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It’s that time of year again!
There’s so much to process about a school year, from start to finish. There are so many moments. Here are a dozen wonderful picture books that speak to some of them—from making friends to manners, from being on the outside to being the perfect person for a task.
On adventures of the imagination
A Few Blocks
by Cybèle Young
On letting your imagination make a walk to school (and life) an adventure of the imagination, complete with pretend cape and rocket-blaster boots.
on feeling nervous
I am Too Absolutely Small for School
by Lauren Child
Lola will give you all the reasons she should stay home indefinitely but her sister, Charlie, has a way to counter each and every one.
On being true to yourself
The Name Jar
by Yangsook Choi
On being true to yourself even (especially) when you’re not like anyone else in your class.
on being brave at school
Edda: A Little Valkyrie’s First Day of School
by Adam Auerbach
Edda may be a Valkyrie from Asgard, but her biggest challenge is acclimating to school with ordinary kids—luckily, she triumphs!
On bullying
Red
by Jan De Kinder
This one’s about bullying—watching it, letting it happen, and then taking a stand. One boy blushes, another boy makes fun of him, and the narrator learns how to listen to her conscience.
on being homesick
Here I Am
by Patti Kim and Sonia Sanchez
This wordless book conveys the pain of being in an unfamiliar place but also how that place, inevitably, becomes familiar, especially with a new friend.
on being kind
Each Kindness
by Jacqueline Woodson and E.B. Lewis
On being kind to others and yourself because actions create lasting ripples that go out into the world.
on playing nice with others
Rude Cakes
by Rowboat Watkins
On manners and playing nice with others, told with cakes, Cyclops, and hilarity.
On being out of your element
Ice in the Jungle
by Ariane Hofmann-Maniyar
This book is just as useful for the “new kid” who feels out of her element as it is for encouraging old-timers to welcome her to class.
on being shy, but valuable
The Invisible Boy
by Trudy Ludwig and Patrice Barton
On being shy but valuable and eventually seen that way.
On giving someone a chance
Two Speckled Eggs
by Jennifer K. Mann
In which giving someone different a chance pays off.
on standing up against injustice
The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade
by Justin Roberts and Christian Robinson
A book for keen observers of daily injustices at school who try to change them regardless of their stature.
Here’s to fresh pencils and blank notebooks! What’s your favorite back-to-school book?
About the Author
Comments
What a wonderful list–several books that I am going to go looking for today.Thanks so much for including Two Speckled Eggs, Danielle.
And to all of you responsible for this amazing new website: Congratulations–it is gorgeous and full of wonder!
Thanks so much, Jennifer! I’m a big fan of your work and look forward to more.
Xo
Dd
This is a great list. Two more that we love in our household are Marshall Armstrong is New to Our School (On Overcoming First Impressions) and The Frank Show (On How Sometimes the Most Embarrassing Moment in Your Life Can Become Your Most Proud Moment Ever). Both are by the fabulous David Mackintosh and published by Harper Collins. Congratulations on the amazing site and all your great content.
Suzanne, thank you for the additions. David Mackintosh is brilliant! (And I love your descriptions of those books!)
Xo
Dd
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