Study Skill 14.3 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!.

Title	Author Illustrator	Why Is this book perfect for going back to school?	Recommender
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.
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
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 welcoming classrooms we want to build with our students.	Kathryn Fishman-Weaver
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
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
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
Thunder Boy Jr.	Sherman Alexie Illustrated by Yuyi Morales		Lisa DeCastro
Middle and High School Recommendations
Kindest Regards	Ted Kooser	A splendid book of poems by one of my favorite poets. Very accessible… lovely..insightful..sensitive...	Lou Jobst
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
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
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 belonging, lived experiences, and voice with your class. This book could be a great read-aloud for upper-elementary students or a quick study for middle school students.	Kathryn Fishman-Weaver