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Peer-to-Peer Teen Tips
Help Prepare Kids for Back-to-School

It's almost time to hit the books again! The first day of school can bring feelings of excitement and anxiety to students, but there are many ways to get kids in gear before the first bell rings.

Canada's youngest executives, the Indigo Junior Booklovers are here to help with great tips for preparing for back-to-school, as well as a selection of their favourite books to help exercise kids' minds before the school year begins.

Hannah Drew, age 15, London, ON
Before the first day of school, I pack my bag with new pens, pencils, notebooks and of course, books! It always feels great to start a school year with new supplies! I also make sure I go to bed early so I'm alert and focused in the morning.

If you haven't already, make sure to read Peter Pan by J.M Barrie or The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Both books are classic stories, full of imagination and excitement. Reading them will get you ready for school in no time and it'll be like taking your final adventure of the summer!

Aaron Martin, age 12, Surrey, BC
This year I'm entering the seventh grade French immersion, so to prepare for back-to-school, I'll have to pick up a French-English dictionary, as well as lots of new school supplies.

For a great read, I'd recommend Millions by Frank Cottrel Boyce and for heavy readers, the entire Pendragon series by D.J. MacHale.

Riley Tickles, age 14, Calgary, AB
I like to think about what I hope to achieve in the coming year and figure out ways to prepare myself for a new workload. It helps to do this a few weeks after school has started, and I've gotten to know my teachers and classes – then I can really figure out the best way to accomplish my goals.

For mature readers my favourite classic book is The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton – it's very powerful and thought-provoking. For younger readers, Hatchet by Gary Paulsen will always be one of my all-time favourites.

Katrina Sklepowich, age 15, Winnipeg, MB
Going back to school is always exciting for me! I pretty much have the same routine every year by making sure my books and supplies are in order. I also pack plenty of snacks since sitting in a classroom can make you hungry when you're used to being outside all day.

For children, I recommend Amanda's First Day of School by Joan Elizabeth Goodman. Older kids and teens will love C.S. Lewis' classics, Prince Caspian and the Narnia series.

Megan Stewart, age 17, Charlottetown, PEI
I try to cram as much fun and excitement into my summer vacation as possible! I also like to go and buy my school supplies and some new clothes to start the year off in style!

One of my favourite books as a child was The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery. It's a beautiful story about the difference between the worlds of grownups and children. I think everyone should read this book when they're young.

Related Links of Interest

Everyone Has an Opinion about What Kids Should (or Shouldn't) Read

Kid's Health - Going Back To School