges of the no talking rules throughout the story. How did he evolve as a person?

2. When thinking about the theme of this story (what the main character learned), what life lesson do you think Dave learned? Have students analyze how the characters changed their view of language and what social lessons they learned along the way.
Pass Go and Collect $200 by Steven Salerno (Illustrator); Tanya Lee Stone
ISBN: 9781627791687
Publication Date: 2018
In the late 1800s lived Lizzie Magie, a clever and charismatic woman with a strong sense of justice. One day she had an idea: create a game that shows the unfairness of the landlord-tenant relationship. Enter Charles Darrow, a marketer and salesman with a vision for transforming Lizzie's game into an exciting staple of American family entertainment.

PROMPTS:

1. Describe what socioeconomic factors inspired Lizzie Magie to invent the original version of Monopoly, the Landlords Game.

2. How did Charles Darrow improve the game? Describe the changes he made to the appearance and name.

3. Charles Darrow bought Magie's patent for $500 to become the sole owner of the game. He then sold to Parker Brother games and Darrow made millions of dollars. Explain why the history of this game is an example of irony.
Two Brothers, Four Hands by Jan Greenberg; Sandra Jordan; Hadley Hooper (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780823441709
Publication Date: 2019
Everyone who knew them agreed. Alberto was the genius of the family. His younger brother Diego was his opposite...The poignant story of brothers and sculptors Alberto and Diego Giacometti is skillfully brought to life.

PROMPTS:

1. Describe the ways the brothers were alike and different as children? How did this effect their relationship as adults?

2. Describe ways that the brothers' unique bond fostered the talent of the other brother. Explain or discuss how Diego dealt with the challenges of not knowing his own talents ..

3. When thinking about the theme of the story (the relationship between the brothers) how did each show his devotion to the other brother?

KAS Standard RI.5.3.: Explain the relationships or interactions between INDIVIDUALS, EVENTS, IDEAS OR CONCEPTS IN A HISTORICAL, SCIENTIFIC OR TECHNICAL TEXT based on specific information over the course of a text.

AASL Standards:

I.D.4.: Learners participate in an ongoing inquiry-based process by: Using reflection to guide informed decisions.

IV.B.4.: Learners gather information appropriate to the task by: Organizing information by priority, topic, or other systematic scheme.

Barnum's Bones by Tracey E. Fern; Boris Kulikov (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780374305161
Publication Date: 2012
A boy always on the lookout for interesting rocks and fossils grows to be one of the world’s most formidable paleontologists. Spending much of his time out on digs, Barnum longs to discover a species never-before identified.

Prompts:

1. Explain how the interactions of Barnum Brown and Henry Fairfield Osborn led to the first-ever discovery of Tyrannosaurus rex. Use specific information in the text to explain your answer.

2. Explain the relationship between Barnum’s 1902 and 1908 discoveries in Montana’s badlands. What resulted from these two separate discoveries? Use specific information in the text to explain your answer.
The Genius of Islam by Bryn Barnard
ISBN: 9780375840722
Publication Date: 2011
There are many areas of our modern lives which can be traced back to contributions and inventions from the Islamic tradition. This book features eleven such influences, with historical context in narrative form.

Prompts:

1. How did the Muslim bimaristan of 706 influence the development of hospitals as we know them? Describe another example from the book of the impact Muslim inventions and ideas had on our world.

2. Which contribution did you find most surprising? Do you think it’s important to recognize these contributions? Why or why not?
Home Sweet Neighborhood by Michelle Mulder
ISBN: 9781459816916
Publication Date: 2019
Picture a busy avenue. Now plant trees along the boulevard, paint a mural by the empty lot, and add a community garden. Set up benches along the sidewalks and make space for kids' chalk drawings, and you've set the scene for a thriving community. Placemaking--personalizing public and semi-private spaces like front yards--is a growing trend in cities and suburbs around the world.

PROMPTS:

1. Describe the events that brought about changes in various communities and countries? Describe ways these changes affected those living in those places.

2. When thinking about the theme of this story (placemaking), what life lessons do you think the author is sharing?
A Lady Has the Floor by Kate Hannigan; Alison Jay (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781629794532
Publication Date: 2018
A nonfiction picture book biography of Belva Lockwood, a lawyer, activist and presidential candidate who devoted her life to overcoming obstacles and demanding equality for women. Activist Belva Lockwood never stopped asking herself the question Are women not worth the same as men?

PROMPTS:

1. Describe the events that made Belva know she had to do something to make changes in her community and country?

2. Describe the actions Belva took to eliminate the different restrictions of girls and women.

3. What were the results of Belva's plans and actions? How did these results benefit the community and country?

4. Which contribution did you find most surprising? Do you think it’s important to recognize these contributions? Why or why not?
The Tapir Scientist by Sy Montgomery; Nic Bishop
ISBN: 9780547815480
Publication Date: 2013
Field Scientist Pati Medici and her team work to save the Tapir’s natural habitat in order to save the species. In order to help the Tapir, the team must uncover unknown mysteries surrounding this reclusive animal.

Prompts:

1. After reading page 9 and 10, explain the relationship between the tapir’s eating / bathroom habits and the forest survival in South America.

2. Explain how the tapir population could be positively impacted through the intervention of human scientists. Predict the future of the tapir if there was currently no effort by human scientist to intervene and help.

KAS Standard RI. 5.4.: Determine the meaning of GENERAL ACADEMIC AND DOMAIN- SPECIFIC words or phrases in a GRADE- LEVEL TEXT, and analyze how those words and phrases shape meaning.

AASL Standards:

I.A.2.: Learners display curiosity and initiative by: Recalling prior and background knowledge as context for new meaning.

I.D.4.: Learners participate in an ongoing inquiry-based process by: Continually seeking knowledge.

Bad News for Outlaws by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson; R. Gregory Christie (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780822567646
Publication Date: 2008
In this biography the author shows how Bass Reeves lived a life of integrity, first as a slave and then as a U.S. Marshal. Even though he spent his life trying to find and bring back criminals he did not believe in using force unless absolutely necessary.

Prompts:

1. What do you think running muddy means after reading “Jim Webb’s luck was running muddy when Bass Reeves rode into town. Webb had stayed one jump ahead of the lawman for two years. He wasn’t about to be caught now.

2. Describe two instances in which Bass Reeves showed he was a man of integrity.

KAS Standard RI.5.10.: By the end of the year, flexibly use a variety of comprehension strategies (i.e., questioning, monitoring, visualizing, inferencing, summarizing, synthesizing, using prior knowledge, determining importance) to read, comprehend.

AASL Standards:

I.A.1.: Learners display curiosity and initiative by: Formulating questions about a personal interest or a curricular topic.

I.D.2.: Learners participate in an ongoing inquiry-based process by: Engaging in sustained inquiry.

IV.B.3.: Learners gather information appropriate to the task by: Systematically questioning and assessing the validity and accuracy of information.

Journey into the Deep by Rebecca L. Johnson
ISBN: 9780761341482
Publication Date: 2010
This informational text is written in the second person narrative. It features nearly every element of informational text: table of contents, foreword, prologue, captions, headings, sub-headings, photos, graphs, charts, illustrations, varied text, and font, quotes, pictorial directory of scientists quoted, glossary, source notes, bibliography, electronic resources, and an index. The fascinating images will draw readers in as they use all their scaffolded skills to explore the content.

Prompts:

1. Would you say the point of view of the narration helped or hindered your comprehension? Why or why not?

2. Describe your favorite part of the journey. What parts of the text were the most helpful? How would you recommend this book to a friend? (Give details.)

KAS Standard RL.5.3.: Compare/contrast CHARACTERS, SETTINGS OR EVENTS in a story or drama, using specific details to analyze their interaction over the course of the text.

AASL Standards:

I.A.2.: Learners display curiosity and initiative by: Recalling prior and background knowledge as context for new meaning.

I.D.4.: Learners participate in an ongoing inquiry-based process by: Continually seeking knowledge.

IV.D.3.: Learners select and organize information for a variety of audiences by: Openly communicating curation processes for others to use, interpret, and validate.

Lifeboat 12 by Susan Hood
ISBN: 9781481468831
Publication Date: 2018
This poignant novel in verse based on true events tells the story of a boy's harrowing experience on a lifeboat after surviving a torpedo attack during World War II. With Nazis bombing London every night, it's time for thirteen-year-old Ken to escape…one of ninety boys and girls to ship out aboard the SS City of Benares to safety in Canada…They've been hit. Torpedoed! The Benares is sinking fast. Terrified, Ken scrambles aboard Lifeboat 12 with five other boys. Will they get away? Will they survive?

PROMPTS:

1. Why does Ken have a difficult time coping at home? What are the differences between Ken's London home, meals and living situation to those on the on the S.S. City of Benares?

2. Describe the differences and similarities between Ken's nights during the Blitz in London to the night that the the ship was shelled.
Lions and Liars by Kate Beasley; Dan Santat (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780374302634
Publication Date: 2018
Frederick Frederickson has a food-chain theory about life. There are lions, like the school bully. Gazelles, like the bullied kids. There are meerkats, and the fleas…Frederick is a flea. Fifth grade is off to a terrible start when Frederick is sent to a disciplinary camp for troublesome boys. His fellow troop mates-- are terrifying. But in between trust-building exercises and midnight escape attempts, a tenuous friendship grows between them. Which is lucky, because a Category 5 hurricane is coming and everyone will have to work together--lions and fleas alike--to survive!

PROMPTS:

1. Compare and contrast the differences between lions, gazelles, meerkats and fleas. Compare and contrast how Freddie's school friends are alike and how they are different from his camp friends.

2. Describe the different ways Freddie and his camp friends support one another in the story.

3. Describe how Freddie's camp experience helps him recognize the good and bad in everyone. What do you think Freddie discovered that is important to have a friendship with another person?
Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds; Alexander Nabaum (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781481438285
Publication Date: 2019
Jason Reynolds conjures ten tales (one per block) about what happens after the dismissal bell rings, and brilliantly weaves them into one wickedly funny, piercingly poignant look at the detours we face on the walk home, and in life.

PROMPTS:

1. How are the friends the alike? How they are the different?

2. Describe different ways the characters support one another in the stories.
Macy Mcmillan and the Rainbow Goddess by Shari Green
ISBN: 9781772780338
Publication Date: 2017
Sixth grade is coming to an end, and so is life as Macy McMillan knows it. Already a "For Sale" sign mars the front lawn of her beloved house. Soon her mother will upend their perfect little family, adding a stepfather and six-year-old twin stepsisters… Just when Macy's mother ought to be understanding, she sends Macy next door to help eighty six-year-old Iris Gillan, who is also getting ready to move - in her case into an assisted living facility.

PROMPTS:

1. Compare and contrast how Macy and Iris are alike and how they are different.

2. Describe the current and future challenges of Macy. How do those compare to the current and future challenges of Iris.

2. Describe the different ways Macy and Iris support one another in the story.
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
ISBN: 9780060760885
Publication Date: 2010
Eleven year old Delphine does not know that she is going to be the primary care-giver of her two younger sisters during the summer of 1968 when they are sent from Brooklyn, New York to Oakland, California to stay with the mother that abandoned them earlier in life . Cecile, their mother, wants to be left alone with her poetry and printing press during the day and sends the three young girls to a Black Panther day camp for children.

Prompts:

1. Describe the contrast in behaviors between 11 year old, Delphine, and her mother, Cecile when it comes to taking care of the two younger children, Venetta and Fern.

2. Using different events in the story describe how Cecile's feelings about her children changed during the course of the book.
Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly
ISBN: 9781524770235
Publication Date: 2019
The story of a deaf girl's connection to a whale whose song can't be heard by his species, and the journey she takes to help him.

PROMPTS:

1. Describe why Iris has a difficult time at school? What is the impression of others at school of Iris? How does this make her feel?

2. Describe the difficulty that the whale, Blue 55, had in the story. Describe how Iris and Blue 55 are alike.

3. Iris and Blue 55 are important to one another in different ways in the story. Describe how they help each other.
Stay by Bobbie Pyron
ISBN: 9780062839220
Publication Date: 2019
Heartwarming story of a girl living in a shelter and the homeless dog she's determined to reunite with his family. Piper's life is turned upside down when her family moves into a shelter in a whole new city. She misses her house, her friends, and her privacy--and she hates being labeled the homeless girl at her new school...this classic and heartfelt animal tale proclaims the importance of hope, the power of story, and the true meaning of home.

PROMPTS:

1. Compare and contrast how Piper's and Baby's situations are alike and how they are different.

2. Describe the current and future challenges of Piper. How do those compare to the current and future challenges of Baby?

2. Piper and Baby are important to one another in different ways in the story. Describe how they help each other.
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780545027892
Publication Date: 2011
The lives of two characters from different times and places, portrayed in words and pictures respectively, are drawn together and ultimately intertwine in ways neither of them expected.

Prompts:

1. How are the childhood lives of Ben and Rose the same? How are they different?

2. Why does Ben have a difficult time coping in New York City once he arrives there? What are the differences between the big city and home which might contribute to his difficulty surviving there?

KAS Standard RL.5.4.: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including but not limited to ALLUSIONS FOUND IN MYTHOLOGY, and analyze how those words and phrases shape meaning.

AASL Standards:

I.A.2.: Learners display curiosity and initiative by: Recalling prior and background knowledge as context for new meaning.

I.D.4.: Learners participate in an ongoing inquiry-based process by: Continually seeking knowledge.

Artemis by George O'Connor
ISBN: 9781626725218
Publication Date: 2017
Shunned even before she was born and destined to live a life of solitude, Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt, finds power through her skilled hunting ability and mighty bow. She slays those who wish to do harm to the innocent and takes care of the young and helpless.

PROMPTS:

1. Why did Artemis tell her father, Zeus, she wanted a bow, "fashioned by the cyclopes"?

2. Explain what it means when Artemis was described as "caretaker of the wilds". In what ways did she fulfill this responsibility?
Cat Tale by Michael Hall (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780061915161
Publication Date: 2012
Three cats get themselves into some sticky and adventurous situations as they discover that some words, though pronounced and/or spelled the same, can have completely different meanings.

Prompts:

1. Using context clues from the text, choose 4 pairs of homonyms within the story and identify the meaning of both words in each pair.

2. Explain how a homonym is different from a homophone (both are used in this book).
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate; Patricia Castelao (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780061992254
Publication Date: 2012
Told poetically through the voice of Ivan, a silverback gorilla, we connect to his life in captivity and his plight for peace and justice for both he and his friends.

Prompts:

1. The death of Ivan's sister, Tag, is never stated directly in the text. How does the author imply Tag's death?

2. Stella states "old age is a powerful disguise" her feet are bound by rope, not the chains she had when younger. What does this mean?

3. What does "a good zoo is a way humans make amends" mean? Answer the question using examples from the text to explain.

KAS Standard RL.5.6.: Describe how a narrator’s or speaker’s PERSPECTIVE influences how events are described.

AASL Standards:

I.B.3.: Learners engage with new knowledge by following a process that includes: Generating products that illustrate learning.

I.D.4.: Learners participate in an ongoing inquiry-based process by: Using reflection to guide informed decisions.

Wonder by R. J. Palacio
ISBN: 9780375869020
Publication Date: 2012
This story is told from the perspective of multiple characters so the reader hears several different characters' points of view on the same events.

Prompts:

1. Which character's point of view did you most identify with? Use examples from the story to explain why you chose that particular character.

2. In the chapter "Letters, emails, texts, Facebook, texts" Julian's mother suggests that asking particular students to befriend August has placed a burden on them. Do you think she is correct? Why or why not?

KAS Standard RL.5.7.: Analyze how VISUAL AND MULTIMEDIA ELEMENTS contribute to the meaning or tone of non-print texts.

AASL Standards:

III.B.1.: Learners participate in personal, social, and intellectual networks by: Using a variety of communication tools and resources.

IV.D.1.: Learners select and organize information for a variety of audiences by: Performing ongoing analysis of and reflection on the quality, usefulness, and accuracy of curated resources.

The Big Bad Fox by Benjamin Renner
ISBN: 9781626723313
Publication Date: 2017
Fox dreams of being the terror of the hen house, but no one on the farm is the least bit intimidated by him--when he picks a fight with a hen, he always ends up on the losing end. He tries to take lessons from his mentor Wolf, but Fox's incompetence always gets in the way. It looks like Fox will have to spend the rest of his life eating turnips.

PROMPTS:

1. Do the drawings enhance the mood of the story? If so, how?

2. Do the individual scenes against a white back-drop, free of borders make a literal connection with the plot of the story? How?
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780439813785
Publication Date: 2007
Hugo Cabret, orphaned and living within the walls of a Paris train station, comes across a mysterious drawing leading him down a path of intrigue, understanding and friendship.

Prompts:

1. Selznick could have written The Invention of Hugo Cabret in words only but he chose do present a large part of the story through drawings. Why did Selznick do this?

2. Do the drawings enhance the mood of the story? If so, how?

3. Do the illustrations make a literal connection with the plot of the story? How?
Max and the Midknights by Lincoln Peirce
ISBN: 9781101931080
Publication Date: 2019
Max wants to be a knight! Too bad that dream is about as likely as finding a friendly dragon. But when Max's uncle Budrick is kidnapped by the cruel King Gastley, Max has to act...and fast! Joined by a band of brave adventurers--the Midknights--Max sets out on a thrilling quest...

PROMPTS:

1. Do the drawings make a literal connection with the plot of the story? If so, how?

2. The author could have written Max & the Midknights in words only but he chose do present a large part of the story through drawings. Why did Peirce do this?

School Library Catalogs

In the listing below locate the school library catalog of your choice and search by author, title or ISBN.