Books for Back-to-School

Let’s Get Ready

by Gemma Atkinson (author) and Lisa Hunt (illustrator)

This practical, humorous guide to getting school ready features all of the nifty hints and tips required for brushing teeth, getting dressed, washing hands and much more.

Wakey, wakey! It’s time to get up and go to school, but where to begin? Even Freddie the Squirrel is in a muddle. But, with the magical coat trick, the toothbrushing song, shoe stickers and the get-dressed-jiggle, children will never be late for school again … and neither will Freddie!

Sammy Feels Shy

by Tom Percival

An uplifting book about tackling shyness, from the bestselling creator of the Big Bright Feelings series. Be open, be honest, be you! Big Bright Feelings for little people.

Sammy LOVES having fun. But at school there are so many people . . . and he doesn’t always know what to say. When a whole load of things go wrong and Sammy feels like EVERYONE is staring, he starts to go pink, and then pinker . . . until he’s bright pink ALL OVER! Can Sammy learn how to tackle his feelings – and go back to his usual colour?

I Can Do It By Myself!

by Caryl Hart (author) and Zoe Waring (illustrator)

The perfect picture book for any little one who wants to do everything ALL BY THEMSELVES! A brilliantly funny celebration of learning how to do things by yourself for the first time, whether it’s getting dressed, or learning to write, or sitting still… and no, we don’t need any help, thank you very much! I can do it by myselfI can show you howI know I’ll do it properlyI WANT to do it NOW!

Wonder

by R. J. Palacio

The heart-twisting tale of being different – now with Julian’s bonus story. Ultimate feels! This book will take your heart on a wondrous rollercoaster ride.

Auggie likes doing normal stuff like eating ice cream and playing on his Xbox. He feels normal – inside. But being normal doesn’t make little kids run away screaming. Or devastate your soul like this inspiring story. Right? Born with a serious facial abormality, Auggie has been taught at home all his life. But now he’s going to school – exposing his face to the world. Will anyone see past it?

You Don’t Have to Be Loud

by Ben Brooks

Do you sometimes feel afraid of talking in front of people, making a mistake or saying the wrong thing? While everywhere else you look there are loud, confident people?

In this book, Ben introduces readers to some of the most famous, talented and brilliant shy people – including Charles Darwin, David Bowie, Greta Thunberg, Rosa Parks, Beyonce and Emma Watson – who used their special quietness to achieve awesome things, and he shares his tips for growing up shy in a world that can sometimes feel, well, LOUD.

The Tryout

by Christina Soontornvat (author) and Joanna Cacao (illustrator)

A graphic novel about friendship, belonging and feeling comfortable in your own skin!

Trying out for middle school cheerleader means: performing in the giant school gym, with the whole school watching, and risking total humiliation. If Christina can make it through this, she can make it through anything. As one of the only Asian American kids in her small Texas town, Christina just wants to fit in. Luckily, her best friend, Megan, who is Iranian American, can totally relate. The two girls have always been inseparable and relish creating elaborate fantasy worlds together. But middle school is a reality-check, and suddenly popularity is way more important than playing pretend….

The First Year

by Matt Goodfellow

Nate’s eleven and has just finished Primary School. After a challenging final year, life is looking up. His brother has recovered from a life-threatening heart condition, he’s got the love of his mum, brothers and Auntie San, and he’s off to Secondary School with his two best mates.

But while he’s making new friends and avoiding the fists of Turner, his old nemesis, and struggling to come to terms with a strict new teacher and a sense of isolation from his brothers, a sudden surprise appearance in Nate’s life threatens to throw him completely off course. And The Beast – the anger he tries so hard to control – reappears. Will Nate find a way to keep himself and his family together?

Harry Potter: Back to Hogwarts School Planner

Perfect for Harry Potter fans heading back to school! Get children excited about going back to school with this planner, notepad and activity journal – with a Harry Potter theme. This tri-fold set contains:

• Hardcover case with magnetic closing device keeps contents safe and secure
• Contains a notepad packed with lists for fans’ top ten favourite characters, movie moments, spells, potions, and more.

Fearless! How to Be Your True, Confident Self

by Liam Hackett (author)

Fearless helps you find the confidence to be your true self. With vibrant colour illustrations throughout, this book shows that by breaking free from labels and stereotypes, together we can build a generation who are healthy, happy and can truly realize their full potential. Fearless explores how stereotypes influence everything – from how you feel about your body, to your interests and career aspirations. Includes:

• Interviews with and quotes from inspirational people who defy stereotypes, such as female politicians and male dancers
• Games and activities to get you thinking outside the box.

Go Big: The Secondary School Survival Guide

by Matthew Burton

Secondary school can seem scary. Corridors are wide, older students look terrifying and there’s homework, messy friendships and stressful exams to deal with.

But, whether you’re about to land at secondary school or you’re still settling in, Mr Burton is here to guide you through your journey – worry-free.

From your first day to your final exams, this handbook will have you achieving, succeeding and being the best you can be. Find great friends, boost your confidence, work hard and start building toward your brilliant future.

Making Friends: Back to the Drawing Board: Graphic Novel

by Kristen Gudsnuk

Dany, Madison, and … wait, another Dany?! – must navigate some very complicated friendships while trying to capture a magical dog that is turning their town upside down!

Almost everything is going great for Dany. She and Madison are still best friends, she still has her magic sketchbook, and the new school year is looking up. But when Dany creates a duplicate of herself to secretly help with homework and raise her social status, the two of them accidentally unleash a magical dog that wreaks supernatural havoc on the town. Now, with the big school dance coming up, time is running short for Dany, Madison, and their friends to set things right before the night is completely ruined!