It is time to get back into the groove of another school year and the library can help with that! We have everything you need for a successful school year with resources to help with homework and books about the first day of school. All resources are free with your library card!
These databases are for young children up to middle school. Younger students can read or listen to books in other languages through LOTE4KIDS or read animated books on TumbleBooks:
- LOTE4KIDS – an online database of children’s books in a wide range of languages that allows kids to enjoy the magic of books in LOTE (Languages Other Than English). Each book also comes with English translations to help kids learn language.
- TumbleBooks – unlimited collection of books specially curated for children. With more than 1,200 animated and talking picture books, this is a great way to encourage children to enjoy reading. Books are available in Spanish, French, chapter books, nonfiction and include games and puzzles!
These databases are great for homework help, reports and projects for elementary up to middle school:
- Explora Primary School – complete digital reference collection for elementary schools. The databases include full-text children’s magazines, books, biographies and encyclopedia entries as well as professional development resources for educators.
- Middle Search Plus – contains full text for more than 150 popular middle school magazines. All full-text articles are assigned a reading level indicator.
- Scholastic Teachables – provides unlimited access to printable educational materials such as worksheets, lesson plans, activity sheets, ready-to-use mini-lessons and more. Teachers and authors create and vet thousands of high-quality, ready-to-use resources for educators, parents and homeschool families.
- World Almanac for Kids Online – Erasing the line between homework support and fun exploration, this database contains a variety of resources for homework, reports and projects. Kids can explore age-appropriate subjects while developing online research skills with a trusted content source.
We also offer many different Resources for Educators! Explore online resources and digital collections curated for kids and teens. Get an Educator Card, request a Classroom Kit and utilize our Classroom Assistant to support classroom needs!
Educators are encouraged to sign up for the BCLS Educator newsletter to get updates and resources.
Is your child nervous about going to school for the first time or starting a new school year? Explore this reading list to help ease the worry of a first day!
First Day of School by Anne Rockwell
Mrs. Madoff's students compare notes about getting ready for their first day of school after vacation.
This Makes Me Anxious: First Day of School by Courtney Carbone
A 6-year-old girl prepares for the first day of school and all the feelings that come with it.
The First Day of School by Margaret McNamara
After a summer of playing with his puppy, Michael is sad to learn that she cannot stay with him on the first day of school.
Batter Up for the First Day of School! By Bethany Hegedus
It’s the first day of school at Grand Slam Elementary, and there is much to do before the Twins can step up to the plate! After putting on their uniforms, fueling up for the day and doing an equipment check, the kids are ready to slide into first period. Opening day is full of curveballs, but the innings fly by until the kids return to home base, excited to do it all again tomorrow!
We Don't Eat Our Classmates! by Ryan T. Higgins
When the class pet bites the finger of Penelope, a tyrannosaurus rex, she finally understands why she should not eat her classmates, no matter how tasty they are.
Mae's First Day of School by Kate Berube
School is scary! What if the other kids don't like her? Or what if she's the only one who doesn't know how to write? Or what if she misses her mom? Mae's anxiety only builds as she walks to school. But then she meets Rosie and Ms. Pearl. Will making new friends show her that they can conquer their fears together?
My First Day of School by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Beginning readers can learn what to expect on the first day of school. What will it be like? You will meet the teacher and new friends. You will sing songs, play, learn and so much more!
Butterflies on the First Day of School by Annie Silvestro
Rosie can't wait to start kindergarten - she's had her pencils sharpened and her backpack ready for weeks. But suddenly, on the night before the big day, her tummy hurts. Rosie's mom reassures her that it's just butterflies in her belly, and she'll feel better soon. Much to Rosie's surprise, when she says hello to a new friend on the bus, a butterfly flies out of her mouth! As the day goes on, Rosie frees all her butterflies and even helps another shy student let go of hers, too.
It's your First Day of School, Busy Bus! By Jody Jensen Shaffer
Today is the very first day of school! Busy Bus is excited, but he also has some first-day jitters. Luckily, bus driver Ben knows just what to do to make sure that the school year gets off to a great start.
School's First Day of School by Adam Rex
It's the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone's just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself.
Lena's Shoes Are Nervous: A First Day of School Dilemma by Keith Calabrese
Lena is excited about starting kindergarten, but her favorite shoes are not until, with the help of her father and a very special headband, she convinces the shoes - and herself - to be brave.
It's the First Day of School — Forever! By R.L. Stine
Everything goes wrong for 11-year-old Artie on his first day at Ardmore Middle School from the moment his alarm goes off until the next morning, when everything is repeated exactly the same way.
Cam Jansen and the First Day of School Mystery by David A. Adler
On her first day of fifth grade, Cam Jansen uses her photographic memory to help the police find a car thief. Includes a memory game.
Forest's First Day of School by Tara Zann
When Forest, who was raised in the woods with no parents, starts third grade he encounters many challenges, especially after being cast in a play with his friend Olive.
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus by Barbara Park
In her own words, a young girl describes her feelings about starting kindergarten and what she does when she decides not to ride the bus home.
Ready for School! By Bob McMahon
New best friends Cookie and Broccoli are as different as peanut butter and cheese, but that doesn't stop them from helping each other through the first day of school! Together they find the classroom and concoct silly secret greetings. When Broccoli discovers that Cookie is also nervous to meet new classmates, the two of them come up with the perfect solution - inviting everyone to join their Shy Friends Club!
Heidi Heckelbeck Has A Secret by Wanda Coven
After being homeschooled her whole life, Heidi Heckelbeck enters a real school in second grade, where she encounters a mean girl named Melanie who makes her feel like an alien.
Jojo Vs. Middle School by Joy McCullough
Despite her careful planning, 11-year-old Jojo's first day of middle school unravels after an outfit mishap, caused by her cat-fluencer stepdad's new kitten. But as she tries hiding her embarrassment, she finds solace in new friends.
Still Sal by Kevin Henkes
When everything goes wrong on Sal's first day of school, her family and friends lovingly remind her that adjusting to change takes time.
It's Back to School We Go! By Ellen B. Jackson
In easy-to-read text, this book describes what the first day of school might be like for a child in Kenya, Kazakhstan, Canada, Australia, Japan, China, Peru, Germany, India, Russia and the United States.
Harry Versus the First 100 Days of School by Emily Jenkins
Harry Bergen-Murphy does not feel ready when he starts first grade, but by day 100, he has become an expert on several important things, including being a first grader.
