Skip to content

Back to School Toolkit: Resources for the New School Year

It’s that time of year again when we say goodbye to another glorious summer and look forward to a bright new school year!   As we turn the corner, Menomonee Falls Public Library wants to continue its dedication to supporting you and your family in what can surely be a hectic time.  With that in mind, we have assembled the following list of digital resources and helpful information to make your September just a little bit easier.  And always remember, if you have a question or request that is not covered here, give us a call at 262-532-8900 and we will try our best to find the answer you’re looking for!

Digital Resources

Many of these resources require a Library Card for access.  Don’t have a library card yet? Find out how to get one!

Resources for Kids

  • Britannica School: Elementary – With easy-to-read articles and age-appropriate reference and learning materials, the elementary level of Britannica Online School Edition is ideal for pre-kindergarten to older children.
  • Explora for Elementary School – Content from children’s magazines, easy-to-read encyclopedia entries, and images. Students can learn about animals, musicians, fitness, space exploration, and much more.
  • Just for Kids Access Video – A kid-friendly streaming video collection that includes over 11,000 fun and informative titles covering music and arts, nature, sports and hobbies, math and science, history, reading and writing and more for children of all ages. View live-action nature programs, educational specials and animated shows featuring some classic characters (and new favorites)
  • Novelist K-8 – NoveList K-8 Plus is a database about books specifically for younger readers. It helps kids find books that are just right for their reading level and interests. Parents, teachers, and librarians can also find tools to teach with books and engage young readers.
  • TeachingBooks.net – An easy-to-use website that adds a multimedia dimension to the reading experiences of children’s and young adult books.

Resources for Teens

  • Britannica School: High School – Offers encyclopedias with images, maps, games, and other learning materials designed for high school students and educators.
  • Learning Express – Prepare for important exams like the ACT, SAT, AP Tests, and more.  Includes practice tests and helpful instructions for writing college admission essays. 

School Websites and Phone Numbers

Menomonee Falls students may attend school in the School District of Menomonee Falls or Hamilton School District.

School District of Menomonee Falls

Hamilton School District

Back-to-School Book Suggestions

Elementary School Books

Butterflies on the First Day of School

by Annie Silvestro

Rosie can’t wait to start kindergarten—she’s had her pencils sharpened and her backpack ready for weeks. But suddenly, on the night before the big day, her tummy hurts. Rosie’s mom reassures her that it’s just butterflies in her belly, and she’ll feel better soon. Much to Rosie’s surprise, when she says hello to a new friend on the bus, a butterfly flies out of her mouth! As the day goes on, Rosie frees all her butterflies, and even helps another shy student let go of hers, too.

The Magical Yet         

by Angela DiTerlizzi

Each of us, from the day we’re born, is accompanied by a special companion–the Yet. Can’t tie your shoes? Yet! Can’t ride a bike? Yet! Can’t play the bassoon? Don’t worry, Yet is there to help you out.

Told in tight rhyme reminiscent of the great Dr. Seuss himself, this rollicking, inspirational picture book is perfect for every kid who is frustrated by what they can’t do . . . YET!

If I Built a School

by Chris Van Dusen

Imaginative Jack describes the kind of school he would build–one full of animals, with tubes to transport students directly to their classrooms, and library books that come alive.

Our Class is a Family  

by Shannon Olsen

With its heartfelt message and colorfully whimsical illustrations, “Our Class is a Family” is a book that will help build and strengthen a classroom community. Kids learn that their classroom is a place where it’s safe to be themselves, its okay to make mistakes, and it’s important to be a friend to others. When hearing this story being read aloud by their teacher, students are sure to feel like they are part of a special family.

Middle School Books

Drama

by Raina Telgemeier

Callie rides an emotional roller coaster while serving on the stage crew for a middle school production of Moon over Mississippi as various relationships start and end, and others never quite get going.

When You Reach Me  

by Rebecca Stead

As her mother prepares to be a contestant on the 1980s television game show, “The $20,000 Pyramid,” a twelve-year-old middle New York City middle school girl tries to make sense of a series of mysterious notes received from an anonymous source that seems to defy the laws of time and space.

The 47 People You’ll Meet in Middle School

by Kristin Mahoney

Discover the ins and outs of middle school in this guide from an older sister to her younger sister. From tackling a new building to meeting new people like the assistant principal, the class pet, the Huggers, the renegade, the tomato kid, your old best friend’s new best friend, this is a must-read for everyone starting middle school.

High School Books

The Backstagers         

by James Tynion IV

When Jory transfers to an all-boys private high school, he’s taken in by the only ones who don’t treat him like a new kid, the lowly stage crew known as the Backstagers. Not only does he gain great, lifetime friends, Jory is also introduced to an entire magical world that lives beyond the curtain.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower        

by Stephen Chbosky

A haunting coming-of-age novel told in a series of letters to an unknown correspondent reveals the life of Charlie, a freshman in high school who is a wallflower, shy and introspective, and very intelligent. It’s a story of what it’s like to grow up in high school, tracing a course through uncharted territory in the world of first dates, family dramas, and new friends.

What to Say Next       

by Julie Buxbaum         

Two struggling teenagers find an unexpected connection just when they need it most.

Fall Events at the Library for Children and Teens