There's no denying it, folks. If you haven't started school yet, you might still have a few days left of sleeping in, staying up late, and spending all those hours in between at the beach or the park or camp (or even inside reading your favorite books or commenting on this blog!), but let's all just admit that summer is coming to a close.
But! Have no fear, because back-to-school is actually a really fun time of year. Think about it: school supplies! Shiny new sneakers! Lockers that will hopefully open! It's a time for new beginnings, and to celebrate, here are my top five favorite books about the first day of school (in order of younger readers to older!):
1. Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School by Herman Parish:
This gem of a book marks the first time readers got to see what crazy Amelia was like as a kid. Is it any surprise that she's just as wacky and hilarious as the adult Amelia?
2. Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary:
Ramona the restless is more like it! It's the first day of kindergarten, and Ramona is off to school just like her big sister Beezus. Too bad it's not quite what she expected.
3. Judy Moody Was in a Mood. Not a Good Mood. A Bad Mood by Megan McDonald:
Third grade is not for wimps, and Judy Moody is more than a bit wary about what the new school year will bring. Turns out, it brings a whole new perspective after her teacher assigns a “Me” collage and Judy discovers more about herself than she imagined.
4. The Fashion Disaster That Changed My Life by Lauren Myracle:
It's the beginning of middle school, and Allison unknowingly arrives with the most embarrassing accessory clinging to her pant leg. The day doesn't get any easier, but Allison learns to trust herself.
5. Reluctantly Alice by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor:
Alice can't understand what's so special about the first day of seventh grade, except maybe that school ends a whole half hour earlier. She vows to make it a year to remember, though – which proves harder than she imagined.
Any of these back-to-school stories ring true for any of you? Leave a comment about your favorite back-to-school books!
–Morgan, Scholastic staffer
One of my favorite back to school books is Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly School Bus.
Comment #1 | Posted by: Candysplash on August 29, 2009 at 03:59 PM
wow im starting 7th grade and the ALICE book looks good!!thanks for a good book!!!!!!
Comment #2 | Posted by: manga eyes on August 29, 2009 at 07:27 PM
Ha Ha!! I'd read the fashion disaster that changed my life. ( Not Relevent to my life!!) I'm starting Middle school.
Comment #3 | Posted by: Sarah on August 30, 2009 at 02:16 PM
I've read the last 3(they were all good,especially the Alice one) and i think I've read Ramona The Pest,but I'm not sure.
Comment #4 | Posted by: Rachel on August 31, 2009 at 07:34 AM
A Really Cool Book Series: The Wedding Planner's Daughter By Coleen Murtaugh(?)Paratore (young adult).
Comment #5 | Posted by: Sarah on August 31, 2009 at 10:03 AM
I love the #5 book Reluctantly Alice!! I will totally try to check it out!!
Comment #6 | Posted by: gigglygrl on August 31, 2009 at 05:18 PM
hey everyone im just started 8th grade uhh it's so frustrating my locker is sooooo hard to open and pre algebra don' evenn get me started luch is bad to but as long as i have friends and books im ok!!! bye
Comment #7 | Posted by: Renee on August 31, 2009 at 07:51 PM
i've read alice in blunderland and now i want to read reluctanatly alice
Comment #8 | Posted by: sam0 on September 16, 2009 at 07:34 PM
I love the book Romona the Pest so much! It is a good book.I recommend reading it. you will love it! :]
Comment #9 | Posted by: nana9000 on January 25, 2011 at 06:54 PM
i like those books
Comment #10 | Posted by: missy on February 22, 2012 at 03:43 PM
No offense to this author, but I'm just too old for it. I like all of these books except Amelia Bedelia
Comment #11 | Posted by: AmazingAthena69 on June 15, 2012 at 06:42 PM