5th grade books about Science
11 books commonly assigned to 5th grade students explore science— every title’s grade range covers 5th grade, so each is grade-appropriate by curriculum placement. Each links to its reading level, themes, and the curricula that cite it.
What this list holds: All 11 titles are cited by at least one US curriculum or award list for 5th grade, first published between 1989 and 2024. The most widely cited at this grade is My Teacher Is an Alien by Bruce Coville (4 lists). Themes these books most often share besides science: nature (7), history (3), humor (3), animals (2).
11 5th grade books about science
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My Teacher Is an Alien
Bruce CovilleCited in 4 curricula across 4 states, taught from grade 3 to 6. Also covers humor, school and friendship.
Haiku, Ew! Celebrating the Disgusting Side of Nature
Lynn BrunelleCited in 2 curricula across 2 states, taught from grade 3 to 6. Also covers nature, poetry and humor.
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Arctic
Candace FlemingCited in 2 curricula across 2 states, taught from grade 3 to 6. Also covers nature and animals.
Spooky Lakes: 25 Strange and Mysterious Lakes that Dot Our Planet
Geo RutherfordCited in 2 curricula across 2 states, taught from grade 4 to 8. Also covers nature and geography.
A Journey Under the Sea
Craig FosterCited in 1 curriculum, taught from grade 2 to 5. Also covers ocean, nature and wonder.
Evidence! How Dr. John Snow Solved the Mystery of Cholera
Deborah HopkinsonCited in 1 curriculum, taught from grade 3 to 6. Also covers history, biography and problem-solving.
Mountain of Fire: The Eruption and Survivors of Mount St. Helens
Rebecca E. BaroneCited in 1 curriculum, taught from grade 4 to 8. Also covers history, survival and nature.
Oliver's Great Big Universe
Jorge ChamCited in 1 curriculum, taught from grade 3 to 6. Also covers humor and middle school.
The Dark!: Wild Life in the Mysterious World of Caves
Lindsey LeighCited in 1 curriculum, taught from grade 3 to 7. Also covers nature and animals.
The Fire of Stars
Kirsten W. LarsonCited in 1 curriculum, taught from grade 4 to 8. Also covers perseverance and history.
The Mystery of the Monarchs
Barb RosenstockCited in 1 curriculum, taught from grade 4 to 8. Also covers nature and community.
Science books at other grades
Other 5th grade themes
Friendship · Family · Courage · Identity · Humor · Adventure · History · Schools
← Full 5th grade reading list · All sciencebooks →
Frequently asked questions
What science books are good for 5th grade students?
11 books exploring science have a grade range that covers 5th grade and are assigned across US-school curricula — Common Core exemplars, AP, IB, Cambridge, and state ELA standards. Each title on this page links to its full curriculum citations and reading level.
Are these science books grade-appropriate for 5th grade?
Every title's grade range covers 5th grade, so each is age-appropriate by curriculum placement. Check each book's themes and content notes before assigning.
How many science books are on the 5th grade list?
This page lists 11 5th grade titles about science, ordered by how many US curricula cite each one for this grade (ties alphabetical). The list expands as more curriculum references are verified.
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