Navigating Back to School: Books to Support Big Changes
Heading back to school can be an exciting yet challenging time for primary schoolers. Whether it’s starting kindergarten, moving up a grade, or preparing for the transition to high school, these moments bring big changes that can stir up a mix of emotions. One of the best ways to support children through these transitions is by sharing stories that help them process their feelings and build confidence.
For the Little Ones
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems
Filled with humour and relatable worries, this book captures the anxiety and curiosity of starting school. Mo Willems’ beloved Pigeon character reassures children that it’s okay to feel nervous and that school can be a fun adventure.
The Feelings Series by Trace Moroney
This beautifully illustrated series explores a range of emotions, from feeling scared to excited. It helps younger children understand and express their feelings as they step into a new environment like kindergarten.
For Kids Moving Up Grades
First Day by Andrew Daddo & Jonathan Bentley
This gentle story is perfect for children facing the first day of a new school year. It highlights common worries and the excitement of meeting new friends and learning new things.
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold & Suzanne Kaufman
This inclusive story celebrates diversity and belonging, making it a great read for children adjusting to a new classroom or school community.
This warm and relatable book explores the excitement and uncertainty of making new friends while keeping old ones. It’s a comforting read for children worried about finding their place in a new class or school.
For Older Children Facing Big Transitions
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
As children transition to upper primary or high school, Wonder offers powerful lessons about kindness, empathy, and acceptance. It encourages readers to appreciate differences and show compassion.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
For children stepping into new schools or environments, Harry Potter’s journey to Hogwarts is the ultimate story of facing the unknown, making friends, and discovering one’s strengths.
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
This heartfelt novel about a girl with dyslexia navigating school challenges reminds readers that everyone learns differently and that it’s okay to ask for help.
Embracing Change with Stories
Books have a wonderful way of helping children see that they are not alone in their feelings. Stories can offer comfort, spark conversations, and inspire courage.
If your child isn’t in the mood to read, encourage them to create their own story instead. Start with a character and ask, “What would this character do if something big happened? How would they handle it?” Writing is a powerful way to access and process emotions. When children write, they explore their feelings and learn to manage them in a healthy way.
As your child embarks on a new school year, consider sharing one of these stories or inspiring them to write their own to help them embrace change and grow with confidence.
more reading and recommendations
Fun Stationery and Device Accessories for a Confident Start
Sometimes, a few new school supplies can make heading back to school even more exciting! Consider picking up:
- Personalised Notebooks and Journals – Great for jotting down stories, thoughts, or school notes. Personalising notebooks during the printing process can be expensive. If you’re up for the ride, VistaPrint does a great job, otherwise, let the little ones go crazy with stickers, pens and covers.
- Colourful Pencil Cases and Pens – Fun stationery can make writing and drawing more enjoyable. It’s hard to beat Smiggles when it comes to pencil cases, but Officeworks can do a lot of the trick for coloured pens and when it comes to pencils, it’s certainly the place to go before heading to a specialised art supply store
- Inspirational Bookmarks – Encourage reading with bookmarks featuring a book log, book review, motivational quotes and cute illustrations. Some may even glow in the dark!
- Custom Laptop or Tablet Cases – Let kids express their personality while keeping devices safe. Officeworks still provides a wide variety but the hard cases one seem to not quite fit the size they say they do. The important thing to look for is for padding and water resistance level.
- Creative Stickers and Labels – Perfect for decorating notebooks, water bottles, or organising school supplies. Tiny Me labels are awesome! We couldn’t recommend more.
These small additions can give children a sense of ownership over their school experience and inspire creativity.
As your child embarks on a new school year, consider sharing one of these stories or inspiring them to write their own to help them embrace change and grow with confidence.
Saci Books 