It’s getting to be that time again. Back to school is here and with it come some first days of school and first days in a new school. We found several books to help your child get excited about school and a few others to get them back in the reading groove after a summer of sun and fun that might not have included so much reading.
Sorry, Grown-Ups, You Can't Go to School! by Christina Geist – What happens when mom, dad, grandma and the dog all decide they want to come to school? The kids say, “No, school is only for kids ad teachers!” Find out why just anyone can’t be in this exclusive club Calle elementary school. Perfect for kids who are reluctant to start school - For ages 3-7
Dear Teacher by Amy Husband – Michael writes a series of letters to his teacher explaining why he won’t be able to come to school in the fall. Each letter gets more creative – he has to travel to the pyramids of Egypt, battle pirates and man a spaceship to the moon. He’s surprised when he receives a letter back telling him all the amazing real life adventures he’ll be missing. Perfect for kids who are apprehensive about going to school. For ages 4-8
Click, Clack, Quack to School! by Doreen Cronin – When Farmer Brown is in voted to talk about farm life at the local elementary school, the animals begin practicing taking turns, sitting in an orderly fashion and using their inside voices. Imagine their surprise and disappointment when they learn farm animals aren’t allowed at school. Read and find out what happens when the animals decide to disguise themselves and go with Farmer Brown on his special day. For ages 4-8
Second Grade Hare I Come by D.J. Stein berg. Written in verse, Steinberg takes kids through the highlights of what 2nd grade will be like from reading “big kid” chapter books, making important craft projects for the holidays and taking a wiggle break. For ages 5-7
It's Back to School We Go!: First Day Stories From Around the World by Ellen Jackson – Share their first days of school with children from 11 different countries and read the fact box about each country. Kids can compare forts days with their own experiences and learn that everyone gets nervous, but school can be fun as well as educational. For ages 5-9
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig – Brian is a quiet boy. No one seems to notice him at school. No one thinks to include him in games at recess or invite him to birthday parties. When a new boy, Justin, comes to school, Brian is the first to reach out and they develop a wonderful friendship that changes both their lives. It’s a feel good story for quiet kids, social butterflies and everyone in between. For ages 6-9
The Secret Lake by Karen Inglis – A neighbors missing dog leads Stella and Tom on an adventure complete with time travel at their new home in London during the summer holiday. For ages 8-11
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park – Based on a true story, Park writes about the experiences of two 11 years olds in the Sudan. Nya is a girl in 2008 who must walk two hours twice a day to fetch water for her family. Salva’s story begins in 1985. He becomes one of the lost boys of the Sudan searching across the African continent for his family. Their stories eventually intersect in an unexpected and touching way. For ages 10-12
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson – Woodson was raised in south Carina and New York. She shares through her poems what it was like growing up Black in America during the 60’s and 70’s with the remnants of Jim Crow laws, bitter desegregation battles, and a growing awareness of the significant triumphs and failures of the Civil Rights movement. Woodson shares her search for her identity and a place to below in poignant verse. She reinforces the importance of reading by sharing her own reading struggles. For ages 10 and up
It's Your World: Get Informed, Get Inspired & Get Going! by Chelsea Clinton – In an ambitious books filled with facts ad figures, Ms. Clinton delivers a simple message – small acts can add up and help change the world. Topics include: Poverty, Homelessness, Food Insecurity, Access to Education, Gender Equality, Epidemics, Non-Communicable Diseases, Climate Change, and Endangered Species. Ms. Clinton offers suggestions and ideas for action for youths. For ages 10 and up
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak – Liesel Meminger is a foster child living in Munich in 1939. She steals to survive, but when she steals her first book it opens up a new world of possibilities for her. She shares her marvelous “finds”with her neighbors during bombing raids and wit the Jewish man hidden in her basement. For ages 12 and up
Just as Long as We're Together by Judy Blume – Blume explores the nation of two’s company and three’s a crowd. Can two best friends make room for the new girl? Stephanie and Rachel have been best friends for as long as they can remember, but when Alison moves to town, she and Stephanie have so much in common that Stephanie wants to include her in all the activities that used to be “Rachel and Stephanie” things. A touching look at friendship fro one of the finest writers of young adult fiction. For ages 12 and up