The start of the school year means a lot of new things—new teachers, new classrooms, new class schedules, new backpacks and pencil cases, and more! For some, it can also mean a brand new start in an unfamiliar place. For these students, the excitement of starting at a new school can understandably be mingled with sadness and worry.
Whether it’s because your family has moved to a new city or your student has moved up to middle or high school, here are five stories about characters making a similar move. These stories remind readers that they are not alone in this new, sometimes lonely or scary time, and that God is with them in his grace. A few of these also include discussion questions that would be great for guiding conversations between caregivers or leaders and their students during this time of transition.
Picture Books
Jesus and the Gift of Friendship (Ages 3-7)
Friends are one of the greatest gifts from God and reflect his ultimate gift--Jesus! But what happens when the desire for friendship goes unmet? Where should kids turn in their moments of sadness? Though this story isn’t about starting at a new school, it is about moving to a new place! Readers journey with Zeke as he suffers from missing a close friend and experiences rejection after inviting a neighborhood boy to play. With help from his mom and consistent prayer, Zeke develops an unlikely friendship and an important dependence on Christ.
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Tori Comes Out of Her Shell: When You Are Lonely (Ages 4-8)
Tori the turtle feels all alone. She has just moved to a new pond and a new school with her family and it seems like everyone has a friend except her. Her teacher notices she feels alone and helps her remember Jesus is always her friend and then along the way she makes some new friends.
Parents, the last page contains information for you on how God, in his Word, helps us turn to Jesus when we are lonely.
Chapter Books
Abigail and the Big Startover (Ages 8-11)
New house. New school. New problems! Like many kids, adventurous and creative 9-year-old Abigail experiences lots of ups and downs when it comes to school life, making friends and getting on with parents and siblings. Through both the humorous and serious challenges that arise, Abigail finds herself in one new mess after another. But as she learns all about how Jesus forgave Peter when he messed up again and again, she sees how Jesus can forgive her too.
Parents, print out free worksheets here: Adventure Central
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This Seat's Saved (Ages 10-12)
At the start of 7th grade, Elita Brown's friends enjoy their seats at the popular lunchroom table. Meanwhile, Elita hides in the bathroom. This is not how she envisioned middle school. And her omission from the popular table is only the beginning of her problems. What will she do when she's terrorized by the meanest girl in school and accused of a crime she didn't commit? Elita befriends an older couple living in the woods and gains confidence through her project on the red fox. Will Elita find her way and take her seat at the best table?
Parents, see discussion questions here: This Seat’s Saved Discussion Questions
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The Girl on the Tube (Ages 12-14)
Twelve-year-old Addie Brown wants to fit in. But ever since she and her dad moved from small town America to bustling London, life is as bumpy as the Tube she rides to school. It seems as if Addie’s best friend in America has already forgotten all about her. Worst of all, Addie’s dad doesn’t seem any happier than before, even though moving across the pond was his crazy idea. But the biggest mystery Addie encounters is the lady in the green hat. Who is she? And why does she appear on the train when Addie is missing home – and her mom – the most?
Parents, find a free discussion guide here: BTB Book Club Guide
