Mr. S
by Monica Arnaldo
Ages 4-7
Who is Mr. S? It’s the first day of school, and the students are confused. A classroom sign reads “Welcome to Mr. S’s Class.” But where is Mr. S? There’s no teacher to be found, but there is a sandwich on the teacher’s desk. Is it possible that the sandwich is their teacher? Find out what occurs when a sandwich is in charge of the classroom in this mysterious and humorous picture book.
First Day Around the World
by Ibi Zoboi
Ages 4-8
Celebrate the first day of school all around the world as you learn about how children in other cultures experience this milestone. This picture book highlights the experiences of both daily school activities and first-day traditions from every continent, including Antarctica.
This Is a School
by John Schu, Illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison
Ages 4-8
In this sweet, funny romance (with a dash of magic), eighth-grader Birdie has big plans to get a boyfriend this school year. But after a fight with her best friend, the appearance of a (supposedly) mythical West African god threatens Birdie’s plans and her reality as she knows it.
Lila Greer, Teacher of the Year
by Andrea Beaty, Illustrated by David Roberts
Ages 5-8
Worries overwhelm Lila when she enters a new grade feeling unsettled and not knowing any of her classmates. When Lila’s teacher, Ms. Kern, really listens and helps Lila overcome her fears, Lila discovers the delight in new experiences. Then, fast forward to the future to see how Lila applies what she learned from Ms. Kern as she becomes a teacher herself.
Catty Corner Lands on Her Feet
by Julie Murphy
Ages 6-8
Catty is just like any other second grader who happens to be half-cat, half-girl. As she prepares to attend a human school for the first time, her mom’s memories of her own school days help Catty figure things out, make friends, and feel comfortable, despite a few mishaps.
Old School
by Gordon Korman
Ages 8-12
Dexter lives with his grandmother at The Pines, a retirement community where he’s been homeschooled by the residents. When he suddenly has to attend public school for the first time, he and his classmates may take a while to adjust. The ensuing antics add humor to this tale by bestselling author Korman.
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
by Patrick Ness
Ages 8-12
In this whimsical illustrated novel, monitor lizard Zeke and his crew of animal friends navigate bullying and other relatable school challenges when they become hall monitors. Humorous situations provide lighthearted ways to explore tough topics, especially when Zeke faces a nemesis whose dad just happens to be a pelican supervillain.
Schooled
by Jamie Sumner
Ages 9-11
Join Lenny Syms as he and four classmates begin sixth grade in a new experimental school on a college campus. Lenny, who just lost his mom, is more interested in being left alone than being part of a brand-new kind of learning. Can a group of quirky characters help 11-year-old Lenny find a new sense of community?
Very Bad at Math
by Hope Larson
Ages 9-13
Eighth grader Verity “Very” Nelson can do it all! She’s the student council president, first chair clarinet, debate club champion, and push-up leader. When it comes to math, though, Very is in trouble. She can’t seem to master it, and if she fails, the principal won’t let her stay on student council. With the help of a talented teacher, Very is diagnosed with a learning disability and receives the help she needs, while building new friendships and tackling the everyday challenges of middle school.
