Back to School is here! This season brings a wide range of emotions for children. Whether they are excited or nervous, a great read aloud can help them to understand their feelings, connect with new situations, feel comfortable with change, and maybe even laugh about silly school shenanigans. The following books published in 2026 have stood out to me as great choices for this time of year.
Tag: back to school
One Mindful Minute: Supporting Back to School Season
Back to School season can be a huge transition for school-aged children. Summer adventures without routine or structure can make the classroom return difficult. There is an overwhelming amount of “new” things to digest at the start of the school year: new teachers, classrooms, school supplies, classmates, friends, rules, school lunches, homework, after school activities, — and that’s just the beginning. Whether a child loves or hates the idea of returning to school, this change truly affects all across the board.
My Favorite Back to School Middle Grade Novels!
As we approach Back to School season, there are plenty of picture books to help little ones transition into a new grade or start school for the first time. However, school-age children reading middle grade novels can also benefit from novels that focus on school, from being a new kid in school to being an advocate for change at a young age. These are some of my favorite middle grade novels that are perfect for Back to School season!
Back to School at the Public Library
As September looms on the horizon, schools across the country are preparing to return and many have already begun. While many families and educators are preparing with school supply runs, lunch prep, and more, they may not be aware of the many ways that the library can help them prepare as well. Blogger Maria Trivisonno shared some amazing Back to School Outreach tips in 2022, and I thought what better time to expand upon this list than the present. If you have been wondering how to highlight the library for educators, families, and kids alike, then check out the list below!
Turning the Page on a New School Year: Picture Books to Share
I love making picture book displays, and a great one for this time of year is Back to School! Last year, I wrote about these new books. Let’s look at what this year has to offer! Big Kids By K. L. Going Illustrated by Reggie Brown The first day of school can be both exciting and scary, especially with all the “big kids,” who illustrator Brown draws as supernaturally large…at first. The young narrator is paired with a “big buddy” who slowly acclimates his young charge to the rhythm of the school day, visually shrinking as the narrator grows in confidence. Narwhal vs. Kindergarten Written and illustrated by Vanessa Roeder Hugo the narwhal’s first week of school is complicated by his inconvenient horn until he learns to rely on the help of new friends. . . . . Today at School with Yesterday and Tomorrow By Jessica Young Illustrated by…
Little Learners: Getting Ready for PreK at the Library
Many, if not all, public library systems provide story time for their preschool-aged patrons. These story times focus on early literacy skills to help get children ready to read. We often market these programs as helping to prepare children for preschool. This is because we know that early exposure to singing, talking, and reading sets children up to become successful readers. However, there is even more that the library can offer in terms of school readiness programs.
Back to School with Special Education Students at the Public Library
When Back to School season rolls around, libraries across the country fill displays with books about new teachers and first day jitters. Your library may host an evening for school staff, where they can learn all about library services. You may offer an exclusive teachers-only Friends of the Library book sale. But typically, families with students in special education may not get all the support they need in the lead up to a new school year. Navigating the special education system is challenging – there are IEPs, 504s, evaluations, and tons of documentation – and families new to the IEP system can find it especially overwhelming. But what if the library could build a program that connected parents and caregivers with the expert advice and support they needed before they begin another adventure through special education?
Back to School, Picture Book Style
Back to School books fly off the shelves this time of year, and each August I look forward to reading new ones that have recently been published. Here’s a short round-up of some of this year’s options!