Happy back-to-school time, friends! August brings us to the end of summer and September brings us a new school year. These books are all about school, learning new things and making friends! All books are available to check out at the Free Library of Philadelphia.
Picture Books
“Ánh’s New Word: A Story About Learning a New Language”
by Hanh Bui and Bao Luu
Ánh’s not only about to start a new school but is also in a new country. While living in a refugee camp while waiting to go to America, Ánh finds learning a new language to be difficult but not insurmountable with the help of her teacher, Miss Mary Ellen. This beautifully illustrated picture book is about finding your voice!
“Look How Much I’ve Grown in KINDergarten”
by Vera Ahiyya and Joey Chou
Mason loves kindergarten but feels like everyone else is learning something new while she’s not. Her teacher, Ms. Perry, suggests a growth chart so everyone can add what they want to learn and accomplish in the next few months. This reminds Mason that everyone learns differently and everyone is still growing. A great read about kindergarten filled with colorful illustrations and reassurance!
“We Don’t Eat Our Classmates”
by Ryan T. Higgins
It’s the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can’t wait! She is eager to make friends, but it becomes clear that’s going to be harder than she thought. Penelope is a dinosaur and, well, her classmates are just so darn delicious! This is a funny picture book, but it also touches upon trying to fit in and make friends in a new classroom. A great read before the first day of school!
“I Am Extraordinary”
by Stephen Curry and Geneva Bowers
Zoe is ready for the first day of school and ready to play soccer. Her hearing aids, however, make her feel self-conscious, and she’s not sure if she’ll fit in. With friends by her side, Zoe’s confidence grows and she realizes she can do anything. A colorfully illustrated picture book that can help boost any kid’s confidence!
“Olu’s Teacher: A Story About Starting Preschool”
by Jamel C. Campbell and Lydia Mba
Olu is feeling nervous about the first day of school, and it’s making him dread it! Luckily, his parents talk to him about what to expect with his teacher, classmates and school. When he arrives on his first day, Olu discovers that his teacher looks just like him and is nice! A great read for those first-day jitters.
Easy Readers and Chapter Books
“Amber Brown is Not a Crayon: The Graphic Novel”
by Paula Danzinger and Victoria Ying
Amber and her best friend since preschool, Justin, are now in the third grade and a great team. They help each other out in school and hang out together after school. Justin’s family announces they are moving, and now nothing will be the same! Amber Brown is back in this graphic novel version of the beloved chapter book classic. A fun, and funny, read.
“Ava Lin, Best Friend!”
by Vicky Fan
Ava is ready to start first grade. She has her new backpack, new pencils and a new lunch box. Now, all Ava needs is a best friend. However, she learns this isn’t as easy as she thought. With bold, easy-to-read text and black and white illustrations, this is a great read for newly independent readers. Follow along with Ava as she learns to navigate the first grade!
Middle Grade Books
“Always Anthony”
by Terri Libenson
Anthony is popular and Leah is, well, not. But can middle school change all that? Anthony and Leah don’t think they have anything in common but find they might get along better than either thought. Their friendship is tested when they witness one of Anthony’s teammates bullying a sixth grader. This eighth book in the Emmie & Friends graphic novel series follows some familiar faces but can also be read as a standalone. A realistic read about middle school friends and drama!
“The New Girl”
by Cassandra Calin
Lia has a lot going on. Her family has left the only home she knows, she’s trying to learn a new language and a new school and on top of all that, she got her first period!
