The Day You Begin written by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael López
We all have our doubts about coming back to school. We feel different from others because of how we look, the food we eat, the places we visited for summer vacation, or really anything. But the characters in The Day You Begin have to find the courage to share details about their lives with each other, and, by doing so, they find that they are more similar than different.
Jacqueline Woodson empowers readers who are feeling nervous about entering a classroom where nobody knows them to take those first steps to connect with classmates. This is a message that is not easy to get right, and I think it works in this case because of the lyrical writing and Rafael Lopez’s wonderful illustrations. The illustrations contrast the negative feelings in the book with whimsy and color. This underscores the message that even if there are moments of unfairness or alienation, there will always be moments of connection and friendship.
It’s So Difficult written and illustrated by Raùl Nieto Guridi
This story follows a student through their school day as they manage their anxiety in an overstimulating environment. Even seemingly straightforward tasks like speaking or riding the bus can be incredibly hard. By focusing on numbers—whether it be counting the number of people on the bus or doing basic calculations in their head—the student finds solace in the noise. But will this tool for relaxation help the student find their voice?
The aptly titled It’s So Difficult is author and illustrator Raùl Nieto Guridi’s empathetic portrait of a very particular kind of student. Shaped by his experiences as a school teacher, Guridi must have met many kids like the one in the story, which is what makes it such an incredible exercise in point of view. The minimalist, messy illustrations help the reader to better visualize that student’s struggle. Also, the use of white text on full black pages highlights the contrast between the narrator’s internal monologue and their inability to outwardly express themselves. This book is so beautiful and gentle; everyone should read it.
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins
It’s Penelope Rex’s first day of school, and she can’t stop eating her classmates. She tries to fight her urges, but inevitably the teacher has to ask her to once again spit out William Omato. When Penelope gets lonely because nobody wants to be eaten by her, she meets a fish named Walter who changes her outlook.
Full of humor and charmingly illustrated, We Don’t Eat Our Classmates is a surprisingly touching read. Penelope learns the valuable lesson of putting yourself in somebody else’s shoes. She shows us that sometimes aspects of our personalities can be too harsh for the classroom, and a gentle reminder gives us the opportunity to modify our behavior. This book has some genuinely funny moments, so read it if you need a laugh or if you’re feeling silly.
The Pack written by Amanda Cley and illustrated by Cecilia Ferri
The Pack follows a student in school who wears a wolf skin to fit in with the rest of his classmates. The student slowly realizes that the safety and structure found within the group also means losing a part of themselves. Will they accept who they are, or stay with the pack?
As the school year begins and we return to the (at times) rigid social structure of the classroom, The Pack reminds us of our individuality. The sparse yet beautiful language paired with the atmospheric illustrations by Cecilia Ferri capture the dysphoria of outgrowing your surroundings and shedding a facade in order to do so. I think the wolf pack is an excellent analogy for the conformity of the classroom setting, making this a cathartic read for the angsty.
For when you are apprehensive about your new teacher
The Noisy Classroom written by Angela Shanté and illustrated by Alison Hawkins
Ms. Johnson’s third grade class is nothing like the second grade class, and some of the second graders have noticed. Ms. Johnson’s class sings and dances in the hallway, while the second graders walk in straight, silent lines. One of the second grade girls feels like she would rather move to Antarctica than partake in Ms. Johnson’s chaos next year. But when a summer of worrying about the upcoming year comes to an end and the girl finally steps into Ms. Johnson’s classroom, she finds something unexpected.
Stepping through the door on the first day of school can be stressful, especially if you have been dreading it all summer. Author Angela Shanté’s The Noisy Classroom shows us how sometimes dread is outweighed by the joy of your expectations being subverted. When the girl in the story finds out that all the things that she initially found off-putting about Ms. Johnson’s class are actually pretty fun, we see her perspective change. Allison Hawkins’ very stylized illustrations bring that growth to life. Check out this book if you or someone in your life is not so sure about transitioning to the next grade.
Kasey Taylor, Pine Reads Review Writer