There is something about the first day of school that can make even the most confident child wonder, “Will I fit in?” New teachers, new classmates, and new routines can make a backpack feel like the lightest thing a child is carrying that morning.
That is why “The Day You Begin,” written by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael López, is a timely choice as East Tennessee children head back to classrooms. The 32-page picture book, published by Nancy Paulsen Books, is recommended for ages 5-8 and grades K-3, but its message can open worthwhile conversations with older elementary readers, too.
Woodson writes about children who enter a room and discover that no one else seems quite like them. Maybe their family, their food, their experiences, or even the way they speak feels different. Instead of treating those differences as something to hide, the story gently shows what can happen when children find the courage to share who they are. That first brave step can reveal that classmates have more in common than anyone realized.
The book is especially appropriate for the beginning of a school year because belonging does not always happen the minute a child walks through the classroom door. Sometimes it begins with a conversation, a shared story or simply discovering that another child understands.
Woodson is one of the most honored voices in children’s literature. Her memoir “Brown Girl Dreaming” won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, and she served as the 2018-19 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Her honors also include a MacArthur Fellowship and the Hans Christian Andersen Award.
For parents and grandparents looking for a back-to-school read-aloud, “The Day You Begin” offers more than reassurance about first-day jitters. It reminds children that they do not have to become someone else to belong.
That may be one of the best lessons to tuck into a backpack this school year.
This weekly column delves into the enchanting world of children’s literature, spotlighting both beloved classics and emerging voices. Send comments or questions to Susan Espiritu at susan@knoxtntoday.com.
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