GRADE 5 BOOKS This Rising Voices Library offers appealing fiction and informational texts that celebrate the multifaceted identities and the varied talents and interests of Latino people. By fostering a classroom community that supports positive representation and equity, children of all backgrounds will benefit as they build respect and understanding. Your grade 5 library includes 50 books in all: two copies of each theme’s anchor text, plus two copies of each of the additional titles listed below. †
Merci Suárez Changes Gears written by Meg Medina
SOMEONE LIKE ME/MEMORABLE CHARACTERS
In this heartfelt coming-of-age story, Merci Suárez realizes just how much is changing as she begins sixth grade. She and her older brother, Roli, are scholarship students at their private school, which means doing extra community service to make up their tuition. The bossy Edna Santos is jealous of Merci for reasons beyond Merci’s control. On top of
Anchor Text
Efrén Divided written by Ernesto Cisneros*
In this compelling realistic story, Efrén Nava has a loving and supportive family. Efrén’s parents came to the United States before Efrén was born so their children would have more opportunities, but they did not have legal documents. Efrén’s worst fears come true when his mother is deported. Now his father is working tirelessly to get her back while Efrén cares for his
that, no one at home will clue her in on why her grandfather, Lolo, has been acting so strange. As she attempts to untangle her school and family drama, Merci realizes that to rise above, she must take new approaches and change her perceptions.
young twin siblings and struggles to keep up with his own schoolwork and keep their problems secret. Efrén is willing to risk anything to have his family back together, but as it gets more difficult for his mother to come home, he comes to a deeper appreciation of what really matters—friends and family, far and near.
The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora written by Pablo Cartaya*
There are two things that are at the center of Arturo Zamora’s family: his abuela and La Cocina de la Isla, the family restaurant she opened nearly twenty years ago. As the summer begins, Arturo is awash in emotions: anxious about his unexpected new job as a dishwasher, nervous about getting to know a new family friend named Carmen, and sad
Charlie Hernández & the Castle of Bones written by Ryan Calejo*
In this novel inspired by Hispanic folklore, legends, and myths, spanning Central and South America, Charlie Hernández is a morphling, or a demon-slayer with the superpower ability to embody almost any animal trait found in nature. When Queen Jo is kidnapped by the sinister La Mano
that his abuela is falling ill. And as if all this wasn’t enough, there’s a new developer in town determined to buy the family restaurant, demolish it, and replace it with fancy high-rise buildings. As Arturo sifts through his late grandfather’s letters, poems, and music, he learns more about his Cuban American family’s past and gains the confidence to be a voice for positive change for himself, his family, and beyond.
Peluda, Charlie and his friend Violet Rey embark on a quest to rescue her—using all their courage, and all of Charlie’s magical abilities, to keep peace intact.
Scholastic Rising Voices: Books Elevating Latino Stories: Grade 5 Books | Back to Top | 26 *Denotes an author or illustrator of Latino descent † Comparable substitutes will be provided for titles no longer available.
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