Kids often worry about things that seem silly to adults, like whether they will fit in at school, or whether they will make friends. But anxiety can affect kids' ability to learn and perform well in school. If you have a child who is anxious about going back to school, we've got some great reading suggestions for you!
Kindergarten
Even those who wait at home are eager to hear all about kindergarten. The animals in the barn are in a tizzy: Tommy is missing! The dog says Tommy is gone to a place called kindergarten. "Where is kindergarten?" they exclaim. "What will happen to Tommy there? Will he ever come back?!" Eventually Tommy bursts into the barn with tales of the fun he had and all he learned. A charming and tender story that's sure to reassure any child heading to kindergarten.
The first day of kindergarten is finally here, and Henry can't wait to paint pictures, sing songs, and practice counting. When he gets to school, though, he's not so sure he's ready for kindergarten. But before long Henry discovers that the only thing, he's not ready for is how much fun he's going to have at school! This gently humorous, encouraging story will give children about to enter kindergarten an extra boost of confidence.
Our buffalo is growing up. He plays with friends. He shares his toys. He's smart! But is he ready for kindergarten? And is kindergarten ready for him? Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten? is a hilarious look at first day of school jitters.
Tomorrow is a very exciting day! It's Elmo's first day of school, and he needs your help to get ready! With the help of Elmo and his mommy, this all-new story from world-renowned education brand Sesame Workshop will get young children excited to go back to school, preparing them for the new school year and helping to calm school anxiety.
This sweet, interactive, and educational Elmo book for kids reminds readers that it's okay to be nervous about the first day of school! Filled with self-soothing tools like belly breathing, it's the perfect story to address child anxiety as kids go back to school, preschool, or daycare or for anyone looking for social emotional learning and worry books for toddlers and kids ages 3-7.
This cute and funny book about anxiety is completely jam packed with hilarity. Sometimes the best way to deal with fear is to laugh at it! First Day Farts helps children do exactly that with their first day of school jitters. Put your little one at ease with First Day Farts!
Elementary
On the first day of school, new classmates are asked to share what they would most like to happen in the upcoming year. Some kids hope they are familiar while others are off-the-wall. Whether it's looking good on picture day or skateboarding at school, everyone's wishes are shown in humorously exaggerated illustrations. As the first day draws to a close, there can be no doubt that this school year will definitely be the best!
Everyone knows that sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach just before diving into a new situation. Sarah Jane Hartwell is scared and doesn't want to start over at a new school. She doesn't know anybody, and nobody knows her. It will be awful. She just knows it. With much prodding from Mr. Hartwell, Sarah Jane reluctantly pulls herself together and goes to school. She is quickly befriended by Mrs. Burton, who helps smooth her jittery transition. This charming and familiar story will delight readers with its surprise ending.
Joey doesn't want to go to school, and he has a whole list of far-fetched reasons to stay home. Can his mom convince him otherwise? Perfect for first graders or anxious children returning from summer break.
It’s the night before the Big Day - first grade! Penny is excited to start the year with her best friend right beside her in the same classroom. This humorous take on Clement C. Moore’s classic tale has a perfect twist ending that will surprise readers, as well as the "heroine" of the story, and help all about-to-be first-graders through their own back-to-school jitters.
Sarah is about to start a new school that’s on a distant planet. She doesn’t have any friends yet. Her teacher may or may not be a swamp creature. And worse, lunch looks like it’s wriggling, slimy and alive! But just before the school bus arrives, Team Supercrew’s Benny the Brave comes to the rescue!
Benny the Brave reminds Sarah that her worst-case fears are okay, and that she has the power to change these thoughts. She has the power to be BRAVE, and it just might be closer to find than she thinks.
Middle School
It's Rafe's first day at Hills Village Middle School, and it's shaping up to be the worst year ever. He has enough problems at home without throwing his first year of middle school into the mix, but luckily, he's got an ace plan for the best year ever--if only he can pull it off.
Rafe tries to break every rule in his school's oppressive Code of Conduct. Chewing gum in class; Running in the hallway; Pulling the fire alarm! But not everyone thinks Rafe's plan is a good idea, especially not the teachers, parents, and bullies who keep getting in his way. Will Rafe decide that winning is the only thing that matters? Are things about to go from magic to tragic? Find out in this hilarious and heartwarming number one New York Times bestselling hit!
Starting middle school can be scary. But knowing what to expect will make you feel more confident. Packed with tips and fun quizzes, here's the inside scoop on topics like classes, lockers, homework, and getting involved in after-school activities. Get help deciding the best way to introduce yourself to those new classmates. Plus, you'll read letters from other girls who were just as worried about starting middle school, and advice from girls who have already been there.
The move from elementary school to middle school can be difficult for boys. Too big to be little yet too little to be big, they face the perfect storm of changing bodies, rushing hormones, and learning challenges. Many new to middle school guys find themselves struggling with grades, behavior, relationships with family, friends, and teachers. Boys often grow frustrated and embarrassed as they strain to figure out what to do and what notto do in their new world... called middle school.
Best Selling author Jonathan Catherman and his two sons (one current and one former middle schooler) offer boys ages ten to twelve the practical help they need to make the move to middle school as painlessly as possible. The book's "do this, not that" format and 200 comic like illustrations cover 100 relevant topics and situations every middle school boy will face like: school lockers, bullies, test taking, cell phone use, homework, gossip, leadership, respect, sports, and many more.
The transition from elementary school to middle school skirts the borders of traumatic for many girls. Their bodies are changing, their moods are shifting, their friendships are tested, and boys can become a big distraction. Girls may begin to struggle with grades, behavior, and relationships with family and friends. How do they know what to do and what not to do in this new environment with new expectations?
Erica and Jonathan Catherman offer girls ages 10 to 12 the practical help they need to make the move to middle school as painless as possible. The "do this, not that" format covers a hundred relevant topics and situations middle school girls will face, including the first day, bullies, test taking, cell phone use, homework, gossip, leadership, respect, sports, PDA, and many more.
