Class is back in session, and we're marking the occasion with educational, encouraging, and fun new recommendations.
This post was originally published on Audible.com.
As you prepare your children for the school year ahead—whether your little one is heading off to school for the very first time and has some jitters, or is an expert and wants a relaxing listen after their homework is done—we’ve put together this list of listens that is sure to make going back to school fun. May the new school year be filled with new friends, beautiful stories, and even better listens!
In the past, our favorite disgruntled pigeon has tried to drive a bus, found a hot dog, stayed up late, and much more. In this story, to his dismay, the pigeon is told that he has to go to school. But good news: He's not buying it. In this fun story narrated by author Mo Willems, kids can echo their own anxieties about going back to school, and their laughter at the pigeon's arguments will lighten the tensions that might come up on a stressful day.
This adorable audiobook celebrates all the familiar milestones and moments shared by every single kindergartener. Whether it's overcoming the first-day-of-school jitters or joining in the fun of the 100th-day-of-school party, every aspect of the kindergarten experience is introduced using poetry. The story also includes a very catchy original song titled “Kindergarten, Here I Come!”
At the school depicted here, everyone is welcome. People of different body types, races, religions, and much more are all welcome to enter and find a safe space to exist and learn. This lively, inclusive tale is narrated by Janina Edwards, and it celebrates diversity to inspire kids to go to school equipped with an accepting, caring mindset.
Hello-ee-o-ee-o podcast fans and welcome back to The Sesame Street Podcast with Foley and Friends! Season three of this energetic Audible Original podcast follows Foley and her Sesame Street friends Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby, and Grover as they teach kids about everything from morning routines to dealing with the grouchies—complete with music, jokes, and, of course, games to make the learning lots of fun!
Chester Raccoon is nervous about going to school, an apprehension plenty of young kids will find relatable. Luckily, his mom has a secret that will help him feel supported all day long, even when she isn't there. This classic, narrated by Heather Koren, comes with glowing reviews from teachers and parents alike, and will be an instant hit with young kids who find it hard to go back to school after a summer at home.
Set within a vibrant Caribbean American neighborhood and told to a rhythmic beat, Big Tune is a story of Black boy joy that touches on determination, the confidence to express who you are, selflessness, and gratitude. Follow Shane's big dancing journey as he learns the meaning of courage and community.
From Newbery Honor-winning author Derrick Barnes comes the story of a confident little boy who can’t wait to take on kindergarten. This fun and empowering listen takes little ones through some of the most important moments of the school day: from making friends to learning about the importance of sharing. The hero’s enthusiasm and confidence are contagious, making this a great choice for any soon-to-be kindergartener who could use a boost of encouragement about heading off to school.
As the first day of school approaches, some of Hattie Harmony’s friends are feeling anxious. Not to worry: Hattie is a Worry Detective with a bag full of ways to deal with big emotions! Listen along as Hattie teaches her friends how to calm the jitters by using movement, mindful breathing, and the catchy mantra: “Worry, worry, go away! There’s no time for you today!” This fun, singsong listen introduces little ones to the importance of self-care with warmth and humor.
It's Unhei's first day of school in the United States and not a single kid in her class can pronounce her name. She decides it would be simpler to choose a new, easier name out of a jar, a good "American" girl name like Suzy. But the story doesn't end there. This is an empowering audiobook about being brave enough to be yourself and to support the whole, authentic selves of others—a lesson needed now more than ever.
Have you ever wondered how pole vaulters are able to jump so high? Or about the weird things famous athletes eat? Game On is the new adventure series that answers those questions and more! Each episode takes listeners on imaginative and hilarious journeys through time and space, exploring everything about professional sports and the incredible athletes who play them. Whether it’s a tour through the history of legendary players’ signature moves or an in-depth look at athletes’ unexpected hobbies, Game On covers it all with a blend of curiosity, awe, and plenty of LOLs.
National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson does not disappoint with this heartfelt story centered around finding connection by gaining the courage to reach out to others. Narrated by the author herself, this uplifting audiobook is worth returning to again and again to show kids that we are all uniquely wonderful.
The Baby-Sitters Club series was a staple for many ‘90s kids. Kristy's Great Idea comes from the original group of novels, published in 1986. These stories are listener favorites, and it’s no wonder why: They follow a dynamic group of preteen girls as they live out lessons of self-discovery, true friendship, and changing family dynamics. Whether you were a BSC member in the past and want to connect your tween-aged kids with an enduring fave, or you're discovering these classics for the first time, these listens are sure to keep your whole family entertained, while learning a lesson or two along the way.
This hilarious and heartwarming audiobook is sure to keep kids entertained while getting them excited for their first day back at school. The particular ninja telling his story, Chase Cooper, is starting the year at a brand new school. But he doesn't skip a beat as he chronicles his journey from a scrawny fourth grader to a full-fledged sixth grade ninja. Narrator Josh Hurley’s energetic tone perfectly matches the thrilling adventure our hero takes us on.
Imagine taking on Latin America's version of the boogeyman! In this much-anticipated sequel from award-winning author Kaela Rivera, follow Cece Rios as she saves her sister Juana from the dreaded criatura king, El Cucuy. Cece Rios and the King of Fears contains action, cathartic humor, emotional consequence, and joyous triumphs. Performed by Almarie Guerra and Karla Serrato, this middle-grade listen is perfect for young fans of action-packed fantasy adventure inspired by fascinating folklore.
Ellie is headed to a new school, and she's not thrilled about it. It was already hard enough being the girl in a wheelchair—now she has to begin anew, introducing herself to a whole new class of students and proving that she's a nuanced person with a bold attitude and dreams of being a pro baker. This excellent audiobook centering a disabled main character is an inspiring, engaging listen, and Candace Thaxton's skilled narration brings it all to life.
Root Magic is a unique ghost story abounding with local folklore and traditions. A young Gullah girl in 1960s South Carolina grows into the legacy from her ancestors—her rootworker heritage. She learns to conjure small charms through potions and elixirs, while grappling with big changes like school integration and her grandmother’s death. The spine-chilling encounters with spirits—and lessons in Gullah history and culture—make for a perfect middle-grade listen.
Little Leaders tells the story of 40 groundbreaking Black women who have broken barriers and changed the world in the process. Among some of these incredible women are abolitionist Sojourner Truth, pilot Bessie Coleman, chemist Alice Ball, politician Shirley Chisholm, mathematician Katherine Johnson, poet Maya Angelou, and filmmaker Julie Dash. If you aim to educate and inspire the young ones in your life, this audiobook full of real-life role models is a great choice.
From Caldecott Honor illustrator Dav Pilkey, this outrageously funny series revolves around two class clowns and their brainchild: Captain Underpants! Bored with the usual comic book heroes, fourth-graders George Beard and Harold Hutchins set out to create the greatest superhero in the history of elementary school. (His true identity is so secret, even he doesn’t know who he is.) In a flash, Captain Underpants takes on a life of his own, doing battle with nasty villains from Bionic Booger Boy to the Purple Potty People. Len Forgione, Dazjon Freeman, and Ben D’Amico will keep the entire family laughing with their hilarious performances.
Switching schools is always hard. But when aspiring young artist and cartoonist Jordan Banks is forced by his parents to attend a ritzy private school, he finds that he's one of only a few Black kids who attends. What follows is a tale that will be relatable to kids of color and eye-opening for all listeners. This book is fun and lighthearted, even as it deals with tough topics of difference, privilege, and microaggressions. A full cast of narrators brings this multi-award-winning book to life.
Cartoonist Jeff Kinney became a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World on the strength of creating a middle-school weakling named Greg Heffley. In the newest installment of the listener favorite Wimpy Kid series, Greg is up to his eyeballs in stress. His homework is overdue, and his study partners are proving to be very flaky. Listeners will laugh along with No Brainer as Greg hilariously navigates middle school.
This Earphones Award-winning rendition is the first audio version of the beloved classic, and it's only appropriate that author E.B. White narrated his own 1953 Newbery Medal Book. He tells the story of Wilbur, a pig who befriends a spider named Charlotte who helps him avoid slaughter. White wrote the story with care and compassion, and performs it as such—there’s no added drama, and each character is portrayed exactly as he intended. Children will be swept up in this tale of kindness and compassion, and parents will value the lessons it instills. Even 70 years after its debut, Charlotte’s Web still holds the same gentle magic that parents and grandparents will remember from their own childhoods.
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor writes and narrates this touching audiobook about the differences that make each of us unique and special. Sotomayor remembers her own experience as a child who felt different, and she celebrates the different abilities—and special powers—all kids are born with. As the characters work together to build a community garden, they ask each other questions with kindness, and the author encourages listeners to do the same. Sotomayor’s thoughtful prose and soothing voice make for a relaxing and educational listen for the entire family.
At first, Mila isn't sure why what the boys are doing bothers her so much. It starts with one unwanted hug, and it grows into more uncomfortable and unwelcome interactions. Mila isn't sure if she's overreacting. Through a personal growth journey, a new friend, and the confidence of karate class, Mila starts to realize that what the boys are doing isn't okay—and that she has the courage to stand up and say something about it. This is a deeply important book about gendered bullying that will encourage young girls to stand up for themselves.
This story of a smart, silly, friendly boy starting fifth grade while looking decidedly different from the other kids in his class has captured the hearts of millions. Author R. J. Palacio has called Wonder a meditation on kindness and, to be sure, listeners of any age will gain empathy and compassion from this powerful story about a young boy who looks different—but is brave enough to stand out.
Shayla is just hoping to get through seventh grade unscathed and follow the rules as always. But when her family gets involved in Black Lives Matter protests that Shay finds inspiring, fellow students claim she isn't "Black enough," and her best friends start acting weird, Shayla decides it's time to make some changes. And the first one will be challenging the rulebook. Narrator Imani Parks brings her voice-acting chops to this empowering audiobook about standing up for what you believe in.
