Below are the books for grades 5–6 that are part of our English Summer Reading Program in 2022. Pick up a bookmark at Bookshop Santa Cruz, add one to your cart (below), or download one to print (here) to keep track of the books as you read.
An unforgettable story about finding your voice—and finding your people. Perfect for fans of Sharon Draper, Meg Medina, and Jason Reynolds.
A 12-year-old boy is caught in the middle of cultures, friends, and growing up Chinese Jewish American in this acclaimed, hilariously witty, and heartwarming coming-of-age story.
Quick-paced, heartfelt, and zany novel follows a speedy kid from an unconventional family who will do whatever it takes to win an international track contest.
The young readers edition aims to teach readers how to explore and understand racism and white supremacy through a variety of topics—white privilege, white fragility, racist stereotypes, and more.
"Exploring familial bonds, belonging, and community, this is a fast-paced urban fantasy drawing on Korean mythology. Complications and twists keep the plot engaging and snappy. A fun, new magical world that promises more adventures to come."—Kirkus Reviews
Sleeping Beauty like you've never seen it before, about a girl who lives in the shadow of her older sister and the curse that has haunted her from birth.
In this fun and imaginative full-color graphic novel, Jason Platt sends a fast-talking, daydreaming, middle school kid on a desperate quest to pull off a great show and save his summer.
A story of self-discovery, community, and finding one's place in the world—in this coming-of-age graphic novel that explores Indigenous and gender issues through a fresh yet familiar looking glass.
Anne of Green Gables with a twist—Anne Shirley moves to modern-day West Philadelphia, where where she finds new friends, new rivals, and a new family.