Back to School

Fiction

Back to School for Rotten Ralph by Jack Gantos (E)

Afraid of being left alone, Rotten Ralph, the nasty red cat, follows Sarah to school and tries to prevent her from making new friends. (Grades Pre-School to 2)

Back to School with Betsy by Carolyn Haywood (J)

Third-grader Betsy and her friend Billy seem to be always getting into scrapes both inside and outside of school. (Grades 3-5)

Cam Jansen and the First Day of School Mystery by David Adler (J)

On her first day of fifth grade, Cam Jansen uses her photographic memory to help the police find a car thief. Includes a memory game. (Grades 1-3)

First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg (E)

Sarah is afraid to start at a new school, but both she and the reader are in for a surprise when she gets to her class. (Grades K-3)

First Graders from Mars: Episode 1, Horus' horrible day by Shana Corey (E)

As the school year begins on Mars, Horus the Martian gets off to a rocky start, but soon discovers that first grade is not really as bad as he thought. (Grades K-2)

Franklin Goes to School by Paulette Bourgeois (E)

On the first day of school, Franklin is a little nervous, but his teacher, Mr. Owl, knows just what to do. (Grades K-2)

I'll Go to School if... by Nancy Bohac Flood (E)

Afraid of the first day of school, a boy says that he will attend only if he can go on a rocket or a lion, but his imaginative suggestions are balanced by Mom's practicality. (Grades K-2)

Look Out, Kindergarten, Here I Come! by Nancy Carlson (E)

Even though Henry is looking forward to going to kindergarten, he is not sure about staying once he first gets there. (Grades Preschool-1)

Molly Rides the School Bus by Julie Brillhart (E)

Molly is worried about riding the school bus on her first day of kindergarten, but a friendly older girl helps her adjust. (Grades Preschool-1)

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes (E)

A mouse named Wemberly, who worries about everything, finds that she has a whole list of things to worry about when she faces the first day of nursery school. (Grades K-2)

Non-Fiction

Allison's Story: A book about homeschooling by Jon Lurie (J371.042 L974a 1996)

Describes the experiences of an eight-year-old girl and her family who are educating their children at home. (Grades 2-5)

First Day at School by Monica Hughes (E371 H874f 2004)

Follow two young students as they go through their first day of school. (Grades K-2)

I am a Home Schooler by Julie Voetberg (J371.042 V859i 1995)

Describes the experiences of an eight-year-old girl who is taught by her mother on their farm in Washington State. (Grades 2-5)

It's Back to School We Go!: First day stories from around the world by Ellen Jackson (E371 J132i 2003)

In easy-to-read text, describes what the first day of school might be like for a child in Kenya, Kazakhstan, Canada, Australia, Japan, China, Peru, Germany, India, Russia, and the United States. (Grades 1-4)

Safety at School by Joanne Mattern (E363.119371 M429s 1999)

Discusses how to be safe while in school or going to school, covering such aspects as being on the bus, walking and biking to school, carrying things safely, and fire drills. (Grades K-2)

Safety on the School Bus by Lucia Raatma (E363.1259 R111s 1999)

Explains how to be safe while waiting for, getting on and off, and riding the school bus. (Grades K-2)

The Diary of Latoya Hunter: My first year in junior high by Latoya Hunter (JB H9175a 1992)

Presents the diary of twelve-year-old Latoya Hunter as she goes through her first year of junior high school in the Bronx. (Grades 6 and up)

The First Days of School: How to be an effective teacher by Harry Wong (371.1 W846f 2001)

Used by new and veteran teachers, college instructors, and administrators, this is a designed book on classroom management, student achievement, and teacher effectiveness.

Websites

Fayette County Public Schools

Important dates and information about your school

Kids Domain: School Fun

Crafts and games for kids; lesson plans for teachers

Kids Health For Kids: Going Back To School

Learn what to expect on your first day of school