Pete the Cat Rocking in my School Shoes by Eric Litwin

Join Pete the Cat as he takes you through the school while rockin’ in his new shoes. Is Pete worried about going to school? Goodness no! He dances and sings his song through the library, the gym, the lunchroom, and many other places in the building. If you want to listen to the story and sing along with Pete then click HERE.

My School Stinks by Becky Scharnhorst

Stuart is starting at a new school and he writes about his experiences in his journal.

“Dear Diary, Today is the first day at my new school and I think there’s been a mistake. My desk mate stinks, my locker buddy bites, and my teacher is unbearable! I told Mom my classmates are WILD ANIMALS but she said all little kids are wild animals. I think I’m going to be sick tomorrow.“

This is a fantastic and funny book for anyone who may be a little nervous about starting school. The illustrations hilariously add to Stuart’s story of trying new things, taking chances, and finding friends.

The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf

From the publisher: “There used to be an empty chair at the back of Mrs. Khan’s classroom, but on the third Tuesday of the school year a new kid fills it: nine-year-old Ahmet, a Syrian refugee. The whole class is curious about this new boy–he doesn’t seem to smile, and he doesn’t talk much. But after learning that Ahmet fled a Very Real War” and was separated from his family along the way, a determined group of his classmates band together to concoct the Greatest Idea in the World–a magnificent plan to reunite Ahmet with his loved ones.

Balancing humor and heart, this relatable story about the refugee crisis from the perspective of kids highlights the community-changing potential of standing as an ally and reminds readers that everyone deserves a place to call home.”

The House That Wasn’t There by Elana K. Arnold

Alder, a quiet and kind of lonely kid, has lived on Rollingwood Drive his entire life. Oak, an outgoing and slightly annoying new girl, just moved into the house next door. They form an unlikely friendship when they each adopt kittens who are siblings and magical. The author gracefully navigates difficult subjects like moving, separation, the death of a parent, and middle grade friendships. She then mixes the story with a little mystery and fantasy and creates a heart-warming and sweet story.