Kids Picks: Back to School
School is back in session and we hope you are excited and ready to take on the new year. This is a great time to remind you that reading doesn’t have to feel like homework. When you find a good book that interests you, reading is exciting and fun! Here are some new back-to-school titles to add to your “to read” list.
Ages 3-5
“The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!” by Mo Willems
Pigeon is feeling like everyone else right now when he questions why he even has to go to school. First, he already knows everything, so what’s the point? Second, what if his teacher doesn’t like him? And finally, since he already knows everything, what if going to school makes him learn too much? Pigeon just doesn’t see the point. But what if school is more than he could have ever imagined?
“Sorry, Grown-Ups, You Can’t Go to School!” by Christina Geist
This book is an amazing tool to turn to if you have a child who is hesitant to start school. The author makes school seem so fun and appealing that everyone is jealous they can’t go, too. Mom is ready to go, so are Dad, Grandma and even the dog! Everyone wants to go to school, it isn’t fair that it’s just for kids and teachers! After reading this story, your child will look forward to experiencing everything that the adults can’t.
Ages 6-8
“The King of Kindergarten” by Derrick Barnes
Kindergarten is a huge step for children everywhere, and while most kids are a little hesitant to take that leap, the little boy in this story sure isn’t. He dresses himself, eats a huge breakfast, and can’t contain his excitement as he heads off to tackle his first day. When he finally gets home, he can’t wait to share every detail with his parents and then do it all over again the next day! He is the true King of Kindergarten!
“Miss Porter Is Out of Order!” by Dan Gutman
A.J. and his friends wonder what the substitute teacher will be like. It turns out Miss Porter is anything but ordinary. To start, she is like having your own personal assistant who knows, well, everything! She knows far too many weird jokes to count and she can order pizza and have it delivered by drone in seconds!.This all seems too good to be true, and maybe it is. What happens when her system isn’t set to fun anymore? Will the kids be able to turn her off before she takes over the whole school?
Ages 9-12
“Making Friends: Back to the Drawing Board” by Kristen Gudsnuk
Things are looking up for Dany. She and Madison are the best of friends, she still has her magic sketchbook, and things are looking good for the start of the new school year. Everything goes south when Dany creates a twin of herself to help with homework. The two Danys accidentally unleash a magical dog who is now causing an uproar throughout the town. Dany and Madison need to find a way to fix this before the big school dance is ruined!
“13 and Counting” by Lisa Greenwald
It’s time to head back to school after winter break, and Kaylan and Ari have written a list of 13 things they need to accomplish before the school year is out. Their goal is to make their friendship as amazing as possible before summer, when they head off to separate camps. Their list starts to provide some challenges, revealing issues in their friendship. Is it possible to be best friends and want totally different things? The third book in the Friendship List series, “13 and Counting” will have you laughing out loud and break your heart a little, too, as Kaylan and Ari find their way in this world and in each other’s.
