Books about starting a new school
A new school, a new class or the very first day of school can bring on butterflies for weeks. Reading about a character who walks through that gate first makes the unknown feel familiar. These are the stories we reach for in the weeks before term begins.
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My Name
Ages 3–6Indian author✈️ Import only (pricey)
When an Indian American boy starts at a new school, he learns to celebrate his name and everything that makes him unique.
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Big Papa and the Time Machine
by Daniel Bernstrom
Ages 4–8
A boy is scared on his first day of school, so his grandfather takes him on a ride through his own memories of being brave.
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The Kissing Hand
by Audrey Penn
Ages 3–6
Chester Raccoon is nervous about starting school, so his mother kisses his palm to give him a kiss he can carry all day. A classic for first-day nerves.
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The Invisible String
by Patrice Karst
Ages 3–7
Twins learn that an invisible string of love connects them to the people they care about, even when they're apart. Often used for separation and loss.
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Llama Llama Misses Mama
by Anna Dewdney
Ages 3–5
It's Llama Llama's first day of school and he misses his mama. He finds out that school can be fun too. A rhyming read-aloud for first-day nerves.
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Owl Babies
by Martin Waddell
Ages 2–5
Three baby owls wake up and find their mother gone. They wait and worry until she flies home. A classic for little ones who miss a parent.
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The Tour at School
by Katie Clapham
Ages 4–7
A child joins a new school and gets a whirlwind tour; the confident guide doesn't need a tour guide — he needs a friend.
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The First Rule of Punk
by Celia C. Pérez
Ages 9–12
When Malú starts a new school, she channels her love of punk rock and her Mexican American heritage into a zine and a band, defying everyone's expectations of who she should be.
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The Kicks: Saving the Team
by Alex Morgan
Ages 8–12
New in town, Devin joins a struggling school football team and helps turn them into real teammates. Book one of the series by the US World Cup winner.
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My Name Is Samim
by Fidan Meikle
Ages 10–14✈️ Import only (pricey)
Thirteen-year-old Samim, a gifted chess player from Afghanistan, must tell the story of his perilous journey to the UK to be allowed to stay, while starting school and making new friends.
