Get ready to go back to school with these fun book recommendations! — Baltimore County Public Librarians
By the staff of Baltimore County Public Library
Board Books
“A Day at School with The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” is a familiar favorite for many, in and out of school. Follow this beloved picture book character around during a day at school, from music class to library time to art class. The tabs on this book make it easy for your littlest reader to flip from page to page, and they’re sure to love the familiar and vibrant art of Eric Carle.
“We Share This School: A Community Book” by Dan Saks
Following a day of common school events—playing music, crafting, telling stories and sharing treats—this book explains how a school can be a place of community. The text is simple and rhyming, making the book readable again and again to build your child’s confidence as they prepare to start the school year.
Picture Books
“We’re Going to School” by Tammi Salzano
Follow several children from diverse backgrounds as they make their way through a day of school. We watch them get ready for school, eat breakfast, meet new teachers, complete class assignments and more. For many children, the first day of school can create anxiety. But reading a book like this is a great way to quell those fears as your child sees how kids just like them, and a bit different from them, share the same experiences and overcome their worries.
Early Elementary
“All Are Welcome: Welcome Back!” by Alexandra Penfold
This early reader, written with simple rhyming text, is a great book for your child to remember just how welcoming and beautiful their soon-to-be classroom can be. Depicting a diverse group of children and teachers alike, this book’s illustrations are bright, cheery, simple and accessible.
“First Day, Worst Day” (Book 1 of The Very Worst Ever series) by Andy Nonamus
The main character of this book is so embarrassed about his bad luck that he doesn’t even want us to know his name or his face—we only know him as [REDACTED], and his face is always covered by a sticker. But maybe the first day at a new school means nobody knows about his bad luck. Maybe it means he can get a fresh start. Will [REDACTED] make it through his first day without missing the bus, getting lost looking for his class or getting hit by a basketball? Could his bad luck be running out? This chapter book, with illustrations on every page, is a great early chapter book for an early reader.
Middle Grade
“The Superteacher Project” by Gordon Korman
Oliver’s new homeroom teacher, Mr. Aidact, is good at his job. A bit too good. For one, Mr. Aidact volunteers for everything, even the jobs all the other teachers complain about, and always seems to be an expert in whatever is needed at the moment—whether it’s field hockey or trivia about the latest music. What’s most annoying for Oliver is that he can’t even seem to get away with any of his pranks (and he’s Brightling Middle School’s prank master!). As Mr. Aidact seems more and more perfect, Oliver and his best friend, Nathan, become more and more suspicious that something is off about Mr. Aidact. Will they figure out what is so amiss?
“Killer Underwear Invasion!” by Elise Gravel
In our digital age, it seems like information is easier than ever to find, but also easier than ever to fake. Elise Gravel tackles the topic of information literacy and fake news with humor, empathy and simple explanations that would benefit anyone. This is the perfect book to prepare anyone as they get ready to go back to school, write a paper or read up on the latest news.
Teens
“Love in English” by Maria E. Andreu
Ana isn’t just starting a new year of school—she’s starting a new life in New Jersey after her family moved there from Argentina. Moving away from home is hard enough, not to mention adding learning English to her plate with all of its inconsistencies and confusing grammar. But when Ana meets an American boy, Harrison, in her math class, she begins to wonder which is harder—learning English or understanding love.
