Estimated read time: 6-7 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
THE PLAYGROUND — 'Tis the season for blank notebooks, new pencil boxes, a cute back-to-school outfit and lunch money.
The mornings are turning cooler, the evenings will soon be a little darker and a new school year is underway (or about to be). While some kids are excited, others are feeling apprehensive or perhaps a little dread.
Whatever your child's emotions are about school, reading a stack of relatable back-to-school books can help gear up their minds for a fresh start. Take a look at our booklist below for some fun reads!
I especially enjoyed "First Day Jitters" by Julie Danneberg. The book starts off a little cliched, but ends in a total twist which was just delightful.
'Chrysanthemum' by Kevin Henkes
Before school starts, Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect. But after starting kindergarten, she grows more and more self-conscious as the other kids in her class tease her for her long, unique name. The once-confident Chrysanthemum "wilts" as the other kids make fun of her and she dreams of being called something ordinary, like Jane.
That is, until one day, when an admirable educator wins the heart of the class and reveals her own long, unique name. Then Chrysanthemum is the envy of all the girls. This is a good story to help instill confidence in children who may feel a little different when starting school and to help start a conversation about empathy for others.
'First Day Jitters' by Julie Danneberg
It's the first day at her new school, and Sarah Jane Hartwell doesn't know anybody. She's so nervous, she doesn't want to get out of bed and puts up quite the fight for Mr. Hartwell, who is desperately trying to get her to school. After a tough battle, Mr. Hartwell finally gets Sarah in the car, and when she gets to her new classroom, the reader is in for quite the surprise. "First Day Jitters" is a book with a plot twist that made me laugh out loud. For nervous students who could use some comic relief, this is the right book.
'Principal Tate is Running Late!' by Henry Cole
Principal Tate runs her school so smoothly that its reputation is first-rate. However, one morning, her car breaks down and her tardiness causes all sorts of commotion at the school! From a fight in the hallway to some kid's vomit, skiwampus underwear and missed appointments, the school is running completely amok. That is, until the bus driver shows up with their beloved principal, who is only a little bit late.
'A Letter from Your Teacher: On the First Day of School' by Shannon Olsen
This is a great book for any teacher to read to their class at the beginning of the school year or for any student to read with their parents. A pep talk of sorts, this book features a teacher who walks through the many different hats they will wear, whether it's teaching their students how to do math and science or celebrating their students' new shoes with them. It's a great reminder how much our teachers do for us and can get any child excited to develop that student/teacher relationship.
'Butterflies on the First Day of School' by Annie Silvestro
This is a great visual book for kids who are feeling nervous to start a new school year. Rosie is so excited to start her first day of school. That is, until it actually approaches. Her mom explains that the sick feeling in her belly is just "butterflies," but Rosie doesn't understand. As she goes through her day and faces her fears, she notices the butterflies flying out of her belly one at a time. As they fly away, she becomes more comfortable and ends up loving school.
'The Name Jar' by Yangsook Choi
Unhei and her family have just arrived in America from Korea. On the bus to school, some people make fun of her unique Korean name. Feeling embarrassed, Unhei tells her class she doesn't have a name yet because she is going to choose a new American one. The kids quickly try to help by offering name suggestions in a jar. However, as the story continues, Unhei learns a valuable lesson behind the meaning of her name, and she educates her class as well. "The Name Jar" is a great book for teaching children how to approach differences at school.
'If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don't!' by Elise Parsley
Magnolia's teacher asks her class to bring something from nature for show-and-tell. What she does mean: A bird's nest, sparkly rocks, a hollow stick. What she does not mean: An alligator. Throughout this story, Magnolia educates us exactly why we shouldn't bring an alligator to school for show-and-tell, no matter how tempting it may be. A lighthearted read for any grade-school student.
'School's First Day of School' by Adam Rex
This charming book personifies a brand-new school on its first day of operation, and it's the perfect read for any student feeling nervous about attending a new school year. After all, how can they be terribly nervous about the school if the school is equally nervous about them?
'We Don't Eat our Classmates' by Ryan T. Higgins
Penelope Rex (the T. rex) is very nervous about her first day of school. She wonders if her classmates will be nice and how many teeth they will have. What she doesn't realize is something that shocks her upon entering her classroom: She is going to school with a class full of human children! Although she desperately wants to make friends, she can't stop herself from repeatedly eating (and don't worry, spitting out) her fellow classmates. Until one day, when she learns what it's like to be on the other end of somebody's teeth. This wildly hilarious book will entertain your children, no doubt.
'The Sandwich Swap' by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah with Kelly DiPucchio
Best friends Lily and Salma do everything together at school, including eat lunch. Every day, Lily eats a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, while Salma eats a hummus and pita sandwich. Each thinks the others' lunch looks yucky, but they keep their opinions to themselves. Until one day, Lily can't hold her opinion back. "The Sandwich Swap" starts a full-on war between their classmates, and people take sides. At one point, a food fight is even started! But after these extreme measures are taken, Lily and Salma learn it might just be better to try something new than to lose a friend.
