A New School Year
Stories in Six Voices
by Sally Derby
Charlesbridge Publishing 2017
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- first-day-of-school
- anxiety and confidence
- identity and voice
- friendship
- diversity and inclusion
- family support
- empathy
- school community
About this book
Told in six distinct voices from kindergarten through fifth grade, this collection follows a diverse group of kids through the jitters, hopes, and small triumphs of the first day of school. Free-verse poems capture morning routines, meeting new teachers and classmates, and the relief of making it through the day. The simple, expressive text and bright illustrations make it an inviting read-aloud for families and classrooms. Perfect for easing first-day nerves and sparking conversations about empathy and belonging.
Setting: contemporary U.S. elementary school and homes on the first day of school
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A New School Year right for my child?
Yes — A New School Year is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.6, which is typical for 3rd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include first-day-of-school, anxiety and confidence, identity and voice.
How long does it take to read A New School Year?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, A New School Year takes around 11m to finish. The book has 1,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A New School Year have an AR quiz?
Yes — A New School Year has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is A New School Year?
A New School Year has an AR reading level of 3.6, which places it at a 3rd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.