From cultivating dreams of innovating, creating and inspiring others to simply teaching us what we need to learn, education is central to our children’s lives, as seen in these books that span preschool to college. Enjoy these library picks for this month’s Big Book of Education issue.

Preschool

“What Do We Do in Preschool?”
by Kathryn Wanless

Starting preschool is a huge transition for young learners emotionally, socially and psychologically. The core message of this comforting book is that the day flies by when you are having fun and learning with friends. It also highlights the important work that educators do to prepare children for kindergarten.

“Mi Escuela Is My School”
by Laurenne Sala

Join a young boy as he takes readers through his day at school in this charming Spanglish picture book.

Early Elementary

“The Tour at School!”
by Katie Clapham

A student leads a very enthusiastic first-day tour in a comical, reassuring story sure to calm the nerves of kids about to start something new.

“Free To Learn: How Alfredo Lopez Fought for the Right To Go to School”
by Cynthia Levinson

A picture book about Alfredo Lopez, one of the students involved in Plyler v. Doe, the Supreme Court ruling that mandated that public schools educate all U.S. residents, including undocumented immigrants

Upper Elementary

“The Dream of an Education: How Phymean Noun Built a School”
by Susan Hughes

This illustrated nonfiction book introduces young readers to Phymean Noun, who fought to learn to read and write while in Cambodia, and her mission to give Cambodian children living in poverty access to education.

“Time for School: How Humans Learn”
by Leah Payne

This illustrated book examines the past, present and future of schools around the world and who, what, where, when and how we learn.

“Ben Lee: The Magic Lunch Box”
by Hanna Kim

The first day of school in Michigan is a nightmare for Korean-American fourth grader Ben Lee, who grew up in Los Angeles, but his new schoolmates laugh at his Korean food until his magic lunch box teaches them all a lesson.

Middle School

“Best Brain Ever: How To Level Up, Be More Focused, and Be Less Stressed”
by Therese Huston

This engaging guide helps kids discover the secrets to creativity, focus, friendship, stress management and thriving in a tech-filled world.

“Sticking to the Facts: 10 Ways To Fight Misinformation”
by Gregor Craigie

This illustrated book gives young readers tools to spot fake news and actions to take to fight misinformation and disinformation.

High School

“Design Thinking: A Guide to Innovation”
by Fred Estes

This easy-to-follow guide explains everything essential to design thinking projects focused on solving human-centered, social issues. With true stories of real student teams and their projects, this book provides readers with the steps to effect change and create a more equitable world.

“Rising Class: How Three First-Generation College Students Conquered Their First Year”
by Jennifer Miller

This eye-opening YA narrative nonfiction follows three first-generation college students as they navigate their first year and ultimately a global pandemic.