The first day of school is stressful no matter how many times you have done it. For eleven-year-old Jenae, she has plenty of practice. She's doesn't have any friends and has become used to being invisible at school. All of this changes when a new boy shows up at school and is quite determined to break down her cool exterior and be the friend she needs. This book is for every middle grade reader who struggles to find real friends.
Novels for Tweens About Staring a New School Year
When the time come for tweens to go back to school, it can feel like starting all over again. It is normal for kids this age to feel a renewed sense of anxiety about school. Social norms are changing, friendships are shifting, and tweens are trying to figure out where they belong. Brand new insecurities surface causing many kids to feel nervous about the new school year. Novels for tweens about thefirst day of school will help them understand that their feelings are quite normal. Reading about how the characters in these books handle challenges will help tweens overcome their worries and approach the first day with confidence.
School Days According to Humphrey
One of our favorite installments in the Humphrey chapter book series, a cute mouse is so excited to return to the classroom. He can't wait to see all his friends from the last school year! Much to his dismay, the wrong group of kids settle into Room 26. He squeaks and squeals but no one will listen. Finally he learns that these strange kids are actually his new classmates and maybe making new friends isn't so bad after all.
Back to School, Weird Kids Rule!
Dan Gutman is a master at writing to the middle grade audience as proven by the success of his My Weird School series of chapter books. In this installment, summer is coming to a close and the kids have a big case of cabin fever. So what do they do? Go to summer camp! But this camp isn't what it seems. Cleverly disguised, this camp is especially designed to get kids ready to go back to school. Belly laughs abound in this charming easy-to-read chapter book.
Fourth Grade Rats
Now that a child has moved on to the next grade, there's an expectation to behave differently, right? In this best-selling book, Suds has advanced to fourth grade, which means he needs to toughen up, push around the younger kids, and generally act like a rat. Can Suds live up to the challenge or will he be a wimp for the rest of his life? Kids will devour this funny book where many of the situations may feel all too familiar.
Third Grade Angels
Jerry Spinelli followed up his wildly popular Fourth Grade Rats with an equally entertaining prequel about Suds' third grade experience. His teacher is holding a contest to determine the most well-behaved student. Suds is doing his absolute best to be kind to others, perform good deeds, and just generally behave perfectly. But gosh is it hard to be good all of the time! Suds starts to wonder if he can still tease his sister if he teacher isn't watching. And is it really necessary to do the right thing when no one is watching? Kids will fall in love with this conflicted little boy who struggles to do the right thing 100 percent of the time.
New Kid
A Newbery Medal Winner and Coretta Scott King Award Winner, New Kid is a middle-grade graphic novel that captures all of the trials and tribulations of being the new kid on the first day of school. Jordan would prefer to go to an art school but his parents opt to send him to a prestigious, private top-notch academic school. He has to learn to manage two very different social circles- his friends from his neighborhood and the kids from the upscale prep school- all the while staying true to himself.
Fish in a Tree
An extraordinary must-read for middle grade kids, this story is about the importance of avoiding labels. A very bright girl, who has moved from school to school, cannot read and embarks on a life of creating distractions in the classroom. She lives in fear that her teachers and classmates will discover her shameful secret. Everything changes when she finally encounters a teacher who helps her realize her full potential and shows her that intelligence comes in many styles. For every kid who does not excel in the typical school environment, this unforgettable book is a gift. For every other kid, it's a lesson in understanding and developing empathy for kids who learn differently.
Judy Moody Was in a Mood
Transitioning from one school year to the next is never easy. Judy is particularly annoyed by all of the changes in third grade. Her classroom looks different and she'll probably get into trouble passing notes to her friends. She is weary of her new teacher who may not understand much about her. But when Judy has a chance to present a project, she finally feels good about her place in school. This short, easy chapter book will illustrations is just right for brand new readers.
Heidi Heckelbeck Has a Secret
Heidi is an eight year old who has been home-schooled her whole life. When she finally attends her first day at Brewster Elementary, Heidi encounters a bully who is determined to make her life miserable. She retreats home to her bedroom where she remembers her secret book of spells. With a little witchcraft, Heidi finds a way to give the bully a taste of what it's like to be a victim.
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Benefits of Reading Tween Novels About First Day of School
Starting a new year can be especially challenging for kids entering middle school.They are nervous about whether anyone will welcome them at their table in the cafeteria or if they will like their teachers. This period of adolescence is tumultuous, full of so many physical, social, and emotional changes. Kids who were once confident and full of excitement about returning to the hallways may suddenly feel nervous and not so self-assured. Reading first day of school novels can help tweens feel better about their own feelings and experiences. The characters in these stories all grapple with their own issues about re-entering the classroom after a summer break and trying to figure out how to fit in. Tweens worry about losing old friends, making new friends, dealing with bullies, and just trying to find their place at school. Reading tween chapter books about the first day of school will help!
