Books About New Schools

The Best New Schools Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about new schools? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About New Schools

The Secret Kitten
Sale price
$474
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2015

The Secret Kitten

By Holly Webb, Sophy Williams (Illustrator) · Pet Rescue Adventures series

A secret kitten tests a young girl's resolve.

128 pages· 11,935 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 334 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Alicia discovers a stray kitten and names it Catkin, creating a secret haven in her greenhouse. As her bond with Catkin grows, so does the challenge of keeping the kitten hidden. How long can Alicia protect her secret before it unravels? With each passing day, the stakes rise, and Alicia must navigate the delicate balance between love and discovery. Will her secret be safe, or will it lead to unexpected consequences?
Words with Wings
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

Words with Wings

By Nikki Grimes

A teacher helps a dreamer transform her daydreams into powerful writing.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2014)
96 pages· 4,117 words· Est. 35 min read
4.0 Goodreads · 3,545 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Gabby escapes her parents' arguments through daydreams, but they consume her life. With a new teacher's guidance, she might turn her dreams into writing that lets her truly soar. Can Gabby find her voice and change her world?
The Creature of the Pines
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Creature of the Pines

By Adam Gidwitz, Hatem Aly (Illustrator) · Unicorn Rescue Society series

Join a secret society to save mythical creatures from greedy billionaires.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2019)
176 pages· 15,981 words· Est. 2 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 2,235 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: Elliot Eisner's first day at a new school takes a wild turn with a field trip to the eerie Pine Barrens. Led by the eccentric Professor Fauna, Elliot and fearless Uchenna Devereaux stumble into the Unicorn Rescue Society. Their mission? Save a Jersey Devil from the clutches of the greedy Schmoke Brothers. As they embark on this thrilling adventure, Elliot and Uchenna must navigate danger and mystery, testing their courage and friendship. Will they succeed in protecting the mythical world? Dive into this enchanting tale of adventure and discovery.
The Collector
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

The Collector

Book #1 in the The Collector series

Josie discovers eerie secrets and forbidden paths in her grandmother's unsettling home.

224 pages· 30,655 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 4,989 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Josie moves to her grandmother's house, where strange rules hint at hidden dangers. Befriending Vanessa, she ventures into the woods, drawn to a forbidden house that calls to her. As Josie navigates this chilling mystery, dark magic and creepy dolls lurk, threatening her and her sister. What secrets lie within the house, and why is it so alluring?
Augustine
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2006

Augustine

By Melanie Watt

A penguin uses art to connect in a new world.

32 pages· 692 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
3.9 Goodreads · 303 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Augustine, a young penguin, moves from the South Pole to the North Pole, leaving everything familiar behind. Overwhelmed by new faces and places, she hesitates to attend her new school. Armed with colored pencils and inspired by Picasso, Augustine finds a creative way to connect with her classmates. Can art help her feel at home in this strange land?
Neville
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2011

Neville

By Norton Juster, G. Brian Karas (Illustrator)

A boy discovers a creative way to make friends in a new neighborhood.

32 pages· 1,015 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.8/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,068 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: A young boy moves to a new neighborhood, feeling like an outsider. As he navigates unfamiliar streets, he discovers a unique way to connect with those around him. Will his inventive approach help him find friendship in this strange place? With whimsical illustrations, this story captures the challenges and joys of being the new kid on the block, inviting readers to explore the power of creativity and connection.
Day of the Living Liv
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 5–9 · 2024

Day of the Living Liv

By Liv Livingston, Glass House Graphics (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Spirited series

A girl navigates life in a literal ghost town. Can she find her place?

144 pages· 4,683 words· Est. 1 hour read
3.6 Goodreads · 627 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Olivia Livingston's world turns upside down when her family moves from perfect Pleasant Place to eerie Gloomsdale. In a town where some students have fangs and her new home might be haunted, Liv must adapt to her ghostly surroundings. Will she let the spooky atmosphere dampen her spirits, or can she embrace the supernatural and find her place among the living and the dead? Discover how Liv navigates this spectral adventure and uncovers the secrets of Gloomsdale.
Hound Dog True
Sale price
$2311
Chapter Book · Ages 10–11 · 2012

Hound Dog True

By Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

A girl's plan to avoid schoolmates unravels, revealing unexpected friendship.

160 pages· 23,407 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 2 ratings
$24.33Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Mattie Breen has one week to become her uncle's custodial apprentice, hoping to dodge the challenges of being the new girl at school. But when her carefully crafted plan falls apart, Mattie must face her fears. As her custodial wisdom fails, she discovers that courage can lead to unexpected friendships. Will Mattie find her place among her peers, or will her fears keep her isolated? In a journey of small acts of bravery, Mattie learns that sometimes, the biggest changes come from the smallest steps.
Ansley's Big Bake Off
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Ansley's Big Bake Off

By Kaitlyn Pitts, Camryn Pitts, Olivia Pitts · Book #1 in the Faithgirlz/The Daniels Sisters series

New city, new challenges. Can Ansley outbake her rival and win the fair's bake-off?

176 pages· 42,604 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 71 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: After moving to a new city, Ansley finds solace in baking, dreaming of winning the local bake-off. But her plans are threatened by Taylor, a rival from school with a family of professional bakers. With her family's support, Ansley must navigate this fierce competition and decide if she can rise above the challenges. Will her passion for baking and memories of her mother guide her to victory, or will Taylor's skills overshadow her dreams? Join Ansley in this heartwarming tale of resilience, friendship, and the pursuit of one's dreams.
Hedge Over Heels
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Hedge Over Heels

By Elise McMullen-Ciotti · Wish series

New kid Rayna and her hedgehog face a talent show and friendship challenges.

272 pages· 45,103 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 169 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Rayna, always the new kid, just wants a furry friend. Instead, she gets Spike, a hedgehog as prickly as her. Forced into a pet talent show, Rayna must navigate friendship, a cute boy named Nick, and her own reluctance. Will she and Spike open up to new possibilities, or retreat into their shells?
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