It’s always a little frightening for kids when the school year begins. There are so many new things to get used: new teachers, new classmates, and new lessons. So, it’s only natural that kids start to feel worried and anxious about the change and unknowns ahead. And if kids feel like they don’t belong, it can be an even scarier experience. But they are not alone. Whether they are feeling lonely, different, unsure, and/or self-conscious, it doesn’t matter. They belong. So, to help your kids remember this and transition back into the classroom this year, we’ve listed a couple of our favorite children’s books about belonging. Pick up one of these titles to read during the back-to-school season.
5 Children’s Books About Belonging
The Name Jar follows the story of Unhel, the new kid in class. She has moved to America from Korea and really wants to fit in at her new school. Worried that her name might be too hard to pronounce, Unhel decides she is going to choose an American name from a jar to use instead. But, as she goes through names with a new friend, she starts to have second thoughts.
Going to a new place where no one knows you yet can be scary and a little lonely. Especially if you feel a like an outsider. But you’ve got this! The Day You Begin is a children’s book about overcoming the fear of standing out in a new place but still going to that place anyway.
Tameika loves to act, dance, and sing. She was born for the stage! When her school announces they are putting on a production of a Snow White musical, Tameika auditions for the very princess herself. But other kids don’t think she is “quite right” to play Snow White. In Not Quite Snow White Tameika shows that even when your confidence shaken and others don’t believe in you it is important to believe in yourself.
Vashti isn’t an artist. She can’t draw or paint. And she has no idea what to draw for her art class to express herself. So, after sitting in front of a blank piece of paper, frustrated and angry, Vashti jabs at the paper, leaving a mark. The Dot is a children’s book that shows there is creativity in all of us.
Brian feels invisible. No one includes him in any of their games or invites him to any of their birthday parties. People don’t even seem to notice him at all. Even so, when a new kid joins his class, Brian is the first one to make sure he feels welcome and included. The two become friends and when they work together on a class project, Brian has an idea on how to not feel so invisible.
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