Back to School Book Recommendations

“Back to School” Book Recommendations

As the new school year approaches, our children are filled with mixed emotions – everything from nervousness and apprehension, to excitement and eager anticipation. The transition can be particularly challenging for young kids who have never been to school and are prone to separation anxiety.

Reading picture books with kids is a powerful way to help them process these feelings and prepare for new experiences. With developmentally-appropriate language and illustrations, these books give them a framework of what to expect and look forward to. It’s important to read books featuring children and families from diverse backgrounds from a young age – they serve as a mirror for themselves and as a lens through which they can celebrate a diverse and inclusive community.

The GPA’s Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) Committee loves this list of recommended books, curated by Charnaie Gordon of “Here Wee Read.” Charnaie is a literacy advocate, with a passion for diversity and inclusion. We encourage you to read some of these selections over the coming weeks! You can find them at your preferred bookstore and the library, or even on YouTube (read-aloud videos). Happy reading!