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Back to School Back to school is on the horizon—and what better way to get into the school spirit than with some school-themed reads?! YOUTH : 1. And Then Comes School by Tom Brenner Another favorite from the And Then Comes series about back to school! For returning students or first timers, this gives you a real life look into all the excitement that comes with the start of the school year. From picking out your first day outfit to buying school supplies, this is a fun and upbeat read. 2. Big Kids by K. L. Going For younger kids worried about the “big kids” at school, this humorous yet sweet story gives insight on making new experiences and friends. In this book you will follow a kid on the first day of school— and there are Big Kids everywhere! But when he gets paired up with a Big Kid for buddy day, he realizes they are not so bad after all, and school can be fun. 3. New by Nina Mata In this heartwarming story filled with powerful text, a young girl learns all the various meanings that new can take on for her as she is in a new city, new school, and more! A great childlike lens of what it means to find yourself in a new place. 4. The Brilliant Ms. Bangle by Cara Devins When the students’ beloved school librarian retires, they find a new librarian in her place
on the first day of school: Ms. Bangle. She’s energetic, yet has a different way of doing things than the kids are used to. So, they must figure out a way to get her gone—but in doing so, will they come to love Ms. Bangle after all? This is a funny story that will be sure to keep your kids engaged. 5. I’m a Preschool Kid by Deb Adamson For your kiddos who are about to start preschool or just need a refresher, this is a fun, energetic rhyming book about the first day of preschool. Between meeting new friends, games, and learning, there is so much fun to be had at preschool!
there is no teacher. Well, there is a cup of coffee, a sandwich, and on the board, it says Mr. S. So surely Mr. S is the sandwich? A comical tale for the first day of school that will give you all the laughs! TWEENS & TEENS: 1. The Make-Up Cover Up by Natasha Deen When Bailey’s family must move due to her mom’s job, she finds herself in a new school where she knows no one. So, when Bailey has the chance to hang out with girls for school, she jumps at the chance! But when the girls want to try makeup, Bailey does not say no, even though it is against her mother’s rules. Will Bailey keep her secret, or will she come clean? 2. The Taylors by Jen Calonita Taylor’s negative view on middle school turns around when four other girls in her class are also named Taylor; they have no choice but to be friends. While creating a friendship making business to earn money for the Eras tour to see Taylor Swift, a betrayal arises that tests their new friendship. This is a heartwarming coming-of-age story about friendship and finding yourself. 3. The Sticky Note Manifesto of Aisha Agarwal by Ambika Vohra (TEEN) When Aisha realizes she has never taken a risk while filling out a college application prompt, she strikes a deal with a boy at her school to help her get out of her comfort zone—and in exchange, she will tutor him in his failing math class! For fans of Jenny Han, this is a hilarious and sweet rom-com.
6. Scarecited on the First Day of School by Alliah L. Agostini
The first day of school can come with many emotions, and Afua is feeling all of them as she prepares. When she cannot decide if she is scared or excited, she realizes she is scarecited! This book is a sweet reminder that two emotions can hold true at once when entering a new situation—and that is okay. 7. Hello, Crayons! & Other School Friends by Hannah Eliot For the school-supply obsessed, this board book is a perfect primer for the first day of school. Meet the dream team of crayons, paper, and more that will make your little one excited for the classroom!
8. Mr. S: A First Day of School Book by Monica Arnoldo
This is a funny read aloud that follows a classroom on the first day of school where
Book Corner is provided by librarians at the Homewood Public Library. To learn more about the libraries in Jefferson County, visit jclc.org.
8 AUGUST 2026 | BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM
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