A few weeks ago, I posted a list of Picture Books About School. But I haven’t forgotten your older kids. If your elementary to early middle schoolers are trying to get back in the swing classes and studying, maybe a few books with a school setting would help. I’ve even got a school story featuring homeschoolers!
Many kids love reading books about kids similar to themselves. I’ve even found my homeschooled kids enjoy stories about kids in traditional schools. But regardless of the type of school your child attends, all children face many of the same issues like finding friends, gaining confidence, making the right choices, and discovering who they are meant to be.
School Stories
The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin–Pacy is the child of Taiwanese immigrants, and she and her sisters are the only Asian kids in their school. Until Melody arrives. Melody helps Pacy accept and embrace her heritage as she tries to find herself during the Chinese Year of the Dog.
The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes–Billy Miller wonders if he’s smart enough for the second grade. He suffered a head injury over the summer, and now he worries. Even though a head injury isn’t something most kids are dealing with, the struggle with confidence and self-worth are very real for all kids. Billy comes through his year in a beautiful, very relatable way. This book reminded me a bit of Beverly Cleary’s stories. And, hey, it was a 2014 Newberry Honor book.
The Mystery of the Homeless Treasure: Homeschool Detectives Book 1 by John Bibee--A group of homeschooled kids solve a mystery and learn a lot about helping others and not judging by appearance. There is a whole series of these books, which are out of print, but the first two have been updated (cell phones, etc.) and are available on Kindle.
Frindle by Andrew Clements–Nick is a bit of a troublemaker, but he means well. And, through his persistence and his teacher, he learns just what a big effect one person can have. You can read my full review HERE.
Extra Credit by Andrew Clements–Abby isn’t really interested in her grades until she realizes she might get left behind in elementary school because of them. In an attempt to raise her grades, Abby begins a pen pal project with a boy in Afganistan, and an unlikely but beautiful friendship develops. This story offers both Abby and your child a glimpse at life in another country as well as the knowledge that, at heart, people are more alike than different.
Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar–Well, I just had to add one fantastical title to this list. Wayside School might be nothing like your child’s school, but at heart, the kids in it still face everyday struggles (in a not so everyday way). I think this book is hysterical, but I do have a couple parental concerns. Read my full review HERE.
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What are your favorite school stories?
