By the Staff of Anne Arundel Public Library
As students make their way back to school, they face new dynamics in the classroom, among their friends — and sometimes even in society. These back-to-school reads help kids and teens navigate stress, social skills and more through expert tips and entertaining stories.
Early Elementary
“The First Week of School”
by Drew Beckmeyer
It’s the first day of school. An artist wonders if her drawings are good enough to show. An inventor is excited for show-and-tell. A group of competitive friends call themselves the Sport Kings (but nobody else does). Pat, the class pet, listens to the weird sounds humans make.
The teacher is ready to start, but when the new student gets to class, things take a turn for the unusual. There’s something a little strange about the visitor—maybe even something out-of-this-world.
“What’s Your Name?”
by Bethanie Deeney Murguia
“Names hold power. They can be a greeting, provide comfort, act as a warning or honor our ancestors and heroes. Sometimes, growing into a name, or selecting a new one, can take a little time. Names connect us to others and help create who we are and what makes us uniquely special. With an engaging visual narrative buzzing with people and names of all stripes, and a lilting text that’s perfect for reading aloud, this celebratory and affirming story will have readers reflecting on their names—and proudly sharing them.”
Upper Elementary
“Oliver’s Great Big Universe”
by Jorge Cham
Oliver has a lot going on as he starts his first year of middle school—new friends, new classes, new everything. But at least there’s one thing that still makes sense: science! Determined to be an astrophysicist one day, Oliver explains everything he learns—like how the sun burps, how ghost particles fly through you, the uncanny similarities between Mercury and cafeteria meatballs and, most importantly, how the Big Bang is just like a fart in the school hallway. Oliver finally feels like he’s starting to figure things out… but can he stay out of the principal’s office or catch a break from his annoying sister?
“The Big Adventures Of Babymouse: 2Besties!”
by Jennifer L. Holm
Babymouse has the BEST imagination. She makes the BEST cupcakes. And her BEST friend is Wilson. But why is Wilson hanging out with the new kid in school so much? And why is the new kid so GOOD at everything?! Well, Babymouse is just going to have to be even BETTER than this new kid. No, she’s going to have to be the BEST!
Middle School
“Invisible”
by Christina Diaz Gonzalez
George, Sara, Dayara, Nico and Miguel are sure they have nothing in common. However, some people see them all the same: just five Spanish-speaking kids. When they meet someone who truly needs their help, they must decide whether to expose each of their secrets or remain invisible to survive middle school.
“What Can I Say? A Kid’s Guide To Super-Useful Social Skills To Help You Get Along And Express Yourself”
by Catherine Newman
Kids will discover supportive guidance and instruction to help establish and maintain meaningful relationships and effective communication with friends, teachers, family members and others in their communities.
Teen
“My Flawless Life”
by Yvonne Woon
At the most elite private school in Washington, D.C., whenever anyone has a problem that they need to go away, they hire Hana Yang Lerner. She can fix everything, except her own life. Her reputation and friendships were destroyed when her father, Senator Skip Lerner, was arrested for an accident that left one woman nearly dead. Could a new client’s request for Hana to follow her former best friend help? As Hana uncovers a dark truth about her supposedly flawless classmates, she’s forced to face a secret of her own.
“The Resilient Teen: 10 Key Skills To Bounce Back From Setbacks & Turn Stress Into Success”
by Sheela Raja
More than ever, teens need tools to manage stress and increase resilience. Based on the latest research in psychology and neuroscience, “The Resilient Teen” offers ten key skills to help readers bounce back from difficult situations, deal with difficult emotions and cultivate a sense of joy, even in the face of modern-day stressors.rea
