Kids Picks
It’s hard to believe the summer is ending. Sometimes it felt like it was taking forever, and at other times it was just flying by. School is on the horizon, and most likely it will look different for everyone reading this. Whether you are in school full time, in school part of the time, or if you are online completely, chances are you are going to have a back-to-school reading list to conquer. Some teachers like to assign the books to read and others let you pick your own. If you are having trouble choosing, here are some ideas with that back-to-school vibe!
AGES 3-5
“We Will Rock Our Classmates” by Ryan T. Higgins
Penelope is a T. rex and the only dinosaur living among her human peers. Sometimes she is misunderstood, but that doesn’t stop her from rocking out on her guitar! The school talent show is coming up and Penelope is so excited to perform for her school. But she starts to doubt herself after someone at the show yells out, “Can dinosaurs even play guitar?” What if her performance isn’t what everyone is expecting? It just might take a little help from her friends to get Penelope to show her true self!
“Pearl Goes to Preschool” by Julie Fortenberry
Pearl is the tiniest dancer at her mother’s ballet school except for Violet, her stuffed mouse that she clutches in her arms at all times. When her mom mentions preschool, Pearl responds that she already goes to dance school. It takes some prodding, the promise of painting sugar plum fairies, and listening to “The Nutcracker” to finally get Pearl to agree. It turns out to be a wonderful decision when school is everything Pearl dreamed it would be, and so much more!
Ages 6-8
“The Best Seat in First Grade” by Katharine Kenah
First grade is a big year and this book is perfect for kids getting ready. On the first day of school, Sam can’t wait to share his good news with the class. Over the summer, his elephant had a baby! She really did! Kids will love this heartfelt story. It’s a Level One I Can Read book and ideal for beginning readers learning to sound out words.
“The Boy at the Back of the Class” by Onjali Q. Rauf
Three weeks into the school year and a new kid joins Mrs. Khan’s class. Ahmet is a 9-year-old Syrian refugee. The whole class is interested to learn everything about him, but Ahmet is quiet and withdrawn. When his classmates learn that Ahmet fled a real war and was separated from his family, they bond together to come up with a plan to help Ahmet reunite with his family members.
Ages 9-12
“Dress Coded” by Carrie Firestone
Molly Frost is about over the school rules. Olivia was yelled at for wearing a tank top. Then Liza got dress coded but Molly didn’t, when they were wearing the same outfit. Jessica was called to the principal, causing her to miss a math quiz, and her teacher gave her an F! Molly feels that middle school is hard enough without having to worry about a dress code. She starts a podcast where girls can share their stories, and it’s an instant hit! The girls are standing up for what they feel is right, and this time they aren’t backing down!
“The 47 People You’ll Meet in Middle School” by Kristin Mahoney
Starting middle school this year? There is a whole lot to learn before you go. When Lou starts asking a million questions about middle school, her older sister, Gus, comes up with a guide to help her discover the ins and outs. From navigating your way around a new building to meeting lots of new people, middle school can be tough, especially when you have to be nice to your old best friend’s new best friend. Fortunately, Lou has Gus to help her out.
