Sad Books Say So Much:
8 Books That Give Fourth and Fifth Graders All the Feels
by Kari Ness Riedel
When I ask kids in my fourth and fifth grade book club what their favorite genre is, a large group of them tell me, “I love sad books.” After pushing them to define what constitutes a “sad” book, I’ve 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.
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’ve always had but didn’t know anyone else did too. It may build empathy and self-awareness. This is how reading changes us.
Here are eight favorite “sad” books recommended by fourth and fifth grade readers for other young readers.
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The List of Things That Will Not Change
Available from: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, “This book is very meaningful and very funny.”
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Ellie Engle Saves Herself
Available from: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.
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Starfish
Available from: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, “I 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.”
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Counting by 7s
Available from: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, “It’s 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.”
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Mockingbird
Available from:This is the heartbreaking tale of Caitlin, a fifth grader with Asperger’s 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, “I really enjoyed this book and will never forget it.”
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The Seventh Most Important Thing
Available from:Twelve-year-old Arthur finds himself in juvie after hurling a brick at an old man known as the “Junk Man” (because he picks through trash in the neighborhood). Arthur’s punishment is 120 hours of community service working for the Junk Man. This is a beautiful story of redemption, the power of art, and the ripple effect of every action we take. Gabe says, “This book is emotional, thought-provoking, and uplifting.” The Seventh Most Important Thing is also a Brightly Book Club pick.
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One for the Murphys
Available from:Carley has survived an abusive childhood with her quick wit, street smarts, and a thick emotional wall that protects her from getting hurt. But things change when she is thrown into the warmth and stability of the Murphy family as a foster child. This is a universal story about belonging and identity. For Rachel, it is “a touching story that makes you feel like you're right there with Carley. If you want a sad book, this is it.”
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Because of Mr. Terupt
Available from:Mr. Terupt is a very special teacher who makes fifth grade fun at Snow Hill, until a tragic accident occurs. This story about friendship and hardships unfolds from the perspective of seven very different students who have all been touched by this amazing teacher. Ben says, “Help me! I can’t put this book down,” while Anna proclaims, “This book is amazing … it will make you laugh and cry.”
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2016 and updated in 2024.