By Jean F. Boone, children’s instructor & research specialist, and Carmen Jessop,
senior teens’ instructor & research specialist, Howard County Library System
No classroom is the same, whether it’s the firsts that come with a new school year or the differences we can appreciate in varying school-day routines and experiences. These books allow us to learn from other students throughout their school days—with some adventures along the way.
Board Books
“Hello, World! School Day”
by Jill McDonald
What will preschool be like? With a diverse cast of children and bright images, this book walks through the experiences a child can expect when they go to school. From morning greetings through circle time, playtime, lunchtime and going home, these school routines will prepare young readers, calming first-day worries.
“I Look Up to…Malala Yousafzai”
by Anna Membrino, illustrated by Fatti Burke
Introduce young readers to education activist Malala with this inspiring board book. Author Anna Membrino uses simple and powerful vocabulary to describe Malala’s leadership traits, love of learning and commitment to making positive change in the world.
Picture Books
“And Then Comes School”
by Tom Brenner, illustrated by Jen Hill
Explore getting ready for the first day of school. From laying out your outfit, loading up your backpack and filling a lunch box with your favorite things to waking when the alarm goes off, readers will enjoy every step. Don’t forget an extra-special breakfast (and, of course, some picture-taking) and then the feeling of bubbly excitement as you and your friends climb onto a bus, ready to see your new classroom and meet your teacher.
“The Day You Begin”
by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael Lopez
When you’re new and feel like an outsider, taking those first steps into an unfamiliar classroom feels daunting. Woodson and Lopez offer lyrical text and magical illustrations to celebrate the bravery required to tell your own story and discover both shared connections and the delight of differences.
Elementary Books
“Mr. Wolf’s Class”
by Aron Nels Steinke
Experience Mr. Wolf’s first day teaching fourth grade at Hazelwood Elementary through this funny and accessible graphic novel. Mr. Wolf’s diverse group of students offers readers recognizable personalities and unexpected classroom surprises, generating empathy and laughter throughout their eventful school day.
“A School Like Mine”
by Penny Smith
Get to know more than 40 children from six continents as they share their school routines and experiences in this beautiful Dorling Kindersley (DK) publication. Opening a window for readers to the variety of kids’ school life experiences, from lunch box fare to school buildings to recess games, this book provides hours of interesting browsing and learning with photographs, maps, facts and personal details.
Middle Grade Books
“Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks”
by Jason Reynolds
Bestselling author Jason Reynolds shares ten tales (one per block) about the things that happen after the school dismissal bell rings. He weaves the stories into one funny and poignant look at the detours we face on the walk home and in life.
“Schooled”
by Gordon Korman
Home-schooled by his hippie grandmother, Capricorn (Cap) Anderson has never watched TV, tasted a pizza jor even heard of a wedgie. When his grandmother lands in the hospital, Cap must move in with a guidance counselor and attend a local public middle school.
Teen Books
“Nothing to See Here”
by Kevin Wilson
Lillian and Madison were unlikely and inseparable friends at their boarding school. After Lillian had to leave school unexpectedly in the wake of a scandal, they have barely spoken since. Years later, Lillian gets a letter from Madison pleading for her help in caring for her twin step-kids who are moving in. However, there is a catch: the twins spontaneously burst into flames when they get agitated.
“We Are Okay”
by Nina LaCour
After leaving her life behind to go to college in New York, Marin must face the truth about the tragedy that happened in the final weeks of summer. When her best friend Mabel comes to visit, Marin confronts certain truths about family, friendship and grief.
