Change is everywhere, especially in fall...new classrooms, new teachers, new friends. For kids, these shifts can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Stories can help ease the transition and remind kids that change often brings growth.
Themes to Explore Together:
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Starting Fresh: Books that normalize the jitters of being “the new kid.”
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Resilience: Stories where characters embrace mistakes and keep trying.
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Identity: Books that help kids explore who they are becoming.
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Friendship: Stories of building connections in new spaces.
Great Picks for Kids Facing Change:
Boys Don't Fry I Kimberly Lee: Breaking traditions and finding courage in trying something new.
The Day You Begin I Jacqueline Woodson: Reminder that our differences make us stronger when we share our stories.
Amy Woo and the Perfect Bao I Kat Zhang: Tale about persistence, family, and learning that mistakes can lead to delicious success.
Ali the Great and the Paper Airplane Flop I Saadia Faruqi: Lesson in resilience when things don’t go as planned.
Jada Jones #1: Rock Star I Kelly Starling Lyons: Chapter book about navigating friendship changes and finding your own shine.
Class Act I Jerry Craft: Tackles shifting friendships, identity, and growth with humor and heart.
Twins: A Graphic Novel (Twins #1) I Varian Johnson: Look at identity and growing into your own person while still being connected.
Invisible I Christina Diaz Gonzalez: Friendship, teamwork, and finding your voice when you feel unseen.
Discussion/Reflection Ideas:
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After reading, ask: What would you want if you were in the same situation as the character?
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Journal prompt: What changes (big or small) are you facing, and what’s one thing you hope for?
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Drawing prompt: Draw what a “new beginning” looks like for you.
💡 Parent Tip: After reading, ask: What’s something new you’re excited (or nervous) about? Talking it through helps kids feel seen and supported.
From picture books to graphic novels, each story helps kids see that growth, change, and new experiences can be exciting. Find more inspiring reads in our bookstore. [Browse the Collection →]
