Returning for the school year can feel daunting. Some kids may even be going to a new school for the first time. These books offer encouraging stories of resilience to ease worries and make adjustments feel more manageable.
By Staff of Baltimore County Public Library
Board Books
“Hello, Crayons! And Other School Friends”
by Hannah Eliot, illustrated by Anna Clark and Daniel Clark
Get to know the school supplies that will help you throughout the day in this charming rhyming book. The bright colors and smiling faces on these familiar tools will be sure to make any nervous child feel more at ease.
“Countdown to School”
by Greg Paprocki
Engaging and soothing, “Countdown to School” goes over the different activities that a child may do to prepare for the new school year. We especially enjoyed the countdown paired with a picture search, which will help little ones develop their early literacy skills.
Picture Books
“Getting Ready for First Grade”
by Vera Ahiyya, illustrated by Debby Rahmalia
In “Getting Ready for First Grade,” Leilani is both excited and nervous about her first day of first grade but soon finds that she doesn’t have anything to worry about amidst old and new friends. This engaging read-aloud book will walk your child through what to expect on their first day of school, all while highlighting the aspects they are already familiar with.
“The First Week of School”
by Drew Beckmeyer
This ensemble picture book has a plotline for every type of reader — whether your child is a jock, artist, inventor or maybe an alien, they will feel seen and understood in “The First Week of School.” Two of our favorite things about this picture book are the crayon-like texture of the drawings and the comparison of the normalcy of school against the aliens in the background throughout the story. Be sure to pick up this book if you enjoy a book for all ages.
Early Elementary
“Kids Around the World: School’s in Session”
by Elizabeth Dennis, illustrated by Clarice Elliott
In “School’s in Session,” readers can see how schools vary all over the world but are banded together in the same mission of education. This is a great book for getting a reluctant school-goer excited about going back to school. This window into other school cultures will make the familiar return to school seem that much more exciting.
“Lola and the New School” (“¡Hola, Lola!” #1)
by Keka Novales, illustrated by Gloria Félix
In this upbeat first chapter book, Lola is worried about starting at a new school in the middle of the school year but adjusts wonderfully thanks to her friendly demeanor and her abuelita’s advice. This book has lots of pictures, large text and short chapters — perfect for a newly independent reader.
Middle Grade
“Fresh Start”
by Gale Galligan
This semi-autobiographical graphic novel tells the story of Ollie, the child of a diplomat who is used to moving at a moment’s notice, and therefore isn’t that worried about the awful first day she had at her new school — after all, she’ll just reset sooner or later. But when her parents decide that they are staying here so Ollie can finish grade school in one place, Ollie must figure out how to make friends and be authentic, all while battling the fear of rejection. “Fresh Start” is a great read-alike for fans of The Baby-Sitters Club graphic novel series and has some great discussions about identity and code-switching for kids.
“Octopus Moon”
by Bobbie Pyron
This novel in verse tells the story of Pearl, whose safe space is the aquarium where her mom works. She identifies with the octopuses who feel too much and wishes she had a hard shell like a turtle. But when Pearl is diagnosed with depression and begins to see a doctor, she begins to take comfort in her family and friends, and to feel that even when she doesn’t feel whole, Pearl will always be herself. This particular book is great for exploring how the beginning of a new school year can result in big changes, both good and bad, and how your value is not determined by your ability to participate compared to previous years.
Teens
“Bunt!: Striking Out on Financial Aid”
by Ngozi Ukazu, illustrated by Mad Rupert
Molly Bauer is a college freshman at the art school of her dreams, but it all falls apart on the very first day of school when she finds out her scholarship is gone and she may have to drop out. But if Molly and a ragtag team of art students win just one baseball game, they can win an athletic scholarship. This goofy and vibrant graphic novel explores the changes that college brings, as well as how new group dynamics can form and evolve, all while keeping it light and breezy.
“On Again, Awkward Again”
by Erin Entrada Kelly and Kwame Mbalia
The first week of freshman year comes with a lot of changes — new layouts, new classmates, new teachers and, for Pacy and Cecil, a new chance at love, despite the obstacles between them due to IBS, clumsiness and misguided advice. As the two teens trundle through high school and extracurriculars, they slowly learn how to be themselves and to embrace the mistakes, no matter how awkward they may be. The cover immediately grabbed our attention and is a great read for fans of “To All the Boys I Loved Before.”
