These children's books will uplift, inspire and inform
'Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret' by Judy Blume
As the new girl at school, Margaret faces different friends that she doesn't quite fit in with and questions her place as well as her changing body. This classic is a great coming-of-age book to help introduce young readers to the first stages of puberty and growing up.
To buy: Amazon, $8
'Hands Are Not for Hitting' by Martine Agassi, Ph.D.
'How to Be a Friend' by Laurie Krasny Brown
If your young child is struggling to make friends, this brightly colored book can help. It teaches children how to assemble the sometimes confusing building blocks of friendship. Read this with your preschooler to help them learn how to form positive social bonds on their own.
To buy: Amazon, $7
'Red in the Flower Bed: An Illustrated Children's Story About Interracial Adoption' by Andrea Nepa
'The Name Jar' by Yangsook Choi
Unhei, a new student from Korea, is uncertain about revealing her name to her American classmates. The students help her try to pick a new name, but she doesn't feel like an Amanda—she's Unhei. A lesson in cultural awareness awaits parent and children in this touching book.
To buy: Amazon, $8
'A New School Year: Stories in Six Voices' by Sally Derby
First-day jitters are common but not all kids know that. These six perspectives help children identify with who they relate to the most (giving them a better understanding of their own emotions), which can help ease their minds to know they're not alone in feeling nervous on their first day of school.
To buy: Amazon, $14
