Kids Picks
It’s time for those three dreaded words that kids don’t want to hear: “Back to School!” The summer always seems to go by so quickly, especially when you live those summer days to the fullest. Hopefully you had some downtime and were able to keep up with your reading. I’m sure your teachers have their lists ready for you to tackle! Here are some fun back-to-school titles to keep you entertained when you aren’t studying.
Ages 3-5
“The Crayons Go Back to School” by Drew Daywalt
The crayons are at it again! This time they are busy getting ready to go back to school. They’re ready to meet new friends and join in on their favorite class … art! Laugh along with this fun group as they get ready to set out on their latest adventure.
“Bitsy Bat, School Star” by Kaz Windness
Bitsy is a little bat who dreams of making friends at her new school. On the very first day, Bitsy isn’t so sure she fits in. The other kids sit on their chairs, but sitting upright makes Bitsy dizzy. The other kids paint with their fingers, but Bitsy uses her toes. Everyone tells Bitsy she’s doing things wrong. Now Bitsy doesn’t want to go back to school. But her family helps her find the courage, come up with a new plan, and discover that being a good friend is just one way for her to shine.
Ages 6-8
“How to Catch a Class Pet” by Alice Walstead
It’s chaos at school! The class pets have escaped and are running all over the building, and it seems that the bearded dragon is the leader of this crazy debacle. From lizards and hamsters to birds and rabbits, everyone is running loose! Do you have what it takes to catch these pets and get them back where they belong? With adorable animal characters and clever rhymes, this book makes a great back-to-school gift for any child.
“The Together Tree” by Aisha Saeed
Rumi has just started at a new school. He feels unwelcome, especially after he is bullied for being different and wearing shoes that are too bright. Rumi spends his time beneath the old willow tree by the playground and creates his own world where he always belongs. One day, the bullies are at it again and to Rumi’s surprise, one of his classmates defends him. Together, they all realize that there is plenty of room for everyone beneath the willow tree.
Ages 9-11
“The Wednesday Wars” by Gary D. Schmidt
Set in the late 1960s, each chapter of this book is a month of Holling Hoodhood’s seventh-grade year. Holling Hoodhood isn’t happy. He thinks his new teacher, Mrs. Baker, hates him and he spends his time trying to understand the Shakespeare plays she assigns him, as well as understand Mrs. Baker herself. Holling’s father is consumed with his business image and seems to forget about his family. As the Vietnam War rages on and tears everyone’s lives apart, Holling finds a new understanding of Mrs. Baker and realizes that she has a lot to offer him. When his own family begins to fall apart, Holling remains loyal to his sister and finally stands up to their father.
“Because of Mr. Terupt” by Rob Buyea
It’s a new school year for the fifth-graders in Mr. Terupt’s class. Jessica is the new girl who is too smart for her own good and is having trouble finding friends. Alexia is a typical bully who is your bestie one second and won’t speak to you the next. Peter is the class troublemaker. Luke is the brains of the group. Danielle is too insecure to ever stand up for herself, and Jeffrey hates school more than anything. This group of kids has nothing in common and have never really gotten along, until a new teacher comes along and changes everything. But when Mr. Terupt suffers a horrible accident, will his students remember what he taught them?
