Books for Back-to-School

It’s back-to-school time!  Returning to school can feel like a dread for some children, a long-awaited social event for others, or a new start that varies between excitement and outright panic. For some children, this will be their first time in school, or for some, their first time going all day. Whatever the circumstances, parents and children alike can feel nervous or uncertain about what lies ahead - especially during a pandemic we hoped was over. This is where books can help!  There are some amazing books for children entering school for the first time, for middle grade kids who could use a new perspective on school, and every age or reading level in between.  See my top recommended list below, divided by age group. 

Ages 10-12:

Janitors, by Tyler Whitesides. This is a 5-book fantasy series your middle grade reader won't want to put down! I had the pleasure of meeting Tyler Whitesides when I worked at our local library. He came to present his series to the kids, answer questions, and he even played some drums! His personality is as entertaining as his books. Janitors takes place at Welcher Elementary School where Spencer Zumbro attends. Students keep falling asleep during class, and have no interest in geography. Is this typical? Or is there an explanation? Spencer keeps seeing creatures prowling around the school but can’t find anyone who will believe him. Are the creatures keeping them from learning? When Spencer sees the janitor chasing one of the creatures with a vacuum, he knows it’s time to investigate. These are fast-paced books that will keep your reader entertained - and perhaps gain a new-found respect for those who mop. 

Every Missing Piece, by Melanie Conklin. If your reader loves mysteries and perhaps feels some anxiety about school, this is the book they should read! This is a well-paced and well-written book. I could not put it down - even woke up in the middle of the night thinking about it! I love books like this. The main character is a girl named Maddy and your reader will bond with her from the start. She feels anxiety but she doesn’t judge herself about that. She just knows her needs are different from other people’s needs. The book doesn’t tell the reader that lesson, it just shows the process to readers because of the situations Maddy faces. Her father died and she is learning to love a new step-dad. Maddy’s best friend seems to be growing up faster than her. The real page-turner is the mystery. Maddy spots a new boy in her neighborhood and is convinced it’s the missing boy she saw on the news. You will love the way Maddy saves the day! Plus there’s Frankie, Maddy’s adoring dog. Yep, I loved it all. 

Genesis Begins Again, by Alicia D. Williams. I read this book in 24 hours. The hero is a girl named Genesis - and she is a hero in more ways than one. She reminded me of Ellie in Lauren Wolk’s book, “Echo Mountain” and Ada in “The War That Saved My Life” by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. Opening scene in the book is Genesis finally bringing home friends for the first time, only to find all their furniture on their front lawn because her parents didn’t pay the rent again. The bullying she experiences as a result is heart-wrenching. After the move, Genesis faces another new school and becomes the new kid again. Genesis also confronts the issue of colorism, and the reader gets to see her process this and learn to accept herself by the end. In fact, by the end of this book, your heart will change, you will accept yourself more fully, and you will see some things differently. Think your middle grade reader (or you) might need a shot of courage to make a change in their life? Want to see empathy from a middle grade perspective? This is the book. Perfect read for starting a new school year. 

The Boy In the Back of the Class, by Onjali Q. Rauf. Four children decide to befriend a Syrian refugee who newly arrived at their school. Ahmet is 9 years old, fled a war, and has been separated from his family. These incredible four children decide to ask him questions, not make assumptions. They decide to feel compassion, not judgment. Amazing book to introduce the refugee crisis to your readers and classrooms. This book highlights the power of empathy to affect positive change in the world. Empowering message for readers in a position to help a refugee. 

Picture books and Early Readers: I won’t give a synopsis on each one, but check out the Amazon and Good Reads reviews. All are worth buying. Some are so funny, you will laugh out loud. Some are perfect for helping kids feel less worried about their first day. Some books I put in both age groups. Picture books might look like they are too young for your not-new reader, but they often start needed conversations that are perfect for their age group. 

Age 7-9:  This is the best time to introduce non-fiction, and there are SO many great books out there to peak their interest!

“Britannica All New Kids’ Encyclopedia: What We Know & What We Don’t” by Britannica Group

“The Fascinating Animal Book for Kids: 500 Wild Facts!” by Ginjer Clarke

“There’s No Place Like Space (Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library)” by Tish Rabe

“5,000 Awesome Facts (National Geographic Kids)” by National Kids

"The Name Jar" by Yangsook Choi

“The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read” by Rita Lorraine Hubbard

“The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba

“The Girl With a Mind for Math” by Julia Finley Mosca

Picture books with content appropriate for all ages:

“Little Red Writing” by Joan Holub

“The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade” by Justin Roberts

“The Day You Begin” by Jacqueline Woodson. 

“Where Are You From?” by Yamile Saied Mendez

“The Dot” by Peter Reynolds

“I Talk Like a River” by Jordan Scott

“I’ll Walk With You” by Carol Lynn Pearson

“The Name Jar” by Jangsook Choi

“A Kid is a Kid is a Kid” by Sara O’Leary

Age 5-7: 

“The Day You Begin” by Jacqueline Woodson. 

“We Don’t Eat Our Classmates” by Ryan T. Higgins

“Wemberly Worried” by Kevin Henkes

“The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade” by Justin Roberts

“Jessica” by Kevin Henkes

“I’ll Walk With You” by Carol Lynn Pearson

“The Pigeon Has To Go To School” by Mo Willems

“Curious George’s First Day of School” by Margret & H. A. Rey

“Teach Us, Amelia Bedelia” by Peggy Parish

“A Kid is a Kid is a Kid” by Sara O’Leary

"If I Built a School" by Chris Van Dusen