What are our five favorite books to help ease the kids, preschool through high school, back to school and calm those first-day, back to school jitters? Whether your child is heading off to school for the first
time—or the sixth or the twelfth—she is likely to experience a little anxiety.
We all sometimes feel a little uncertain and insecure when faced with new faces and spaces--and a hint of the unknown. As our oldest ventures off to her senior year of high school this year, we would like to share some of our favorite books that have helped us help the girls face back to school jitters over the years.
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Our middle daughter was so painfully shy that even after two
years of crying every day when her dad left her at preschool, we were all
dreading kindergarten. The Kissing Hand
is an adorable book that eases nerves and calms fears as a little raccoon is
comforted by his mother before his first day of school. We continue to read The Kissing Hand before
the first day of school every year and it is one of my favorite books to help
parents get the little ones back to school.
Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
My girls are natural born worriers--as are so many little ones! In this book, Wemberly worries about seemingly everything, and starting school gives her plenty more to worry about—until she meets another child who understands. It’s a great book to prompt a conversation about your child’s worries about school and about those fears surrounding making friends.
New Kid by Jerry Craft
Jordan starts seventh grade at a private school where he feels conspicuously out of place. It tackles middle-school fears Will I fit in? Will I make friends? Where do I belong? in a funny, highly approachable graphic novel rather than a book that feels like it's trying to teach a lesson.
American Girl: A Smart Girl’s Guide: Middle School
Everything you Need to Know about Juggling More Homework, More Teachers, and More Friends
If you have daughters and have not yet discovered the American
Girl library of books, I encourage you to take a look at them. They provide so much information on so many
topics that really help moms and dads connect with daughters as they grow. The Smart Girl’s Guide to Middle School is an
awesome introduction to the changes and challenges that girls face (and dread)
as they move into a middle school.
I
love these books so much—that I would also recommend adding A Smart Girl's Guide to Friendship Troubles
(which
are bound to happen in these tween/early teen years), and ASmart Girl's Guide to Liking Herself, Even on the Bad Days (AmericanGirl)
…..and,
if you do not already have it—a copy of TheCare and Keeping of You from the American Girl Library 
is a must
have for little girls turning into teens before your eyes!
(which
are bound to happen in these tween/early teen years), and ASmart Girl's Guide to Liking Herself, Even on the Bad Days (AmericanGirl)…..and,
if you do not already have it—a copy of TheCare and Keeping of You from the American Girl Library is a must
have for little girls turning into teens before your eyes!Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teens Talk High School
If you are familiar with the Chicken Soup for the Soul
series—this book follows suit with inspirational stories about a difficult
time: high school. Teens are a bit too old for picture books—and
are beyond lesson teaching chapter books.
I think this book offers wonderful insights and moral support to help
them prepare for the high school years ahead.
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