Whether the readers in your life are heading off to elementary, middle, or high school, there's a book for that! School settings are one of the most popular in fiction for chapter books and novels. Need more suggestions than the ones below? Reach out to your public librarian—and make sure to say hello to your school librarian in September, too!
PICTURE BOOKS & EARLY READERS
Sally’s Big Day Written by Andrew Larson & Illustrated by Dawn Lo Orca, 2023, hardcover, $19.95 Ages 2–4 Sally is excited to learn with the other pups at her first day of dog school.
The Kindest Red Written by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S. K. Ali & Illustrated by Hatem Aly Little, Brown, 2023, hardcover, $18.99 Ages 4–8 Faizah spends school picture day with her best friend spreading kindness to her classmates, who give it back when she needs it most.
Everyone Loves Lunchtime But Zia Written by Lenny Liao & Illustrated by Dream Chen Knopf, 2023, hardcover, $18.99 Ages 4–8 Zia loves the delicious Cantonese food her family cooks, but she’s embarrassed at school that it doesn’t look like the other kids’ lunches—until a birthday week surprise.
¡Hola, Lola!: Lola and the New School Written by Keka Novales & Illustrated by Gloria Félix Picture Window Books, 2023, paperback, $6.95 Ages 5–8 Lola has to start at a new school in the middle of second grade, so Abuelita helps her be less nervous.
The Bright Side By Chad Otis Rocky Pond Books, 2023, hardcover, $18.99 Ages 5–8 A child and his parents live in a bus, so when he starts school for the first time, he feels he doesn’t fit in—but he knows how to save the pizza party!
MIDDLE GRADE
Flipping Forward Twisting Backward Written by Alma Fullerton & Illustrated by Sarah Mensinga Peachtree, 2022, hardcover, $16.99 Ages 8–12 Claire, a skilled fifth-grade gymnast, has been hiding the fact she can’t read until her vice principal alerts her mom.
Nat for Nothing By Maria Scrivan Graphix, 2023, hardcover, $24.99 Ages 8–12 Natalie deals with middle school friendship drama as she tries to find a school club to join, so she joins forces with a new student.
New Kids & Under Dogs By Margaret Finnegan Atheneum, 2022, hardcover, $17.99 Ages 8–12 Robyn has been the new kid at school six times and is used to staying under the radar, but that changes when she enrolls in a dog agility class with her two pups.
School Trip By Jerry Craft Quill Tree Books, 2023, paperback, $14.99 Ages 8–12 A field trip to Paris goes off track for a trio of friends when changing chaperones, friendship challenges, and navigating a foreign city are thrown into the mix.
Kid Confidential #4: How to Navigate Middle School Written by Anna Pozzatti and Bonnie Massimino & Illustrated by DeAndra Hodge Magination Press, 2023, hardcover, $16.99 Ages 10–14 This non-fiction book offers tips on how to achieve your middle school goals and deal with the challenges that arise.
YOUNG ADULT
Brighter than the Sun By Daniel Aleman Little, Brown, 2023, hardcover, $18.99 Ages 14–18 Soledad crosses the Mexican-American border to attend high school in San Diego, though struggles at home mean she may need to leave her family for longer than a day at a time.
Chaos Theory By Nic Stone Crown, 2023, hardcover, $18.99 Ages 14–18 Shelbi escapes her past at Windward Academy, where she meets Andy, who is dealing with addictions and relatable mental health challenges.
Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim By Patricia Park Crown, 2023, hardcover, $18.99 Ages 14–18 Latinx-Korean-American Ale can’t wait to graduate from prep school and leave its microaggressions, but she first must stand up to what she’s been hiding from.
The Minus-One Club By Kekla Magoon Henry Holt, 2023, hardcover, $19.99 Ages 14–18 After his sister dies, Kermit is invited to a club of classmates who have lost a loved one, and he makes connections with students he never imagined, including his crush.
Someone is Always Watching By Kelly Armstrong Tundra, 2022, hardcover, $18.99 Ages 14–18 Four best high school friends experience rifts which get worse as they are struck by mysterious memories, dreams, and violence . . . and a murdered principa