Got a kid who is dreading going back to school? Maybe they’re starting kindrgarden for the first time, or are nervous about returning to middle school. Don’t worry. Newtonville Books has got a great selection for easing the fears of kids of all ages.
For those starting kindergarten, try “Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner.” Annabelle Swift is so excited to begin elementary school that she asks her sister Lucy to help her to prepare early for it. Everything Annabelle does on the first day seems to be going wrong– when asked to name the color of a blue lollipop, Annabelle calls it “blue desire” because her sister taught her the colors based on their mother’s makeup shades; when she announces herself in rollcall as “Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner!” everyone laughs at her. But with the help of a lucky nametag Lucy gives her, as well as her amazing math skills, Annabelle is able to win over her teacher and her classmates, and feels ready to face anything after her first day of school!
For those starting first or second grade, try “Emily’s First 100 Days of School.” Beloved children’s illustrator Rosemary Wells (of Max and Ruby fame) brings to life little Emily’s most exciting year of school yet. Every day the class has a new number project: on day number two the children learn a song called Tea for Two; on day number three Emily writes about her bus (which is bus number three). A book that can be read aloud to kids or that many will be able to read by themselves, “Emily’s First 100 Days of School” will convince any kid that school can be fun and exciting, and that the school year will fly by.
For those entering third through fifth grade (depending on their reading level), try Andrew Clement’s latest: “Lost and Found.” 12 year old identical twins Ray and Jay are nervous about starting at a new school. But when Ray stays home sick on the first day, Jay discovers something amazing that is sure to make the school year a blast: there is only one twin registered at the school, so the twins can switch off going to school, and have every-other day off. Typical of Clements, many shennanigans ensue, until the boys learn the ultimate lesson that it’s best to be yourself after all.
For those in middle school, try “Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen” (which has recently been made into a movie starring Lindsay Lohan– the book is better). When Mary Elizabeth starts at a new school, she is initially devestated, but soon realizes that she can use it as an opportunity to start over. No one knows who she is or what she was like at her old school, so she renames herself Lola and makes up a fascinating story about who she used to be (she was the most popular girl in school, her father died a hero in a terrific accident, etc.). Lola has lots of fun with her new best friend battling the queen bee of the school and winning the lead in the school play. But when Lola’s lies catch up to her, will she be able to regain the trust of her friends and family? Of course she will, and in the true style of a teenage drama queen, she’ll do it with style.
–Rachel
