Youth Book Lists

In a unique narrative, readers meet a diverse group of six children ranging in age from Kindergarten through fifth grade. With nerves and excitement each child gears up for a new school year by hustling in the morning, meeting new teachers and new classmates during the day, and heading home with homework and relief by day's end.

"Starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He's dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can't wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he's up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can't wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements--and then wake up to start another day."

"With her hair freshly braided and her mom's special tiara on her head, [MJ] knows she's going to rock kindergarten. But the tiara isn't just for show--it also reminds her of all the good things she brings to the classroom, stuff like her kindness, friendliness, and impressive soccer skills, too!"

"Time for School! shows how the whole community comes together for the first day of class"

Children have fun at school experiencing familiar classroom activities for the first time.

"When Lola is worried about starting school, her older brother Charlie reassures her."

"Introduces typical activities a child might encounter at preschool."

Armed with a vivid imagination and her trusty cat mask, Lily can take on anything--even a new school...But when her teacher tells her no masks allowed in class, Lily worries, can she make friends without it?

"A little boy decides to skip his very first day of school, because on the first day one doesn't know anything, but on the second, one knows everything."

"Wemberly worried about everything. Big things. Little things. And things in between. Then it was time for school to start. And Wemberly worried even more."

"A young boy lists all the things he will have to take with him on his first day in kindergarten."

"Rosie, a helpful preschooler, offers advice to children facing their first day of preschool."

" Danbi is thrilled to start her new school in America. But a bit nervous too, for when she walks into the classroom, everything goes quiet. Everyone stares. Danbi wants to join in the dances and the games, but she doesn't know the rules and just can't get anything right. Luckily, she isn't one to give up. With a spark of imagination, she makes up a new game and leads her classmates on a parade to remember!"

"A first grader is frightened on her first day of school after hearing a rumor that her teacher is a 300-year-old alien with a purple tongue who steals baby teeth from her students."

"Lola and her family prepare for the first day of school the night before, then get up early, take pictures, and head to class. Lola puts her things in her cubby, chooses her activities, reads, plays, and has a snack. Before she knows it, it's time to sing the good-bye song and rush into Mommy's arms for a warm reunion."

"On her very first day of school, Sophie is reluctant to make friends with the other children, preferring to play with two squash she grew in her garden."

"After a breakfast of juice, cereal, and a banana split, Otto goes to school for the first time, where he makes new friends and learns how to wag his tail without knocking things over."

"From morning routines to meeting new people to learning and playing together, Todd explores all the different things that can happen in school, all the while sharing a cheerful, child-friendly message of sharing, inclusion and community. Welcome to school-- a place for everyone to grow!"

"The rainy season has come to the Mekong Delta, and An, a young Vietnamese boy, sets out alone in a wooden boat wearing a little backpack and armed only with a single oar. On the way, he is confronted by giant crested waves, heavy rainfall and eerie forests where fear takes hold of him. Although daunted by the dark unknown, An realizes that he is not alone and continues to paddle. He knows it will all be worth it when he reaches his destination--one familiar to children all over the world."

It's the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone's just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself. What will the children do once they come? Will they like the school? Will they be nice to him? The school has a rough start, but as the day goes on, he soon recovers when he sees that he's not the only one going through first-day jitters.

"When Fang the shark is invited by his friends to attend Mini Minnows Elementary, he thinks it's a great idea! But then his first day of school arrives . . . and suddenly, he's not so sure."

"As a new school year begins, a young girl is filled with school spirit as she zips her book bag shut, rides the bus, enjoys her classes, and eagerly anticipates the next day."

"A school is more than just a building. It's a community of people, a place for discovery, and a place to explore!"

"Little Cliff is terrified of starting school, but with Mama Pearl's encouragement, he is able to overcome his fears."

"Although kindergarten provides unique challenges for a young buffalo, one who follows the rules and tries his best will get along fine."

"When Dat starts school in a country where he does not speak the language, everything around him sounds like gibberish until a new friend helps him make sense of his new world."

Why does the Pigeon have to go to school? "He already knows everything! And what if he doesn't like it? What if the teacher doesn't like him? What if he learns TOO MUCH!?! Ask not for whom the school bell rings; it rings for the Pigeon!"

"A five-year-old boy, ready and eager on his first day at 'the big kids' school,' must calm his very worried mother."