When I ask kids in my fourth and fifth grade book club what their favorite genre is, a large group of them tell me, \u201cI love sad books.\u201d After pushing them to define what constitutes a \u201csad\u201d book, I\u2019ve learned this category includes books with characters that feel they are different in some way. These characters often face severe bullying or social exclusion because of their differences. This category also encompasses books where a major tragedy occurs like the loss of a loved one or loss of a home or extreme poverty, or stories that center around a mental or physical illness. The plotlines may differ, but the common thread is that these books make young readers feel deeply.<\/p>\n
This makes sense. Kids, like grown-ups, want to engage in stories that make them feel something. This is the power of a good book. It may introduce us to a new feeling, or help us describe a feeling we\u2019ve always had but didn\u2019t know anyone else did too. It may build empathy and self-awareness. This is how reading changes us.<\/p>\n
Here are eight favorite \u201csad\u201d books recommended by fourth and fifth grade readers for other young readers.<\/p>\n
no no 9781101938126 The List of Things That Will Not Change<\/i> by Rebecca Stead <\/p>\n
5th grader Bea is processing a lot of feelings as her father, Dan, prepares for his second marriage to Jesse. She is worried about how her mother feels. She is excited about having a new sister from Jesse’s first marriage. She wonders how to deal with others who are not as accepting of her father marrying a man. The author beautifully captures the voice and essence of an imperfect but likable 5th grader who can be a great friend and make poor decisions. Mairin, age 10, gives it 5 stars and shares, \u201cThis book is very meaningful and very funny.\u201d<\/p>\n
9781368085557 Ellie Engle Saves Herself<\/i> by Leah Johnson <\/p>\n
Ellie is most comfortable reading comic books alone or hanging out with her best friend Abby who encourages her to try new things and be adventurous. But things begin to change when Abby wants to hang out with the cool girls, and then a freak natural event leaves Ellie with a superpower that causes her to be the center of attention. She starts to question assumptions about herself and how healthy her relationship with Abby is. A fast-paced plot and rich characters with diverse backstories, interests, and family situations make this a page-turner that will appeal to readers who enjoy magical realism and superhero stories with themes of friendship, family, and identity.<\/p>\n
9781984814524 Starfish<\/i> by Lisa Fipps <\/p>\n
This book packs an emotional punch in the best way possible. Ellie is a smart, creative, funny 11-year-old who has been fat-shamed by kids and her mom for as long as she can remember. As she navigates the ups and downs of starting middle school and being bullied for her weight, she finds allies in her Dad, a new neighbor, her best friend, and her therapist who collectively help her to learn to love herself. Jessica, age 11, raves, \u201cI recommend this book to anyone who enjoys novels in verse and books about the journey of belonging. I didn’t want to put it down as I wanted to know what happened next.\u201d<\/p>\n
9780142422861 Counting by 7s<\/i> by Holly Goldberg Sloan <\/p>\n
Willow Chance is a twelve-year-old genius who suddenly becomes an orphan after her adoptive parents are killed in a tragic accident. The book chronicles her journey to overcome her grief by connecting with strangers who become like family. Kristy says, \u201cIt\u2019s a touching book that will reach down into your heart and make you want to cry. This book has changed my life and how I think.\u201d<\/p>\n
9780142417751 Mockingbird<\/i> by Kathryn Erskine <\/p>\n
This is the heartbreaking tale of Caitlin, a fifth grader with Asperger\u2019s syndrome who is struggling to cope after her older brother was gunned down in a school shooting. This beautifully written book addresses multiple tragedies and teaches life-changing lessons about empathy and finding closure. Kyle gave it five stars, saying, \u201cI really enjoyed this book and will never forget it.\u201d<\/p>\n
9780553497311 The Seventh Most Important Thing<\/i> by Shelley Pearsall <\/p>\n