Kids Picks
Although no one is ever happy to see summer go, it is exciting for all of the new things that happen in the fall. New grade, new friends, and a chance to start the school year with a clean slate. Nevertheless, changes, including a new school year, can also mean being anxious and nervous about what is to come. Don’t be! Embrace the new challenges and exciting things headed your way.
Ages 3-5
“Robbie to the Rescue!” by Laurie Nowlan
Siblings typically have very different personalities. That is the case with Robbie and his big brother, Ben. Ben is never afraid and always happy to try everything. Robbie gets anxious and prefers the security of his cozy nest. When autumn comes and the leaves start falling off the trees, it’s time for this duo to fly south. Ben is excited for the adventure, but Robbie would rather stay put. Things are going well until they get caught in a storm. This time, the younger brother might be the hero for a change!
“First Day Jitters” by Julie Danneberg
Sarah Jane Hartwell isn’t excited for the first day of school. She’s nervous to start the new year. She doesn’t know anyone, and no one knows her. After a pep talk with her dad that included a whole lot of convincing, Sarah heads inside. Mrs. Burton quickly takes Sarah under her wing and Sarah soon learns that everyone gets the jitters sometimes.
Ages 6-8
“Frindle” by Andrew Clements
Nick Allen isn’t really a troublemaker, he just likes to have fun. He enjoys shaking things up a bit every now and then. When he learns about where words come from, he decides to make up some words of his own. Instead of calling it a pen, he tells everyone to call it a frindle. His friends start using the word, then so do other people in town. Before he knows it, his teacher is fed up! She wants him to stop saying “frindle.” Unfortunately, the word has taken off and is spreading across the country!
“Sideways Stories from Wayside School”by Louis Sachar
The Wayside School is like no school you’ve ever heard of. It’s 30 stories high and was built sideways. At Wayside you will find some of the craziest classes around, especially on the 30th floor. Bebe is the fastest drawer in art class. John only reads upside down. Myron just happens to be the best class president ever and Sammy is not only the new kid but a real rat. Laugh along with the kids from Wayside as they navigate through the school year.
Ages 9-12
“Fish in a Tree” by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Ally doesn’t know how to read, and she has managed to hide it at every school she attends. She creates disruptive distractions in class because she is afraid to ask for help. Mr. Daniels is her new teacher, and he isn’t buying into her act. He sees the smart and creative kid underneath her tough-guy routine. He helps Ally understand that she has dyslexia, which is a widespread disability and something that can be helped. As Ally grows more and more confident with reading, she begins to gain confidence in all aspects of her life.
“The Unteachables” by Gordon Korman
Every school has that group of kids that no teacher wants to have to teach. In Greenwich, those kids are in Room 117. This group of middle-school misfits has been called unteachable. Mr. Kermit was just assigned to be their new teacher. Mr. Kermit is probably the most burned-out teacher in the whole school. His teaching career was practically ended by a cheating scandal, and he’s been counting down the days to retirement ever since. When a crazy heist brings this group together, it just might be their chance to prove that they aren’t so bad after all.
