Does anyone have some suggestions for some books that 5th graders would be interested in but are at a lower reading level?

Our 5th Grade Teaching team is putting together class sets for reading groups. We are looking for some sets that are at a lower reading level that the 5th graders would not be embarrassed to be seen reading.  They don't want to be seen reading "Magic Treehouse" among their peers who are reading at a higher level.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I teach 6th graders with learning disabilities and of all the books I've brought in this year, this biggest hit is a silly series called The Zombie Chasers by John Kloepfer.  There are three books in the series and I'd say they're written at a 3rd grade level. Some of the gen. ed. kids have asked to borrow them, so they're making the rounds of the grade level.

If your school has a spring book fair coming up, I would suggest that your team spend some time watching what your students buy.  Many of the really popular series at my school are written at lower levels. The Dork Diaries and Diary of a Wimpy Kid books spring to mind.  Another thing to consider is graphic novels.  Who says that reading has to come in the form of a traditional book?  There are all kinds of graphic novels available now and because of the novelty, I find that other kids don't notice that the reading level is significantly lower than what the others are reading.  Sports Illustrated has a number of graphic novels written for ages 8 and up.  Bone is another graphic novel series that kids seem to enjoy. 

Just a few thoughts.  If anything else comes to mind I'll add to this post.

Sandy,

Thanks so much.  I am going to pass this info on.  We have our bookfair coming up in the next few weeks.  I actually thought of the Graphic novels too.

I really appreciate your input.