The start of a new school year is the perfect time to captivate your students with engaging stories that spark their imagination and set the tone for a year of discovery. I love getting to know the students, sharing new books, and showing students how to locate new books in the Media Center. One of my favorite ways to do this is during library orientation doing shelfies, sharing book trailers, and doing about me activities. Grab a sample of these activities here.
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Below are some of my favorite books I like to share with students or recommend to teachers. These books are perfect for the classroom or library and are sure to get your students excited about reading and learning.
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Picture Books for a Magical Beginning
We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
Summary: Penelope Rex, a young dinosaur, learns that making friends is a bit tricky when you're tempted to eat your classmates! Through humorous situations and delightful illustrations, Penelope learns about boundaries and how to be a good friend.
Why It’s a Great Choice: This hilarious story is perfect for breaking the ice and helping students understand the importance of kindness and respect in their new classroom environment.
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
Summary: This book follows a diverse group of children through a day at their inclusive school, celebrating multiculturalism and community. The rhythmic text and vibrant illustrations show how all children, no matter their background, are welcome in school.
Why It’s a Great Choice: All Are Welcome promotes an inclusive environment and the value of community, making it a heartwarming read to kick off a school year focused on unity and acceptance.
Butterflies on the First Day of School by Annie Silvestro
Summary: Rosie feels butterflies in her stomach on the first day of school but soon finds that making new friends makes the butterflies disappear. This charming story captures the nervous excitement of starting school.
Why It’s a Great Choice: A comforting story that normalizes first-day nerves and encourages friendship, helping young students feel at ease in a new environment.
School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex
Summary: Told from the perspective of a school building, this book explores the nervousness and excitement of the first day of school. As the school interacts with students and teachers, it learns to appreciate its role in their lives.
Why It’s a Great Choice: This unique perspective helps ease first-day jitters with humor and empathy, making it an excellent choice for setting a comforting tone on the first day.
First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
Summary: Sarah is nervous about starting a new school, but a twist at the end reveals that she is the teacher, not a student. This humorous tale shows that everyone gets nervous about new beginnings.
Why It’s a Great Choice: A humorous take that reassures students they are not alone in their anxieties, making it a great icebreaker for the first day and helping to build a supportive classroom community.
Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen
Summary: This heartwarming book emphasizes the idea that a classroom is a safe and supportive community where everyone is valued and included. It helps students understand that their class is like a family.
Why It’s a Great Choice: Our Class is a Family fosters a sense of belonging and unity, making it an ideal read to build a supportive classroom environment from the start.
Monsters Love School by Mike Austin
Summary: A group of playful monsters navigates the first day of school with enthusiasm and fun. The story highlights their adventures and new experiences in the classroom.
Why It’s a Great Choice: This lively and colorful book helps ease first-day jitters by showing that school can be a fun and exciting place, making it perfect for setting a positive tone for the school year.
The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes
Summary: A confident little boy prepares for his first day of kindergarten, where he finds new friends and learns new things, all while feeling like royalty.
Why It’s a Great Choice: The King of Kindergarten promotes confidence and excitement about school, helping young students start the year with a positive attitude.
You're Finally Here! by Mélanie Watt
Summary: This amusing book features a rabbit who is thrilled to have the reader finally show up. The rabbit talks directly to the reader, expressing impatience, excitement, and relief.
Why It’s a Great Choice: You're Finally Here! is an engaging and interactive read that breaks the fourth wall, making students feel welcomed and involved right from the start of the school year.
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
Summary: This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of a young girl who feels different from her classmates but finds the courage to share her unique story. As she discovers, everyone has something special to bring to the table, and those differences can bring them closer together.
Why It’s a Great Choice: The Day You Begin encourages empathy, acceptance, and the celebration of diversity, making it a perfect read for the beginning of the school year when students are forming new friendships and building classroom community.
Sharing books through book trailers as part of a center is a fun way to introduce books to children.
12 Picture Books that are Perfect for Library Orientation
The Pigeon Has to Go to School by Mo Willems
Summary: Pigeon is nervous about starting school but soon learns it's not as bad as he feared. His anxieties are met with humorous reassurance.
Why to Use: This book addresses common back-to-school fears with humor and a beloved character, making it relatable and engaging for young readers.
What Happened to Marion's Book? by Brook Berg
Summary: Marion accidentally damages a library book and learns the importance of taking care of borrowed books.
Why to Use: It teaches responsibility and respect for library materials, emphasizing the consequences of not handling books properly.
Ninjas Go to the Library by Mary Nhin
Summary: A group of ninjas discovers the magic of the library and the wonders of reading.
Why to Use: Combines adventure with a love for reading, encouraging students to explore their library with enthusiasm.
This Book Is Perfect! by Bernard Young
Summary: An interactive story that engages children with playful prompts and humorous situations.
Why to Use: Promotes active participation and engagement with books, making reading a fun and dynamic activity.
Never Let a Ghost Borrow Your Library Book by Karen Casale
Summary: The Library Secret Service offers a fun guide on how to take care of library books properly.
Why to Use: Uses humor and a unique premise to teach book care rules, making the lessons memorable and enjoyable.
Where Are My Books? by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Summary: Spencer's beloved books keep disappearing, and he must find out who's taking them.
Why to Use: Highlights the value of books and the importance of sharing, sparking discussions on book care and respect.
Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen
Summary: A lion becomes the perfect library assistant, showing that libraries are welcoming to everyone.
Why to Use: Encourages library visits and reinforces the idea that everyone has a place in the library.
Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn
Summary: Lola loves her weekly trips to the library with her mother and enjoys all the activities there.
Why to Use: Promotes a love for regular library visits and participation in library programs.
Bats at the Library by Brian Lies
Summary: A group of bats enjoys a nighttime adventure in the library, exploring its wonders.
Why to Use: Sparks imagination and excitement about the library, making it an appealing place to explore.
The Library Dragon by Carmen Agra Deedy
Summary: Miss Lotta Scales, the library dragon, fiercely guards the books until she learns that books are meant to be shared.
Why to Use: Teaches the importance of sharing and accessibility of books, promoting an inclusive library environment.
The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians by Carla Morris
Summary: Melvin grows up in the library, guided by librarians who help him discover the world of books.
Why to Use: Showcases the supportive role of librarians and the joy of lifelong learning and curiosity.
Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk
Summary: A small mouse named Sam writes his own books and encourages children to become authors too.
Why to Use: Inspires creativity and a love for writing, showing students that they can be authors and storytellers.
I love to share a variety of books during library orientation, along with different activities to familiarize students with the media center. Here are the resources I have used in my library orientations.
Chapter Books that Celebrate New Beginnings
Front Desk by Kelly Yang
Summary: Mia Tang manages the front desk of a motel while dealing with school challenges and helping her immigrant parents. Through hard work and determination, Mia helps run the motel while navigating the challenges of her new life in America.
Why It’s a Great Choice: Front Desk addresses themes of perseverance, empathy, and social justice, inspiring students to embrace their own stories and the diverse backgrounds of their peers.
New Kid by Jerry Craft
Summary: Jordan Banks loves art and wants to go to art school, but his parents send him to a prestigious private school where he finds himself one of the few kids of color. Jordan struggles to fit in while staying true to himself.
Why It’s a Great Choice: This graphic novel provides a relatable and engaging look at the challenges of fitting in and the importance of self-identity, making it an excellent conversation starter for middle school students.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Summary: August Pullman, a boy with a facial difference, enters mainstream school for the first time. Despite the challenges he faces, Auggie's courage and kindness inspire those around him to look beyond appearances.
Why It’s a Great Choice: Wonder teaches empathy, kindness, and the importance of looking beyond the surface, making it an ideal book for fostering a supportive and inclusive classroom environment from the start.
Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina
Summary: Merci Suárez navigates the ups and downs of sixth grade while dealing with family responsibilities and changes at home. Her journey highlights the balance between personal growth and family commitments.
Why It’s a Great Choice: This Newbery Medal-winning book emphasizes themes of family, responsibility, and self-discovery, offering middle schoolers a heartfelt story they can relate to as they start a new school year.
The Unteachables by Gordon Korman
Summary: A group of students labeled as misfits and their burned-out teacher find themselves in an unexpected journey of redemption and learning. Together, they challenge the stereotypes and prove that everyone has potential.
Why It’s a Great Choice: With humor and heart, The Unteachables showcases the power of teamwork, resilience, and the transformative impact of a dedicated teacher, resonating deeply with middle school readers.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds
Summary: Castle "Ghost" Cranshaw joins a track team to escape his troubled past and discovers his potential. With the support of his coach and teammates, Ghost learns about perseverance and self-worth.
Why It’s a Great Choice: Ghost addresses themes of perseverance, personal growth, and finding one's place, providing an inspiring story for middle school students.
The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez
Summary: Malú navigates her new middle school while staying true to her punk rock identity and Mexican-American heritage. Through zines and music, she expresses herself and makes new friends.
Why It’s a Great Choice: Encourages self-expression and embracing cultural identity, making it a relatable and empowering read for young students.
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Summary: Ally, who struggles with dyslexia, finds support and understanding from a new teacher and friends who help her see her true potential.
Why It’s a Great Choice: Fish in a Tree promotes understanding of learning differences and the importance of support, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate classroom environment.
El Deafo by Cece Bell
Summary: In this graphic novel memoir, Cece Bell recounts her childhood experiences with hearing loss and her Phonic Ear. Through her journey, she learns to embrace her differences.
Why It ’s a Great Choice: Provides insight into the experiences of students with disabilities and promotes empathy, making it a valuable addition to any classroom library.
Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
Summary: Melody, a girl with cerebral palsy, has a photographic memory and is incredibly smart, but struggles to communicate. Despite her challenges, she finds her voice and proves her intelligence.
Why It’s a Great Choice: Out of My Mind highlights the importance of inclusion and understanding diverse abilities, making it a compelling read for promoting empathy and resilience in students.
Parachute Kids by Betty C. Tang
Summary: Parachute Kids follows the story of three Taiwanese siblings who are sent to live in California while their parents stay behind in Taiwan. The siblings must navigate their new life in America, facing challenges such as cultural differences, language barriers, and the struggle to stay connected with their parents.
Why It’s a Great Choice: This graphic novel provides a heartfelt look at the immigrant experience, highlighting themes of resilience, family bonds, and cultural adaptation. It’s a powerful read for fostering empathy and understanding among students.
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