Kid Tested, Librarian Recommended: Rock your school year

A new school year can be exciting and scary. These heartwarming funny stories help kids feel brave, understood and ready to tackle the year one fun page at a time! 

Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea

If your kid loves stories about real school adventures, Because of Mr. Terupt is a total must-read! You get a backstage pass to one unforgettable school year through the eyes of seven different kids, each sharing their own struggles, friendships and wins. It’s packed with laughs, heart and all the ups and downs of school.

What I love and what parents rave about is how this book shows teamwork, kindness and the power of learning from mistakes. It’s like giving your child a little confidence boost for their own school year. Mr. Terupt is the kind of teacher every kid wishes they had. He's fun, caring and is always cheering his students on. This one’s a classroom classic for a reason!

There are three more Mr. Terupt books so you can keep following the students and teaching into sixth and seventh grade. 

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

You’ve probably heard about Wonder and for good reason! It’s an absolute must-read about Auggie, a boy with a facial difference starting fifth grade at a new school. This story teaches empathy, kindness and acceptance in the most heartfelt way. Auggie’s journey helps kids see why looking beyond appearances and being a true friend really matters.

What makes Wonder stand out is how it shares different viewpoints. You follow the story through Auggie, his sister and classmates. The book gives your child a full picture of how kindness can spread through an entire school. It’s a warm, hopeful story that’s sure to inspire your kiddo to fill their school year with courage and compassion.

The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes

Billy Miller is a lovable and honest third grader just trying to get through a busy school year. From spelling tests to friendships and family moments, his story captures all those little challenges and big feelings kids face in elementary school. It’s like spending the year alongside a real kid who’s figuring it all out, sometimes messy, sometimes funny, always genuine.

What parents really love is how The Year of Billy Miller shows everyday school life with warmth and humor. It helps kids understand that everyone struggles sometimes but there’s always something to celebrate. Plus, the simple, relatable storytelling makes it perfect for reading aloud or for young readers ready to tackle their own school year with a smile.