Booklist: Back to School

Introducing a new post series and a new contributing writer!  Meet Meredith Neesvig, who will be posting booklists designed to help you find some great titles to share with your kids!

School is starting in our neck of the woods this week and I thought it only fitting to share some of my absolute favorite back-to-school books.  As an elementary school librarian for the past 9 years, I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to books about a new school year.  Here are a few of the outstanding!

Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School by Herman Parish
Do you remember the quirky, very literal Amelia Bedelia books you read when you were younger?  Now, it’s time to go back in time and meet Amelia as a young student.  From the moment she boards the bus, Amelia is on an adventure.  From “sticking her nose in a book” in library to being the “teacher’s pet” her day is never dull.  This book would be best for 1st graders on up, but I believe even Kinder students will understand with some parental discussion as you read.

Llama, Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney
If you haven’t had a chance to meet Llama Llama in Llama, Llama Red Pajama or his other adventures please do so immediately!  Llama Llama is going to school for the first time. Mama Llama wakes him up, gets him ready for the day, and drops him off at school. There is a traumatic transition time for Llama Llama, but with the help of his teachers and new friends, he is able to relax. He even finds out that Mama Llama really does come back! This book is great for the younger set and can be applied to any new situation where a child is left in a class by themselves, be it school, dance, or sports practice.

First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
The alarm goes off, but the main character doesn’t want to get out bed.  She doesn’t want to eat, she is worried that no one will like her, and has other first day of school woes. The reader assumes the main character is a student dreading the new school year, but readers will be surprised to find out who is behind all of the fears!  This is a super cute book that shows that everyone gets a little nervous about going to school on the first day!  This book is fun for all ages as they embark on a new adventure.

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Butterflies in my Stomach and Other School Hazards by Serge Bloch
Have you ever “been in a pickle” or been accused “of wearing your heart on your sleeve”?  The very literal main character in this book is exposed to all sorts of figures of speech on his first day of school.  This is a cute story for the slightly older age group and a fun opportunity for parents to have some great discussions with their child.

Honorable Mentions:
I am Absolutely Too Small for School by Lauren Child
Mrs. Watson Wants Your Teeth by Alison McGhee
Frankie Stein Starts School by Lola M. Schaefer

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Meredith Neesvig lives in Little Rock, Arkansas. She is mother to a fantastic little girl, elementary school librarian, and a sometimes runner.  Reading has always been a passion. Whether it be kids books or grown up books, she loves a good read. 

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