Children’s Books About Starting School

Hi Kid Lit Friends,

School doesn’t look the same this fall with students across the world either doing online learning or going to school with social distancing and wearing masks. It’s a strange time, and while plans are still not clear for what my own kids will be doing when school begins in September, we know that there will be adjustments and change. All of these wonderful books address change in the context of beginning school.

School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex, illustrated by Christian Robinson, is one of my favorite picture books about starting school. Rather than having the perspective of a student, we hear from a new school’s perspective. It’s a lovely book about new experiences, feeling worried, and how to overcome challenges. I just love Christian’s beautiful artwork, which brings the school to life in a charming way.

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan Higgins is a super funny book about Penelope, a dinosaur who is starting school. Everything is new to her, including those pesky rules that include not eating her human classmates. This book is sure to get young students giggling over Penelope’s mistakes as well as experiencing empathy for her.

I think every school year should begin with a read aloud of The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael Lopez. This bestselling picture book talks about being different, whether it’s how you look or talk, where you’re from, what you eat, or something just as random. This is a lovely book that reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes-and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway.

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi is another one of my favorite picture books. Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will like her. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week. Her new classmates are fascinated by this no-name girl and decide to help out by filling a glass jar with names for her to pick from. But while Unhei practices being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, one of her classmates comes to her neighborhood and discovers her real name and its special meaning. On the day of her name choosing, the name jar has mysteriously disappeared. What name will Unhei choose?

King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, is a fun, joyful story about starting kindergarten! The hero of the story is ready to make his mark. He’s dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can’t wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he’s up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can’t wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements–and then wake up to start another day. The illustrations are vibrant and filled with happiness, and I just love each page spread.

For older readers, New Kid by Jerry Craft is a wonderful graphic novel about seventh grade Jordan Banks. When his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics instead of the art school that Jordan dreams of attending, he finds himself one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself?

What are you reading these days? Let me know! Find me on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email me at KarinaBookRiot@gmail.com.

Until next time!
Karina

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