YOUR KIDS NEXT READ PODCAST
Episode 87: Back to School (Again)
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In episode 87 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast:
Back to School (again)
In the first full episode for 2023, Megan and Allison look at the Groundhog Day of Back To School time, with some tips and books to make it easier. Plus, Allison has a creative challenge for you (or the young writers in your life) and Megan has some tips for making the most of your school library.
Books we mention
Click on the links to buy from Booktopia or shop all of the YKNR Podcast recommendations on our dedicated Booktopia page.
Bookmail and TBR pile
‘So That Happened’ by Tami Sussman (middle grade)
‘Queenie in Seven Moves’ by Zanni Louise
‘Come Together’ by Isaiah Firebrace (early childhood – upper primary)
‘Grace Notes’ by Karen Comer (young adult)
‘Montgomery Bonbon: Murder at the museum’ by Alasdair Beckett-King, Illustrated by Claire Powell (middle primary)
‘Willa and Woof: Grandparents for Hire’ by Jacqueline Harvey (lower primary)
‘The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond’ by Amy Sparkes (middle grade)
Bingo Question
Starting School Books
‘Your School is the Best’ by Maggie Hutchings and illusrated by Felicita Sala, Affirm Press.
‘The Wild Guide to Starting School’ (2022) written by Laura Bunting and illustrated by Philip Bunting, Omnibus Books.
‘Starting School’ (2013), written by Jane Godwin and illustrated by Anna Walker, Penguin Books Australia. My full review and our Teachers’ Notes are here.)
‘Narhwal’s School of Awesomeness’ by Ben Clanton.
‘The Pigeon HAS to go to School!’ (2019) by Mo Willems, Walker Books Australia.
‘Ollie and Augustus’ (2019) by Gabriel Evans, Walker Books Australia.
‘Maddie’s First Day’ (2018) written by Penny Matthews. Illustrated by Liz Anelli, Walker Books Australia.
‘I Don’t Want to go to School!’ (2014) by Stephanie Blake, Walker Books Australia.
‘First Day’ (2013), written by Andrew Daddo and illustrated by Jonathan Bentley, Harper Collins.
‘I am Too Absolutely Small for School’ (2003) written and illustrated by Lauren Child, Candlewick Press.
‘Grug Goes to School’ (2009), written and illustrated by Ted Prior.
‘Starting School’ (1988), written by Janet Ahlberg and illustrated by Allan Ahlberg, Viking.
‘Jessica’s Box’ (2008), Written and illustrated by Peter Carnavas, New Frontier Press.
‘Hey Warrior’ and ‘Hey Awesome’ by psychologist Karen Young (illustrated by Norvile Dovidonyte)
‘The Big Hugs’ series, in particular for starting school, ‘The Playground is Like a Jungle’ and ‘Friendship is Like a Seesaw’.
‘The Terrible Suitcase’ (2012), written by Emma Allen and illustrated by Freya Blackwood, Omnibus Books. Read my full review of this one here.
‘Twig’ (2015), Aura Parker, Scholastic Press Australia is a gorgeous one about being yourself and standing out in the crowd. My full review and craft activity is here. There are also some great downloads at Aura Parker’s website here and my interview with Aura is here.
Starting High School
Starting High School covered in Ep 34
‘The Edge of Thirteen’ by Nova Weetman
‘The F Team’ by Rawah Arja
‘Does my head look big in this?’ by Randa Abdel-Fattah
‘Six Impossible Things’ by Fiona Wood
‘Balloon Girls’ by Darrell Pitt
‘As Happy as Here’ by Jane Godwin
‘Big Life Journal for Teens and Tweens’
‘Making Friends’ by Kristina Gudsnuk
‘New Kid’ by Jerry Craft
‘You Must Be Layla’ by Yassmin Abdel-Magied
‘Tiger Daughter’ by Rebecca Lim
Recreational Reading
Lower Primary book list
Non-Fiction book list
Middle – Upper Primary book list
Middle Grade book list
Young Adult book list
Connect with your show hosts
Facebook | Allison Tait | Megan Daley
Twitter | Allison Tait | Megan Daley
Instagram at Allison Tait | Megan Daley
The YKNR community on Facebook here.
Meet Allison Rushby, the third member of #teamyknr. Find out about Allison and her books here.