Are you looking for quality novels for your upper elementary students that have been written in this century? The following is a growing list of my top 21st century novels for students in the upper elementary grade levels.
Introducing new novels into my classroom is my favorite way to bring some own excitement to my teaching! You can read more about why I think changing up your reading list for more new, relevant novels in your classroom is so important by clicking here!
The following is a list of some of my students’ favorite novels I have introduced into my own classroom. I have included a brief summary and what thematic ELA unit each novel would be well suited for in your teaching!
Please note that the links are NOT affiliate links!
Out of My Mind by Sharon M Draper
Best 21st Century Novel about Disabilities
This is hands-down one of my favourite novels I have ever read as a class novel. If your students read and enjoyed Wonder by R.J. Palacio, they will love this novel about a girl named Melodie who is incredibly smart but is underestimated by everyone around her because she has cerebral palsy.
Every time I have read this novel, it has been able to engage even my fussiest readers. The injustice in the novel would stir up some type of debate between my students every week.
I recommend this novel if you are teaching a unit related to understanding learning disabilities!
Best suited for grades 5 and up!
You can purchase this novel by clicking here! (Please note this is not an affiliate link)
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Best 21st Century Novel about Individuality
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is about a girl named Ally who has difficulties reading like the rest of her peers, but who has been able to hide it by her disruptive behavior in class. That is until her new teacher sees Ally’s creative and smart side and shows her that just because she doesn’t learn the same way as her peers, does not mean she isn’t a talented, amazing young girl.
I highly recommend this novel if you are teaching units related to individuality or creative expression!
Bets suited for grades 3-5.
You can purchase this novel by clicking here!
New Kid by Jerry Craft
Best 21st century graphic novel
This is one of the best graphic novels of the 21st century for elementary students. The book is about Jordan, who begins the year at a new middle school. Jordan’s passion is drawing, and he dreams of attending art school. But instead, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school. Jordan quickly realizes he is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. Jordan begins to struggle, as he is torn between two worlds—his school life and his home life.
New Kid is a great read for students learning about multiculturalism and racism.
Bets suited for grades 5 and up!
You can purchase this novel by clicking here!
Front Desk by Kelly Yang
Best debut novel of the 21st century
This debut novel by Kelly Yang is about Mia, an immigrant from China who moved to America with her parents to seek a better life. What she got though, was a job working the front desk at a motel that her parents clean.Over time, her family begins hiding friends of theirs at the hotel, rent free.
Mia longs to provide for her family by becoming a writer. Unfortunately, her mom thinks she should stick to math. Eventually, Mia’s secrets catch up with her in a series of dramatic events.
I read this novel with my students in a unit about multiculturalism and the immigrant experience. You can check out this resource in my Teachers Pay Teachers store by clicking here.
I recommend this novel for students in grades 5 and up!
You can purchase this novel by clicking here!
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