Back to School: Books for A New School Year

Can you believe that summer is nearly over? It's almost time to pack away the swimsuits and bring out the backpacks. Books with school themes never go out of style, so there's always plenty of awesome school-related books from which to choose! Here are a mix of new and older books for students of all ages:

Victoria Jamieson followed her Newbery Honor recipient, Roller Girl, with another pitch-perfect graphic novel for middle grade readers, All's Faire in Middle School follows 11 year old Imogene as she enters a new world of public middle school after being homeschooled; with her active participation in Renaissance Faires, she sticks out among her classmates. New friendships, adversaries, parental conflict, and everyday growing pains are movingly explored in this touching (and funny!) graphic novel.

Doreen Cronin continues her hilarious "Click, Clack" picture book series with Click, Clack, Quack to School. The beleaguered Farmer Brown and his mischievous farm animals have been invited to "Farm Day" at the local school; although they have been instructed about their best school manners, you can bet that things go a little haywire!

Itsy Bitsy School Bus  is a cute take on the "Itsy Bitsy Spider" fingerplay, following a bus as it navigates a busy first day of school.

Lola is super excited about her first day at doggie daycare--but also a bit nervous and overwhelmed, like anyone would be in a new situation. Lola Goes to School captures this adorable Yorkshire Terrier's antics in enchanting photographs.

Mermaids are perenially popular, so I was super excited to find Mermaid School. As you can guess, this follows a young mermaid as she experiences her first day of school.

Rain School has been one of my top favorite "back to school" related stories for years. Inspired by former Peace Corps volunteer James Rumford's experiences in Chad, children prepare for their new school year by literally constructing their school from mud. This is a delightful and eye-opening read aloud for K-3 students, and has the added benefit of being an Afrocentric story filled with joy and positivity rather than tragedy.

I love DK's"Children Just Like Me" series, as I do any beautifully produced cross-cultural book for children. A School Like Mine:  A Celebration of Schools Around the World examines the school lives of children around the world, from South Korea, Egypt, the United States, and more.

School's First Day of School  takes the very common "first day of school jitters" theme and turns it around to present the school's perspective. This cute but not corny story about a school that wonders if the students will like it and treat it nicely is charming and unique.

This is My Home, This is My School  features a typical homeschooling day in a loving and active family, through the eyes of one of the young sons. This is a companion to the equally delightful Building Our House, featuring the same family.


Hope everyone has a great first day of school!

Jennifer Schultz, Collection Services Development Librarian, Fauquier County Public Library