OFF TO SCHOOL
Once again, it’s time say hello to schoolwork and textbooks.
Here’s a little light reading to brighten your day!
Ready-Set-Go!
JPB Brenner
On the First Day of Grade School by Emily Brenner
In this cumulative rhyme based on "The Twelve Days of Christmas," a teacher receives
an array of animals from her adoring students.
JPB Carlson
First Grade, Here I Come! By Nancy Carlson
Henry tells his mother that he did not like his first day of first grade, but as he describes
what he did and learned, he begins to realize that he might enjoy it after all.
JPB Thompson
Mouse’s First Day of School by Lauren Thompson
When he goes to school, Mouse finds a world of new objects and new friends.
Plot Most Likely to Make Headlines
J Winerip
Adam Canfield of the Slash by Michael Winerip
While serving as co-editors of their school newspaper, middle-schoolers Adam and
Jennifer uncover fraud and corruption in their school.
What to Beware of When Crossing the Street
JPB Wheeler
Bubblegum, Bubblegum by Lisa Wheeler.
After a variety of animals get stuck one by one in bubble gum melting in the road, they
must survive encounters with a big blue truck and a burly black bear.
In Case You’ve Ever Wondered
JPB Yolen
How Do Dinosaurs Go To School? by Jane Yolen.
Everyone’s favorite prehistoric pupils charm the teachers in another classroom adventure.
When You Need a Little Mythology
J Riordan
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.
After learning that he is the son of a mortal woman and Poseidon, god of the sea, 12-year
old Percy attends a summer camp for demigods and stumbles upon a war brewing among
the gods.
Bet You Can’t Put This One Down
J Selznick
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
When twelve-year-old Hugo, an orphan living and repairing clocks within the walls of a
Paris train station in 1931, meets a mysterious toy seller and his goddaughter, his
undercover life and his biggest secret are jeopardized.
What to Read Before a Big Science Project
J 509 Cole
The Magic School Bus and the Science Fair Expedition by Joanna Cole.
Ms. Frizzle leads a tour through the history of science for the class science expedition.
JE Brown
Arthur’s Science Fair Trouble by Marc Brown.
Unable to think of an idea for a science fair project, Arthur borrows a model his father
made in third grade but feels guilty about his secret.
Scary Title for a Teacher
JPB Slate
Miss Bindergarten has a Wild Day in Kindergarten by Joseph Slate.
Adam throws his hat too high and Zach sets the butterflies free--the students in Miss
Bindergarten's class just can’t settle down.
Canines in the Classroom?
JPB Parr
Otto Goes to School by Todd Parr.
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.
Book Most Likely to Get You an A in Science
JB Einstein
Genius: a photobiography of Albert Einstein by Marfe Ferguson Delano.
Covers the life and times of a famous physicist
Book to Teach Compassion
JPB Hennessy
Mr. Ouchy’s First Day by B.G. Hennessy.
Mr. Ouchy, a new teacher, is nervous about his first day of school, but when he teaches
the class about time and counting, they all enjoy the experience
Smelliest Books about School
JPB Wilson
Sweet Briar Goes to School by Karma Wilson.
The other animals at school make fun of Sweet Briar because she is a skunk and has a
strong smell, until she uses her scent to chase away a hungry wolf
JPB Rodman
First Grade Stinks by Mary Ann Rodman.
First-grader Haley wishes she could return to kindergarten with her old teacher, until she
finds out that first-grade is special too
Books to Help Ease the Pain of Separation
J Friedman
Back to School, Mallory by Laurie Friedman
After moving, eight-year-old Mallory struggles with being new at school, especially
because her mother is now the music teacher and director of the third grade play.
JPB Penn
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn.
When Chester the raccoon is reluctant to go to kindergarten for the first time, his mother
teaches him a secret way to carry her love with him. JPB Penn
JPB Pak
Sumi’s First Day of School Ever by Soyung Pak.
By the time Sumi finishes her first day of school, she decides that school is not as lonely,
scary, or mean as she had thought.
Booklist compiled by Children’s Collection Development Librarian Celeste Steward