Staff Picks
Back to School Titles for Younger Readers
- Ashley S.
- Friday, August 04, 2023
Collection
Starting a new school year is filled with so many new adventures and feelings. Check out these titles for younger readers to help prepare for the upcoming academic year!
9 Kilometers
Published in 2023
"As a young boy walks nine kilometers to school, he travels through the mountain and rain forest landscapes of southern Chile"-- Provided by publisher.
Kindergarten
Where Kindness Matters Every Day
Published in 2022
Leo, a quiet kid who is not ready for his first day of kindergarten, ends up having a great day when he makes a kindness pledge and discovers he knows a lot about being kind to others.
All Aboard the Schooltrain
A Little Story from the Great Migration
Published in 2023
During the Great Migration in 1930's Louisiana, eight-year-old Jenny tries to understand why a man named Jim Crow is making trouble for her family.
Everyone Belongs
Published in 2022
"A children's picture book that celebrates the inherent differences in every person, and encourages children to welcome differences with open arms"-- Provided by publisher.
The King of Kindergarten
Published in 2019
Instilled with confidence by his parents, a young boy has a great first day of kindergarten.
Like Lava in My Veins
Published in 2023
"Bobby Beacon has trouble controlling his hot temper at his superhero school"-- Provided by publisher.
The Queen of Kindergarten
Published in 2022
Instilled with confidence by her parents, a young girl has a great first day of kindergarten.
Becoming Vanessa
Published in 2021
Vanessa is nervous she will not fit in on her first day of school, but she hopes a special outfit will show her new classmates she is someone they should know.
I Believe I Can
Published in 2020
"From the New York Times bestselling creators of I Am Enough comes an empowering follow-up that celebrates every child's limitless potential. I Believe I Can is an affirmation for boys and girls of every background to love and believe in themselves"--Amazon.com.
A Smart, Smart School
Published in 2023
"Mr. Keene loved being the principal of his fine, fine school. He was so proud of his students drawing and painting and reading and singing that he thought his buttons would burst! Then one day his appendix burst, and a new principal, Mr. Tatters, swooped in to take his place. Mr. Tatters said, 'In order to be a smart, smart school, we will have lots and lots of tests.' And suddenly there were no more cards and banners, posters and songs. Instead, they took tests all week long! Will Mr. Keene return to save his smart, smart school and make it shine again?"-- Front jacket flap.
Amira's Picture Day
Published in 2021
Amira is excited because tomorrow is Eid with special clothes, treats, gifts, and a morning party at her mosque; but then she realizes that she is going to miss class picture day at school, something she was also looking forward to--so Amira has to figure out a way to be in two places at once.
Milloo's Mind
The Story of Maryam Faruqi, Trailblazer for Women's Education
Published in 2023
"From the author of Lailah's Lunchbox and Unsettled comes a powerful picture book biography about Maryam Faruqi, the founder of the Happy Home Schools, which provided education to thousands of girls across Pakistan at a time when girls weren't encouraged to go to school. Milloo lives in a time when school is considered unnecessary for girls. But to Milloo, education is essential. When Milloo reads, her thoughts dance. Milloo courageously dreams of becoming a teacher, but in fifth grade her parents tell her she has had enough school. Milloo is heartbroken but finds a way to achieve her educational goals, graduating high school and college with honors. When she's married, Milloo's husband tells her to stay home, but she does not let that stop her. She decides to open a school in her house and later opens more schools around Karachi, Pakistan, fulfilling her dreams."-- Provided by publisher.
Wild for Winnie
Published in 2022
"Winnie is the new kid at school, and sometimes she acts kind of wild. Her teacher says to her classmates, 'Maybe Winnie feels the world differently than most of us. Why don't we give her world a try?' So that week, when Winnie can't stop monkeying around, the class joins her on the jungle gym. And when she's acting squirrelly, they all go nuts on an obstacle course...Soon, with the guidance of their loving teacher, Winnie's classmates realize that sometimes we all feel the world differently, and that's more than okay"-- Provided by publisher.
Field Trip to Volcano Island
Published in 2022
"In this wordless picture book, a student is accidentally left behind on a field trip to a volcano island."-- Provided by publisher.
Who Will U Be?
Published in 2023
During the annual Find Yourself Field Trip at Ms. Bracket's School for Little Letters, U discovers all the different ways letters are used in the world and contemplates what she will be when she grows up.
I Promise
Published in 2020
"...[an] inspiring picture book that reminds us that tomorrow's success starts with the promises we make to ourselves and our community today."-- Publisher marketing.
Kindergarten Fun
Published in 2022
"Pinkalicious can't wait to have a kindergarten buddy. But what if her buddy doesn't like kindergarten? Will Pinkalicious be able to show her how pinkatastic it can be? Young readers in kindergarten now or getting ready for it will relate to Pinkalicious's hopes and be reassured by her friendship success"-- Provided by publisher.
The Invisible String Backpack
Published in 2023
"A girl who is anxious on her first day of school learns that she carries an "invisible backpack" around with her everywhere, packed full of "invisible tools" that allow her to access her inner strength whenever she needs it"-- Provided by publisher.
My Name
Published in 2023
When his name is mispronounced, leading to laughter in the classroom, an Indian American boy is reminded by his parents how special he is and how his unique name reflects that.
Danbi Leads the School Parade
Published in 2020
"Danbi is thrilled to start her new school in America. But a bit nervous too, for when she walks into the classroom, everything goes quiet. Everyone stares. Danbi wants to join in the dances and the games, but she doesn't know the rules and just can't get anything right. Luckily, she isn't one to give up. With a spark of imagination, she makes up a new game and leads her classmates on a parade to remember! Danbi Leads the School Parade introduces readers to an irresistible new character. In this first story, she learns to navigate her two cultures and realizes that when you open your world to others, their world opens up to you"-- Publisher's description.
I Am Ready for School!
A Book About Transitions
Published in 2023
"Reassuring rhyming text introduces preschoolers to their first day of school where a welcoming teacher, a cheery classroom, and new friends await!"-- Provided by publisher.
The Worry Balloon
Published in 2023
"On the first day of school, Isla's mind plays the what if game. Scary thoughts come, the world goes dark, and everything feels stormy. With Mami at her side, Isla takes a deep breath and blows her worries away in a big balloon. But as school gets closer, Isla's worries come back like a tornado"-- Provided by publisher.
Tomatoes in My Lunchbox
Published in 2022
A young girl feels out of place on her first day of school in a new country until she discovers that it only takes one friend to make her new surroundings feel like home.
Class Mom
Published in 2023
"It is the end of the school year and Mrs. Connor's class is having a party! Nia volunteers her mother to be in charge of planning the party--as class mom! But Nia's mother is shy and only speaks a little English, and Nia forgot to tell her that she has a job to do! Can Nia's mom come through and throw a great party for the class?"-- Front jacket flap.
Fresh Princess
Published in 2019
"This is Destiny, but everyone calls her Fresh Princess. She's got style. She's got flair. In all things fresh and princessy, she's got it licked! That is, until she moves to a brand-new neighborhood, where nothing looks quite the same as it did at her old house. And to make matters worse, she thinks everyone is a better double Dutch jumper than she is. This move is NOT fresh at all. But Destiny ALWAYS has a plan. She'll stop at nothing to find the perfect chance to jump in! In the spirit of the Fresh Prince himself, Fresh Princess is a new girl on the scene who faces every day with courage, spunk, creativity, and, of course, style"-- Provided by publisher.
The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name
Published in 2023
When Zimdalamashkermishkada starts a new school, he decides to shrink his name to the shorter, simpler Zim, but when his new friend Elly sees him for who he truly is, Zimdalamashkermishkada finds the confidence to step proudly into his long name.
All Are Welcome
Published in 2018
Illustrations and simple, rhyming text introduce a school where diversity is celebrated and songs, stories, and talents are shared.
Welcome Back!
Published in 2023
Illustrations and rhyming text follow a group of children who learn how to write, spell, make friends, and be kind on the first day back at school.
My First Day
Published in 2021
"This is no ordinary first journey. The rainy season has come to the Mekong Delta, and An, a young Vietnamese boy, sets out alone in a wooden boat wearing a little backpack and armed only with a single oar. On the way, he is confronted by giant crested waves, heavy rainfall and eerie forests where fear takes hold of him. Although daunted by the dark unknown, An realizes that he is not alone and continues to paddle. He knows it will all be worth it when he reaches his destination"-- Provided by publisher
Let's Build a School
Published in 2022
"From the publisher that brought you the bestselling Baby University books comes a brand-new series of construction books for kids. Let's build a school! How? We'll show you! Join the construction team in this board book as they go about the steps involved in building a school. Toddlers will love the bright and bold art, and parents will love the gentle explanation of new concepts. Perfect for any family that wants to introduce architecture or engineering for kids, or for anyone searching for truck books for toddlers"-- Provided by publisher.
School Day!
Published in 2022
Although they are in different grades, a brother and sister enjoy their first day of school together.
Back to School, Backpack!
Published in 2023
A backpack deals with first-day-of-school jitters and feeling out of place.
Choo-choo School
Published in 2022
"No racing in the haul-ways! From the ... author Amy Krouse Rosenthal, a look at seven adorable train cars on their first day of school. All aboard the train-car pool! A new lineup of students is off and rolling to Choo-Choo School. After reciting their classroom rules -- Work hard, play fair, be kind -- it's time for some math to get the wheels turning. Then everyone's ready to climb a hill in gym (it's good to blow off steam), sing songs in music (Flat Car is a bit off-key), and learn the whole alphabet, especially the letter R. In one of Amy Krouse Rosenthal's last books, lighthearted verse portrays a world where train stations are classrooms, the conductor doubles as the teacher, and Boxcar is happy to hand out tissues to anyone who ah-choo-choos. Bright, energetic illustrations by animation artist Mike Yamada bring the whole clickety crew to rollicking life."-- Provided by publisher
This is a School
Published in 2022
A school is more than just a building. It's a community of people, a place for discovery, and a place to explore!
Your Name is a Song
Published in 2020
Saddened by her classmates' and teacher's mispronunciations of her name, a girl is empowered by her discovery that names are like songs when she and her mom celebrate the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names.
Gibberish
Published in 2022
When Dat starts school in a country where he does not speak the language, everything around him sound like gibberish until a new friend helps him make sense of his new world.
On the Night Before Kindergarten
Published in 2023
The night before he starts kindergarten Milo's dreams are full of worry, but after a fun first day of school, Milo decides that he likes kindergarten!
David Jumps in
Published in 2020
"On his first day at a brand-new school, David finds himself alone at recess after his classmates race off to their favorite activities. Kids are on the swings, playing soccer and busy with video games. But David has a pocketful of rubber bands for his favorite jump rope game. Can making friends be as easy as a hop, skip and a jump? Told in spare, lyrical prose and beautifully illustrated, Elastic Skip is a celebration of friendship, diversity and inclusion."-- Provided by publisher.
Long Goes to Dragon School
Published in 2023
"It's the first day of Dragon School, where all the young dragons must learn how to harness their fire-breathing skills. Today's lesson? Using it to cook food! All the dragons are excited to test their powers...except Long. Long is from the East and can only breathe out water. No matter how hard he huffs and puffs, he isn't sure he can match his fire-breathing classmates. But will his talents be discovered? Or will Long find his own unique path to cooking--and to fitting in?" -- From publisher's website.