Ten Books for a New School Year
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As we all prepare for a truly NEW school year (and semester), your friends at Mizzou Academy are struck by both the drive to connect and also the hope that comes from planning classes and looking forward together. On the dawn of this bright, albeit uncertain school year, here are ten book recommendations to jump start your classes. These books are wonderful to share whether you are teaching online or in-person. Happy reading!.
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Title |
Author |
Why Is this book perfect for going back to school? |
Recommender |
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Elementary While these books are perfect for the primary classroom, please don't underestimate the power of a well-placed picture book with older students, as well. |
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The Day You Begin |
Jacqueline Woodson Illustrated by Rafael López |
This is a book about the courage to connect and be yourself. Told with thoughtful words and beautiful illustrations, it celebrates the lived experiences of children in a classroom. |
Kathryn Fishman-Weaver |
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All are Welcome |
Alexandra Penfold Illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman |
“In our classroom safe and sound. Fears are lost and hope is found.” This book is a beautiful manifesto to the inclusive classrooms we want to build with our students. |
Kathryn Fishman-Weaver |
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The Box Turtle |
Vanessa Roeder |
Terrance the turtle was born without a shell. His parents fit him in a cardboard box instead. This is a cute story about accepting everyone’s uniqueness. |
Sherry Denney |
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Last Wild Series |
Piers Torday |
This is a futuristic series about animal extinction. The few surviving animals reach out to a young boy (who can talk to them). He vows to save them and the world. |
Sherry Denney |
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Alma and How She Got Her Name |
Juana Martinez-Neal |
Names matter and tell our stories! These two books are a joy to read with young children as the two characters discover the meaning and magic behind their names. They will also inspire you and others to share the story of your name. |
Lisa DeCastro |
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Thunder Boy Jr. |
Sherman Alexie Illustrated by Yuyi Morales |
Lisa DeCastro |
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Middle and High School Recommendations |
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Kindest Regards |
Ted Kooser |
A splendid book of poems by one of my favorite poets. Very accessible… lovely..insightful..sensitive... |
Lou Jobst |
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The Alchemist |
Paulo Coelho |
A wonderful story of a familiar journey, encouraging us to find joy and possibility where we are, and to trust the journey. |
Brian Stuhlman |
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Dear Martin |
Nic Stone |
This is such a powerful back-to-school work told through the eyes of a high school student named Justyce. The plot is relevant to our social conversations surrounding the relationships between our communities of color and law enforcement. This book is a few years old now, but it continues to age gracefully because of the intensifications and honesty surrounding our work for racial equality in the United States. |
Greg Soden |
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Inside Out and Back Again |
Thanhhà Lai |
This novel in verse tells the story of a young girl whose family is forced to flee Vietnam as refugees. They ultimately resettle in the United States. Told through a series of poems, author Thanhhà Lai weaves courage and uncertainty, along with the power of friendship and resilience. This book offers wonderful opportunities to explore inclusion, lived experiences, and voice with your class.
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Kathryn Fishman-Weaver |