Back to school – or first going to school – is an exciting time! It can also be a source or worry or anxiety for both kids and parents. There is no better way to safely explore all the emotions that school raises than reading stories together! Following are a list of some really great books that kids can check out from the library as they get ready to go back to school. Some are newer, some are classics, all have a reader just waiting for them. By no means an exhaustive list, so if you are looking for more, then come talk to your ready-to-help youth services staff!

“Wemberly Worried” by Kevin Hankes. This picture book is a classic for a reason. Wemberly is an adorable and relatable character who worries about everything from tiny to big. And when it was time for school to start, that made her worry even more! But when Wemberly meets a classmate who also worries, she realizes that school is too much fun. Perfect for sharing with your little one who worries.

“School’s First Day of School” by Adam Rex. This is one of my favorite newer back-to-school books. Not only is it the first day of school for kids, it’s the first day of school for the school! The new school building talks to the janitor, learning what it means to be a school as it goes. It is a funny and clever book from the school’s perspective – for example, how embarrassing will it be if the fire alarm goes off, or how will the school feel when a kid says that they HATE school? The school also dos fun stuff to the kids, such as squirting a kid with water. This book is great for both younger kids and older kids, with plenty for all to love – and some hidden wisdom for kids who might be wondering what to do if the fire alarm goes off.

“The King of Kindergarten” & “The Queen of Kindergarten” by Derrick Barnes. These titles are perfect for an enthusiastic and excited send-off to school. Modeling how grownups can help build children up, both physically and emotionally, and reminding readers of their amazing qualities such as their kindness, friendliness and awesome talents these are perfect books for kids off to kindergarten.

“Mr. S” by Monica Arnaldo. Here is a funny one – what would you do if you and your fellow kindergarteners showed up to class and all there was at the front was a sandwich and Mr. S written on the chalkboard? Chaos and hilarity abound as the kids argue about whether or not the SANDWICH is their teacher. While this book is about a kindergarten class, all lower elementary age kids will love this book.

“The Yellow Bus” by Loren Long. Oh, the bus! Kids love getting to ride the bus, and this gorgeously illustrated book is just perfect. The Yellow Bus loves her job, carrying kids from one place to another, the piiter-patter of their feet and the joy they fill her with. As time goes on, drivers, passengers and routes change. And eventually the driving stops. But is that the end of the Yellow Bus’s journey? You will have to read it and find out!

“Lila Greer, Teacher of the Year” by Andrea Beaty. The impact teachers can have on a child’s life can be lifelong, illustrated so beautifully in this book of the Questioneer series. When Lila, new to town and feeling alone and invisible, is encouraged by a creative and kind teacher the impact of that is felt for years down the road, shaping the life of Lila, and all the children she would go on to teach when she becomes a teacher herself. This book is a gem, you and your children will love it.

“Doodle from the Boogie Down” by Stephanie Rodriquez. Great graphic novel for upper elementary and middles schoolers! Steph is an 8th grader determined to find a way to apply for a public High School of Music & Art – which her mom would not approve of. What follows is a learning experience for Steph as she must decide how far she will go, and how many lies and secrets she is willing to keep to make it happen.

“Lunch Lady” Graphic Novel series by Jarrett Krosoczka. Give this to your Dog Man fans! A mild mannered lunch lady by day, the Lunch Lady employees an impressive and hilarious number of methods, including specialized kitchen gadgets, to catch bad guys when off duty.

By Sarah Rehborg

Youth Services Librarian