Celebrate back to school season with these titles to get your students excited to be back in the classroom. We also have a list of teacher’s guides for every occasion to help with planning lessons throughout the year to keep kids engaged and encourage discussion and participation.
Click through the tabs to find books for all ages
The Yellow Bus
by Loren Long
With stunning illustrations and an inspiring, universal message, The Yellow Bus from #1 New York Times bestselling creator Loren Long is a tender and hopeful modern classic — the perfect gift that will bring joy to every bookshelf.
There is a bright yellow bus who spends her days driving. She loves carrying children from one important place to another. Every morning they climb in…Pitter-patter, pitter-patter, giggle, giggle-patter. And they fill her with joy.
As time passes, things change. The Yellow Bus gets a new driver, a new route, and new passengers, young and old. Until one day the driving stops for good, and the Yellow Bus is left on her own. And yet, no matter where she is, the Yellow Bus still finds joy and discovery in the world around her.
With stirring black-and-white artwork and powerful pops of color, The Yellow Bus is a story that spans generations with an enduring and poignant message about new beginnings, happiness, and hope. Perfect for fans of Oh, The Places You’ll Go and The Wonderful Things You Will Be, this beautifully-illustrated tale celebrates the winding road of life with warmth and wonder.
★ “A must-purchase, this book will leave readers looking at objects around them differently long after its covers are closed.” —School Library Journal, starred review
★ “A moving contemplation on the passage of time, The Yellow Bus skillfully drives home the joys of a well-lived life of purpose.” —Booklist, starred review
★ “All kids will benefit from the added introspection of the seemingly mundane in the world around them.” —BCCB, starred review
Spaghetti Code
By Karlie Kloss with Vicky Fang; illustrated by Remi Jose
From supermodel-turned-coder Karlie Kloss comes a joyful tale about coding brought by the celebrated Kode with Klossy program, perfect for future engineers and technology change-makers!
Kelly Kent loves spaghetti, and computer programming! So she’s more than ready to help Chef Amato build a pasta-making machine to create the perfect bowl of spaghetti for his new restaurant.
But when Chef can’t stop adding features to her coding machine, they end up with a tangle of “spaghetti code”. Kelly must unravel the code and fix the machine — with your help!
Follow Kelly and her sidekick, Gadget, as they go on a coding adventure to make the perfect bowl of spaghetti in this inclusive stem-based picture book from supermodel and founder of Kode with Klossy.
“A good pick to stir up interest in programming—and pasta-making.” —Kirkus Reviews
Bartleby
by Matt Phelan
From New York Times-bestselling and award-winning creator Matt Phelan, Bartleby is a whimsical, yet powerful new modern classic picture book for fans of The Rabbit Listened that follows a dapper polar bear who learns the power of staying true to himself.
Everyone says NO sometimes.
Bartleby says, “I prefer not to.”
He says it a lot.
Bartleby does things his own way, in his own time.
And that’s what makes him extraordinary.
Matt Phelan’s Bartleby is an endearing, adorable, and humorous celebration of being yourself even when you stand out–sure to delight readers everywhere.
★ “Bartleby will win the hearts of children and grownups alike.” —Booklist, starred review
★ “[A] clever picture book… a compassionate work that offers a thoughtful message of acceptance.” —Publisher’s Weekly, starred review
★ “An endearing picture book where agency and self-expression go hand in hand.” —School Library Journal, starred review
★ “Refreshing…A welcome celebration of independence and differences in temperament.” —Horn Book, starred review
★ “Bartleby offers a gentle tribute to students who live just outside the circle, reminding readers that belonging can take more than one shape.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review
School’s First Day of School
by Adam Rex; pictures by Christian Robinson
A heartwarming and clever first day of school tale, from New York Times bestsellers Adam Rex (The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors) and Christian Robinson (Last Stop on Market Street).
It’s the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone’s just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself. What will the children do once they come? Will they like the school? Will they be nice to him?
The school has a rough start, but as the day goes on, he soon recovers when he sees that he’s not the only one going through first-day jitters.
This delightful back-to-school picture book told from the POV of the school is a great read-aloud, and perfect for readers of all ages.
★ “Robinson (Last Stop on Market Street) gives the school just a hint of visual personification in his flattened, paint-and-collage artwork, as Rex (Moonday) deftly juggles well-placed jokes and keen insights into feeling comfortable in one’s own skin—or bricks, as the case may be.”—Publishers Weekly, starred
★ “Using his signature, simple style, Robinson alternates scenes of the building and its interiors with shots that show the boisterously diverse kids’ first day.A unique point of view makes this school book stand out.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred
★ “Sure to become a staple for first days of school everywhere.”—Horn Book, starred
★ “This charming reversal of first-day-of-school nerves will delight little ones and help put their own anxieties at bay.”—Booklist, starred
★ “An essential purchase that is simultaneously funny, frank, and soothing. A perfect first day read-aloud.”— School Library Journal, starred
★ “A delightful, perspective-tweaking back-to-school picture book.”—Shelf Awareness, starred
★ “Anthropomorphization of the whole building is a new and promising approach for school-shy youngsters, and it’ll make the already school-positive want to give their beloved building a hug.”—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred
You Can Sit With Me
by Rachel Tawil Kenyon; illustrated by Tatiana Kamshilina
You Can Sit with Me is a softhearted, back-to-school picture book that shows how much a day can shift by one person simply reaching out a hand for someone to feel more welcome.
If you’re worried because you’re new
and you’re not sure what to do,
you can sit with me.
The simple yet profound gesture of offering someone a place to sit, just as they are, is precisely what some kids need to feel welcomed into a new or overwhelming space. Whether you’re at a reading circle, a craft table, or a picnic blanket, it’s always time to demonstrate kindness.
Filled with endearing characters created by Tatiana Kamshilina, You Can Sit with Me shows the power of one simple offer to not only make one person’s day better but lead our whole world toward inclusion and love.
Thank You, Teacher
by Supriya Kelkar
A heartfelt picture book that says: Thank you, teacher, for everything you do.The perfect gift for the wonderful educators in your life!
From weekday triumphs to school-trip catastrophes and even hard-to-place apostrophes, there is no problem too hard to solve when a teacher is in the classroom.
Award-winning author Supriya Kelkar crafts a delightful ode to the teachers everywhere who shape our lives. Featuring a wide variety of teachers—from homeroom to gym to music class—this is the perfect present book for any school-aged child and their educators, and includes a do-it-yourself thank-you note with a how-to guide!
“[D]imensionality . . . lends a sense of immediacy and a lovingly handcrafted feel. It’s an unabashedly heart-on-your-sleeve tribute to the remarkable, hardworking teachers who define transformational chapters in children’s lives.” —Publishers Weekly
“Jewel-toned, mixed-media collages lend warmth and depth to each scene… A touching gift for any teacher who’s made an impact.” —Kirkus
Shook
by Julian Randall; illustrated by Nathan Walker
Shake’s dream of making the varsity basketball team is in peril when he gets injured. Can he rebound and make his way back onto the court—and back to feeling like himself? For fans of Kwame Alexander and Jason Reynolds.
Malik Page—though unless you’re his mama, call him “Shake”—dreams of making the Marshall Grove varsity basketball squad as an eighth grader. Then he’ll be on his way to joining the ranks of Chicago legends like his pops and late Uncle Kenny. But when Shake fractures his ankle in a championship game, he’s sidelined for the first time since his first dribble.
As his world is turned upside down, Shake feels like there’s ginger ale bubbling in his chest and sweat slicking on his palms. With a best friend who’s getting more distant by the day, a growing silence between him and his dad, and varsity tryouts fast approaching, Shake will have to cross up every obstacle to find a way back onto the court—and back to being himself. Thankfully in Marshall Grove, the sky is always full of hope.
★ “Highly recommended for fans of Kwame Alexander’s The Crossover.” — School Library Journal, starred review
★ “Vividly explores the complexities of being vulnerable and different ways of showing up in relationships.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Inbetweens
by Faith Erin Hicks
Twin sisters Ash and Sloane are headed to animation camp—where their courage, drive, and sisterly bond will be put to the test!
“An inspirational yet realistic examination of teens trying to follow their dreams.” —Bookpage, starred review
Twin sisters Sloane and Ash are two peas in a pod, and they do everything together: watch movies, attend classes, and most importantly, draw! So when the summer animation classes of their dreams are about to start, they can barely contain their excitement!
Well…Ash is excited but Sloane is surprised to find she isn’t as jubilant about it, which makes no sense, since she loves art. Meanwhile, Ash discovers that just because you love something, doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be good at it, and she struggles under the weight of her own expectations and those of her teacher’s. Soon, the trials of challenging classwork and new friendships drive a wedge between the twins. Can their bond survive the summer?
★ “An inspirational yet realistic examination of teens trying to follow their dreams.” —Bookpage, starred review
★ “A love letter to creativity and the bonds of sisterhood.” —Publishers Weekly,starred review
★ “This is a generous, galvanizing affirmation of persistence and celebrating your spark.” —Booklist, starred review
★ “A resonant, richly drawn story.” —Kirkus, starred review
★ “Hicks has crafted a poignant graphic novel.” —School Library Journal,starred review
The Greenies
by Emma Mills; illustrated by Sarah Nicole Kennedy
The Baby-Sitters Club meets The Breakfast Club in this fun and fresh graphic novel about a girl who reluctantly joins the Environmental Club at her new school—and finds friendship and community where she least expects it.
After her parents’ divorce, seventh grader Violet is forced to start all over.
Now the new kid, at a new school, in a new town, she must navigate unfamiliar territory. Luckily, Violet falls in with a new group of (maybe?) friends. But when they wind up in detention, they’re forced to join the under-attended Environmental Club—and mischief ensues. What will become of this rag-tag group?
Fans of Raina Telgemeier will love this hilarious and heartfelt story about making friends, making mistakes, and making it up as you go along—until you end up just where you were meant to be.
“Bright and lively”—Publishers Weekly
“An approachable, enjoyable story of rough beginnings and environmental themes for thoughtful middle grade readers.”—School Library Journal
“Collaboration and care ground this gentle look at emotional honesty and social responsibility.”—Kirkus
Reading the Bones
by Marc Aronson and John S. Mead
High-stakes adventure meets cutting-edge anthropology in this true account of the groundbreaking discovery of Homo naledi, which shocked the world of evolutionary science and redefined what it means to be human, written for young readers by a Sibert Medalist and a nationally-recognized educator.
“Are you brave enough?” That’s what anthropologist Keneiloe Molopyane texted one of her graduate students, inviting her to join a dangerous underground search for a mysterious new human ancestor, Homo naledi. Would she dare to slide through the tight spaces and sheer drops of the Rising Star cave in South Africa’s Cradle of Humankind, to help unlock the secrets of a tiny chamber filled with literally hundreds of fossilized bones?
Join us as we follow the exciting explorations of Dr. Molopyane, along with six female excavators known as the Underground Astronauts, the dynamic, controversial leader Dr. Lee Berger, and others as they puzzle over the remains of this strange new species with much smaller brains than ours who may have buried their dead, made tools, used fire, and left markings on rocks. Guided by Sibert Medal–winner author Marc Aronson and teacher John S. Mead, whose sixth-grade science class followed many stages of the exploration as it happened, Reading the Bones: Homo naledi and the Mysteries of Human Evolution is real science in real time. Packed with drawings, maps, and a variety of resources, this is a thrilling introduction to scientific explorers on the front lines of the hunt for connections between humans and our primate relatives and ancestors.
★ “[An] enticing invitation to witness science in action. A big, multistranded discovery story. ” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “An exceptional nonfiction work that traces the finding of a new human relative, Homo naledi, and the discovery’s impact on contemporary society… Propulsive sequences… keep readers locked into the intense and exciting narrative.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “Part anthropology lesson, part adventure story, and all enormous fun… An exhilarating anthropological adventure sure to inspire readers to do some (literal or metaphorical) digging of their own.” —Booklist, starred review
A Sea of Lemon Trees
The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez
by María Dolores Águila
This Newbery Honor-winning book is based on the true story of Roberto Alvarez and the Lemon Grove Incident. Vivid and uplifting, this middle grade debut novel-in-verse follows one young child’s courage to stand up for what is right, and the determination of the Mexican community.
★ John Newbery Honor Book ★
★ Pura Belpré Honor Book ★
★ Jane Addams Children’s Book Award Winner ★
★ Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction Winner ★
★ NCTE Charlotte Huck Children’s Book Award Winner ★
★ 2025 National Book Award Longlist Title ★
WHEN INJUSTICE GROWS, RESISTANCE BLOOMS.
Twelve-year-old Roberto Alvarez is the youngest of his siblings, born on United States soil. He’s el futuro, their dream for a life away from the fire of the Mexican Revolution.
Moved by anti-immigrant and anti-Mexican propaganda, the Lemon Grove school board and chamber of commerce create a separate “Americanization” school for the Mexican children attending the Lemon Grove Grammar School. But the new Olive Street School is an old barn retrofitted for the children forced to attend a segregated school.
Amid threats of deportation, the Comité de Vecinos risk everything to stand their ground and, with the support of the Mexican Consulate, choose Roberto as the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against the school board in this vivid and uplifting novel in verse based on true events.
From award-winning author María Dolores Águila (Barrio Rising) comes an inspiring novel in verse set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and Mexican Repatriation, based on the true story of the United States’ first successful school desegregation case, two decades before Brown v. Board of Education ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.
★ “Powerful and lyrical… A moving portrait of community resistance.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “This impeccably researched account imparts timely, heartening messages about community activism that will resonate.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “This National Book Award longlisted title is both a history lesson and a spotlight on a century of advocacy by the Latino community in the United States.” —Shelf Awareness
★ “This well-written story of underexplored history makes a large impact . . . sure to entrance readers.” —School Library Journal
Breakout
by Christina Wyman
From the USA Today–bestselling author of Jawbreaker and Slouch, Breakout is a fresh and funny middle-grade novel about a girl with chronic acne figuring out how to feel good in her own skin.
Ellis Starr likes learning about active volcanoes. She does not like having acne that resembles them. But it’s not just cosplaying as a pepperoni pizza that has Ellis on the verge of erupting. Her mom’s hot-and-cold moods have the two of them butting heads nonstop—especially now that her mom is dating for the first time since her parents’ separation. Then there’s Ellis’s best friend, Aggy, whose own life—and skin—seems perfect. And who could forget that Ellis still needs to decide on a research topic for a big school project.
With eighth grade proving to be every bit as pesky as a new pimple, Ellis’s only bright spot is the time she spends with her aunt Lydia, whose adorable puppy, Rocco, is a natural stress reliever. (And perhaps the perfect subject for her project.) Maybe this season of breakouts can lead to a breakthrough about what Ellis needs to truly feel good in her own skin.
Rising star author Christina Wyman takes on a quintessential middle-school experience—acne—with her trademark humor, honesty, and heart. Breakout is a must-read for kids ages 8-12 who love Raina Telgemeier, Terri Libenson, Kelly Yang, Gordon Korman, and other endlessly funny and deeply heartfelt books that tackle big topics and universal coming-of-age experiences alike.
★ “Wyman expertly captures the tween voice and struggles with Ellis as she navigates eighth grade. While her issues with acne are a focal point of the story, her relationships with her friends and family are also at the forefront. The topics discussed are handled with honesty and humor and don’t downplay that their importance for middle schoolers . . . A realistic fiction title worthy of any middle school and public library shelf.” —School Library Journal, starred review
Run Home: A Graphic Memoir
Alyssa Bermudez
This heartrending graphic memoir by Alyssa Bermudez (Big Apple Diaries) is a moving and unforgettable story about inner strength, healing, and finding hope.
It’s 2002, and 14-year-old Alyssa is a freshman at a new high school where she knows NO ONE and the uniforms are hideous! What a disaster…
Even worse? Her parents are forcing her to join the cross-country team. No one needs to run, or sweat, this much!
Over time though, Alyssa actually starts to like running. She’s getting better with practice, and some of the girls on the team are really nice. Alyssa begins to find a steady rhythm with high school, cross country, and her new stepfamily.
But Alyssa’s dad is sick, and she doesn’t know what to do. When the worst thing imaginable happens, Alyssa will need to count on her friends, family, and herself to keep running forward.
★ “A heartfelt, reassuring, and emotionally intelligent page-turner.—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “[A] heartfelt and touching exploration of identity, loss, friendship, and family that offers hopeful messaging about turning to loved ones for support, developing positive coping mechanisms, and being open to any and every opportunity for personal growth.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
Weirdo
by Tony Weaver, Jr.; illustrated by Jes & Cin Wibowo
A Kirkus Best Book of the Year
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
Eleven-year-old Tony Weaver, Jr. loves comic books, anime, and video games, and idolizes the heroic, larger-than-life characters he finds there. But his new classmates all think he’s a weirdo. Bullied by his peers, Tony struggles with the hurt of not being accepted and tries to conform to other people’s expectations. After a traumatic event shakes him to his core, he embarks on a journey of self love that will require him to become the hero of his own story.
From rising star Tony Weaver, Jr., Weirdo is a triumphant and comedic story for any kid who’s ever felt awkward, left out, or like they don’t belong—perfect for fans of Jerry Craft’s New Kid.
★ “A touching story of belonging, in which Weaver realistically depicts the many small steps required to becoming one’s own hero.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “A pitch-perfect tale of friendship and fantastical foes.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Flip
by Ngozi Ukazu
A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR for Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, Bookpage, the New York Public Library, Chicago Public Library, the A.V. Club, Comics Beat, and Book Riot!
Senior year bucket list? Switch bodies with your crush.
Chi-Chi Ekeh has one huge problem: She keeps getting crushes on rich white boys who have no idea she exists. Enter Flip Henderson, the most popular boy at school, who opens Chi-Chi’s private video proposal to go to senior prom in front of their entire class.
But when Flip rejects Chi-Chi, what happens next is completely unexpected: Chi-Chi—shy nerd and scholarship student—switches bodies with Flip. Suddenly Chi-Chi is 6’1” and cool, while Flip gets a crash course on Chi-Chi’s life—that is, k-pop, hair-braiding, and being a poor kid of color at a rich white private school.
From the bestselling author of Check, Please! comes Flip, a thrilling and fantastical tale about self-acceptance, Black girlhood, and how walking a mile in someone else’s shoes can help you finally see yourself.
★“Flipping awesome… The dynamic and engaging illustrations bring to life a heartwarming story of self-love, acceptance, and true connection.” — Kirkus, starred review
★“Brimming with heart and humor, this poignant and thought-provoking graphic novel is perfect for fans of awkward romantic entanglements with fantastic twists.” —School Library Journal, starred review
★“[Provides] laugh-out-loud moments alongside incisive examinations of personal identity and perception… Ukazu draws from her own adolescent struggles to present an engrossing standalone graphic novel about self-acceptance rendered using clean line art, dynamic paneling, and eye-catching color palettes.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review
Accountable
by Dashka Slater
“Powerful, timely, and delicately written.” —Ibram X. Kendi, #1 New York Times–bestselling and National Book Award-winning author
When a high school student started a private Instagram account that used racist and sexist memes to make his friends laugh, he thought of it as “edgy” humor. Over time, the edge got sharper. Then a few other kids found out about the account. Pretty soon, everyone knew.
Ultimately no one in the small town of Albany, California, was safe from the repercussions of the account’s discovery. Not the girls targeted by the posts. Not the boy who created the account. Not the group of kids who followed it. Not the adults—educators and parents—whose attempts to fix things too often made them worse.
In the end, no one was laughing. And everyone was left asking: Where does accountability end for online speech that harms? And what does accountability even mean?
Award-winning and New York Times–bestselling author Dashka Slater has written a must-read book for our era that explores the real-world consequences of online choices
★“Award-winning journalist Dashka Slater (The 57 Bus) brilliantly dissects a true-crime story, exhibiting its different parts for readers and presenting a balanced narrative that illustrates the nuances inherent in all interpersonal interactions, whether in person or online . . . While readers’ instinctive response may be to say Charles deserves what he gets, Slater’s meticulous research from multiple perspectives highlights the difficulties of attempting to define absolute right and absolute wrong . . . Slater does not solve problems or answer the questions; instead, she scrupulously illustrates the complexity of this case, and reminds the audience that there are no quick fixes.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review
★“This meticulous retelling from Slater, author of the best-selling, Stonewall-winning The 57 Bus (2017), documents the ensuing events: shock, outrage, accusations, protests, threats, firings, lawsuits, and the aftermath . . . This is a compelling and contemporary cautionary tale that should be required reading for any teen before they create, comment, or even like a media post.” —Booklist, starred review
★“Journalist and author Slater once again achieves another level of introspection about society through the lens of teen behavior . . . The shocking reality that Albany could be any town is what sustains the rabid interest in seeing how the story plays out since it touches on many aspects of contemporary culture . . . This is a well-timed page-turner due to Slater’s investigative reporting and must be read, shared, and discussed. Make this a priority purchase.” —School Library Journal, starred review
★“In this gripping true story, Slater draws on her journalistic skills, utilizing interviews, court documents, social media and other sources to pull together a compelling full picture of an event that ripped apart a community and deeply impacted the lives of everyone involved. Short chapters keep the pace at a clip, as Slater’s reporting, direct quotes, and first-person poems document the emotional devastation and real world consequences over the following years of pain, flailing school administrators, protests, and lawsuits. No teen is absolved of their conduct, but everyone is understood and fully humanized . . . Perhaps Slater’s greatest feat is how successfully this nonfiction narrative informs about social media, racism, white supremacy, and restorative justice without veering into preachiness. She is able to cut to the core of the situation, searingly capturing raw pain and empathy for the harmed teens, providing enough distance to understand the complexity of the Instagram followers, and demonstrating what holding someone accountable looks like.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review
One Word, Six Letters
by Adib Khorram
Two teen boys grapple with identity and accountability and set off a ripple effect within their community after a school assembly is disrupted by a shouted slur.
Freshmen Dayton and Farshid couldn’t be more different—or so it seems.
When Dayton takes a dare and shouts the f-slur at a visiting author during a school event, it sets off a chain reaction that forces both boys to face parts of themselves they’d rather ignore.
Dayton, grappling with the fallout of his actions, faces rejection from his friends, disappointment from his parents, and a growing awareness of the harm he’s caused. Meanwhile, Farshid is left to untangle his own feelings—about himself and about the quiet struggle of coming to terms with his queerness in a world steeped in heteronormativity.
As their lives unexpectedly intersect, Dayton and Farshid must reckon with what kind of men they want to become and whether they have the courage to defy toxic masculinity and societal expectations.
Timely, raw, and deeply thought-provoking, this novel is perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Nic Stone.
★”Khorram impresses with this searing, deeply felt dual-POV novel. . . . Urgent second-person narration expertly nails both teens’ insecurities and self-perception. The result is a powerfully relevant and affirming story about trying to connect with oneself while navigating homophobia, misogyny, and toxic masculinity.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “A fantastic portrayal with so many facets: how one poor choice can spiral, how fitness culture can be detrimental to young men, how slurs used while ‘just joking’ cause harm, and how starting high school is really hard. Both boys are sympathetic characters who learn and grow; they are easy to root for. . . . A must have.” —School Library Journal, starred review
Rising Class
by Jennifer Miller
This eye-opening YA narrative nonfiction follows three first-generation college students as they navigate their first year—and ultimately a global pandemic.
Making it through the first year of college is tough. What makes it even tougher is being the first in your family to do so. Who can you turn to when you need advice?
Rising Class follows three first-generation freshmen, Briani, Conner, and Jacklynn, as they not only experience their first semester of college, but the COVID-19 pandemic that turned their Spring semester upside down. From life in the ivy league to classes at a community college, this nonfiction book follows these students’ challenges, successes, and dreams as they tackle their first year of college and juggle responsibilities to their families back home.
Eye-opening and poignant, Jennifer Miller writes a narrative nonfiction story that speaks to new beginnings, coming of age, and perseverance.
“The evergreen challenges of making friends, dealing with homesickness, and managing heavy workloads are compounded by additional stressors, including impostor syndrome, pressure to make parents’ sacrifices count, and the gulfs between their backgrounds and those of their more privileged—and occasionally oblivious—classmates . . . Family members’ supportive and occasionally opposing viewpoints illustrate the complex ways that being a first-generation student affects the whole family . . . The book ends on a hopeful note, emphasizing the students’ resilience. Many students will feel seen; others will find their eyes opened.” —Kirkus Reviews
“This is a wonderfully pieced together narrative of three students’ experiences as first-generation college students in the midst of a pandemic . . . The flow and organization of this informative book allow readers to get immersed in the lives of each of the three students, their friends, and families. Readers will often find their hearts aching and want to help these students as they share intimate and vulnerable parts of their experience . . . For educators, this will also serve to inform them of tribulations that many students, not just first-generation students, encounter throughout their high school senior year, as well as the first year of higher education.” —School Library Journal
“Miller’s book sheds light on costly tuition rates and resource disparities, particularly at Ivy League institutions. She also does a thorough job of researching her subjects, exposing the highlights and pitfalls freshman year can hold. Readers of diverse economic backgrounds and those who have been impacted by the pandemic schooling system will find something to relate to with Briani, Connor, and Jacklyn.” —Booklist
“Balancing the notoriously unprecedented with personal and familial firsts is a strength of this richly and thoroughly ethnographic project that sheds light on the realities of higher education for a growing number of students, even when that light isn’t particularly favorable.” —The Bulletin
