📚 Back-to-School Book Picks: Stories About Friendship, Change, and New Beginnings
Back-to-school season always comes with a mix of excitement and nerves. New supplies, new teachers, and new routines are big changes, but for kids the hardest part is often friendships. Who will they sit with? Will their old friends still want to play with them? These questions can feel overwhelming.
I’ve been watching my own daughter go through this lately. One of her closest friends has started spending more time with another girl, and it’s left her feeling hurt and rejected. As adults, we sometimes see these shifts as small, but to a child still figuring out who they are, moments like this feel huge.
As a librarian, I’ve always believed that books are the best way to work through life’s big questions. When my daughter and I faced these feelings, I went looking for stories that could help us talk about them together. Books that show what it’s like to be the new kid, to feel left out, or to worry about making friends—and that remind kids that they aren’t alone in those experiences.
The ten picture books I’ve gathered here do just that. They gently guide children through the big emotions of friendship, new beginnings, and self-doubt. They help kids see that kindness and empathy can turn scary first days into opportunities for connection. And most of all, they remind us that even what seems small from the outside can feel very big in the heart of a child.
📖 "The Day You Begin"
by Jacqueline Woodson
A gentle, lyrical story reminding children that even when they feel different or left out, sharing their story can help them find connection.
📖 "The Name Jar"
by Yangsook Cho
A Korean girl struggles with whether to keep her real name in a new country, until her classmates help her celebrate it. Perfect for conversations about identity, belonging, and courage.
📖 “The Invisible Boy"
by Trudy Ludwig
A quiet, tender story about a boy who feels unseen, until kindness helps him find friendship.
📖 "The Rabbit Listened"
by Cori Doerrfeld
This heartfelt story shows the power of empathy and patience when children face change or disappointment.
📖 "Big Friends"
by Linda Sarah & Benji Davies
Explores changes in friendship and the feelings of being left out when new friends enter the picture.
📖 "Come With Me"
by Holly M McGhee
Encourages kids to take small steps of kindness and courage when facing a world that sometimes feels overwhelming.
📖 "All Are Welcome"
by Alexandra Penfold
A joyful celebration of diversity and community in the classroom, reminding children that differences are what make us stronger together.
📖 "I Am Enough"
by Grace Byers
An empowering affirmation for children learning self-acceptance as they navigate social spaces.
📖 "Strictly No Elephants"
by Lisa Mantchev
A metaphorical story about inclusion, showing children the importance of welcoming everyone, even those who feel different.
📖 "School’s First Day Of School"
by Adam Rex
Told from the perspective of a brand-new school building, this fun twist helps kids see that everyone feels nervous about new beginnings.
🌍 Why These Stories Matter
Stories help children make sense of the world around them. They remind kids that they are not alone in their feelings, and they give them gentle tools for navigating the tricky parts of growing up—like making new friends, finding their place, and holding onto kindness even when things feel hard.
As a mom, I see how powerful these stories can be for my daughter. As a librarian, I know they can spark important conversations in every home, classroom, or library. My hope is that these books encourage children to look for the beauty in differences, to practice empathy, and to remember that friendship is a journey, not a competition.
At The Pocket Librarian, my work is rooted in the belief that one of the best ways to raise globally aware, socially conscious kids is through stories. Books open doors to compassion and connection, and back-to-school season is the perfect time to lean on them.
With stories and solidarity,
Kerri